A fair (to middling) American experience

1. How does a nice girl from Ghana end up at the Allen County Fair?

I got the job on the Net. I went to an interview and they got me a temporary visa and we came over. I got here on June 8. I work for ... a company that sells food at fairs. So far, we have been to eight fairs. Now I am in Allen County.

2. So, the county fair circuit is your main contact with American life. Is America everything you thought it would be?

It is interesting. You get to meet different people and different cultures. It is kind of tough because you have to set up and tear down and you are moving all the time, but it is very interesting to see.

3. You're seeing us at the fair, so we may not be at our best, but what's the biggest difference between us and the folks you know at home?

The outspoken behavior of Americans. It is surprising, the way they behave. In Ghana, people are, I would say, much more quiet. Everything here is different.

4. How about the food? Most of us put on weight just visiting the fair for a day. How has a summer of cotton candy and fried Twinkies affected your health?

I have tried them, but most of the fair foods are sugar or fat. I can't eat all that. I cook in my house, mostly rice and things I am used to.

5. What's the best thing you've seen in America so far?

When we pulled in last week there was a parade coming in. I really enjoyed that. I also saw a competition with cheerleaders and that, it wasn't big or anything, but I enjoyed it quite a bit. So far, of all the fairs we've been to, this is the biggest, so it has been good to see.

6. So, what's next for you?

My school starts in September, so I will be going back soon.

7. Are you hoping to come back sometime, maybe see more than county fairs?

I would like to come back and maybe work someplace else. I would also maybe like to stay in one place instead of moving around so much. The fair is nice, but maybe just as part of the visit, not the whole thing.