If you live in Lancaster County, you get asked questions all the time from tourists or family or friends that are not from the area. We all know these frequent questions get annoying after some time especially if you work at a tourist attraction hot spot.

1. Lancaster? I thought it was Landcaster?

The proper way to pronounce it is Lancaster. Not Land-caster or Land-kister. At this point call it whatever you would like because you will still pronounce it wrong.

2. Are you accustomed to the smell of cow poop?

For the most part, yes. Just like anything, if you live with it long enough you will get used to it. The same goes for cow manure (as we like to call it). Some days it will still catch us off guard, but for the most part we go about our day like normal.

3. No shoefly pie today?

Sorry, I do not eat shoefly pie all the time. No our store does not carry shoefly pie. Sorry, but we are sold out of shoefly pie. Please do not get upset if there is no shoefly pie and just try another place or another day.

4. Can I buy Amish goods or clothes somewhere?

Some local stores may sell Amish made goods like quilts, bags, etc., but clothes are hard to come by. Also, you really cannot find that many stores that sell true Amish made goods. Your best attempt might be Amish yard sales that are held on Saturday.s

5. Are you Amish?

No I am not Amish. If I was Amish you could tell by my clothes, if I speak Dutch, and my lifestyle. Just because I am from Lancaster County, please do not assume I am Amish.

6. So do you take pictures of the Amish, too?

No. The Amish here do not like when you take pictures of them, and it is actually frowned upon.

7. Taking pictures of Amish is frowned upon? Really?

Yes. I do not question their ways, but I respect them just like they respect me and you.

8. Ever hang out with the Amish?

Unless I have Amish relatives the answer is most likely no. Amish and non-Amish tend to stay segregated and make friends within our own groups.

9. Riding in a horse and buggy was fun, do you ride in one?

As I said before, I am not Amish therefore, I do not ride in buggy. I drive a vehicle just like anyone else, and I really don't have an intentions to go on a buddy ride.

On an end note: Did you notice anything while reading? If not, look at the first letter in each question again. If you did figure it out, congrats! You read my article and found that I tried to add a fun little twist to it.