THE IOWA DIET, AND OTHER MID-WESTERN ACTIVITIES.
We have just returned from a wonderful trip to Kalona, Washington County, Iowa. The trip was for the wedding of a grandson marrying a local girl. This was truly a hometown, homespun welcome. From the moment we set foot in the home of the Bride's parents, we were made unbelievably at home. The diet consisted of as many steaks and as much cake as one could eat, with plenty of options thrown into the mix. The greatest fear was that we would be awoken in the middle of the night to be force fed with the same. At daybreak, there was a deafening silence, rarely apparent in Britain. When we shopped locally, the staff would remark upon our accent; on pointing out that we were there for a wedding, they knew exactly who's wedding it was.
The area contains a large Amish population, who, in general, keep themselves to themselves. We were, however, invited into the home of one family; a rare event for folk outside their faith. This was indeed a privilege. The observer noticed immediately their sense of responsibility and hard work; they are mainly farmers. It is obvious that much of the state is given over to agriculture, pig farming and the rearing of cattle. A friend of the family is studying the genetics of cattle; something that gave me the opportunity to pose the question of his stance on cloning, and was pleasantly surprised to hear his response, which was along the lines of his awareness that nature can retaliate when we get too smart. In addition, he mentioned that many folk in the industry are concerned, that when a magnificent beast appears to win his/her class at the State Fair, the animal can be cloned to keep the success going.
We completed our trip with two days in Chicago: an efficient, clean city. The Metra train service appears to run on time. The system uses double decker carriages, which seems to be a handy way of increasing capacity. The architecture is, in general, of a very high standard, which includes the work and influences of Mies van der Rohe, best seen on a riverboat trip . This was followed by a visit to Buddy Guy's blues bar, to be informed that their greatest support comes from the Europeans, and Bass is available to enhance the visit.
AN EXPERIENCE TO SAVOUR.
The area contains a large Amish population, who, in general, keep themselves to themselves. We were, however, invited into the home of one family; a rare event for folk outside their faith. This was indeed a privilege. The observer noticed immediately their sense of responsibility and hard work; they are mainly farmers. It is obvious that much of the state is given over to agriculture, pig farming and the rearing of cattle. A friend of the family is studying the genetics of cattle; something that gave me the opportunity to pose the question of his stance on cloning, and was pleasantly surprised to hear his response, which was along the lines of his awareness that nature can retaliate when we get too smart. In addition, he mentioned that many folk in the industry are concerned, that when a magnificent beast appears to win his/her class at the State Fair, the animal can be cloned to keep the success going.
We completed our trip with two days in Chicago: an efficient, clean city. The Metra train service appears to run on time. The system uses double decker carriages, which seems to be a handy way of increasing capacity. The architecture is, in general, of a very high standard, which includes the work and influences of Mies van der Rohe, best seen on a riverboat trip . This was followed by a visit to Buddy Guy's blues bar, to be informed that their greatest support comes from the Europeans, and Bass is available to enhance the visit.
AN EXPERIENCE TO SAVOUR.
posted by minister | 11:47
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