I thought I was studying in Copenhagen...

This weather definitely feels more like Minnesota. It's the coldest and snowiest winter Copenhagen has seen in almost 20 years. And it's still snowing! Everyone assured me that Copenhagen has a milder climate and, being a Minnesotan, I should be able to handle their winter no problem. Well let me tell you, this is ridiculous. It wouldn't be nearly as bad if they were equipped to deal with all the snow. I have yet to see a real snow plow, they only have street sweepers. And, as I'm sure you can imagine, they don't quite get the job done. Also, it would be completely tolerable if I didn't have to walk everywhere. It's something that I usually enjoy, I like meandering through the city and discovering little shops and cafes but when it's snowing and the wind is ripping through you jacket, you really start to miss the refuge of your warm car.

However despite my complaining there are definitely things that I love about winter in Copenhagen. Most of them involve children. One, they wear little jumpsuits similar to Randy in "A Christmas Story." They look so cute waddling down the streets with only their eyes, nose and rosy red cheeks visible! And sometimes they can't really move their arms, which is also very entertaining to watch. Secondly, the children are quite often pulled around in sleds. Strollers are still very common but with all the snow it's completely normal to see a mother pulling her children down a city street in a sled. Third, I love how resilient the Danes are. Even though they are definitely not used to weather like this and my host sister has never even experienced weather like this, they still do things as they normally would. They ride their bikes to work and school and continue to walk everywhere. Yesterday, I was walking home in the type of snow that forces you to watch your feet as you walk because the idea of looking forward is absurd unless you enjoy a face full of snow and ice. However, despite the vicious wind and incredibly unfriendly snow, there were still several bikes and mopeds passing by me. Several of the bikers had adorned ski goggles to combat the elements-- so clever, these Danes. And the last thing I love about Copenhagen winters is watching my classmates from Florida, California and states with similar climates struggle hardcore with this weather.