Up There

In Valtellina, in the north of Lombardy, right in the middle of the Italian Alps, at the beginning of June, cows are walked above 1800 m to the summer pastures, where grass and herbs are so particular that give cheese an extraordinary taste and genuineness. The processing of milk at high altitude implies difficulties due to the harshness of the territory: no roads and often no electricity. Great sacrifice and dedication are required. Only respect and love for nature allows these ancient traditions to resist for generations. But it’s not just about tradition, this practic plays a key role: without it the pastures would disappear, many forms of life would become extinct, there would be an increase in hydrogeological instability, the area would become poorer, more inhospitable and it would lose much of its tourist appeal. In a world ruled by frenzy, often people don’t dwell on the surrounding reality and the signs of the past. Up there, nowadays, there is still a timeless rural world, deeply rooted in the mountain and peasant culture, that marks the daily life of its people and environment. Environment and nature’s cycles still have importance for a balanced and good life.