One year in Copenhagen
My first impressions of the city, people, favorite spots, and music.
Before I moved to Copenhagen by the end of 2020, I had been in the city for a few days two years before. It wasn't much of an impression in that short time. I can remember spending some time in the Royal Library and trying to build my parents in Lego pieces.
I had no references about the country before moving here, what it shows how close Brazil and Denmark can be in popular culture. But it was just my ignorance that couldn't connect some of the dots.
It was Danish, and I had no clue
LEGO, those little blocks took wonderful hours in my childhood along with striking pain in my heel when stepping on them.
“The Ugly Duckling” e “The Steadfast Tin Soldier” were read over and over from a collection of thin books that my mom not only read but interpreted to me from H.C. Andersen. She used to do different voices and tones, and I could see the stories clearly in my mind. She was also able to cry almost every time she read the Steadfast Tin Soldier to me.
Bike is your best friend, but don't get too attached
If there is a place where suits and dresses can exhale charm while biking is here. There is also the contrast between how good you can look and how shit your bike can be. Cargo bikes are made for carrying more people. You don't buy bikes here; you rent them for unspecified period of time.
Yellowish light
I barely see firetrucks in the city, but every house has more candles than a church. There is a simple test to know if you got close to a danne. Frist get them in your place. Of course, with a month's notice invitation. And watch them change the lighting of the home. "Can I dim this light here?" "Hmm, do you have a lighter for these candles?"
"You should see this place during the summer"
That's the default comment when you mention you have been here for less than a year. When you have been living in the city for more than a year, it often changes to "I can't wait for summer". Is it cold? It is completely OK to leave your house in ski suits, the family all together. And also biking against the wind feeling that you are moonwalking on wheels.
A bit more remoulade on my rye bread
It doesn't matter what time of the day or meal. Rye bread fits the bill. And don't forget to say "velbekomme" to every chewing human being. Sugar moves all the birthdays' celebrations, along with Danish flags spread everywhere. It is like independence day in every candle blow.
There is no such a word as "summit" in Denmark
It is so flat that if you came across a small bump, it was man-made. As it is impossible to go up, dipping in the water is an option. They do against the weather, whatever they feel, and clothes are optional. Btw, it feels great.
Appreciation is the rule
It took me a while to understand by the end of working hours or after leaving a class, their saying "thanks for the day". I mean, it is nice…but every day? Some days aren't the best ones, and I am not sure if we should be thankful for them. But it is a literal translation of "tak for dag" and is ingrained in the social cordiality.
Many more days to come. For now, I will be waiting for the summer. Tusind tak, vi sees.
Favorite spots
Beer / Wine
Byhaven Pumpehuset (Vesterbro)— grab a beer and enjoy some music outdoors
Bo-bi Bar (Indre By)— brown bodega with a French look
Rosforth & Rosforth (Christianshavn) — wine shop where you can borrow some glasses and drink straight by the harbor
Cafe
GONZO café (Nørrebro) — family vibes
Kaffebaren på Amager (Amager)— relaxed corner to forget about time
Eat
Warpigs Brewpub (Meatpacking District)— meat, beers, and good rock n' roll
Fatty’s (Islands brygge) — no bullshit take away burgers
Hos Nicola (Christianshavn)— hidden Italian door
Watch / Read
Den Sorte Diamant (Indre By) — for peace of mind
Grand Teatret (Indre By) — movies in a charming alley
Hotel Cecil and Rust (Indre By) — cozy small places for gigs
Visit
Frederik’s Church (Indre By) — peaceful and beautiful
Kastrup Søbad (Amager)— for a dip in the water, all year round
Copenhill (Amager) — cool trash mountain with a good view of the city
Vangsgaards Antikvariat og Forlag (Indre By) — great art books in the back of the store
