Beyond belief

News from Europe 2016

Italian female football team play on in face of mafia-style intimidation
Lousy humour or misogyny - a league blog post gives offence among hockey enthusiasts
Mass assualts on women on New Year’s Eve 

Beyond belief.

Christmas romantic

As well as embracing the Christian reasons and values of the holiday I am also a true Christmas romantic. For as long as I can remember I have cherished and enjoyed the build-up to and celebration of Christmas. And thus, inevitably, I find it hard to let go. With the tedium and crassness of everyday life looming ahead I long to remain in my bubble of season cheer.

Every year, however, the romantic retreats and a life-affirming realist emerges to rule supreme until darkness descends in November when - to the tunes of carols, cinnamon, oranges and wine - I will be cocooning again.

Ladies who lunch

Having a friend I seldom see over for lunch is one of my favourite pastimes. Yesterday we enjoyed leftovers from the New Year's party and had a long chat that lasted over three courses, Moët Chandon, Valpolicella, tea, biscotti and almond liquer until my friend was picked up to be whisked off to another party. Next time we see each other we will pick up where we left off without the slightest bit of difficulty. The joy of effortless friendship.