The Cows Came Home

Published 24 March 2007 in Switzerland
Scribbled by Hoboscribe

Ever wonder what the world would be like if cows didn’t have a herding instinct?

I was minding my own business when I heard cowbells.

In many parts of Switzerland, cows are taken up to the alpine pastures in the spring. Cynics say that it’s because the grass is free. I happen to believe it’s because the milk tastes better from cows fed on alpine grass.

In the fall the cows return to the farms, often through the middle of town. To give the procession a bit of festive flair, the cow’s horns are decorated with pine branches and ribbons, which you can just make out on these shots taken from my terrace.