Austrian Farmer's Open-Door Day

Austria might be a small country, barely remembered and known by the world in the middle of the European continent, but this friendly little country has a remarkable tradition with friendly inhabiting people.

Traveling the world, I was asked several times for my country of origin and whenever I tried to explain that I grew up in Austria, the first thing I was told was "AHA, Australia!

Kangaroos are running wild, hm?"

Darn!

Every time again anew I was shocked and couldn't believe the lack of common knowledge in this world!

Trying to explain the misunderstanding most of the time wouldn't solve it at all, because in their world there was no country called Austria...

That's a pity because the world is truly missing out on beautiful landscape, vast nature and locals with their unique way of life.

From West to East, each region offers you different cultural customs and those of you who have been to Austria will nod their head in agreement.

My mother, who is originally French, fell in love with the mountain scenery as have lots of others.

Not only that, Austria plays host to visitors from all over the world.

According to Wikipedia in 2007, Austria ranked 9th worldwide in international tourism receipts, with 18.9 billion US$.

In international tourist arrivals, Austria ranked 12th with 20.8 million tourists.

Not only that, Austria is known for its quality organic life!

A recent International trade fair proved Austria to be at the top in the international markets.

An online source quoted the managing director of AMA (Agrarmarkt Austria Marketing) mentioning... "Organic food is completely established in everyday life in Austria thanks to the producers.

The entire marketplace is continually moving upwards."

So how does it come that the former middle European Empire seems to be still unknown, swallowed and lost in the global map?

My conclusion is that Austria is often confused to be "part" of Germany.

Many people out there believe that the 2 countries are one even though they are both completely different!

For a while, I have been thinking of writing an Article where I can show you a few Austrian flavors so that you have an idea of where I grew up and in what type of environment.

Luckily I had the chance of participating in a local farmers opening day, which was organized yesterday at my uncle's farmhouse in Tirol.

People from near and far came to visit and enjoy a relaxing event with their families.

Plenty of food, beer, Folks music, entertainment and adorable farm animals for the kids where the highlight of this event.

Lots to discover and learn for young and old!

Local honey is very popular amongst the people here.

I had mentioned on this space before that 2 uncles of mine produce their own batch every year.

Most of the honey is sold on farmers markets in villages, exceptionally some was for sale on the opening day too.

The farmer's opening day displayed different common cow types from the region.

Those cows usually are taken on the mountains in the summer season for grazing and by September they are brought back to the valley.

While walking back down from the alps, the animals are decorated in a festive fashion, which is a huge attraction for visiting tourists and locals alike.

Honestly I don't get to see sheep that often either, so I was happy to click photos of those gorgeous and very useful animals.

Imagine, what would the world be without wool?!

Adorable little bunnies and many more different type of animals were seen there.

Kids were introduced together with their parents to the domestic friends, which was of course a huge hit amongst the little ones.

Very unusual Llama!

In the past years I have witnessed a rise in those "exotic" south American animals in the area.

One was allowed to take them for a walk to get acquainted with them.

This particular fellow was very photogenic!

Tractors are a common view here around, one notices them the most when they are slowing down the traffic speed.

Did you know that there is a own license type for this vehicle?

The challenge/game here is to hit the nail into the wood just with one strike.

The hammer has to be used on the pointy side to make it a bit more difficult!

Sounds pretty easy you think?

That's a popular game here around.

It is quite similar to the french petanque game, just that here they use disks.

The goal is to throw the disk as close as possible to a stick.

A similar popular game in the winter months is curling.

For the leisurely people a wagon ride was in the plan.

Traditional dancing and costumes, demonstrated here by the young generation.

Village feast are always a highlight in the whole year.

Now the season has started and it's going to last till September with massive open air enjoyments!

Anybody wants some Burgers?

Or rather a plate of french fries with a crunchy fried Sausage?

Farm fresh Sausages anyone?

Or are your taste buds going towards the sweeter side of life?

Some beer was required for everybody after all!

PROST!

I hope you gained some interesting insides of my Heritage in this Article, and I am pretty sure now it's all clear where and what the heck is happening in the Alps this summer season!

Now  I want to know...