Shel: Rainy, rainy day. We signed up for a tour of Amish Country at Amish View in Bird-in-Hand, PA. It was a 3 parter, one was a tour of local Amish farms, cou;dn't go in and stores closed since it was Sunday. Second was a very interesting show about a boy coming of age and deciding if he was going to be baptised into the church. The last was a tour of a one room school house and an Amish home. Very interesting and learned a lot.

Geni: Since it was raining we decided to take a tour. We were the only ones on a 14 passenger van! The tour guide took us on a90 minute ride through streets and farmlands in an Amish community. People who aren't Amish are called English and they do live side by side, with a buggy in one driveway and a car in another. Two other differences he pointed out was that the Amish have clothes lines on the front porch and also their landscaping was always immaculate. They live a life of "community and conformity" which is awe-inspiring on one hand as they are committed to a simple, family centered life uncluttered by radio, tv, internet, etc. But still, it is difficult for me, to understand. Why not have electricity? Why dress without zippers and why the plain clothing worn when a child and an adult? Why not make use of an updated washing machine or a car? It would be wonderful to have some sort of compromise! But, still. . .very impressive.

Buggys outside a factory waiting for delivery. A buggy can cost $10,000	They grow and sell tobacco. Here is tobacco drying in a barn
A typical farm stand, closed because it's Sunday	Most Amish farm houses have both flower and vegatable gardens growing in front of their houses.
This farmer's business is selling potted plants and cut flowers	They have something like 150 one-room school houses and go to school up until 8th grade.
The all important out-house. The schools typically have no running water or electricity using a water pump and gas/battery for light	They can use phones, but only for business. The phones can not be brought into the house, so little phone 'booths' are outside. .No internet!!
Amish transportation	Amish couple walking home from church as well as buggys driving down the street
They use old wringer washing machines run by gas engines or compressed air. The children (and adults) are allowed to ride the scooters seen here, but not bicycles.	They make lots of wooden toys to be used with marbles and balls.