Mandarin Ducks

What could be nicer than to start the day with a lovely brisk bath in the wake? I think it looks as if the drake was watching over the hen. While she was swimming and diving, his eyes followed her every move. Mandarin couples are almost inseparable; the drakes even help guarding the ducklings. In China the faithfulness of Mandarin Ducks is proverbial and in traditional culture the ducks stand as a symbold for wedded bliss and fidelity.

It's freezing cold now in Bremen with temperatures as low as -11°C (12,2 F). The new head of the Bremen's public transport has decided to let homeless people ride trams and busses free throughout February so they can escape the cold. I think that's a very good idea :-)

Have a lovely weekend :-)