Val di Funes – Flag in the wind

Val di Funes

Val di Funes

Val di Funes

The Val di Funes Valley is a real jewel: small, cosy and lush, from the Villnöß river to the mountain summer pastures at the foot of the pale mountains. It’s always exhilarating to suddenly see the enormous grey gravel cones looming above you surmounted by sheer cliffs, rocky spikes and peaks that, depending on the time of day, are tinged with ochre, pale hues, pink or copper red.

The sun transforms the Odle/Geisler into a colourful rainbow. The three charming towns at the bottom of the valley are Tiso/Teis, S. Pietro/St. Peter and S. Maddalena/St. Magdalena. With everything that’s needed for summer and winter tourism and the best hospitality for hikers and mountain climbers, Villnöß Valley, with its numerous trails and cable mountain paths, rocky ridges, glacial cirques and peaks, is a real paradise for mountain lovers.

It comes as no surprise to know that this is where Reinhold Messner was born. Visit the Alpine summer pastures, stopping to relax, returning through dwarf pines and scented forests, spending long and fun-filled evenings at the hotel and in the village.

Experience the unique and beautiful winter scenery of the Puez-Odle Nature Park. Hike through snow-covered forests and high-altitude meadows while discovering the
hidden jewels of this pristine nature. A lot of beautiful winter hiking trails wind on prepared snow through a landscape of snow-capped mountain tops and forests. Along the way, the wonders of winter can be seen and experienced amidst the unspoiled Alpine nature of the area. The bright winter sun and the fresh air provide a wide view of the surrounding mountain world. Either on the way or uppon arrival, one can also warm up with some South Tyrolean delicacies in one of the many mountain huts and inns. (http://www.suedtirol-it.com/valdifunes).
More pics here

 

Christmas eve

Christmas eve

Christmas eve

Christmas eve

Ever since 1910 (although there is evidence that ox markets and fairs were held weekly from as far back as 1473, and in 1635 when Duke Amedeo The 1st gave permission to the Carrù village to have its yearly fair), the Fiera del Bue Grasso in Carrù has been an irresistible event- a living mix of local traditions, excellent food, competition, good wine, colorful people from bull breeders to bull buyers, markets and emotions. So we couldn’t miss it this year, although we did arrive late due to the heavy snow…

The village of Carrù is located in the supremely picturesque Langhe wine region (home of Barolo and Barbaresco) and borders the area – 10 villages – where Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG wine is produced from the local indigenous grape “Dolcetto”.

Every year, the second Thursday before Christmas, the competition takes place. Only the specific breed of Piedmont Fasson oxes are admitted and  the prizes (especially a hand made ornamental drape called gualdrappa) are given to the best one by a jury that includes veterinarians, butchers, breeders.  Once the winner is declared, there is a parade to show him: this year his weight was 1350 kilos named “Attila”.

The fat ox fair in Piedmont is to safeguard and promote the Piedmontese breed of cattle and to give consumer protection guarantees. To be called a bonafied “fat ox”, the ox must be Piedmont Fasson, castrated when 2/4 months old, adult (with all the teeth in his mouth, which are 8), born and bred in the Langhe region, slaughtered when older than 4 1/2 years old. By being castrated, the ox gets stronger, so in the past these animals were used for work (they were called the “Langhe tractors”) and then when old enough, they “retired” and  they were fed for some months in a special way to make them fat and to make their meat soft and delicious, ready for Christmas

(http://www.cellartours.com)

 

During the fair is possible to taste the real “Bollito” composed by seven kinds of beef named scaramella, punta di petto, fiocco di punta, cappello da prete, noce, tenerone, culatta served with many different of sauces.

Upstream Cods on paper La Repubblica

Upstream Cods on paper La Repubblica

Upstream Cods on paper La Repubblica

Upstream Cods on paper La Repubblica

What is Upstream cods?
Upstream cods is our way to tell people the story, using pictures, about stockfish and salted cod, how these two products gets fished, prepared and presented to everyone’s table. The meaning of Upstream Cods is to follow the full production chain backwards: we’ll start from Liguria’s festivals and restaurants concerned stockfish and salted cod, going upstream to the Lofoten islands, Norway, where the cods are fished and prepared to be sold to public, as we know it…be sure that we are also going to snoop around on how they are cooked in their native land. And, by the way, will photograph the natural beauty of these remote islands located beyond the Arctic Circle!

More pics here

So, if you’d like to follow us in this adventure, plaese, Like and share this page https://www.facebook.com/UpstreamCods

The fat ox fair in Piedmont

The fat ox fair in Pedemont

The fat ox fair in Pedemont

The fat ox fair im Piedmont

Ever since 1910 (although there is evidence that ox markets and fairs were held weekly from as far back as 1473, and in 1635 when Duke Amedeo The 1st gave permission to the Carrù village to have its yearly fair), the Fiera del Bue Grasso in Carrù has been an irresistible event- a living mix of local traditions, excellent food, competition, good wine, colorful people from bull breeders to bull buyers, markets and emotions. So we couldn’t miss it this year, although we did arrive late due to the heavy snow…

The village of Carrù is located in the supremely picturesque Langhe wine region (home of Barolo and Barbaresco) and borders the area – 10 villages – where Dolcetto di Dogliani DOCG wine is produced from the local indigenous grape “Dolcetto”.

Every year, the second Thursday before Christmas, the competition takes place. Only the specific breed of Piedmont Fasson oxes are admitted and  the prizes (especially a hand made ornamental drape called gualdrappa) are given to the best one by a jury that includes veterinarians, butchers, breeders.  Once the winner is declared, there is a parade to show him: this year his weight was 1350 kilos named “Attila”.

The fat ox fair in Piedmont is to safeguard and promote the Piedmontese breed of cattle and to give consumer protection guarantees. To be called a bonafied “fat ox”, the ox must be Piedmont Fasson, castrated when 2/4 months old, adult (with all the teeth in his mouth, which are 8), born and bred in the Langhe region, slaughtered when older than 4 1/2 years old. By being castrated, the ox gets stronger, so in the past these animals were used for work (they were called the “Langhe tractors”) and then when old enough, they “retired” and  they were fed for some months in a special way to make them fat and to make their meat soft and delicious, ready for Christmas

(http://www.cellartours.com)

 

During the fair is possible to taste the real “Bollito” composed by seven kinds of beef named scaramella, punta di petto, fiocco di punta, cappello da prete, noce, tenerone, culatta served with many different of sauces.

The origin of stockfish

The origin of stockfish

The origin of stockfish

The origin of stockfish is a part of the project Upstream Cods

 

It is known for excellent fishing, spectacular nature attractions such as the northern lights and the midnight sun, and small villages off the beaten track. Kayak between the islands, go fishing for the catch of your life, or look for sea eagles soaring in the sky.

“The beauty of this place is simply staggering”. Lonely Planet

The Lofoten islands are draped across the turbulent waters of the Norwegian Sea, far above the Arctic Circle. This rare wilderness outpost offers an untrammelled landscape of majestic mountains, deep fjords, squawking seabird colonies and long, surf-swept beaches.

If you are seeking unforgettable nature experiences, Lofoten will definitely not let you down. Due to the area’s diverse landscape, you can go hiking, skiing, fishing, ocean rafting or scuba diving. Lofoten is also one of Norway’s best sites for surfing, and one of the world’s northernmost.

Lofoten has a strong connection to the Viking Age, and at Lofotr Viking Museum you can experience the Viking Age as it really was. At Borg, archaeologists have discovered the largest Viking longhouse ever found from this era. The building is 272 feet long and has been reconstructed as a living museum.

Due to the warm Gulf Stream, Lofoten has a much milder climate than other parts of the world at the same latitude. Between late May and mid July you can experience the midnight sun, whilst the northern lights can be viewed from September to mid April.(www.visitnorway.com)
More info here

pstream cods is our way to tell people the story, using pictures, about stockfish and salted cod, how these two products gets fished, prepared and presented to everyone’s table. The meaning of Upstream Cods is to follow the full production chain backwards: we’ll start from Liguria’s festivals and restaurants concerned stockfish and salted cod, going upstream to the Lofoten islands, Norway, where the cods are fished and prepared to be sold to public, as we know it…be sure that we are also going to snoop around on how they are cooked in their native land. And, by the way, will photograph the natural beauty of these remote islands located beyond the Arctic Circle!

More pics here

So, if you’d like to follow us in this adventure, plaese, Like and share this page https://www.facebook.com/UpstreamCods

 

Empty racks at Å

Empty racks at Å

Empty racks at Å

Empty racks at Å

Å is the is the village with the shortest name in the world. Å is a little fisherman village at Lofonten island (Norway).
Empty racks at Å is a picture taken during the project Upstream Cods.

Upstream cods is our way to tell people the story, using pictures, about stockfish and salted cod, how these two products gets fished, prepared and presented to everyone’s table. The meaning of Upstream Cods is to follow the full production chain backwards: we’ll start from Liguria’s festivals and restaurants concerned stockfish and salted cod, going upstream to the Lofoten islands, Norway, where the cods are fished and prepared to be sold to public, as we know it…be sure that we are also going to snoop around on how they are cooked in their native land. And, by the way, will photograph the natural beauty of these remote islands located beyond the Arctic Circle!

More pics here

So, if you’d like to follow us in this adventure, plaese, Like and share this page https://www.facebook.com/UpstreamCods

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