Oprah, being the idol to me that she is, should really be the one receiving credit here. After watching a show about a day in the life of an Amish, I was mesmerized by the lifestyle of these recluses.
The opportunity to visit these people arose during the annual West Family Reunion in Pennsylvania. As many suggestions on what to do on this day were shouted out, I was silently devising a plan to convince my family to go to take me to see the Amish. Oh, of course, we could easily have gone to see the Liberty Bell like my mom mentioned, or surely it would have been normal to follow my cousins’ ideas to visit Chocolate World; but abnormal families do abnormal activities. After my expertise persuasion, we began out on our eventful journey to explore the Amish.
I do not know who thought to name the town this, but the fact that the Amish live in a town called Intercourse, Pennsylvania is enough to make this trip unforgettable. Who would have thought that this group old-school Puritans would live in a town with such a sexual name? I wonder if the Amish can even begin to appreciate the irony like my family did. (For proof of this little twist on the simple lives of the Amish people,) I stuffed many pamphlets away in my purse and bought a keychain as a symbol of the comical contradiction that the town represents. We laughed at the “Watch for Buggies” signs with illustrations of the citizens of Intercourse on buggies. As funny as it all was, I must say it was one of the most interesting and informative trips I have ever had the pleasure of taking
After an educational and hilarious day taking a stroll around Amish Country, it came time to start heading home. Our cousin lives in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and is as familiar with the roads as he is the back of his hand. Naturally, he was the driver of the lead car while we followed. Unfortunately, slow-driving (under the speed limit, I might add) Cousin Dennis and impatient Driver Mom did not mix well. Realizing that we have a new OnStar system, my mom and aunt, the geniuses that they are, decided that they wanted to find their own way home. Ill-fatedly, OnStar lead us to a highway that just happened to be closed. Nevertheless, after a nap, I woke up to find my mom and aunt laughing hysterically in the front seat. I asked what was so funny, and was informed of the lack of luck on the way home. By the time we somehow found ourselves in Delaware, I think they were laughing to keep from crying… Needless to say, we finally made it back to Bethlehem, Pennsylvania and were embarrassed to have to share the story with the entire family.
In July of 2007, my family and I enjoyed a trip to Pennsylvania. If it had not been for the visitation of the Amish in Intercourse, or taking the long way home, I know that I would not have had the memorable experience. My friends still doubt the truth in my story. Thank goodness I thought to pick up those pamphlets! Of course, our little detour to Delaware was the icing on the cake.&My family has bonded by seeing a side of this country that is definitely different, to say the least. I learned that though things may not be going our way; we can still have fun and make many memories to last a lifetime.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
