We did a neat day trip yesterday down to the Amana Colonies in central Iowa. I was the designated driver for Betty Boop and Mrs. T. The museums, shops and other remnants of this communal way of life are definitely interesting but for me the opportunity to chomp down on some authentic German cooking can't be beat.
Once again the advantages of retirement visits to tourist meccas were obvious. Spring and fall avoids the big crowds. It was all very leisurely. There were seven villages but Amana was the main one. Plenty of time and space to gawk and pick out those special items.
Once again the advantages of retirement visits to tourist meccas were obvious. Spring and fall avoids the big crowds. It was all very leisurely. There were seven villages but Amana was the main one. Plenty of time and space to gawk and pick out those special items. 
The Amana Colonies are a group of settlements of German Pietists. Calling themselves the Ebenezer Society or the Community of True Inspiration, they first settled in New York state near Buffalo in what is now the Town of West Seneca. However, in order to live out their beliefs in more isolated surroundings they moved west to the rich soil of east-central Iowa (near present-day Iowa City) in 1855. They lived a communal life until the mid 1930s.
Another special day was certainly had by a British "bobbie" based on the following photograph. I did a short background on Troutbirder II. http://troutbirder.blogspot.com/
We visited years ago and stayed at a bed and breakfast. Interesting place. I remember all the homes had trellis around the house to grow grapes. No space was wasted, not even wall space. We toured the winery too.
ReplyDeleteMarnie
Looks like fun! I'm afraid that my financial "skills" will have me working at McDonald's in my retirement years. :(
ReplyDeleteUnd hat es wirklich gut geschmeckt?
ReplyDeleteJawohl. Ich haben sauerbraten. Ich konnen nicht deutschspreken sehr gut.
ReplyDeleteIt seems like a lovely relaxing day TB. Nothing like being able to go to these places without the crowds and being able to take your time and not be pushed and shoved.
ReplyDeleteBTW, Love your German. Sauerkraut and Eisbein have to be considered a great meal at anytime. :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a great photo of the bobbie. :c) Indeed a good day for him.
ReplyDeleteSounds like an interesting place to visit. How was the food?
What a charming community. My husband and I share your joys of being retired and making trips during the week and off season. It is every bit as wonderful as I imagined.
ReplyDeleteWhat fun! Retirement does have its advantages.
ReplyDeleteI purchased a Great Pyrrenees near the Amana Colonies several years ago...best dog/friend I ever had. Merle was his name.
ReplyDeleteI didn't get to visit much, did take home some handmade homemade vittles though. Looked like a very interesting, must return some day destination.
German language intrigues me, I've never learned a stitch- but find myself sometimes understanding it when it is written. I can though, make a mean Schnitzel.
Traveling mercies to you and yours. Take care-
Did Mrs. T and Betty require your services as a driver because of shopping intoxication? I love historic communities like this one. Tina of In the Garden and I got to meet last year in a similar place in New Harmony, IN.
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ReplyDeleteI'm sorry, I tried to add a link in my comment. I'm going to have to experiment with this!! Did you know if you'd driven about 1 1/2 hours further south, you could have been in Shady's yard? I wondered if you saw the largest rocking chair in the world (that may be an exaggeration). Try this address: http://sgthisnthat.blogspot.com/2008/10/move-over-lily-tomlin.html :-)
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