As we walked from room to room our guide explained the Amish way of life, food dress, customs and religion. About 20 families will form a community ( 180-200) and it's within this community that they have financial support if needed ( health or hardship), through tithing during the year. The community meet in homes for church and the service lasts for 3 1/2 hrs, followed by a luncheon together which is prepared the day before by the host family, as Sunday is reserved as a day of rest. German hymns are sung, without musical instruments. A deacon and elders are responsible for the on going rules and regulations. Different communities will have slightly different versions of the same regulations- eg some will be allow to hang lace curtains , whereas another community will view that as excessive and only allow blinds.
There are 30,000 Amish people in Lancaster , and growing. One third are farmers and 2/3 rds are labours, carpenters etc
Unfortunately, I was unable to find or have time to source some Amish quilts:( :(
A stop at Marylands for coffee and then on wards to Washington where we arrived at 2pm.
Well from the peace and harmony of Lancaster, we hit Washington running with 2 hrs to do as many museums as possible . The weather was warm, so we quickly chose the museums that interested us and off we went avoiding all the construction work and closed pathways along the way.
First we visited the National Air and Space Museum, which explored the universe, space travel and the history of flight. Very interesting- but lots of school kids.
Next we headed for the Capitol building for a quick photo .
Then we hiked it down to the National Museum of American History, also full of students! This museum is full of interesting bits and pieces , like all the first ladys dresses they wore when their husbands become President. Shoes from the original "scarecrow" from the 1938 wizard of oz production and the chair George Washington sat on.
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Location:Washington DC
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