Sunny Scandinavia

Although it's currently very cloudy in København, signs of spring are everywhere. Today being the first official day of spring is the first sign that the cold winter is finally drawing to a close. Last week was so sunny that I was able to ditch my smokey winter coat and don the shades. The change in attire was very much needed after a cold and windy February.

There are many things that I am looking forward to during the spring/summer months.

I am especially looking forward to various outdoor concerts/festivals/events such as:

1. Queen Margrethe II's birthday: On April 16th the current Queen of Denmark, Queen Margrethe II appears on her balcony so she can be wished happy birthday.

2. May Day (also known as International Workers Day): A leftist political day on May 1st which many get time off work for so that they can attend and participate in the various demonstrations. This day celebrates the past victories of the worker's movement, most notably the establishment of the 8-hour work day.

3. Distortion: Five days of street parties between May 30th to June 3rd.

4. St John's Eve: A celebration on the eve of the summer solstice which takes place on June 23rd. It is celebrated by making a large bonfire on the beach to ward off evil spirits. A witch made of straw and cloth is placed on the bonfire in order to send the witch away. As the bonfire burns songs are sung, speeches are made, and delicious picnic food is eaten.

5. Roskilde: A music festival in the nearby town of Roskilde that starts on June 30th and ends on July 8th.


And without further adieu, here are some photographs that show the approaching spring season (there may or may not be a chance of blue skies!)

{tulipaner}

{stone lion}

{pathway in Rosenborg slot}

{tree blossoms in Christiania}

{blossoms}

{zoomed out blossoms}

{statue by an entrance to Assistens Kirkegård. Kirkegård is Danish for cemetary. Apparently this isn't a well-liked statue!}

{Assistens Kirkegård pathway}

{flowers}

{watering cans}

{growing flower}

{bluebird}

{gnarled tree}

{spring flowers}

{old gate}

{winter leaves}

{goodbye winter leaves}

{bushel of flowers}

{blooming}

{sun rays}

{mischievous squirrel}

{mischief managed}