Leave the 21st Century Behind and Visit Amish Country
You will be treated to the beautiful scenary of the area with its flowing meadows, patchwork farmlands, and quiet countryside extend an extra feeling of "wilkum". You will be introduced to the culture and faith of the Plain People, the Amish and Mennonites.
The Amish have attempted to preserve the elements of late 17th century European rural culture. They try to avoid many of the features of modern society, by developing practices and behaviors which isolate themselves from modern culture, this practice includes shunning most modern conveniences most people simply take for granted.
Among the features of this tour are a visit an Amish home where you will see all aspects of their daily life which includes no electricity or few other modern conveniences. See their hand made clothing which does not feature buttons as they are considered a sign of vanity. Men usually dress in a plain, dark colored suit. Women usually wear a plain colored dress with long sleeves, bonnet and apron. Women wear a white prayer covering if married; black if single. Brides' gowns are often blue or purple.
Look at the fine hand made furnishings that grace these beautifully simple and elegant homes. Learn how they heat their homes in the winter and light their way using oil lamps and candles. The Amish get up early and work hard all day to maintain their simple lifestyle.
You will see the beautifully serene farmlands that dot the countryside and best of all, you will be treated to an honest to goodness Amish feast.
The meal is usually served Smorgasbord style and encompasses a virtual cornucopia of great food. There are traditional fare as well as contemporary favorites available. Chilled steamed shrimp, homemade chicken corn soup, fresh breads, fruits, salads, vegetables, carved roast beef, breast of turkey, baked ham, fish, chicken and sumptuous desserts such as cheesecake, chocolate pecan, shoo-fly pie and gourmet apple pie.
You will learn alot of interesting facts about these private, simple folk. The Amish normally speak a German dialect called Pennsylvania Dutch, but they learn English at school. Their schools are usually one room school houses and education beyond grade 8 isn't encouraged, though many Amish are given informal educational instruction in the home.
The men usually wear beards, but never moustaches because of the long association that moustaches have with the military. The Amish avoid conflicts at all costs. These are gentle, simple people and you will be completely enthralled with their peaceful lifestyle. Generally, the Amish do not take photographs or allow themselves to be photographed as in doing so, would be evidence of vanity and pride.
Marriages are an organized affair. Couples who plan to marry are "published" in late October. The marriages take place in either the bride's or groom's family homes in November or Early December.
You will find it interesting to learn on your tour of Amish Country that they do not build meeting houses or churches, which you might find unusual when you consider how devout these people are to their beliefs.
You will also visit a working Amish farm where you will see how a fully functional and self supporting farm is working using only traditional methods.
This is an intriguing and genuinely heartwarming tour that you will enjoy and have fond memories of for years to come.
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