Doris stands hardly on the brake. A fox mother crosses the street with her two young. We are off to Toggenburg. A valley in the northeast of Switzerland. Today is an important day for family Ammann. At around 3 o’clock in the morning we arrive the farm. The whole family sits eagerly at the breakfast table.
Every springtime the alpine farmers ascend to the higher alp with their animals. The meadows of the valley are grazed. On the alp lush meadows are waiting for the cows. The quality of the milk is better because they eat mountain herbs. That’s the reason why the taste of the alpine cheese is different.
The ascent up the Alps is celebrated according to old traditions. The farmers dress themselves in Sunday-dress. The three nicest cows wear the “Gschell”. These three bells are tonally compatible. An other important thing is the “Zäuerle” or “Jodeln”. It is a kind of alpine chant without words.
After the caravan has left the street steep serpentines lead up to the hill. From time to time the farmers get some drinks at the wayside. After a few gulps and a short talk they continue to walk quickly.
While the ascent up the Alps you realize the value of the family. The kids don’t have to go to the school. Everyone of the family helps. In the mountain chalet all sit together comfortably and eat bread, cheese and sausage. The first cow gets milked to have milk for the coffee. After this eventful day silence comes and the the hard daily work begins. ( more )
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