Welcome back to our monthly video challenge!
In February, A lil Hoohaa launched a monthly video challenge, first topic being "Potpourri". In March he invited us to tell our personal story. For the April project he sent us to experience some outdoor adventures. In May, we were supposed to document a day in the life, and in June we got to show you our towns. July’s theme was tradition, and in August we got to have fun!
So in September our challenge is to turn "What makes you tick" into a video.
For me, the answer seems to be exploring cultural events, discovering quirky sights, and making the most of what each season has to offer.
Fluffy Animals
We were celebrating my husband’s goddaughter’s 20th birthday in the countryside, where at least 25 Scottish Highland cattle live. Every March, this farm hosts an event featuring not only the cattle but also herding dogs. The event is accompanied by yodeling and alphorn ensembles.
A Scottish-Swiss collaboration, in other words!
So this year I missed out on this regional highlight. But don’t worry...
Fricktaler Highland Games
In early September, only a 40-minute drive from me, there was a similar, slightly more Scottish event going on: Highland and Irish dancing, Pipes and Drums with 96 musicians in total, and Highland Games featuring competitions such as Weight for Height, Tossing the Caber, Hammer Throw, Crossbow Shooting, Stone Put, and even pitchfork throwing.
And a special shout-out to the smoked salmon, which was secured to a special board and slowly grilled over an open fire. 🐟
So, perhaps not quite Scotland, but definitely close enough for a day trip!
Pumpkin Market in Olten’s Old Town 🎃
If an event is calling my name, this is definitely it! In a very small space, there were all kinds of pumpkins, fresh vegetables, baked goods, and homemade pumpkin soup on offer. The children could get help from the Scouts with carving their pumpkins.
And all of this took place in beautiful late-summer weather. What’s not to love? 🎃🍂
I added some footage of my annual pilgrimage to some of the pumpkin patches I so love. This year I found it has become a commercialized mass tourism event, but the display itself was still super nice.
What goes up must come down. 🐄
Depending on the region, in May or June Swiss farmers take their cows and goats up to a higher-altitude alp, where they spend the summer grazing on lush green meadows. This is also where Alpkäse, the famous Swiss alpine cheese, is made.
In September or October, the animals return to the village, where they are welcomed not only by the local community, but also by hundreds of tourists who come to watch this traditional Swiss event. 🐄🏔️
You will see footage of two different events. One took place in the Bernese Oberland, the other in the canton of Appenzell. Not only do the cows look differently, the local farmers also wear their traditional "Tracht", distinctive regional dress that is still worn for festivals, celebrations, and other special occasions.
I hope you enjoyed my trilogy of videos. I thought it would be easier to digest in smaller portions than cramming all the footage into one long video. Sadly I can't upload the video links directly from YouTube.
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