這個勞工節長周末，俺們綠溪群在莊隊率領下，在賓州知名的 Lancaster County 租了個vacation house，玩了一把農家樂。這也是俺這幾十年來，第三次進入阿米什部落（Amish Country）
第一次，是大約30年前。與弟兄們一起拚車去 Lancaster 踢 tri state tournament 。那時候別說沒有智能手機，連GPS也是新鮮出爐，窮學生哪裏買得起，還都是拿著地圖做人工導航。結果進入 Amish Country 後，在大片的玉米地裏迷路了。千回百轉中遇到一個穿戴如同18世紀，大胡子如同馬克思的 amish 農民大叔。俺用半生不熟的英語向大胡子問路，大胡子友好地告訴我們說，從這條小路往前開半英裏左轉，再開兩英裏右拐，再開1.5英裏右轉就是 intercourse。經過 intercourse，就是 paradise，你們的球場就在那裏。
雖然那時俺英語不咋滴，但 intercourse 是啥意思還是知道的。乖乖隆地咚咚咚，居然還有用 intercourse 做地名的。
俗話說“風雨過後是彩虹”，人家 amish country，則是“intercourse 過後是 paradise”。paradise，不就是天堂嗎？不就是共產主義社會嗎？難怪大胡子 amish 農民大叔長得象馬克思。
不過，後來球隊裏一個信教的哥們兒告訴我說，在Bible裏，intercourse is“God's gift，given for specific purposes”，是莊嚴神聖的，不容褻瀆的神之賜福。
看來，是我這個凡夫俗子思想有燜蹄。“嘿呦”原來可以如此“高大上”。難怪，以宗教信仰著稱的 amish，會用 intercourse 做地名。
以至於後來，俺幹脆就用“高大上”代指嘿呦….
四哥：那啥，今晚，高大上？
四嫂：滾！
好嗎，俺把“高大上”這個詞也給褻瀆了 ：-）
再後來，發現 intercourse 根本不算啥，Amish Country 還有更雷人的地名。。。。
有好奇害死希拉裏與賀錦麗的吃瓜群眾問：以信仰 bible 著稱的 Amish 到底有啥特色？這裏俺就不贅述了，附上一個穀歌AI的最簡介紹，有興趣的，自己看：
“Amish Country" refers to regions in North America, primarily in Pennsylvania (Lancaster County) and Ohio (Holmes County), where significant populations of the Amish community reside. Visitors can experience the distinct lifestyle of the Amish, known for their simple living, modesty, use of horse-drawn buggies, and separation from modern technologies, by participating in tours, visiting farms, and dining at local establishments.
Where to find Amish Country
Pennsylvania Dutch Country:
This is America's oldest Amish settlement, located in and around Lancaster County.
Ohio Amish Country:
The highest concentration of Amish people in the world can be found in Holmes County, Ohio, with nearby towns like Berlin and Sugarcreek being major tourism centers.
What to expect
A simple lifestyle:
The Amish are known for their modest dress, plain living, and emphasis on faith, family, and community.
Horse-drawn buggies:
You'll see and may even ride in horse-drawn buggies as the Amish avoid cars and other rapid modern transportation.
Limited technology:
The Amish typically do not use modern conveniences like electricity from the public grid, though they may use propane or solar power for lights and appliances.
Farming:
The Amish are known for their farming practices, often using traditional methods and tools.
Experiencing Amish Culture
Farm visits and tours:
Many farms and villages offer tours to give visitors an authentic look at Amish life, homes, and schools.
Local cuisine:
You can enjoy traditional Amish-made meals at local restaurants and homes.
Craftsmanship:
Take advantage of the opportunity to buy local crafts from Amish artisans.
