It was a touristy niche, the city hall advertised maps and public restrooms and there was a speaker system through-out the ENTIRE TOWN that blared blue grass, but it was still a lot of fun. Amish people make some pretty killer food and crafts, two of my favorite things. There will also tons of antique shops run by not-Amish people... I went in one were Mom found some crochet hooks in the jewelry display case. The lady pulled them out claiming they were all hand carved bone. However, true masters of the craft can definitely feel a difference between bone and PLASTIC, so I was really only interested in two of them: one small, old hook with a pretty carved handle and one smaller and older hook that I was terrified would break if anyone actually attempted to crochet with it. The later was like SERIOUSLY ancient: it was "double hooked" as in both ends of the hook WERE hooks. People worked with hooks like that to make lace before people started crocheting with yarn (1960s...). The woman further proved her lack of knowledge with these hooks by describing it as unique, as if hooks like that weren't used ALL THE TIME when the lace craft was around. I was ready to leave, but Mom got the price down to an offer I couldn't refuse. I took the newer one with a handle, though, cause if I get a crochet hook dammit I'm gonna use it.
After a great, "home cooked" lunch from a kitchy little restaurant that served you your drink out of a glass jar, we headed home. Another day trip, but I still had a lot of fun. The best part was I saw someone jog through town with her ipod in and I saw a buggy drive by with dice in the mirror. Glad to know some things never change :)
As a kind of added bonus, I got to see the world premiere of "Green Whales" at the Unicorn Theatre, and my I say it was AWESOME. Granted, a little weird, but I really enjoyed it! If you have a chance this week to go see it, I would highly recommend it!
Oh the Amish...
ReplyDeleteWe were driving through Iowa and needed to get some oil so we exited in the middle of nowhere, saw a sign that said "Watch for Horse-Drawn Carriages" and stopped at a convenience store with hatted and bearded Amish men leaning against the wall and smoking. That's my experience with them. :)
Sounds like you had fun!