FALL IN COPENHAGEN

Fall has found its way to Copenhagen.  It sneaked in so slowly that it caught us unawares.  The days are subtley different now; shorter, colder and darker.   Often, a misty fog comes in the night on cat paws and floats around the spires and steeples so we can hardly see across the lakes.  Church bells are muffled and a fine mist saturates the air, frizzing my hair and fogging my glasses.  The morning can brighten and be sunny, or stay damp, misty or even drizzly all day. Trees are turning all shades of gold and rust and big, leathery leaves swirl in the wind, packing the walkways and stacking up against the hedges.

Fall trees along the lake.

This looks like paint, but is actually soft, brilliant green moss.

Ivy-twined buildings dressed in maroon, scarlet and green

Bikers still brave the wind and riders are buttoned, gloved and scarfed.  The scarves are a sight: soft, fuzzy, huge, boa-like wraps made for chin tucking in the stiff breezes that barrel down the canyon-like streets.  Men wear a smaller version.

This rider is wearing a small scarf.

Babies are swaddled and bundled in buggies (big London nanny-type buggies) or zipped into these tent-like contraptions which are actually the front of the bike.  They swivel to maneuver easily.  Genius.

And, you'd think all the groceries and flower shops would pull the flowers inside for warmth.  Not so. Flowers still crowd in bunches outside every grocery like a summer party.  I shiver for them, but love seeing them. I bought a huge bunch of Gerber Daisies last week.  I felt so Danish.  These Danes resist winter and use every excuse to linger outdoors.  Blankets draped on cafe chairs help extend outdoor dining well into the fall, and some eateries have gas jets hissing warmth as well. Any bit of sunlight draws a street crowd, which disappears with the sun.  Everyone tells me this fall has been very mild, but they are expecting a harsh winter.

This out-door seating is roomy, but some of these outside areas are crowded in front of cafes on tiny, little sidewalks.  It doesn't seem to bother them at all that people edging by are brushing their shoulders and bumping their elbows as they eat.