Day 342
4 hrs, 12 kms

Actual date: April 8, 2015

I like to visit cemeteries as I travel around the world . They sometimes give me little clues about the culture of each country. Here in America, for example, cemetery plots are really, really spacious--you know, because Americans like having plenty of elbow room.

Today I'm going to have another couple of insights. Passing a cemetery in the middle of the country, it strikes me that America is the only country I've seen with "flat cemeteries"--cemeteries with all the gravestones flat on the ground. Why? I thought it was because they're cheaper--but no... I'm pretty sure it's because it makes the cemeteries so much easier to mow!

Americans love to make things easier and more convenient.

When I reach my next town, I get another insight: I encounter my first "pet cemetery". Right next to the people cemetery, is a plot of grown where people can bury their animals. Some folks just put a paving brick with the name in black marker... a couple put a cross (uh ... cross? I'm trying to figure out how that works into their theological beliefs...)

Of course, "Pet Cemeteries" fit well into American culture. Americans love their pets--often considering them as family members. In fact, one of the most common home businesses I've seen in this area are pet grooming businesses... So it wouldn't seem too unusual that Fido be laid to rest just a few dozen yards from Grandma...

Anyways... back to my exploration of Mt Union.

Mt Union as a shabby but personable feel. It also has the first McDonalds I've seen in 8 towns. I guess it should give it some sort of... er... status? It advertises 25 cent coffee (and I need to use the restroom), so I'm actually happy to see it. And they're playing Bob Dylan. Good way to start the day.

I must add that all the employees are overweight, which goes to show, that just because you live close to nature, doesn't mean that you're necessarily going to enjoy it...

I also notice quite a few African Americans in town--which I find pleasantly surprising. There go the Huntingdon county-redneck stereotypes.

I do my video clip here in front of an onion shaped Eastern Orthodox church. I find it refreshing to see a little of variety when it comes to religion in these parts. Or maybe it just brings back memories from my wanderings in Eastern Europe.