Copenhagen shakes

by Terje Raa (Denmark)

Illustration by Lene Folkenberg

Metro - illustration by Lene Folkenberg

Welcome to the Copenhagen Metro!

Today, there is operating an extraordinary connection: Line P - is a special happening on World Parkinson's Disease Day.

Departure from Frederiksberg Station at 1000 returning 1600.

I'm pleased to be your guide and wish you all hopefully a very exciting and informative trip.

First stop is Stepstones, or more specifically, the flight of steps leading up from the Metro's underground. It looks like a rockslide this morning, a chaos of stones, at the top offset by skies promising sunshine soon. The message on an adjacent poster, "Parkinson Means Challenges", suggests that chaos is an image of the disease. Any day with Parkinson’s could compare to a hillside with multifarious obstacles; difficult to pass when rigidity, shaking and unsteady walking are the order of the day. The steps are a hit. Two young photographers from Saatchi & Saatchi, an advertising agency, have reason to be proud. A local grand old lady views things differently: "Graffiti!" she declares.

Next stop Parkinsonland, reserved for those with a diagnosis, more or less revealed in their body language, and as always some relatives. A computer mouse and a Dancard terminal, challenges to many a Parkinson’s hand, are depicted on strategically placed posters, showing the way to the campaign table of the Danish Parkinson's Disease Association. Although an information desk, it even includes elements of homely cosiness - we're in Denmark, mind you. Camilla, a young member, has brought cans of fresh coffee, while Ebba has contributed with her own potted plants, just a few of them.

Simply by putting on unwieldy garden gloves and then doing a jigsaw puzzle, visitors may experience first-hand the problems of a disabled hand. Magazines and folders abound; there are red tulip pins, peaked caps, stacks of new flyers, literally flying in the wind. The close surroundings are soon papered with locked doors, a motif affording challenges in the form of three locks. It's an entrance not only to the text on the flyer's back, but at best a greater understanding for people who often feel stigmatised as confused drinkers.

Cafe - illustration by Lene Folkenberg

Moods of Copenhagen

A short stop in Youngstown. On this chilly April morning, the younger citizens rush to and from a local gymnasium and business school. "The steps are great!" is their prompt reaction when asked about the chaos of stones. They grab a flyer; several are ready for a discussion, anxious to explore a disease which few understand. The ability to listen bodes well for the future. Two young guys from Jutland, western Denmark that is, try it all: coffee with jigsaw puzzle, stairs and a pocketful of folders. In new caps, they gawk at the way Ebba commands her reluctant fingers - she visualises their next move. "That must be a drag!" they say, unaware that their open attitude makes her drag easier.

We arrive at a serious corner now, Grieftown, with the table in a mess: flyers land and take off; the jigsaw puzzle is hiding under coffee-stained folders, while hands and clothes are more colourfully stained thanks to Ebba's oils, meant for a painting in progress. The table is nevertheless a rallying point where people put words on their feelings. A deeply moved elderly lady remembers her late friend, buried recently after years with Parkinson’s. Yet another remembers a recent funeral - her own mother's. "Come out and live life!" she pleads, mourning her mother's choice of isolation instead of openness about her physical and mental illness. Inspired by today's theme, people vent their worries: cancer, brittle-bone disease, Fibromyalgia, fear of Parkinson’s.

It's time for Gladtown. Three strokes and a resulting aphasia is no fun. But the confiding man does create cheerfulness, by giving away mini bottles of Danish bitters to accompany the coffee. A freezing charmer from Cuba, now in a white T-shirt serving as a coat, feels so sexy that he bursts into song, inspiring his mate to a one-word evaluation …………!" Three eagerly chatting guys, rushing up from the Metro, are offered a flyer. "I've got one!" calls the first guy, immediately remonstrated by his friends, "You haven't got a damn thing!" In cascades of laughter, they bump into parked bicycles, knocking over the lot. A walker, suddenly at large, nearly rolls into two young ladies, who return it to the owner with broad and understanding smiles.

Copenhagen Church

Dear Metro travellers! It's 1600 and we're back at Frederiksberg Station. After leaving the train, you will from time to time be confronted with Parkinson’s: when seeing people shaking while standing at the supermarket check-out, struggling with their bunch of keys and stumbling or dragging themselves through the streets, somewhat like drunks. Little things that most people do quite automatically, represent challenges for those who are ill. You could challenge yourself by showing your understanding and support clearly, thereby wiping out the other's fear of ridicule. Thank you for travelling line P.

Terje Raa

13 June 2007

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