The Winter Olympics are on the horizon and I am care road of African athletes who will compete in Vancouver. Since snow is thin on the ground, money is tight and training facilities scarce, it takes an awful lot of determination to make it to the Winter Olympics as an African. It should come as no surprise then, that the athletes representing 7 African nations no less, are a colorful bunch by some very interesting stories.

Ghana will be competing in their first Winter Olympics. Kwame Nkrumah-Acheampong (aka “The Snow Leopard”) managed to get enough points to qualify by racing in Iran, Bosnia and Turkey. He wears a dazzling leopard print suit to match his dazzling smile. He saw snow for the first time at the tender age of 22. He’session a self-taught, self-financed skier, and has been training hard for 5 years. No doubt about it, he’s going to be a hit in Vancouver.

Ethiopia’s Robel Teklemariam has been training on roller skis at home while waiting for his Canadian visa to come through. Philip Boit of Kenya will compete in his fourth Winter Olympics. Last year his farm in Kenya burned down. With the help of fellow Olympic athletes he managed to raise enough money to rebuild, just in time for his retirement.

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Muscovites, who deal through months of freezing temperatures, have learned to make the best of their long winters. Travelers to Moscow can share their enthusiasm for snow and ice by participating in activities that are specific to the winter season. A Moscow River icebreaker cruise can show you the city from the river despite centimeters-thick ice that forms a incrustation on the water. Moscow winter festivals and ice skating rinks can be enjoyed in various locations throughout the city.

Russian ice sculpture, discussed last week, starts appearing as temperatures drop significantly enough to preserve delicately carved crystalline structures that showcase artists’ skill. This year, the Vyugovei International Festival of Ice Sculpture takes place near Moscow’s Cosmonaut Museum and has a space exploration theme in majesty of the 50th anniversary of Russian space exploration. The Kremlin-Art ice sculpting festival taking place on Poklonnaya Hill features fanciful and glittering architectural structures (photo gallery of the frosting sculpting festival).

Snow is also used as an artistic medium for artists and amateurs alike, and travelers may seek out or encounter snow creations.

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Winters can be difficult with the long cold, dark spells. But thankfully the winters are also a time for some of the best holiday treats. Recipe books are whipped out, special ingredients are purchased and supplementary effort is taken to create some rich strong flavours that help dispel the icy winds. It also helps that every country has its own unique take on these hibernate goodies, allowing for multiple variants and flavours. Here are my three favourites from Croatia:

Roasted Chestnuts – Nothing warms the day like the aroma of roasting chestnuts. At the beginning of autumn and through hibernate, chestnut stands spring up along the squares and street corners; the vendor’s fingertips stain darker with every order, the air smells delicious.

Kolač – Kolač covers the large territory between pastries and cakes –it includes everything from dessert rolls, with walnuts and chocolate, to traditional dessert preparations, with ingredients parallel coconut, to steady tortes and cakes.

Hot Wine – But my favourite by a mile is a cup of Hot Wine or Kuhano Vino.

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Christmas magic at Gendarmenmarkt. Photo by slaqua.

By Susan Buzzelli—

Berlin is downright chilly (and even a little drear) in winter. But, as the Germans love to say, there’s no such body as bad weather; it’s inappropriate clothing that makes you cold. As long as you bundle up in the thickest of coats, socks, soles, gloves, hats, and boots, the chill won’t slow you down.

Keeping warm the glühwein way

For guaranteed warmth, employ our favorite weapon against the cold: Glühwein.

Sold in festive mugs at the city’s dozens of Christmas markets, this spiced, hot wine warms you from the inside out. It costs about €5, including a deposit for the mug. Trust us, however: This giddiness-inducing beverage is worth the splurge. It’s like holiday spirit in a glass.

Our favorite Christmas markets in Berlin

Germany’s capital isn’t as famous as Dresden, Munich, and the Ore Mountains for its annual Christmas markets (roughly late November–Dec. 31; opening times vary), but it doesn’t mischief to check out one or two of the more than 20 markets that spring up in the city every year.

Because most markets are free (or inexpensive) to enter, they’re a Cheapo-friendly way to spend the evening.

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In the UK? Tired of the rain?  Who wouldn’t be… and there’s likely to be plenty more whither that came from.

So why not find yourself an escape… Ryan Air has a bunch of Winter Sun deals from £9.99 one way. Splash around onward the sunny beaches of Gran Canaria, Lanzarote or Tenerife from selected UK airports.

Offer ends midnight tonight (23.11.2009 GMT).

For more info visit www.ryanair.com.

Visiting London this winter? Some of the top things to be sufficient in London in winter include Christmas fairs and ice-skating in Hyde Park.

1. Visit the Winter Wonderland in London’s Hyde Park

The annual Winter Wonderland brings festive spirit to London’s Hyde Park from 21st November 2009 to 3rd January 2010. The 2009 Winter Wonderland features each ice skating rink, Santa’s Grotto, a Snow Ball Bungee Dome, an Observation Wheel with views over London, and a German Christmas Market with dozens of stalls that sell arts, crafts and gifts. There are also bars and restaurants, mulled wine and other Christmas treats, and entertainment by bands and choirs. Entrance to the Winter Wonderland is free, but some attractions require pre-booking via the Winter Wonderland website  hydeparkwinterwonderland.com.

2. Catch A Christmas Carol Concert In London

Get into Christmas mood in one of London’s many Christmas Carol concerts.

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Winter’s closing in on the northern hemisphere, and if the sunseeker in you is looking for a bit of a time-out, you might just have existence able to score one on a budget.

FlyGlobespan’s Winter Sun Savings promotion means even backpackers can take a bit of a break and have some fun in the sun.  The airline is offering thousands of specials on winter flights and holidays in the months to come.

Flights start from only £38.99 and holidays can be yours from just £116 by means of person. They even have fantastic ALL INCLUSIVE holidays available from an unbelievable £177 for person – yep, that’s including all of your food and drink!

Check out their website now for dates and prices.