Columbus, Ohio

Aside from Virginia getting their heart ripped out on Sunday, my trip to Columbus for Rounds 1 & 2 of the NCAA tournament was very enjoyable. I've never met a city with nicer inhabitants, proved by the two hour bar conversation, post UVA's win over Albany, with two locals (OSU and Cincinnati grad) started on the almost completely random ?, 'so what is a Hoo'? Actually, it was prefaced by the two hours they spent trying to ask a decent looking Virginia fan, to no avail. As noted in that particular conversation, and with other OSU interactions, OSU fans were everywhere (outnumbered all fans at the games), were excited about their team, but pessimistic in their chances to reach Atlanta. They were also bemoaning the bad draw in Columbus, considering they had Kentucky, Cincinnati, and the UAB upset in 2005, I am partial to full agreement. As much as I want to side with OSU v. UT, I have great respect for a dangerous UT team. They played great both games in Columbus, and have the offensive firepower to beat OSU. I am certain they will win. As much as I don't care for Bruce Pearl's mannerisms during games, he was all class regarding Leitao, JR, and SS, but it's easy to be magnanimous after a W.

Had some great meals in Columbus (Betsy's, Katzingers, and an all-out bender at Jimmy V's that included numerous St. Patty's day jello shots). Everyone was just extremely pleasant, helpful, and willing to go the extra miles, from printing out my boarding pass at the front-desk of the hotel, to walking us through a map of the German village and where to grab drinks. High Street is a trendy/nice area.