Sundevedsgade, Where it all began... 1999

This is the street where it all began...

That's a picture of a mural on the street where I first lived when I moved to Copenhagen. It's in the neighborhood called Vesterbro - which means West Bridge - and when I had arrived Copenhagen was in the throes of a program entitled "City Renewal". This meant that the STATE went in and upgraded many apartments (even privately owned) rendering many apartments many times its worth by the end. Many ended up with a lot of money in their hands but what it did inevitably mean is that housing went up even more in what was already one of the most expensive cities to live in the world.
In those days - this was the early 2000's - my little family lived on the 5th floor (no elevator) in a small but beautiful apartment that was not equipped with hot water and a shower.  This is how I entered motherhood - and every time I wanted to bitch and moan I would think about the women who came before me in Trinidad who did not have the modern conveniences that so many of us take for granted these days.
I was by this neighborhood the other day and it has changed much, although there are some landmarks that have remained untouched. There is Cafe Hoeg's and Bang & Jensen's -- cafes that have managed to remain open since my days there. There is R - whom many call the mayor of Vesterbro, who walks around and depending on his mood and who you are will call you out in the street. He's been doing that since I lived there - except when I lived there he was friendly and now when he sees me there is a disconnect there that I cannot bridge. In fact, the last time I saw him, he barged past me and called me the "N" word, despite my warm greeting. Funnily enough I did not get upset - he is of color himself but was raised here. I know not what his struggles are.
There is a march taking place in Copenhagen. Stay tuned & I will keep you posted.