In the Rhineland (North Rhine-Westphalia), the street carnival begins TODAY on Weiberfastnacht (Women's Carnival Day), during which women traditionally symbolically "take over the reins." Typical customs include cutting off men's ties, "storming" town halls, and large street and pub parties starting at 11:11 a.m. In Cologne, the carnival season begins every year on November 11th at 11:11 a.m. and ends on Ash Wednesday (46 days before Easter Sunday). During this time, Carnival session and events take place daily everywhere, where there is a lot of celebrating (and a lot of drinking 😅). During these days, everyone is in costume. Up to two million spectators flock to Cologne for the Rose Monday parade alone. The people of Cologne are proud of their city, its cathedral, the Rhine, their language and its carnival. Thanks to its carnival songs, Cologne is the most sung-about city in the world. I could write so much more... 😅

Yesterday was the opening ceremony of the XXV Olympic Winter Games. Besides amazing artists like Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, Laura Pausini, Ghali, Lang Lang, Cecilia Bartoli, Sabrina Impacciatore, ... it was a very impressive and moving ceremony. I took some photos of it on my TV. Or here are a few links: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026/videos/opening-ceremony-ceremonies-milano-cortina-2026 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJDg7exbRAE I especially like the core values ​​of the Olympic Games: * Excellence (peak performance) * Friendship (international understanding) * Respect (respect for human dignity) A bit like LME. We do our best in learning Finding friends in the community. And of course, we respect each other Are you watching the Games, or is it not for you? There are so many sports (including new ones like ski mountaineering, sounds interesting 😅) ...and of course I'm also looking forward to the Super Bowl tomorrow. 🤣 Big hugs, Ralph