Beggars in the streets

I've posted before about beggars in Copenhagen, and I must confess that they annoy me a bit. Not that I think they're all faking it (though I know that some are), but maybe I'm just ashamed that I don't or can't really help them. No matter what the reason is, I see them in much the same way I see the facers of the NGO's that are pestering you when you pass. It might just be that I like to walk around in the city in a sort of cocoon, without being forced to commit myself to anything or anyone.

Heavy on equipment

On the square of Amagertorv on Strøget in Copenhagen you'll find bands like this performing. No mere sax or acoustic guitar and a loud voice, but a regular band with loudspeakers, microphones and all the other paraphernalia. Sometimes they're good (this one was) and sometimes they're just loud.

Traditional

One of the more traditional street musicians in Copenhagen is this guy. With his guitar, Stetson, knick-knacks and dog, you'll often notice him standing around performing oldies-but-goodies in Strøget. Tomorrow I'll show you some that are not as simple as this one.

Reacting

I like to observe people's reactions to the homeless people in Copenhagen. Some just ignore the misery, others give them a quick glance and almost shameful hurry on, and then there's some that simply can't conceal their curiosity. This mother and her two kids just stopped and stared at the lying figures, before moving on. These sleeping people are a fixture on the City Hall Square as they try to get some warmth from the vents underneath.

Playing to no audience

The street musicians doesn't seem to mind the cold weather as they're on the streets and squares of Copenhagen all year round. This one on the City Hall Square (Rådhuspladsen) did seem to be struggling to attract an audience, as he sat with his back to the green fence surrounding the metro construction site. At least the sun was out to give him some warmth.

Spring soon?

The snowdrops are struggling to get through the hard frozen dirt in Denmark and people are longing for spring. With heavy snowfall last week and freezing temperatures it still seems a long way off.

The sun is here

Whenever the sun is shining in Copenhagen, people crowd the outdoor serving places everywhere, even if the temperature is below freezing. This photo is from Saturday in the Nyhavn, which is one of the traditional places to go when there's a bit of sun.

Getting close

One of the most anticipated things about the new Arctic Ring area at Copenhagen Zoo is that you can get really close to the swimming polar bears. Only a thick glass wall separates the spectators from the bears and as a tunnel of glass brings you under the basin as well, you can really enjoy the animals in their element. I'm looking forward to going there on a day, where I don't have to use my elbows to get a glimpse of the action, though.

Exhausted

 

 

With all the new surroundings and the crowds of people watching, it's no wonder the polar bear here needs a power nap. The Arctic Ring in Copenhagen Zoo is a huge success, but it does take its toll on the bears.

Northern Light

 

You might be lucky to see northern light in Denmark a few times a year, but due to light pollution that is usually not possible in Copenhagen. But now you can experience an artificial version in Copenhagen Zoo's new Arctic Ring. In one of the connecting tunnels light projectors make the illusion as you walk through.

 

The Arctic Ring

The new area in Copenhagen Zoo is amazing. Called the Arctic Ring there's a bigger area and basin for the polar bears and a cliff for North Atlantic birds. At the moment the only downside is that it's very popular so there's always big crowds of people, so I think I'll wait a few months before I'll be able to get really nice pics of the diving polar bears.

Rooaaarrr

This lion cub will not be bullied by its older aunt. When the lions got cubs there's often something going on in the enclosure in Copenhagen Zoo.

Playing in the snow

Even though the weather in Copenhagen might not be their favourite, the lion cubs in Copenhagen Zoo seems to enjoy a playing in the snow.

Breaking through

 

Even if the calendar is telling us that it's spring, the weather in Denmark sure don't agree. These winter aconites are struggling to get through the frozen earth and a light covering of snow, so there're some signs that spring might be coming at some point, but Father Frost will be back with a vengeance in the next few days as a blizzard seems to be heading towards us. High winds and up to 30 cm of snow will make getting around in Copenhagen interesting Tuesday.

 

Early morning

 

You don't always have to go somewhere special or have your big full-frame DSLR with you to catch a nice sunrise. I took this one with my iPhone while walking to work one cold morning last week. My iPhone is always with me and even when using my Nikon D800 I often shoot a few reference photos with the iPhone. Then I have something to quickly publish on either FB, Instagram or Tadaa. Or on this blog:)