Spacetime curvature explaining gravity
OK. I understand the principle of equivalence between acceleration and gravity's effect on an object, I understand the notion that space and time are both curved near massive bodies. I understand that Newton's idea of the attraction of bodies works fine except for motions near the speed of light, but it is in fact a false understanding of gravity.
I find the cartoons of the "rubber sheet" projection and the moving marble irritating and confusing because it is using the understanding of Newtonian gravity to explain why spacetime curvature causes moving objects to move in curved paths. Not helpful to me, at least, in understanding why spacetime curvature causes the effect we experience as gravity.
Here is what I cannot visualize. Explain in Einsteinian terms the simple falling of an apple. Suppose one settles on one time and one (or perhaps two) spatial coordinates, which is visualizable. What makes the apple attracted to the earth and what is going on as it falls through the different clock rates (because of the curvature of time as one moves away from the surface of the earth)?? :confused:
I have read literally dozens of articles, including Feinman's lectures (which gets me close!) but I still cannot internalize this concept.