Lancaster, PA

Geo: 40.2598, -76.8822

Weather 77 and glorious again!

[PHOTO_ID_L=amish-house-one-room-school.jpg] Today we traveled from MD to Harrisburg. We were warned that Hershey gets really crowded and there was no way to get there in a reasonable time being that it was an hour and a half away. We decided that Friday morning would be easier.

Instead, we detoured through Lancaster, PA to see some Amish country. We stopped at the[PHOTO_ID_R=amish-carriage.jpg] visitor center to find out how to go about seeing how the Amish live. It is rather strange to be pointing out people just because of their beliefs and how they dress and do things. It interests me. I watch some of the Amish shows on tv and find it interesting that they are trying to keep their beliefs and lifestyle going amidst the "English" culture that is truly invading their space. It was interesting to see horse and buggies traveling down the road next to automobiles. To see young kids in their traditional clothing riding their bikes around while "English" kids ran around in "English" clothes. Such a contrast. We ate at a restaurant that Adam ? the food network guy ate at. It is all food grown and raised on the Amish farm. Ben didn't like to think the chickens were from out back. He may become an vegetarian. Bawk! [PHOTO_ID_L=horse-and-carriage.jpg]

There was an ad on the map for Hot Air Balloon rides. Paul wanted to do it. I do and I don't. I didn't have to decide because we couldn't find it. I do want to do it but I'd be uncomfortable, especially with kids. He says its on our travel bucket list. Oh goodie.

[PHOTO_ID_R=carriage.jpg] We are now in Harrisburg at another Marriott. A lower end one but they are all pretty consistent. One difference is the quality of bedding (recall the glorious Rennaisance bedding) but still decent and they use Paul Mitchell shampoos at better ones and Panten at this one at least. The PM Tea Tree Lemon Sage is nice. When you are spending one night somewhere, we don't need fancy but I do need comfortable, clean and safe. Marriotts seem to offer that. We've been pleased.

None of us wanted to go out to eat tonight or do much of anything. We are nearly done. We ate Chinese in the room and the kids are swimming again. Maybe get to bed early and get an early start to see how chocolates's made. Then off to the Ghilanis for the weekend.Read more