My Amish buggy drivers licence is in the post

Old Amish schoolhouse (though apparently they're still just like this one.) Amish Village, Strasburg PA
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The train took me through New York again... and on to Newark Airport, NJ where Grace & Karl picked me up (they used to live next door to us.) We went home to meet the massive dog, eat too much and go to bed.

In the morning we headed to Lancaster County, PA where there is a large Amish population. We did two tours of houses/farms which used to be Amish residences and are now sort of museums. It was really interesting and I learned a lot about their religion and culture (eg. they don´t like moustaches or buttons because it reminds them of the soldiers who persecuted their ancestors in Europe...)

The Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, Philadelphia PA
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After lunch we went for a buggy ride. The driver grew up Amish but was one of the only 10% of teenagers who choose to leave the church after a period of relative freedom. I got to take the reins for a while and we´re all still alive so this is good.

Next we had a brief trip to Philly, where we saw the Liberty Bell and had a quick tour in Independence Hall. It was amusing that we went through security three times and I had a pocketknife in my bag.

Then... home for another huge dinner.

In the morning Grace took me to the bus station - in the rain - and we said goodbye.