I arrived in Copenhagen having done no real prior research about the place except for how to get to the hotel from the train station. To my surprise, as got out of the subway and started walking down the street towards my hostel address suddenly there was a crowd of people gathering in front of a gate directly in my path. A police officer was directing traffic and stopped me from passing.
I stood there with my big pack on my front and back slightly annoyed and then I saw them coming – a beautiful row of soldiers marching in perfect unison emerging from what I came to learn was the Rosenborg Castle complex. They passed by me, and marched directly out on the street. I continued to follow them along the sidewalk and I watched as the group of them stopped for stoplights and cars went by them as if this was an everyday occurrence I had no idea who they were or why they were marching, or where they were going – but all of a sudden I felt as if Copenhagen had given me the best welcome possible. Luckily – even though I was loaded down with luggage, I was able to find my phone and snap a few pictures. It was unexpected, interesting, and suddenly I found myself excited about what else the city had to offer – how else could it surprise me?
Sometimes life if about good timing – and certainly many times photography is all about good timing. Wether it’s the sun in the exact perfect position, the perfectly placed clouds, the schedule of events, getting the shot when there is a split second of no tourists in my frame – it’s all about being in the right place at the right time. For 3 days I walked around the city photographing the scenes in front of me – some historic, some obscure, some surprising – but most had to do with good timing.
Sherry Ott is a refugee from corporate IT who is now a long term traveler, blogger, and photographer. She’s a co-founder of Briefcasetobackpack.com, a website offering career break travel inspiration and advice.
Additionally, she runs an around the world travel blog writing about her travel and expat adventures at Ottsworld.com.com.
