Frosty cheeks & delicious treats for taste buds & senses

It's that time of year again when mulled wine is brewing, candles lighting up every house, the air is carrying scents of lemon, cinnamon and ginger, fireplaces are glowing, a second skin wraps the world in frost and lets the surrounding appear in a white coat. All hearts are flying and smiling faces meet you everywhere.

It's the most wonderful time of year!!!

The x-mas tree is standing, the presents are in process & the only thing which is missing is a cold day at the Christmas Market. What would I give to immerse in the sensational atmosphere. ..

And what would x-mas be without a lovely x-mas tree!!! Here is our piece of jewellery...

Inspired by his courage & passion...

Today’s issue of "7 days" has a very touching & inspiring article about Amer (10) who is participating in the Asian Games in Doha for his home country Iraq:

"I want to be like them," he said, pointing to the Japanese and Chinese champions who are sharing most of the gold medals at the Asian Games this week. "I want to win for Iraq."

His coach [Sarmad Mohammed] said that conditions in Iraq were tough for the little Amer who can only train once a week in Iraq's only 50-metre pool.
"It's good for us to compete here," he said. "When we are training in Baghdad it's too dangerous. Sometimes he shows up and can't train because the heating has been turned off," said Sarmad. "With all the problems in Iraq, he is a courages boy."

Iraq has three swimmers - all school age - competing in Doha and Sarmad admits it's been tough for them as they have competed only once in the last year at a competition in neighboring Kuwait. [...] Amer is the most promising and began the long haul to stepping up his speed by setting a personal best in the 100m backstroke on Tuesday. He also competed in the 100m backstroke and his final race, the 200m individual medley yesterday.

It was a harsh learning experience. His time of 2min 55.32 seconds was long way off the fastest time of 2:04.62 set by Japan's Hidemasa Sano. "Yesterday I swam a personal best and I am pleased about that" said Amer, who returns home [...] on Friday.

Conditions are so bad in Baghdad that he believes his future as a swimmer may lie abroad. "I would like to train in another country if possible so I can improve and get a better time. Who knows, maybe one day I will be able to win a gold medal for Iraq [...] this is what keeps us going."

Seeing his passion, determination & enthusiasm just moved me to tears. I admire his courage and hardship especially under the poor training condition & hope that he will grow stronger to win a gold medal for his country.

All we think of is what shall we do during our spare time and where should we go clubbing in the evening and what food would please as best. It's time for re-focusing!

... be part of the making of history!

Check out the New 7 Wonders of the World campaign, the world's first-ever global vote.

I just voted for my favorite 7 of the 21 finalists that are competing:

Pick your favorite monuments and vote!