By the fire...

One thing I really miss in Germany is not having a fireplace. Back at home the fireplace is the center of the communal live of my family. The rule is simple, the first one to arrive home during winter lights up the fire. In this way the others can find a warm kitchen when they return from work or school. In addition to providing heat, during winter the fire is used to roast chestnuts that we usually eat after supper. During the days 24 and 25 of December the fire never extinguishes or losses momentum, is kept burning at maximum rates in order to keep family and sporadic guests warm. For this one needs to do constant trips to the cellar in search for the biggest wood chunks available. In Germany I have state-of-the-art heating facilities that keep the room at constant pleasant temperature, but I miss the humanity of my fireplace and the notion of belonging that only a fire can bring...

(Last Christmas fire)