Being a Reflective Traveler

Ørstedsparken

My morning began sitting in Ørstedsparken, a gorgeous green park enclosing a lake in the center. Near the bench I was sitting on were a large group of kids, maybe around four or five year olds all playing in the park. Mixed with noises of birds chirping were children running and yelling in Danish. People would walk by with their bikes, some would take a moment to sit on a bench, others would be looking onto the lake. There was no rush. There was no sense of hurry. There was a sense of calmness, even with the rowdy children.

Sketch of the Park

I reflected on the role of parks in connection in the community. I saw different types of people able to enjoy this communal space and use it however they choose: connecting with others, for a place of play, for self-reflection, even for taking a nap.

Surrounded by the sounds of nature, I was reminded by the peace of simplicity. The fulfillment, reflection, and sense of calm I can find by zooming out, and just focusing on the simple things in life, like sitting in this park. Copenhagen and the city’s energy reminds me of this idea of calmness and relaxation. It’s what doesn’t make me surprised that it's infamously marketed as one of the “happiest cities in the world.” It also made me wonder how and where this “happiness” comes from? Is it the relaxed energy or the educational accessibility? How has this narrative been created and how is it different today than in the past? How has this sense of openness been influenced by the past?

Making my way back from the park, I decided to take a longer route and stroll along cobblestone streets, away from the busier roads. The architecture has always been something to admire in Copenhagen. The patterns of color and greenery trickled throughout the buildings with bikes lined at the bottom. The buildings themselves almost exude joy with their bright colours.

Zooming in, I see people with different visible identities, while also recognizing the presence of invisible identities. I see the ways that I’m distinct from this city and the people here - that sense of difference that draws us to travel, but also creates those feelings of discomfort as tourists in a foreign country. But as opposed to uncomfortable feelings, when zooming out, I see what ties us all as human beings and as creatures driven by curiosity and connection. I see what differentiates Copenhagen from Victoria, BC or even Seattle, but also what unites these places. While I see differences, I also see similarities.