三访阿米什部落：如此雷人的地名

这个劳工节长周末，俺们绿溪群在庄队率领下，在宾州知名的 Lancaster County 租了个 vacation house，玩了一把农家乐。这也是俺这几十年来，第三次进入阿米什部落（Amish Country）

第一次，是大约30年前。与弟兄们一起拼车去 Lancaster 踢 tri state tournament 。那时候别说没有智能手机，连GPS也是新鲜出炉，穷学生哪里买得起，还都是拿着地图做人工导航。结果进入 Amish Country 后，在大片的玉米地里迷路了。千回百转中遇到一个穿戴如同18世纪，大胡子如同马克思的 amish 农民大叔。俺用半生不熟的英语向大胡子问路，大胡子友好地告诉我们说，从这条小路往前开半英里左转，再开两英里右拐，再开1.5英里右转就是 intercourse。经过 intercourse，就是 paradise，你们的球场就在那里。

虽然那时俺英语不咋滴，但 intercourse 是啥意思还是知道的。乖乖隆地咚咚咚，居然还有用 intercourse 做地名的。

俗话说“风雨过后是彩虹”，人家 amish country，则是“intercourse 过后是 paradise”。paradise，不就是天堂吗？不就是共产主义社会吗？难怪大胡子 amish 农民大叔长得象马克思。

不过，后来球队里一个信教的哥们儿告诉我说，在Bible里，intercourse is“God's gift，given for specific purposes”，是庄严神圣的，不容亵渎的神之赐福。

看来，是我这个凡夫俗子思想有焖蹄。“嘿呦”原来可以如此“高大上”。难怪，以宗教信仰著称的 amish，会用 intercourse 做地名。

以至于后来，俺干脆就用“高大上”代指嘿呦….

四哥：那啥，今晚，高大上？
四嫂：滚！

好吗，俺把“高大上”这个词也给亵渎了 ：-）

再后来，发现 intercourse 根本不算啥，Amish Country 还有更雷人的地名。。。。

有好奇害死希拉里与贺锦丽的吃瓜群众问：以信仰 bible 著称的 Amish 到底有啥特色？这里俺就不赘述了，附上一个谷歌AI的最简介绍，有兴趣的，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.