GETTYSBURG & NEW HOLLAND, PA (AUG 31, 2009)

Greetings....
It's fairly late, and we've had a fantastic day exploring Gettysburg and the Amish area around New Holland and Landcaster...
I'm a bit tired, but thought I better write something so I don't get too far behind...
If we had to wrap up our thoughts and feelings about this place in a few words, I can safely say: This is one of the most charming and fascinating places we've ever been to...
The enigma of the Amish blows us away...
Why would anyone live like they do in today's world?
I can understand roots and ties to the past, but to live without electricity just because their kinfolk did, isn't much of an argument for keeping to tradition, if you ask me...
There are, of course, many other things which rule their way of life, and which is puzzling to unknowledgeable people like me... Religious teachings for one... But I'm not here to judge... I'm here to enjoy, and that's what we have been doing...
It's been absolutely delightful to spend a few days here... It's beautiful country... The farms and homes are immaculate...
Talk about clean!
I haven't seen one piece of trash laying along the wayside since I've been here... Don't think we can say that about many places in America...
Quite honestly, I have nothing but praise for the people and the area, just take a look at today's pictures, and judge for yourself:
http://picasaweb.google.com/Kjell.and.Luanne/GETTYSBURGNEWHOLLANDPAAUG312009# We stopped in Gettysburg in 1975, and toured the battlefields, but other than that, we have no recollection of what it was all about...
I've read some "stuff" about the civil war, but not enough so that I can perform a running commentary on who did what and where... Suffice it to say, Luanne and I got enough out of the museum and movie theater presentations to last us a long time...
The Cyclorama is mind boggling! The 360 degree oil painting, and the sound effects in the presentation, is so real you feel like you're there watching the mayhem from your vantage point on top of the hill...
It's time for bed... We have an even longer day tomorrow when we drive into Philadelphia to ring the Liberty Bell...
Later......