Ohio fans sure do follow their teams!

I could not believe my eyes when I arrived at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport bright and early on Saturday, September 11, 2010.

Yes, I flew on 9/11. Probably the safest day to fly, though my Aunt told me flights were down by 1/2. Security was extremely tight. Tighter than I'd ever seen it before.

And my eyes were blinded by the sea of Brown & Orange and Scarlett & Gray! I felt like I had joined a huge movement and was loving every minute of it!

The only people storming the airport at 7:30 a.m. were fans traveling to Florida to see the Browns' Game OR heading to Columbus for the OSU Game. It was GREEEEAAT!

On my plane alone, there was a bachelor party of 17 men heading to Tampa to enjoy the Browns' game as just part of their bachelor festivities! But most everyone on the plane was heading to the game.

I guess I just never imagined the phenomenon that would play out the entire weekend.

I was headed to the Browns' game because my best friend lives in Tampa. And he lives right across from Raymond James Stadium. A win-win situation. Free housing and a nice walk to the game!

I wound up renting a car because his car was on the fritz. I was so proud of myself. My family would go to FLA every year so I got my economy rental car, cranked the stereo, and rolled down the windows. No way on God's green earth was I going to put on the air --not after coming from 50 degree Cleveland! I knew exactly where I was going and got there in record time. Oh yea, my friend lives about 10 minutes from the airport. Bonus!

I showed up at his condo and could not believe my wondering eyes! Right across from his place was a huge sign that read 'The Official OSU and Cleveland Browns tailgating party!' Pinch me, I was officially in Heaven!

I sure knew what this weekend was going to be about: Sun, poolside, cocktails, seafood, jamming to great music, the OSU Game, the Cleveland Browns' Game...oh yea, and spending some quality time with my best friend! LOL!

Turn the page to Sunday.

We walked to the stadium and Cleveland fans were tailgating in the parking lot! Was I back in Cleveland at the Muny Lot? It appeared so.

We entered Raymond James Stadium and at least 1/2 of the fans were proudly wearing their orange and brown garb. It was simply amazing! Hotter than heck but no one cared. A nice mid-game rain drenched everyone washing away the sweat and really making it feel like we were back home at Cleveland Stadium with that lake effect rainstorm!

The Tampa fans thought better of mocking anyone wearing orange, brown, or Cleveland Browns' memorabilia because they knew we outnumbered them!

The entire weekend was surreal and dream-like.

Even the plane ride home. Fans had bonded. Travelers were one. We all talked about the game, the trip, and were happy to return home to Cleveland! I could not believe that I was on the plane with a couple I'd known my entire life! I even went to a prom with his brother way back when. Holy Cow!

It is a small world, especially if you are a fan rooting for any Cleveland team --we are EVERYWHERE!