My family and I minus hubby made a road trip to Lancaster, Pennsylvania yesterday. My parents had never been to that part of the country, so they were interested in learning more about the Amish and Mennonite communities, especially after seeing some of the more recent TV shows like “Amish Mafia”. We arrived just after lunch and went to “Plain and Fancy” Farm where we watched a short film on Amish life. After that, we took a 90-minute tour of Amish farms and stores as our driver told us in more detail about their way of life. That was followed by a buggy ride with “Uncle Tom” (our new Mennonite friend). Uncle Tom had told us he would give us the VIP tour since we had to wait for him to change the rubber on one of the wheels. Once we finally got moving, the rubber came off again on a different wheel. I thought we were going to be stranded on one of the farms, but he kept driving on the metal! After that event, we ate a quick dinner at a local restaurant that we all found truthfully disgusting. I couldn’t even finish my meal, and it was not cheaply priced. We ended our evening watching the show “Noah” at Sight and Sound Theater. I was disappointed in the show. I had heard great reviews of Noah, but I found the writing of the script to be on the weaker side. The set, however, was amazing.
The highlight of the road trip was by far learning more about the Amish and Mennonite communities. I am absolutely fascinated with their cultures and would love to spend time immersed in their environment. I’ve seen on VRBO where you and your family can rent a stay on one of the farms and actually help them work with the animals and vegetation. My husband laughs at the idea, because he sees as it as sort of a scam, but I’m not so sure. Something to consider for the future. I did wonder during our trip how much money was being made off of the Amish environment, and who was actually making the money. I would imagine some of these families are depositing quite a chunk of change into the bank because of tourists such as ourselves. I did learn that these cultures are exempt from paying certain taxes like social security based on a Supreme Court’s decision. I was told they don’t want to depend on the government for money, so they don’t have to pay these taxes. Hmmmmmmm….Maybe I should convert? I love those black and white cows, too! They are so fashionable.
We observed the many one-room schoolhouses, and I, of course, smiled because I can relate at least to that idea. I wonder if they would hire me to teach:)
A thought I left with while learning about their education. The Amish culture teaches the 5 R’s, not just the 3 R’s like we do. They are:
Reading
(w)Riting
(a)Rithmetic
Respect
Responsibility
I LOVE that motto and plan to adopt it in my home this year. Good stuff..I could be Amish.
