Vischeid in Immenstadt

Its still a little unreal that this is where Im living . . .

In Allgäu, the land of the cows and cheese, the animals roam free. Those that are unable to be milked roam the Alps all summer in search of rich grass to eat. The Alpenmen look over these large amounts of cows and every Fall the cows (Kuhe) must be driven down from the green grass in the clouds and returned to their rightful "ranchers". Each ranch has a title and multiple farm families will belong to one ranch. For about a month during September time this cow drive occurs, called a Vischeid. The Vischeid is also a chance for each "Ranch" to show off the quality of their herd. The cows that are able to be milked are kept at the farm of course, and all of them there housed in Winter. If none of the herd died in the Alps during the past Summer, the farm is given the honor of allowing their prettiest cow to wear a crown of sorts, with a mirror on the front to ward away spirits and ghosts, and a a cross on top of the pine-homeade-by-the-women-crown. After the cows are brought into the city, the rest of the day is then spent celebrating the success of the summer, by, in traditional German style, drinking liter beers (ein Mass), dancing, and listening to music. Below are pictures of the really amazing Vischeid in Immenstadt, at the foothills of the Alps, I went to with Theresa and Ulla this past Saturday. If you ever experience something utterly Bayerisch, travel to a Vischeid. The noise of the cows ridiculously large bells around their necks to not become lost charm the lost Alpen souls like the Pied Piper and and yodels of the farmers in traditional clothing are always an extroadinarily entertaining sight.

Driving to Immenstadt (right at the foothills of the Alps)

Ulla (Hostmother) and I before the cow run started

Before each herd of about 170 cows ran by, the youngest farmers would carry the name of the ranch in front (to show off you know)
Leading the pack, traditional Dirndl wear
The whole Farmer family storming throug the streets of Immenstadt (just the first herds!)

Parading through Immenstadt

the großen Glocken (big bells) the sound like a stampede coming through the streets !

Showing off the best cow

Note the mirror to ward the spirits off :)

The horses carrying extra bells for the cows . . . also made pretty with flowers in their hair :)

The youngens are in charge of the goats . . .

Germans come in all costumes, and all ages! I found this guy entirely entertaining.

Alphorn melodies :)

The "Afterparty" in the Beer Tent

Lunch time!

Das Blaue Haus - The Blue House (Ullas FAVORITE cafe)

I had Paprika soup. You would be entirely surprised at how much Germans LOVE Paprika. Theres Paprika chips, paprika soup, paprika on meat, on cheese, in cheese, in meat, on noodles. I think its still mild enough to be considered acceptable in this orderly world. Then, of course, we had kuchen. yum, yum, yum . . .