Spain
This city in central Spain has only been the capital since the 16th Century (and was Marcus' home from 2016-2018).
Madrid
Born in New Concord, Ohio, this former Senator went to space in 1998 - 36 years after his first trip.
John Glenn
Though Marcus did drop the gloves a couple of times while playing this sport in high school, he fortunately never lost a tooth.
If Marcus could give advice to his 8-year-old self, he would tell him to not give up practicing this instrument with 88 keys.
Piano
One of Spain's most well-known dishes, Valencians often dismiss non-traditional versions as nothing but "arroz con cosas" (rice with things).
Paella
Home to Hieronymus Bosch's "Garden of Earthly Delights" and many more of Marcus' favorite paintings, this museum is a must-see.
El Museo del Prado
While most universities have a grassy central quad, students at The Ohio State University gather on this shape.
The Oval
This team was the first founding member of Major League Soccer (and happens to also be The World's Greatest Team).
The Columbus Crew
The largest instrument in an orchestra, Marcus played this through high school (but unfortunately never learned the electric kind).
String/upright bass
In 2024, the Turkish government applied for special European Union recognition of this street food, first popularized in Germany and now common throughout Europe.
Döner Kebab
The city where Marcus spent a semester in 2015, this city in Andalucia is named after the pomegranates once grown by the Moorish builders of the Alhambra.
Granada
Though North Carolina tries to steal Ohio's thunder because they had a windy beach, the Wright Brothers invented the airplane in this Ohio city.
Dayton
Nicknamed the "Gunners," this soccer team in London is Marcus' favorite to watch in Europe.
Arsenal
Played by the marching at the beginning of the fourth quarter of every Buckeye football game, this is also the official state rock song of Ohio.
Hang on Sloopy
Consisting of eggs, potatoes, and sometimes onion (though some people incorrectly prefer to leave them out) this dish is recognized by many as Spain's national dish, and is perfect for breakfast, lunch, or dinner.
Tortilla española (Spanish omelet)
Known for pintxos and Rioja Alavesa wines, this city is the capital of the Basque Country.
Vitoria-Gasteiz
This is one of the newest National Parks, and the only one in Ohio.
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
This professional team, founded in 2000, was named to honor Ohio's role in the Civil War (including by supplying uniforms for the Union).
The Columbus Blue Jackets
This indie-folk band with a woodsy name (uniquely spelled), was founded by friends who grew up near Columbus, Ohio.
Caamp
Anthony Bourdain had his first job as a cook (and picked up one of his best recipes) in this New England town, which still retains its heritage as an Azorean/Portuguese fishing town.
Provincetown, MA
The best time to visit Madrid is in mid-May, when the city shuts down for several days of festivities for its patron, this "Laborer."
San Isidro Labrador / Saint Isidore the Laborer
This labor union was founded in Columbus in 1890.
United Mine Workers of America
This supporters section is where you'll find Marcus at Columbus Crew games, and its name is German for "northwest corner," referencing the area where the most dedicated Crew fans began gathering at Historic Crew Stadium.
Nordecke
This country singer was discovered when movie critic Roger Ebert who left a bad movie early, went to an open mic bar, and wrote his review about this "singing mailman" instead.
John Prine
This meat-filled pastry can be found in cities like Minneapolis, MN and Columbus, OH, where many Somali refugees were resettled in recent decades and have become an important part of the community.
Sambusa