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Til the cows come home


Asiago is a great town about an hour north of us.  It's nestled up in the mountains, but in a little valley, and yes, it's where the famous cheese comes from.  

On Friday, the Aisago transumanza happened.  Transumanza (literally meaning "crossing the land") is a semi annual migration of livestock, to and from the highlands.  After winter, the cows are taken up to the rich hills surrounding the farms.  There, they graze through the summer, and are herded back to the farms in the lowlands in mid-fall.  

I love seeing traditions like these.  The cows were herded through the middle of the town, and so many people came to watch.  There was a sort of spirit in the air, like we were all proud of the cows for making the journey, and thankful for their dedication to making us some delicious cheese.  The farmers looked happy, the herding dogs looked happy, the cows looked indifferent.  It was one of my favorite experiences in Italy.  

I've realized that the best memories I'll take from living here are ones like this.  I love experiencing the little joys that small towns have to offer.  Whether it's a festival for cows or a harvest grape stomp, these smaller events seem to hold some kind of magic.  

Darby the Dog wasn't being a great listener while we waited on the cows to arrive.  You can tell by the look on John Ralph's face.  

Waiting for cows in the cold mountain air calls for some hot tea.  

The cows are coming!  THE COWS ARE COMING!

Italian Cowboy

The cows filled the streets on their way to the farm. 

Betty the Cow peeking through to see how much longer she had to walk.  

This little lady was super fancy.  I like her necklace, her eye makeup, and her hair.  

Asiago Cows

Almost there.

A farmer and his cow.

Beautiful bovine.

The only one with horns.  

The herding dog.  Just kidding.  

More herding dogs.  
Kidding again. 

Darby, a legit herding dog, being totally worthless but really cute.  

They made the turn...so close to being home!

The real herding dogs, that were actually doing their job.  

Bellissimo Asiago


Thank you, Cows, for making the long walk and for providing me with an awesome afternoon.

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