Copenhagen is cold, rainy, and windy through the brunt of the Spring, or so I was told. When packing, I made sure to bring numerous jackets, sweatshirts, and sweater, in order to cope with the wind. While the wind has remained, as it is ever-present in Copenhagen, the weather has certainly shifted since when I arrived. Our program might be finished but I figured I would spend a few extra days in Copenhagen with my sister who is also on a Euro-trip. Her arrival seemed to have brought the warmth to Copenhagen and it is near sweltering here.\, at least relative to my first few weeks.
Most of our time spent in Copenhagen was cool, crisp, and windy. Knowing rain could strike at the drop of a hat and that it is nearly impossible to predict the weather here, I always had a rain jacket our umbrella close by. Luckily, I can now enjoy the warmth of what seems to be Danish summer, although I have no summer clothes with me. What has been truly amazing to experience is how Copenhagen has transformed in a matter of days. From bleak yet beautiful to warm and lively.
Life seemed to be on pause near the beginning of our trip, with everything from the people to the plants protected in layers to keep the weather out. Since this heat wave has hit, everything in Copenhagen has come to life and the plants have all come out at once. Spring has happened in an instance. From buds hiding behind layers to flowers in full bloom, Copenhagen is lush in a way that is incomparable. Flowers are everywhere and the funny shaped trees which are everywhere now prove why they are cut and handle. Their knobby branches are filled with leaves and they are shaped beautifully, as if they are manicured every day. Bright green grass is everywhere and countless tulips are some of the most notable scenes in this beautiful space.
Even more incredible than the greenery are the people residing and enjoying these spaces. Given Denmark’s cold weather and lack of sunshine during most of the year, everyone flocks to big outdoor spaces when the weather turns. Parks are covered in blankets and towels with sunbathers as far as the eye can see. Music and children shrieks fill the air like never before. Noise was something that was absent in so many spaces. Copenhagen was very quiet for most of my stay here. This is no longer the case and happy sound seems to emanate from every direction. Outdoor seating is almost completely full at any café that offers it. Every glass seems to be filled with chilled beer, dripping with condensation.
While I have enjoyed every moment spent in Copenhagen, these few days have been incredible. Danish joy is palpable in this beautiful, summer-like weather. I have gotten to experience polar opposites and this has been an incredible and comprehensive way to know the city. My time here in Copenhagen will soon be coming to close but I will make sure to take all of it in these last few days.