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Travelled east of Lancaster into the farmland worked by the Amish. A really special day with a variety of experiences. Drove off the main tourist route and saw farms, buggies, a school with children out playing games at break time and men ploughing the fields with teams of eight horses. The farms are large and everyone had washing hung out high to dry. A system of pulleys hoisted it high up to the barns. Monday was certainly wash day!
Covered bridges are also notable in the area and their construction is amazing, pretty certain the spans and supports are oak. Visited Intercourse, Paradise and Bird in Hand - some villages more authentic than others. Amish man in Intercourse information centre was really interesting and helpful. A trip to Kettle Village had us tasting horseradish cheese, woopie pie and shoofly pie! Also an amazing array of jams, pickles, dips and fillings. All were produced by Amish women. Then watched a film about the dilemma for a young man of the choice between joining the church and becoming truly Amish or remaining 'English', fascinating. The essence of the film was you cannot live in two worlds (or two cultures) Nearly all the population have one of only eight surnames!
We've really enjoyed learning about the Amish and the Mennonites. We suppose elements of their way of life appeal to us all, in terms of getting back to basics.
On to Ithaca tomorrow xx
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