The International - July 2019

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

BISCUITS & SUMMER BERRIES

WEEKEND BREAKS IN THE UK

JULY EVENTS AROUND DENMARK

LEARNING DANISH

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FREE

IN AND AROUND DENMARK PAPER

WITH MARIN MILOSAVLJEVIC

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TIME OUT FOR FAMILY & FRIENDS SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE ALL ABOUT TIME TOGETHER AND HAVING FUN. SO, TAKE SOME TIME OUT, FORGET ABOUT WORK AND EXPLORE DENMARK. TRY SOMETHING DIFFERENT BY JUMPING ON AN S-TRAIN, BICYCLE AND DISCOVER NEW PLACES.

A

AS I SAT on the long train ride back from a meeting in Copenhagen yesterday, I reflected on this issue of The International. As I do every issue I try to find a way of condensing 32 pages of interesting, exciting content into my short Editor's message. Not an easy task, that's for sure! As I sat on the STrain, I looked out of the window and marvelled at how beautiful Denmark is, and how happy families were together on their way to the beach, shopping or to a Sankt Hans bonfire. I believe our July issue encompasses that feeling of holidays and all that goes with it.

So, on that note let's start with the many events around Denmark. We are certainly spoilt for choice, and we had to be very selective as there is simply just so much going on (page 3-6) from festivals and concerts taking place all over Denmark, to performances at castles and car shows. So, take a look, and keep your eye on social media as we take the overspill of events digitally!

What's ringing true in this issue is how widespread The International is becoming. We welcome a new writer Hakan Jakob Kosar from Move North, a local of Frederikshavn. Hakan is going to introduce us for the next couple of issues to this beautiful northeast coast of the Jut-

land peninsula. Haka will introduce us to local internationals who have made a career move to this most northern coastal town be sure to follow what they are up to on social media too @movenorth.

Our feature story this issue is Marin, a

successful young entrepeneur who is making his mark in Denmark. It's quite a journey, so make sure whilst sitting on the beach you read his story (page 8-11). I, personally, have enjoyed my own fun travels, and got to spend time with family in the UK on a road trip. For our internationals who would like to discover closer destinations, and aren't travelling thousands of kilometers to go home, why not try a quick getaway.

This issue we visit the beautiful Coventry. Come discover the UK over the next two issues with us (page 7).

Big topic amongst international is retention of talented people in Denmark.

Cathy tackles this issue head on. Great article, love to hear your own personal experiences about this (page 22).

The weather is sunny here today at The International headquarters. So, I'm going to sign off for today, wish you all once again a wonderful summer with your family and friends, and congratulations to all students receiving their caps this week! Watch out for those student buses!

"If you can spend a perfectly useless afternoon in a perfectly useless manner, you have learned to live."

- Lin Yutang

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN EDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COM

MEET THE TEAM SALES For advertising sales, please contact: sales@the-intl.com ADDRESS

The International ApS, Industrivej 14, 4683 Rønnede; +45 42676745

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Provins-Trykkeriet ApS, Vordingborg

COVER PICTURE EDITOR & FOUNDER LYNDSAY JENSEN has twenty years' experience in the advertising and publishing industry, and holds degrees in Business and Desktop Publishing (print and repro).

Born in the UK, and brought up in South Africa, she has the ability to understand different cultures, and is passionate about networking. She is a wife of twenty two years and mother to two boys aged 21 and 15. She loves travel, photography and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER KENNETH MACALPINE is a Nordic Financial Manager in the Transport industry. His education is in Finance and he has a business degree obtained in the UK. Born in Norway he moved to Denmark at the age of 22. He is of Danish Scottish ancestry and lives in southern Denmark with his large multi-national family consisting of Danish, Irish and Brazilian heritage. He is always interested in new challenges and loves to live life to the fullest. kenneth@the-intl.com

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SUB-EDITOR

DISTRIBUTION

STELLA SOERENSEN M.A. (Linguistics), TESL, born in the UK, left after university and travelled to Germany and then Kenya where after many happy years running a teacher-training scheme she relocated to Denmark in 1988. A writing and editing career with international companies followed before she began her first novel. It is currently doing the rounds of the agents. A Tai Chi expert, she has three children and four grandchildren. Her passion is constant learning. stella@the-intl.com

SATYA PRAPANCA is married, and moved to Denmark one and a half years ago from Indonesia. His previous work experience includes; subtitle translator, documentary films, photographer, and music curator in his spare time! Satya's passion is composing music with his guitar and laptop. He enjoys nothing more than taking in the beauty of Copenhagen while enjoy coffee/tea and cake at a local cafe.

Céline Martin-Pedersen - www.celinephotograph.com / info@celinephotograph.com

DISTRIBUTION

The International is available at a range of businesses, institutions, cafés and public libraries across Denmark

SUBSCRIPTIONS

For home or corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: distribution@the-intl.com The International is published 12 times a year.

This issue was published on June 25, 2019

CVR:

39118181

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W H AT ’ S O N

I N J U LY

VIOLENCE, SEX, HUMILIATION, MURDER AND RUIN. RICHARD III IS PROBABLY THE EVILEST VILLAIN IN THE HISTORY OF THEATRE. DO YOU DARE LOOK HIM IN THE EYE?

THE DANISH SUMMER IS A GLORIOUS THING. THE LONG, GREY, AND MELANCHOLIC WINTER IS THE ANTITHESIS TO THESE FRIVOLOUS, LIGHT-FILLED, BALMY DAYS WHICH SEES DENMARK STRAINING AT THE BUTTONS TO STRIP-OFF AND HEAD FOR THE BEACH. Many internationals will have jetted off to visit their homelands or for package holidays of sand, sea, sangria and sunbeds. But for those of you who’ve stayed to chance it with the weather, and knowing that the furthest point from the coast anywhere in Denmark is just 50 km, perhaps the best idea is to enjoy some of the great beaches on our doorstep, and why not? Some of the best white sand beaches in Denmark are in West Jutland, Marielyst Beach on Falster, Tisvildeleje and Hornbæk beaches on the Danish Riviera in North Sealand. But if you find beach life a little soporific, here’s a fine compilation of some great events around Denmark.

PHOTOGRAPHS VISIT DENMARK

TEXT HEATHER GARTSIDE

REBILD

VISIT DENMARK

TICKTES & PICNIC WWW.HAMLETSCENEN.DK

4 JULY CELEBRATION In 1912 a group of Danish immigrants living at the time in America purchased 140 acres of rolling countryside near Rold in northern Jutland. During the first 4 July celebrations, the land was donated to the Danish people, and since then, every 4 July the 140 acres is filled with thousands of people. The celebration in the hills of Rebild is a token of gratitude towards America, the country that greeted more than 300,000 Danish immigrants with open arms. The celebration serves also the tradition of strengthening the bonds of friendship between the USA and Denmark visualized by the “Stars and Stripes” and the Danish flag, “Dannebrog”, flying side by side in the natural amphitheatre. You will experience music, entertainment, a truly international community, singing and speeches by prominent Americans and Danes. Among the former keynote speakers are members of the Danish royal family, Richard M. Nixon, and Walt Disney.

SPONSORED BY

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.VISITAALBORG.COM/LN-INT/REBILD-CELEBRATION-4TH-JULY-REBILDAND-AALBORG-GDK640881

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AARHUS

SLAGELSE

TRÆF PÅ TOPPEN

SWAP LANGUAGE

VISIT DENMARK - ROBIN SKJOLDBORG

COPENHAGEN

11 JULY

13 JULY

LANGUAGE SWAP

AFTERNOON COFFEE

LET'S MEET AT THE TOP

Staying in Denmark for the summer? You can still, however, begin new travel plans. If you are prepared to put on a name tag and dive into the language and culture of your favourite destination by teaming-up with enthusiastic native speakers who live here, then arrive 19:00 prompt at the Generator hostel, The event is free and if you arrive early enough, you’ll even get a free beer to help loosen those vocal cords and let lose that dormant dream destination on your bucket list.

Staying in Aarhus for the summer? Join Spouse Community Aarhus for our Afternoon Coffee event from 12:00 – 14:00 at The Merchant Coffee Shop, Frederiksgade 38, 8000 Aarhus. This is a chance for those who need an afternoon pick-me-up to come together in cosy surroundings to mix and mingle. This event is open to both members and non-members and their children. Just sign-up through the link.

Car mad? From 14:00 on Saturday 14 July you can discretely park the family saloon and, with picnic basket in hand and camera to the ready, walk up to Gårdhøjsvej 1, Drøsselbjerg, 4200 Slagelse. At the end of the gravel road you’ll find a fantastic view over Kalundborg, Reersø, Fyn, the Storebælt bridge, and Slagelse. AND, you can get up close to some stunning vintage and classic cars. Vintage mopeds too!

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.INTERNATIONALCOMMUNITY.DK/EN-US/ EVENTS/EVENT/AFTERNOON-COFFEE-15

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/287612348798699/

SWAP LANGUAGE

VISIT DENMARK - MIKKEL HERIBA

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/166534470951584/?EVENT_TIME_ID=276529613285402

ISTOCK

8 JULY

H i g h Acad em i c S t an d ar d s C h ri s t i an E t ho s C onv e n i en t l y l o c at ed i n H el l er u p

rygaards.com JULY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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ISTOCK

ODENSE

22 JULY RUN FAST, RUN SLOW. JUST RUN! Ready to kickstart the week? Throughout the summer you can come along to “Run fast, run slow. Just run!” at Munke Mose Park at Nelles. From 18:00 to 20:00 join the Odense Running Crew on their Monday run. You can choose between a 5 km or a 10 km distance around the beautiful city of Odense. Odense Running Crew (ORC) welcomes runners of all abilities. The goal is to be more than just running – ORC is a social community, promoting culture, joy and diversity through addictive, and FREE exercise.

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS/2077516375652162/?EVENT_TIME_ ID=2077516472318819

VISITRIBE

RIBE

25 - 28 JULY RIBE JAZZ FESTIVAL All types of jazz are represented at this festival, from traditional to state-ofthe art. Artists from around the world, and from Denmark, will take to the stages set up around this fascinating and very historical old Viking city - a city, incidentally, well worth a visit in itself.

VISITRIBE

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.VISITRIBE.DK/RIBE-JAZZFESTIVAL-GDK633973

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HELSINGØR

RICHARD-III-HAMLETSCENEN - SØREN-MEISNER

AARHUS

ISTOCK

GRØN KONCERT

ODENSE

ED'S PICK!

26 JULY

30 JULY

1 - 23 AUG

GREEN CONCERT

THE FUTURE IS GREEN AND DANISH

RICHARD III - PERFORMANCE AT SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

The energy museum’s new travelling exhibition, 'The Future is Green – The Future is Danish' at Dokk1, Hack Kampmanns Plads 2, 8000 Aarhus. You’ll be able to see twenty-four of the latest, best and most innovative environmental projects created in Danish Universities and businesses. Denmark is at the cutting edge of green innovation, and proudly struts it stuff at this exhibition.

Shame about the jingoistic event name though!

Richard is different. He knows that only too well. He has no hope of getting out of the box, which other people´s words and glances have trapped him in. He sees only one way to break out of the box and get the recognition he is longing for: The Crown, the highest power. He decides to become a villain and to get rid of all competitors on his way. It becomes a fatal choice which soon drags him, and all he meets on the way, through a labyrinth of power play filled with violence, sex, humiliation, murder and ruin.

26 July is the annual music festival,‘Grøn Koncert’ in Odense. From 12:30 – 15:30. At the entrance to the concert which takes place at Dryreskuepladsen, iAnimal with be showing a 5-minute documentary and handing-out information on some of the horrific truths behind the meat and farming industries. They will be showing the many good reasons to eat more compassionately now and in the future. If you’re interested or would like to come and help to raise awareness, even just for 30 minutes, then sign-up at the link.

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.ALLEVENTS.IN/ODENSE/GRØNKONCERT/200017258341346

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.ALLEVENTS.IN/ÅRHUS/FREMTIDEN-ERGRØN-FREMTIDEN-ER-DANSK/200017201472415

FOR TICKETS AND MORE INFO: WWW.HAMLETSCENEN.DK/EN/ PERFORMANCE/RICHARD-III/

Speak Hellerup Bernstorffsvej 20C 2900 Hellerup Speak Lyngby Klampenborgvej 221 2800 Kgs. Lyngby

speakspeak.dk

Learning Danish is expanding your horizon

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Speak Frederiksberg Lindevangs Allé 8-12 2000 Frederiksberg hello@speakspeak.dk +45 3946 3050

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ROAD TRIP / WEEKEND AWAY

CULTURALLY RICH COVENTRY THINGS TO DO

Arriving in Coventry you get sense of an old world feeling. From beautiful country walks, to visiting old buildings, dancing the night away in one of the clubs, not to mention world famous theatre – you’ll find lots to do in Coventry.

Whether you’re visiting for a day, or staying a little longer take the time to experience Coventry culture at it's best!

Step back in time at a world famous heritage site, or enjoy some shopping with friends or family. Enjoy one of the many brilliant festivals – ranging from food to music and art to sport – or maybe just hang out and relax on the lawn at one of the immaculately landscaped parks and gardens. If you're more into your sport or concerts, get your adrenaline pumping by supporting one of your favourite teams as they take on their rivals, or enjoy a concert, in one of the fantastic arenas.

Whatever your preference, there is so much to see and do, so why not take a look at all there is on offer - next time we are booking for a longer stay!

ATTRACTIONS:  Coventry Cathedral www.coventrycathedral.org.uk  St. Mary's Guildhall www.stmarysguildhall.co.uk  Coventry Transport Museum www.transport-museum.com  Ricoh arena www.ricoharena.com RESTAURANTS AND CAFES:  Tumeric Gold www.turmericgold.co.uk  The White Lion www.vintageinn.co.uk  Cafe Rouge www.caferouge.com SHOPPING:  West Orchards www.westorchards.co.uk  Lower Precinct www.lowerprecinct.com

A HOME AWAY FROM HOME WITH CITYBASE APARTMENTS

SITUATED IN THE heart of Coventry is a gem of an apartment - Priory Place Apartments by Coventry Home. This upmarket, corporate apartment offers generous space and fabulous views. Central to all the top attractions of Coventry, and the main shopping street, it was hard to distinguish between the 'old' world Coventry and the new.

Each of these bright, pleasant and spacious modern apartments provide you with comfortable living areas, full kitchen facilities and restful bedrooms, so you can simply arrive, unpack and relax.

Perfect for either a short stay, or a longer one for the stressfull business traveller looking for a place to unwind.

What better way to have your meetings in the center close to many restaurants. The same is true for a fun family road trip, discovering new and exciting towns like Coventry along the way.

And on top of everything, there is great customer service. We were warmly greeted by the property owner Martin, who was both friendly and helpful, and provided some much needed tourist tips and hints for our short stay.

HOW DO YOU BOOK THESE APARTMENTS? Citybase Apartments are specialists in booking serviced apartments in hundreds of cities around the world. What's unique about their service is that they offer the convenience of hotel-like services with the added space, privacy and flexibility of a kitchen and living area.

An added bonus is that their apartments are great value compared to hotels and, if you’re staying a while or sharing with friends or children, the savings can be significant.

Wherever you want to stay, their friendly and knowledgeable team will help you find the perfect place. If you're on the go, their simple reservation process, and friendly customer service makes booking super simple.

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.CITYBASEAPARTMENTS.COM / TEL: +44 020 8090 8080

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EVERY DAY I FEEL SO

GRATEFUL

LIFE SERVED ME WITH THE OPPORTUNITY TO MOVE TO DENMARK AND GET A FRESH START WHEN I LEAST EXPECTED IT.

PHOTOGRAPHS CÉLINE MARTIN

H

HOME IS WHERE your loved ones are, and I’ve been extremely lucky to surround myself with some great, loyal people both in Belgrade and in Copenhagen. I have family and dear friends in Serbia, but also here in Denmark, and that makes it pretty hard deciding where home is right now. So, I intend to enjoy the unique feeling I have at the moment, here, in Copenhagen.

SO, WHY CHOOSE COPENHAGEN? For Marin, an international go-getter, Copenhagen wasn’t something he’d dreamed about for years but when the opportunity presented itself, he grabbed it. After graduating from the Faculty of Media and Communications in Belgrade, and learning with some ‘crazy talented people through the years’ a growing feeling of wanting to write his own life on a new blank page was bubbling up inside him, so when an opportunity to join one temporary project in Copenhagen emerged he grabbed it, leaving behind his settled, wellrounded life in Belgrade. A life full of friends, family and business contacts.

“I wanted to start over somewhere in my 30s and see if I’m capable of managing it.

Somehow, Copenhagen was everything that I heard about and much more,” he muses.

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TEXT STELLA SOERENSEN

HOW LONG HAVE YOU LIVED HERE? A little over 4 years ago, in May 2015, he arrived in Copenhagen. Always positive and optimistic Milosavljevic recalls how he had an amazing opportunity to spend 2015 experiencing different, beautiful locations: from waking up for three months in a crazy location like Nyhavn, to renting an apartment in Østerbro, and finally to buying his own apartment in the charming suburbia of Glostrup. “I consider myself really lucky to have experienced all these totally different energies that Copenhagen offers.”

YOU OBVIOUSLY LIKE COPENHAGEN - PROFESSIONALLY? PERSONALLY? “I think this city is really so much more than meets the eye. Professionally, I can really appreciate the relaxed atmosphere. Here it’s more important how you do your job, than if you’re wearing a tie or not. It says so much about the people and the culture. Personally, I’m in my mid-30s and I really love the fact that Copenhagen is as fast as you want it to be. This city and its inhabitants will let you spend your time the way you feel comfortable. There are no, or very few, expectations of how you really should live it and that I find inspiring.”

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AND THE FIRST SIX MONTHS HERE – HOW WAS THAT? “Well, I guess in the first six months in any new country there is always something to laugh and to cry about. I came from 30 years of a carefully structured life and career, always surrounded with people I could trust to be there for me through the good and bad days.

Then, suddenly, I re-set my life and woke up in the city where my 3-year-savings could pay only 3-months-rent.” He laughs an infectious laugh and adds: “Nobody tells you that before you move!”

Then he becomes more serious and thinks of another incident: “You know, you meet people and, since you’re from the south of Europe, you’re like ‘Maybe we can grab a coffee, tomorrow?’ and they open their calendars and tell you that they have some free time in around 45 days. It’s hilarious, and devastating at the same time, because there’s just no way you can ever be prepared for such a culture shock.”

WHERE DO YOU WORK AND WHAT DO YOU DO? “Normally, I work from home, although in my case that means I work from everywhere. When I’m in Copenhagen, my regular day starts with a few hours in my home-office, since I love to start around 7 am - that way, by 9 a.m. I’ve already answered a bunch of emails and reminded more than a few people what I need from them that day.”

I guess I’m pretty often the first name in many inboxes for the day.’

After that, he’ll spend time working from coffee-shops, between meetings. “At that point, my office is usually wherever the powersocket for my laptop is.”

Within a few months of being here he’d opened his own one-manbusiness, registered in Denmark as All About Digital and which he

still operates. But after more than 3 years working with multiple clients when an offer for full time work came from Bookmate, he was happy to accept it.

It’s a remote position and it gives him the opportunity to focus on one client, yet he still has all the freedom of not being tied to the office.

“Why work for a sort of ‘Netflix for books’?” I ask.

Marin smiles disarmingly and says: “I guess you could call it that but for me it has more depth. And I love its mission.”

He smiles again. “Yes. It is Bookmate’s mission that really inspires me.”

“Mission?” I ask, trying to stop myself immediately ordering a subscription.

“Its mission is to inspire millions of people around the globe to read more, discover new books, and find friends with common interests. Yes it is subscription based but the eBook and audiobooks service makes reading accessible to anyone in the world with a mobile phone, tablet or laptop. It is, in essence, a great, big, eco-friendly library, always in your pocket.”

Marin is responsible for the Balkans and the Scandinavian markets which means he travels a lot and does get tired but the creative position provides him with the opportunity to meet interesting people and discover inspiring places and it is exactly what he feels he needs in his life right now.

UM…WHAT IS ‘SOCIAL READING’?

Social reading covers everything that surrounds the experience of reading eBooks and listening to audiobooks. Sharing quotes, get-

"YOU KNOW, YOU MEET PEOPLE AND, SINCE YOU'RE FROM THE SOUTH OF EUROPE, YOU'RE LIKE 'MAYBE WE CAN GRAB A COFFEE, TOMORROW?' AND THEY OPEN THEIR CALENDARS AND TELL YOU THAT THEY HAVE SOME FREE TIME IN AROUND 45 DAYS!" JULY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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ting recommendations, discovering new and exciting reads, switching from one gadget to the other in the middle of reading.

Originally from Russia, Bookmate is a social reading site that is now available in more than 20 markets, including Denmark. There are rich local database books in English, Spanish, Danish, Serbian, Turkish, Swedish and other languages, with more than 1,2 million titles available from all genres.

www.cis.dk

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES/DISADVANTAGES OF COPENHAGEN? After 10 years in Serbia working in a shared office he does sometimes miss the social aspect of the working day, but Marin is an extremely positive person and he sees himself as sharing his day with a much bigger, global team which gives him the chance to communicate daily with all sorts of people. Also, working from home does give him the freedom to organise his day the way he likes it. As he continues to talk about the advantages of working from home, I find myself agreeing whole heartedly with him.

“I can take a break and go for a walk, or to the gym, when I feel like it. Also, I eat much healthier. AND, I don’t spend my mornings commuting, and that was really the part I hated with a daily obligation to be at a specific place at a specific time.”

He continues: “and I do have a loyal daily companion.” He moves from his comfortable pillowed sofa over to a little dog curled asleep in its basket. “Here is my little Boston terrier named Loki who I can take proper care of.”

WHAT ABOUT YOURSELF – YOUR FREE TIME? “I'm also a busy person in my free time: I love to read, to write, to spend time in nature. And get me on to quality western TV productions, I go quite crazy. After 4 years in Denmark, I can really appreciate free weekends, cosy evenings and vacations without phone but to achieve that, one has to know when to put things on hold. One of the most important things I've learned since I moved here is that work is never really over, but a working day does, and should, have an end.”

WILL YOU STAY IN DENMARK OR WILL YOU MOVE ON? His current engagement with Bookmate started with an unsolicited email to the owner of the company and today his life is created around that position, but he is fully aware that at some point he will be in need of change, and that he maybe will have to get back to that office routine again but “at this point of my life, I really feel like I’m getting much more out of my day this way.”

Looking at him, and the healthy presence he portrays, I hope it will be a very long time before he allows the office routine to kill him again.

“Here and now, I’m happy,” he enthuses. “Of course, from time to time, I get offers to move for work, but a tempting pay package is not my top priority at the moment. Many factors are keeping me in Denmark, including the famous Danish worklife balance — that is so important to me right now.” THE-INTL

FOR MORE INFO ABOUT WHO MARIN IS YOU CAN FOLLOW HIM ON: LINKEDIN: www.linkedin.com/in/marin-milosavljevic OR FOLLOW HIM ON INSTAGRAM: marin_plus

and a business owner.

Before long, you’ll belong Settling into a new country can be challenging – especially for the nonworking spouse. We know, from studies and from experience, that a successful posting depends on the happiness of the entire family – and our school is home to a very active, warm and welcoming community.

Our PTA offers a wide range of opportunities: newcomers network, Spring Fair, Halloween, Yoga, Activities Fair, Wine and Cheese Evening, Dads’ Club and Ladies’ Night Out. Dedicated parents coach our sports teams, run our boy scouts and serve on the school Board.

Celine received her diploma in Photography in 2005. Photography has never been a job, it is a lifestyle. Living as an expat in Denmark has allowed her to make one of her big dreams come true and start

At CIS the whole family finds a place to grow roots and make friends. So to quote one of our parents: “I came for the job, but we stayed for the school.”

her own photography business. Celine specialises in portrait, fashion and lifestyle photography.

"My goal is to create a beautiful portrait that will be treasured for life."

ABOUT OUR PHOTOGRAPHER

CÉLINE MARTIN-PEDERSEN Celine was born and raised in the French part of Belgium. She has always been curious about life abroad and when the opportunity presented itself she jumped at the chance of living in Florence, Italy. However, the journey continued and love brought Celine to Denmark 3 years ago. She is a wife, mom to 3 fantastic children (1 of them a lovely bonus daughter)

www.celinephotograph.com info@celinephotograph.com @celine_portrait_photography www.facebook.com/celinem photograph/@celinemphotograph www.linkedin.com/in/célinemartin-pedersen-60566458

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WHY FLEXICURITY WORKS

IN DENMARK

LIFELONG LEARNING IS EMBEDDED IN THE DANISH DNA. PHOTOGRAPHS VISIT DENMARK - KIM WYON

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

WHAT IS FLEXICURITY? The term “flexicurity” was introduced in Denmark as a Welfare State Model with a pro-active labour market policy by the Social Democratic Prime Minister Poul Nyrup Rasmussen in the 1990s.

Flexicurity refers to the combination of labour market flexibility within a dynamic economy, and security for workers.

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO BOSS CERTIFICATION UK LIMITED

The concept is built around what is referred to as the “flexicurity model” that combines high mobility between jobs, with a comprehensive income safety net for the unemployed, and an active labour market policy. This model allows companies to hire and fire very easily, but which allows for worker compensation through relatively lucrative unemployment benefits.

In essence, this is a system of income security for unemployed people by providing a relatively high unemployment compensation. Unemployment benefit is currently accessible for two years for paid-up members of an unemployment insurance fund, and there are high compensation rates for low-income groups.

THE BALANCE BETWEEN FLEXIBILITY AND SECURITY Finding the right balance between job flexibility and financial security remains a challenge to governments. In Sweden, for example, it is more difficult and much more expensive to fire staff than in Denmark. This leads to a much more conservative approach to staffing policy than is the case in Denmark. Similar trends that favour such security have been found difficult to change in Germany and France and create challenges for companies operating in disruptive changing markets.

LIFE-LONG LEARNING IN DENMARK When you take into consideration that Denmark was a poor agrarian society at the beginning of the twentieth century and has developed into a rich and stable economy in the twenty-first century, this does beg the question why flexicurity has been more successful in Denmark than in many other countries.

To fully understand why, you need to take into account the Danish deep-seated passion for life-long learning. Danes love to attend affordable municipality-based evening classes and other forms of extra-curricular education. This aspect of the Danish DNA has meant that changing careers is a faster and much easier process.

An example of this can be seen when not too many years ago, Danish Crown had to close a number of slaughterhouses and had to fire 800 employees. Within just one calendar year every single person was able to find a new position. In very many cases this in-

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Mariano has over 30 years' global experience as a business executive. He spent ten volved taking up new, and very different, careers.

This ability to embrace new challenge is deeply rooted in Danish culture and has played a very significant role in Denmark’s ability to embrace disruption, digitalisation and innovation.

ODENSE ROBOTICS & DRONE CLUSTER A good example of the Danish ability to embrace cross-pollination innovation is Odense Robotics & Drone Cluster, which has been transformed into a unique ecosystem, where you can find research institutes, higher education programmes and many corporate headquarters within the exciting fields of robotics and drone technology.

This fast-growing collaboration encompasses more than 70 robotics-automation companies, 30 universities, 10 research institutes and over 2.000 jobs. An environment like this enables each company to contribute to one another’s growth (by cross-pollination), strengthening the industry as a whole. Odense is rapidly becoming a major business hub for robotics and drone technology, not only in Denmark, but for all of Europe.

DANISH WORK-LIFE BALANCE Danes are some of Europe's most efficient workers - but they do not just live to work. Maintaining a good balance between time at work and personal life leisure time is important to them and employers respect this as it results in more efficient employees.

People take pride in their work but do not feel the need to demonstrate their dedication by working unnecessarily long hours.

Visit a Danish office at 5pm and nearly every Danish employee will have gone home. While the Danes are hard workers, they prefer to do their work within Denmark's 37-hour official working week. Staying extra hours is sometimes even discouraged, and most employees leave at around 4pm to pick up their children and begin preparing the evening meal. THE-INTL

years with KPMG, twenty-one years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running his own companies) and now BOSS Certification. He is a British citizen, who grew up in Kent, went to boarding school in Sussex and has a British university education.

He has been married to a Dane for over 42 years and has held over 100 official anti-Brexit speeches. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty. www.boss-register.com

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FROM MIDWEST AMERICA TO AARHUS KATE’S S TO RY O N R E IN VE N T IO N , H A P P I N E S S , AND HEL P I N G IN T E R NAT IO NAL S IN T H E IR J O B S E A R C H .

PHOTOGRAPHS JUDY WANJIKU JØRGENSEN / ISTOCK PHOTO

TEXT JUDY WANJIKU JØRGENSEN

ca, in Michigan, to a conservative, Trump-supporting, Christian family,” she says, searching for the right words to describe her identity. “Some people are born conservative. I was born liberal. I was always a curious kid. It was in my nature to find more answers beyond what was the ‘truth’.”

It is this curiosity and a chance encounter with two likeminded European exchange students – a Dane and a German – that fostered an appetite for venturing beyond her comfort zone.

At nineteen she left the USA to study abroad in Germany, where she would spend the next six and a half years, pursuing a bachelor and master’s degree in European studies, all the while needing to work to survive.

CROSSROADS: CHINA OR DENMARK?

T

THE REALITY OF finding skilled work in Denmark, as a foreign-

er, is not for the weak hearted. One must learn to reinvent and grow in the uncomfortable space you probably find yourself.

Job search success in Denmark is possible, even when it seems comparatively hard.

“You have value, you have worth, and you are not a 2nd class citizen. You have to believe that you can bring value to Denmark, and you will.” this is Kate's mantra.

Kate Dahl is no stranger to the struggle and success of finding a job in Denmark. The first time I met her, I was part of more than 80 internationals who had gathered to hear her talk on “How to land a job in Denmark”. Since then she has gone on to give various talks and workshops, often to independent groups, individuals, or through trade unions. Once Kate begins sharing her knowledge, she is 110 percent all in; her eyes light up as she unravels her authentic passion for helping others achieve their career goals in Denmark.

BRAVING A NEW FRONTIER Kate didn’t initially set out to Europe to work as a job consultant. It happened organically. “I was born in the Midwest Ameri-

Ever open-minded and willing to push herself beyond the familiar zone, Kate landed a great job offer teaching English in China.

However, there was a Danish love interest tugging at her heartstrings. “In the end, the decision came to what would make me happy, and I knew I would be happy with Magnus (her Danish boyfriend).”

Kate’s first-hand experience with living abroad and reinvention came in handy when she located in Denmark. “I knew I had to reinvent myself,” she says, recalling the number of job applications she sent to various Danish companies while still living in Germany. The process was frustrating as no company was willing to offer her job while she was in another country, even though it was obvious she was looking to relocate.

JUDY WANJIKU JØRGENSEN JOURNALIST, WRITER, PHOTOGRAPHER

Judy is a Kenyan, and mother of two Afro-Viking boys. She first moved to Denmark for her MA in journalism at Aarhus University. After completing her studies, Judy found herself back in Aarhus, this time for love. When

GOING FULL THROTTLE AS A JOB CONSULTANT In a way, her response to helping international’s with their job search is classical Kate: She offers hands-on workshop courses, mentorship and coaching services to those who need help in the journey towards their goal. “I have been through this before, and I have been successful in all types of job search strategies. I understand the pain of finding and keeping a job in the happiest country in the world.”

Kate – now in her early 30’s – is running her own company, Career Denmark. Her overall mission as a job consultant is to change how internationals are acquainted with the Danish labour market. THE-INTL

she is not working on her writing and photography craft, Judy likes to bring people together through food. You can follow more of Judy’s experiences on her blog ‘Memoirs of a Kenyan mom abroad’.

www.judywanderi.net

LEARN MORE ABOUT KATE THROUGH HER WEBSITE ON WWW. CAREERDENMARK.DK OR WWW.PRO.CAREERDENMARK.DK YOU CAN FOLLOW HER ON FACEBOOK: HTTPS://WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/CAREERDENMARK/ *KATE’S NEXT ‘TIPS AND TRICK TALK’ IS ON JULY 30 FROM 19:00 – 21:00 AT LIMA AARHUS.

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OUR FIVE EASY DAY TRIPS JUST OUTSIDE OF COPENHAGEN PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN GUSTAFSON

TEXT ERIN GUSTAFSON

YOU DON’T HAVE TO GO FAR BEYOND THE DANISH CAPITAL TO SEE WHAT ELSE THIS COUNTRY HAS ON OFFER. CHOOSE JUST ONE OF THESE FIVE EASY DAY TRIPS FROM COPENHAGEN. THERE IS SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE!

#1

TAKE THE KIDS HUNTING FOR GIANTS

This trip is for kids of all ages and takes you to lovely public green spaces outside the city. The “giants” are huge wooden sculptures placed in the woods and fields for you to track down. A project by Danish artist Thomas Dambo, there are six Forgotten Giants, all made from recycled wood. Charming and cheeky, the friendly giants are a great reward for your kids to find.

Reachable by train and bicycle (or via car), this is a sustainable day out in Denmark that will surely delight your little ones.

FOR MORE INFO: www.oregongirlaroundtheworld.com/copenhagen-2/dayout-in-denmark-finding-giants/

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#2

STEP INSIDE A ROYAL RESIDENCE AT FREDENSBORG PALACE

For one month each summer, while you may not be able to really rub elbows with Danish royalty, you can get a glimpse inside one of their residences. Make your way to Fredensborg Slot (Palace), north of Copenhagen between July 1 to August 4 and take a guided tour to see the living rooms of current Queen: Margrethe II. Lovely intimate details and stories about the reigning Royal Family come alive from inside their home. Included in your tour is a look around the private palace gardens. Plan ninety minutes for the tour, but take your time exploring the rest of the park’s paths.

Go through a sculpture garden and down to Esrum Lake. A lovely cafe awaits you there. Boat rides and canoe rentals are available nearby.

FOR MORE INFO: www.shop.kongeligeslotte.dk/billetteraktiviteter/billetter-udbudt-af-slks/guided-tour-of-fredensborg-palace-and-palace-gardens

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ERIN GUSTAFSON WRITER & BLOGGER

Erin is a travel writer and culture hound exploring a life across borders in Copenhagen, Denmark. She

#4

is the creator-in-chief at

IMMERSE YOURSELF IN DANISH HISTORY IN ROSKILDE

As the oldest monarchy in the world, Denmark has a storied and vibrant history that started with the Vikings. Step back in time and

Oregon Girl Around the World, a blog that focuses on sustainable travel for the whole family.

aboard a traditional Viking ship of your own. You can at the Viking

With a background in

Ship Museum in Roskilde, famous for restoring several vessels found at

graphic design, photogra-

the bottom of the nearby fjord. A short twenty-five-minute train ride from Copenhagen’s Central Station drops you in this darling Danish

phy and art history, Erin

town which is worthy of a walkabout on its own. But make your way

has a creative way of see-

to the harbour to experience being a Viking. Voyages happen daily

ing a destination and be-

between May and October for visitors aged four and older. Entrance to the world-class Museum shouldn’t be missed and is included in your

lieves that travel choices

sailing ticket. The surrounding area also includes the chance to try

can have positive impacts

out making Viking craft items.

for both the traveller and

FOR MORE INFO: www.vikingeskibsmuseet.dk/en/visit-the-museum/activities/boat-trips/

the communities visited.

A local in Denmark since 2014, Erin has embraced the green city of Copenhagen and loves to share her insider tips. For more Scandinavian travel inspiration and Copenhagen culture, follow Erin around

#3

SOAK UP DANISH SCENERY AT UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE, STEVNS KLINT

An hour south by car brings you to one of the prettiest places in Denmark. Stevns Klint is one of Denmark’s ten UNESCO World Heritage sites. Valued for the layers of ancient history preserved here in the dramatic and beautiful white limestone cliffs you can take in the clear blue Baltic waters from above the cliffs before you descend the steep stairs to the rocky beach below. Look for fossils and evidence of the dinosaurs that once swam in this sea. Hiking paths along the clifftop and through idyllic farmland take you to a lovely lighthouse and lookout. Picnic tables, a playground, and a cafe nearby, make it a delightful way to spend a day out.

FOR MORE INFO: www.kalklandet.dk/english/ stevnsklint-en

the world here: oregongirl

#5

WALK IN A SCULPTURE GARDEN BESIDE THE SEA AT LOUISIANA MUSEUM

One of the best art museums in the world sits north of Copenhagen

aroundtheworld.com @oregongirl_ aroundtheworld @oregongirlworld

on the coast near Humlebaek. Easily reachable by regional train from

www.facebook.

Central Station, the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art has an impec-

com/oregongirl

cable permanent collection as well as exceptional touring exhibi-

roundtheworld/

tions. But come summertime, you can still explore the art and stay

www.pinterest.dk/

outside. Stroll through the sculpture garden at Louisiana with views to the sea. Stay for the delicious Danish lunch on offer at the cafe

oregongirlworld/

with tables al fresco in front of the art. Soak up the fresh sea air while you admire the works of Calder, Moore, Miro, Giacometti and more.

FOR MORE INFO: www.louisiana.dk/en

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NORTHERN JUTL AND

MARICELIS MOVED NORTH...

AND SHE DOESN’T REGRET IT “If you want to be welcomed into a new culture, you need to embrace it. Be the best representative of your home country that you can be, get acquainted with sarcastic humour, and put a smile on your face. Then life in Northern Denmark can be really great”.

- Maricelis Carías

Frederikshavn in Northern Jutland is quite different from Maricelis’ birthplace, Panama City, near the southern hemisphere. Nevertheless, she feels right at home in the northern part of Denmark. Life in Frederikshavn gives her access to lush nature, a nice social life and a career with international possibilities. And she is slowly beginning to feel like a local.

T

THE FIRST TIME electro-mechanical engineer Maricelis Carías, 30, laid eyes on the town of Frederikshavn, she thought to herself: “Oh my God! What kind of a place is this?”. After working in Italy and Switzerland for some months, the Panamanian arrived in Frederikshavn one cold November evening in 2017. The streets were empty, the city had an industrial feel to it, and it was very different from any place she had ever visited in her life.

She didn’t know what to think about her new surroundings. Today she feels quite different. “This is my new home.

I see its beauty now, and I am happy here,” she says as she looks out over the Kattegat sea through one of the windows in her office.

A FEELING OF PRIVILEGE Today Maricelis works as a project engineer at ME Productions in the port of Frederikshavn. The company produces equipment, called ‘scrubbers’, which cleans the exhaust gases from ship engines. Buyers come from all over the world. Her Danish skills are improving but she can also communicate in English with her coworkers

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and managers. And since the company is ever expanding and getting more and more orders, she sees a bright future ahead of her: “I can grow here and be part of something exciting. I feel so privileged”. She got her job through the local recruitment agency Move North.

She enjoys spending her spare time on the city beach, walking in one of the many forested areas surrounding the city, and is also an avid movie goer. She enjoys a rich social life, which has made it easy for her to feel at home, almost like a local. “I have found three good friends in this town, who I can call whenever I want. I have also met my amazing boyfriend here who luckily works in the marine sector as well.

I can’t complain,” she says.

IF YOU MAKE AN EFFORT, THEY WILL TOO That cold November night, her first in Frederikshavn, Maricelis learned an important lesson about socialising in Denmark. After a 17-hour drive through Europe, and a little worn out, she decided to get a drink before go-

ing to bed. Entering a local tavern, she suddenly felt a long way from home.

But she put on a smile, said ‘hi’ to people around her, and soon found herself engaged in deep conversation filled with laughter with a bunch of friendly locals. She made an effort, and they did too.

“If you want to be welcomed into a new culture, you need to embrace it. Be the best representative of your home country that you can be, get acquainted with Danish humour, and put a smile on your face. Then life in Northern Denmark can be really great,” says Maricelis.

FOLLOW IN HER FOOTSTEPS If you could picture yourself following in Maricelis footsteps, and are looking into Northern Denmark for an international career, don’t hesitate to contact the recruitment agent Kåre Holdt Madsen from Move North. He can help you get in contact with potential employers. For more information you can contact Kåre on the following: khma@frederikshavn.dk / +45 2114 6506 or check out their website: www.movenorth.dk. THE-INTL

HAKAN JAKOB KOSAR JOURNALIST Hakan Jakob Kosar is a D a n i s h j ou r na l i st a nd head of press at The Municipality of Frederikshavn. He has experience with foreign correspondence and has travelled extensively in Europe, South East Asia and Latin America. www.movenorth.dk

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SOUL FOOD last month I wrote about my being an old soul, my peculiar time-travelling abilities and my summertime occupation as a tour guide around Copenhagen and North sealand. Time travelling is also my vital ingredient for being a writer so i can take a lingering look at life in Denmark and around the world.

HEATHER GARTSIDE EVENT ORGANISER

PHOTOGRAPHS HEATHER GARTSIDE / ISTOCK.COM

I

COOKING THE BOOKS I’ve written two novels, both titles dipping into my bulging storehouse of quirky ideas, obsession with historical facts, memories, and mystical events. My latest book, Middle Distance a dark and mystical journey into the soul in search of the meaning of love, and redemption, following a terrifying experience.

My first book, Rice Pudding In A Duvet, is, by contrast, a sweet and nutty coming of age novel (Okay, I’m a late developer) and was written as I sat contentedly surveying the passing years; the nine countries I have lived in, and the imminent departure from home of my oldest child.

I love to cook, and each chapter is named after a favourite dish; perfected over the years. Each time I concocted a dish it would take me hurtling back to the first time it was encountered - just as listening to a song from long ago takes you back to the time you first heard it. Where you were. What you were doing…..

The title for this, my first book, comes from a dish taught to me by my Danish motherin-law, a way to cook rice pudding to perfection – wrap it up in a duvet. It sounds sexy, but just don’t leap on the bed while it’s hidden, simmering, in there! The accompanying chapter takes a sidelong look at my early days in Denmark. (I’ve been here for eighteen years to date). Of taking my three children on adventures to places like the Frilands museum in Sorgenfri near Copenhagen,

TEXT HEATHER GARTSIDE

and most notably the Lejre Viking museum near Roskilde. Happy days were spent there rolling down real hills, grinding grain with a quern and cooking little cakes on a griddle over an open fire. But our jolly adventure took a sinister turn as we watched a goat being disemboweled – it’s sage green and beige entrails spilling into a wooden bucket while Volunteer Vikings-on-Vacation sawed through skulls and, though civil, never invited us in to share the kinship of their woodsmoke.

DISHING THE DIRT ON DANES I didn’t want the Viking company though; I was worn-down by misunderstandings and we moved to a house with an enclosed courtyard where I barricaded myself in and lived through my children. There I began to write, and dream. I retreated into my creative landscape of solitude, all the while sharpening my arsenal of skills by flickering candlelight.

My first years in Denmark are filed in my heart under the heading, ‘HURT.’ I don’t open the file much, there’s really not much point whining on about it, or beating myself up about not integrating like I should of – it’s too easy anyway to take a side swipe at the country that you live in as a foreigner. I closed down here after finding most Danes never enquired about my life before Denmark; my dreams and aspirations, my homeland, the traditions that mark celebrations like Christmas, my creativity and huge career before my children were born: as a de-

signer in Paris working for Terence Conran and Louis Vuitton.

PARTY POOPER I stopped having dreams for a while. I’d ask people politely about theirs instead, and would sit obediently for hours and hours at ghastly parties where I didn’t have the option of being next to people that I might find interesting, and then they’d pass song sheets around and all start singing! I felt like the French lady in Karen Blixen’s ‘Babette’s feast’ who was washed up on a west Jutland shore and into a dour and judgmental village.

I knew so many vivid things from the world that could help to enrich and bring joy, but I sensed a collective disapproval that I could burn so brightly in a non-verified way.

DENMARK MADE ME A WRITER It’s only now, years later that I’ve emerged with a fine body of work which would never have been if I hadn’t have felt so suppressed by the general disinterest that I felt the locals gave me. There was indeed a silver lining, and from this painful place I’ve now given birth to my caring community for internationals feeling “a little out of sorts” with their reception in Denmark. I’ve called it K.I.N.D (Keep International Networks Denmark). Finding through experience how we all have such great things to offer Danish society and culture. We just would like to share our contributions and feel welcome, and to keep on dreaming and thinking big. THE-INTL

Heather wears many hats; published author, photographer, tour guide, artist, public-speaker, mother of three, yogi, and events organiser. All this multi-tasking still leaves her time to laugh-out-loud when her washing machine says SLUT, and happily go and create her latest venture, K.I.N.D. (Keep International Networks Denmark) A community celebrating the wonderful diversity of people from all over the world living in Denmark, bringing more balance, harmony … and fun. K.I.N.D. also organises events; Heather previously helped to arrange and decorate glitzy extravaganzas for luxury brands in Paris, but K.I.N.D. has a mission to add a little extra loving-kindness to this rocky world, not to take heedlessly from it.

Both novels by Heather Gartside are available at Amazon.

Middle Distance - ISBN-13: 978-1727023381 Rice Pudding In A Duvet, second helpings - ISBN-13: 978-1717159977 timetravellingin copenhagen.com @gartsideheather

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THE SANDWICH TWIST Who doesn’t love a great sandwich? Here are some of my favorite twists on classic sandwiches that are perfect for a quick weekend lunch or afternoon snack, so you can spend less time in the kitchen, and more time on bike rides to the park or beach.

PHOTOGRAPHS ANDREAS WIKING

TEXT ERIN CHAPMAN, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY

GRILLED CHEESE SANDWICHES ARE SO SIMPLE YET SO INCREDIBLY DECADENT. THIS TOASTY VERSION COMBINES AGED CHEDDAR AND BRIE CHEESES WITH A TWIST OF CRUNCHY APPLE.

GRILLED CHEESE AND APPLE SANDWICH MAKES 2 SANDWICHES

INGREDIENTS 4 slices of Granny Smith Apple or any tart, crisp apple 6-8 slices of aged cheddar cheese and brie 4 slices of sourdough bread, sliced thick 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter for frying the sandwiches

METHOD 1. Spread the softened butter on one side of each slice of bread, then place the bread buttered side down and repeat with the other slices of bread. Ensure the butter goes all the way to the edges!

2. Thinly slice the cheese and apples.

3. On the non-buttered sides, start by placing a layer of cheese, then a layer of apples and top with another layer of cheese. The apples should be in the middle of the cheese slices.

4. Place the apple and cheese stacked bread, buttered side down, in a preheated skillet over medium heat and top with the other slice of buttered bread. Cover with a lid and let cook for 3-4 minutes or until golden.

5. Gently flip the sandwich with a wide spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes or until the bread is toasty golden and the cheese has melted. The second side will cook faster than the first so watch carefully. Repeat the process for each sandwich.

TIP: ➤

➤

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Resist the temptation of squishing down the sandwich on the pan with your spatula. Let it sit all by itself in the pan and slowly toast and melt.

If you think the bread is browning faster than the cheese is melting, simply cover with a lid to speed up the melting process.

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GRILLED PEANUT BUTTER AND BANANA SANDWICHES MAKES 2 SANDWICHES THESE LITTLE SANDWICHES BECAME INFAMOUS AS BEING ELVIS PRESLEY’S FAVORITE TREAT, AND KIDS LOVE THEM, AS A GRILLED TWIST ON A CLASSIC PEANUT

ERIN CHAPMAN

BUTTER AND JELLY.

CO-OWNER, THE AMERICAN

INGREDIENTS

PIE COMPANY

4 thick slices of quality white bread 3-4 tablespoons creamy peanut butter 2 bananas 2 tablespoons butter

With over 20 years’ experience in the advertising industry, working both in Denmark and USA, Er-

METHOD 1. Spread the peanut butter evenly over each slice of bread.

2. Peel the bananas and slice them first in half, then lengthwise in half.

3. Arrange the banana slices so they evenly cover 2 slices of the bread and top with the other 2 slices to make a sandwich.

4. Preheat a skillet on medium heat. Add the butter until melted and coat the bottom of the skillet.

5. Gently place the sandwiches on the skillet and fry the sandwiches about 1-2 minutes until turning golden brown on the bottom- then carefully flip and fry on the other side until evenly golden brown.

6. Transfer to a plate and cut in half or quarters.

7. Enjoy!

in has specialised in brand building and image development for lifestyle, food and fashion clientele at both national and international level.

Erin attended DIS, Denmark’s Study Abroad programme in 1996 and made a connection with Copenhagen. She moved to Denmark permanently in 1998 with two suitcases and a pocketful of change. Working in the advertising industry she worked her way up as a senior creative, as well as THIS FRESH CRUNCHY CHICKEN SALAD WITH APPLES, CELERY AND WALNUTS IS MY FAVORITE TWIST ON THE EVERYDAY MUSHY, OVERLY-MAYONNAISED CHICKEN SALAD. SERVE ON TOAST, OR ON A BED OF LETTUCE AND FRESH GREENS FOR A LIGHT SALAD.

a voiceover artist, and then began her own brand and design business in 2006.

Merging her love for food and art direction, she began food styling and cookbook design for other authors, and then proceeded

CHICKEN SALAD WITH APPLE, CELERY & WALNUTS MAKES 2-4 SERVINGS

INGREDIENTS 400 g cooked chicken, chopped 1 large apple, diced ½ red onion, diced 2 stalks celery, diced 80 g walnuts, chopped handful of fresh parsley, finely chopped 3-4 tablespoons mayonnaise 2 tablespoons brown mustard 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice ½ teaspoon honey salt and ground black pepper to taste Toasted bread and lettuce leaves/greens for a sandwich

to continue with recipe development, publishing two cookbooks in Denmark. While living in Los Angeles, Erin worked with several US brands on image and recipe development and upon returning to Denmark, she partnered with Dorte Prip in 2015 to introduce The American Pie Company in Copenhagen.

Erin is happily married to her Danish husband and is the mother of a sassy seven year old daughter who speaks fluent “Danglish”. www.theamericanpieco.com

METHOD 1. In a large bowl, toss together the chicken, apple, onion, celery, walnuts and parsley.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the mayo, mustard, lemon juice and honey. Stir into the chicken mixture until well combined. Add salt and pepper to taste.

3. Chill in the refrigerator for later or serve immediately on toast with fresh greens and lettuce.

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WHAT’S THE BIG DEAL WITH DANISH STRAWBERRIES?

There’s no use getting into an argument with a Dane over which country grows the best strawberries.

(It’s obviously Denmark) I’m here to highlight why there may be truth to their claim – and if that’s not enough – why it’s worth hopping aboard the pride-wagon anyway.

PHOTOGRAPHS GINA LORUBBIO / ISTOCK PHOTO

TEXT GINA LORUBBIO

F

FOUR YEARS AGO, I started the Heirloom Food Project because I wanted people to feel immense pride for the foods of their culture. When people take pride in what’s growing around them, they protect it, celebrate it, and they derive great joy from eating it. It binds them to their neighbours. It connects them to their land. It offers them identity.

Nothing seems to exemplify this pride more than the way Danes feel about their Danish strawberries. They are savoured, gushed over, pursued, worshipped. No other fruit comes close— not even the same strain of red berry from across the bridge in Sweden. No, they must be danskejordbær (Danish strawberries). None are sweeter, juicier, or more well-suited for pairing with sugar and cream.

ARE THEY ACTUALLY DIFFERENT FROM OTHER STRAWBERRIES? One of the beauties of strawberries is that they are pretty easy to grow anywhere, from tropical countries on the equator to northern lands that touch the Arctic Circle. However, up here at a latitude of 56 degrees north, our long, cool days mean that strawberries grow more slowly and over a longer period of time than they would, say, down south where the days are shorter with intense sun.

If you’ve ever simmered a tomato sauce on low heat for many hours, you know that the ‘low and slow’ approach gives flavours time to develop and deepen. The sauce wouldn’t be as rich if you’d simply zapped it on high heat for 30 minutes. The same holds true for strawberries when they’re allowed to ripen un-

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GINA LORUBBIO ARTIST & WRITER Gina is a food illustrator and storyteller in Copenhagen. Upon arrival from the U.S., she made an art der a not-too-hot sun from 4:30 in the morning until 9:30 at night.

A WINDOW INTO THE DANISH STRAWBERRY TRADITION Last July, a longtime friend of my husband’s, named Liv, invited us to make dinner together using produce from her own vegetable garden. We harvested potatoes for boiling, plucked edible flowers to mix with parsley and basil for herbed butter, and made a fresh salad of thinly sliced squash, tomato, and onion. Everything all from the garden. But before we did any of that, Liv sprinkled a bowl heaped full of strawberries with sugar and left them to sit in the windowsill. “Just as my grandmother would have done,” she said.

After devouring the savoury dishes, Liv brought out the strawberries, as well as a small pitcher of cold cream, to close the meal. We spooned loads of berries into our bowls, cut them roughly with our spoons, and poured thick

cream on top. When stirred, the berries left artful swirls of red juice in the bright white cream. So simple. So lovely.

series called ‘How to Fall in Love with Denmark through Food in 100 Days.’ She’s now creating art in 2019 that inspires us on the ad-

ADOPT THE DANISH WAY OF SUMMERING

venture of everyday home-cook-

The best parts of a Scandinavian summer seem to be those that are stripped down, with little need for ceremony or fuss. It’s finding a place to sit under the sky while the sun takes it sweet time colourfully dipping below the curve of the earth. It’s grabbing your bathing suit and plunging in to the nearest stretch of water.

It’s indulging in a handful of Danish strawberries with childlike vigor. They come to us as ready-to-eat gems: sweet and red — through and through. They require little else. Maybe a touch of cream. But you knew that already. It’s obvious: everyone knows they are the best strawberries in the whole, wide world. THE-INTL

an illustrated recipe, or follow her

ing. To buy artwork, commission series, visit: www. HeirloomFood Project.com @heirloomfoodproject

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REWRITE YOUR STORY EXPERIENCE LIFE DIFFERENTLY

As an international business coach, I find that many of my clients feel stuck or want something different. They are unable to move forward alone. They lack confidence and belief in their skillset and are unsure about their strengths. Did you know that working with your strengths increases engagement and wellbeing? The trick is to identify your strengths, own them and then rewrite your story.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO

TEXT

KARIN WEISER

REDEFINING YOU

Maybe you are new to Denmark with bags of experience, a polished education however, not living the life you expected. You are attached to your former identity, firmly holding on to your fine-tuned list of skills and competencies. Trying really hard to fit in with your profile from the past. And it’s not working for you.

Maybe you have been in Denmark a while and are facing change. Maybe your inner voice is calling you to follow a passion. However, you lack faith to take the leap.

Change is scary. Transition is not easy. The winds of change can blow gently or be stormy like a hurricane. They are preparing you for your new normal.

You can decide to see change as an exciting opportunity to redefine yourself and try something new.

KARIN WEISER

CHANGE IS SCARY. TRANSITION IS NOT EASY. THE WINDS OF CHANGE CAN BLOW GENTLY OR BE STORMY LIKE A HURRICANE.THEY ARE PREPARING YOU FOR YOUR NEW NORMAL. YOU CAN DECIDE TO SEE CHANGE AS AN EXCITING OPPORTUNITY TO REDEFINE YOURSELF AND TRY SOMETHING NEW.

WHERE TO BEGIN? #1 BE CLEAR WHO YOU ARE There is a tendency to give people labels and put them in boxes. Especially in terms of careers. In Denmark, it is particularly important to have an answer ready to the question – hvad er du?’(what are you?). Always answer this as if you are doing and living it NOW! Believe it. Say it out loud and fully own it. For example, ‘I am an artist,’ (yet to sell a painting). ‘I am an author,’ (yet to publish a book).

#2 IDENTIFY YOUR STRENGTHS Career change calls for real honesty about what you do well and not so well. This means being honest from the inside out.

Forget pleasing people or living up to other’s expectations. Focusing on your strengths is proven to increase engagement and contributes to an enhanced quality of life.

INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS COACH AND WRITER Karin is British by birth, global by choice. She moved to Copenhagen in 2001 to rediscover her roots. Karin has a professional background

Need help? Ask five people you know, what you do well. They may see talents you take for granted. Include colleagues, family and friends. Any new insights emerge?

#3 CREATE A WOW! LIST OF ACHIEVEMENTS Create a portfolio of achievements you are proud of. Include the little things too. And don’t forget those soft skills.

Align your achievements with what you want to do in future. Do you see a pattern emerging?

#4 FORM YOUR OWN ADVISORY BOARD OF MENTORS Invite people you trust and value feedback from to be part of your very own advisory board. Be sure to embrace their feedback too. The time and support from

one person alone, may not be enough.

Could you be a mentor for others too?

#5 WRITE YOUR FUTURE STORY Writing is powerful. Imagine you are writing a letter to a friend one year from now.

Tell them about your new life. What are you doing? Where are you working? Include the details of the new people and tasks in your life. Imagine looking back on this period of transition and include the lessons learnt and things you are grateful for.

#6 WALK YOUR TALK Own your story. This is easier said than done. Practice makes perfect. Start with an elevator pitch which highlights your key skill(s). Notice how you feel when you introduce yourself to new people.

When you see the world differently, you show up differently. Good luck! THE-INTL

in communications, training and teaching English.

Karin is passionate about people and positive psychology. After a corporate career she now works as an international business coach and writer. Karin helps professionals find their passion and live to their full potential with purpose.

Her personal recipe for a balanced life includes a splash of optimism, yoga and dark chocolate.

www.karinweiser.com email karin@karinweiser.com

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LET’S PUT OUR ATTENTION

ON RETENTION!

WE HEAR SO MUCH ABOUT THE NEED FOR HIGHLY SKILLED INTERNATIONAL TALENT IN DENMARK. SO, HOW DO WE GO ABOUT FINDING AND THEN RETAINING IT? A DIFFERENT PERSPECTIVE! PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK - NICLAS JESSEN

TEXT KATHY BORYS SIDDIQUI

W WHEN WE SPEAK

of relocation there are so many aspects to cover, from packing up and moving, to visas, work permits, finding the right schools, and housing, NemID, doctors..… the list goes on and on. BUT there are other, more subtle, challenges relocating Internationals face.

SAME DESTINATION BUT DIFFERENT JOURNEY: SPOUSE/PARTNER SUPPORT E ve n t h o u g h a c o u p l e o r a f a m i ly relocate together the journey of a spouse/partner is very different from the rest of the family unit. The highly skilled and employed international often heads off to work before all the moving boxes have been unpacked (in some cases before they have all arrive) leaving the spouse/partner to “sort things out”, make sure the house is as it should be, the kids are in school, groceries are bought and to make the house feel like “home” again. For those of us living abroad, or moving around, we know that as a spouse/partner we need to feel fulfilled, recognised and to have a purpose. We need to have something that is just ours: a profession, a hobby, volunteering. It can be many things, but it needs to be ours.

I firmly believe that moving to a different country is one of the most stressful life events. Why? We leave everything and everyone we know behind. We are faced with new languages, social norms, homes, work cultures, building new networks, friendships. Basically— we are starting from scratch. Additionally, for the spouse/partner it often means leaving their career behind.

PLEASE DON’T GO! The key to a successful relocation is a thriving spouse/partner. How do we achieve that? Here are just a few tips.

For the couple moving abroad or currently on an assignment - communication is key. Both partners have to clearly communicate their wants, desires, and vision for the relocation. Talking about issues that come up right away can save a lot of unfulfilled expectations and heartache. For the spouses/partners - this is a great chance to

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KATHY BORYS SIDDIQUI FOUNDER, ACTIVE ACTION Kathy was born in Poznań, Poland and has lived in four countries and on two continents. Growing up as an immigrant and a cross cultural child she was able to discover a multicultural world that shaped her into the person she is today. As an adult she experienced life as a re-pat as well as an expat and she is not a stranger to the

go after your dream, business, hobby, it’s an opportunity to do some of the things you have been putting off. Now, is the time.

that you are not alone, that it is okay to feel mixed emotions, that you will change and, although it may feel that the balance is off, there are tools to help regain it.

FIRSTLY: It is crucial to become Aware of the possible challenges. For employers: See the spouses/partners as an equally valuable asset. Provide workshops and seminars to support the adjustment into Denmark. The challenges are practical and most definitely emotional and cultural. Providing the families and employers with the right tools to support the transition, opening up communication channels between the family members as well as employers is a shared responsibility.

SECONDLY: The important factor here is Acknowledgement. In order to address challenges, we must be aware of their existence. Embracing what is happening to us during a transition is a delicate process and requires support and understanding. Through awareness and acknowledgment, you learn

FINALLY: Action. Taking action is part of regaining balance and reinventing yourself. Finding purpose abroad is one of the bigger challenges. More often than not, reinventing ourselves to become “expat” spouses/partners is inevitable. Being aware that change is a part of international life can prepare the spouses/partners for new opportunities. Focusing on the opportunities instead of losses is another important shift. The experience, skills, and vast multicultural awareness which Internationals possess can be an enormous asset to a company or an organization.

The process of transitioning and adapting to a new host country is ongoing and can continue after all of the cultural adjustment phases have taken place.

Therefore, having the knowledge and proper tools are essential. THE-INTL

challenges and opportunities that life abroad offers.

Just when she least expected it, she met her Danish husband and once again packed her life in boxes and set off to live the happily-ever-after life in the land of the Vikings and Hygge.

Over the span of 10 years she has lived on Fyn, in Jylland and currently in Nordsjælland.

Kathy has a background in Cultural Studies and also a degree in American Studies. She has been able to combine her passion and profession as a Cultural Transition and Expat Spouse and Partner Specialist at Active Action.

A firm believer that if you are lacking something - create it. She is the founder of two International Mom Groups in Denmark, a running enthusiast, active lifestyle advocate, wife and mom. www.activeaction.dk kbs@activeaction.dk

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SETTLING IN 101- DANISH LANGUAGE THINGS THAT WERE SIMPLE TASKS BACK HOME, LIKE TAKING PUBLIC TRANSPORT, ONLINE BANKING AND DAILY GROCERY SHOPPING, BECOME DAUNTING WHEN YOU MOVE TO A COUNTRY WHERE YOU DON’T SPEAK THE LANGUAGE. PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK - ROBIN SKJOLDBORG

TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE

LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD

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AS EXPATS WE face a multitude of daily challenges when we relocate to a new country. We need to adapt to a whole new way of life but perhaps the biggest challenge in Denmark is the language itself. Rated as one of the world’s most difficult languages to learn, people are always asking me how I did it. I always reply with the same answer. I tried to speak it as much as possible. Yes, I made tons of mistakes and I pretty much botched the language for the first 2 years, but that didn’t stop me. I was extremely motivated. I knew I was very likely going to spend the rest of my life here and to be able to ‘integrate’ fully, it was imperative that I understood what the Danes were saying and it was even more important that I was able to communicate back.

We are all faced with a decision to either learn Danish or not learn it. Expats who know they will only be here for a couple of years, may choose not to learn the language and that’s okay.

Being able to read and understand Danish street signs, menus, and know what you’re buying in the grocery store makes life so much easier. It may seem like an impossible feat to learn Danish but believe it or not it is possible. It took me a year and a half of Danish language classes to be able to pass Prøve Dansk 3 (Danish Test 3). After only six months of studying I could understand what was going on around me.

There are a variety of practical reasons to learn this very difficult language. Many Danish websites are still only in Danish, not to mention all the letters we receive in our E-boks. These letters are generally very important. Letters from Immigration, Hospitals, the Bank, Gas Company, SKAT etc., are just a few of the informative documents that we need to understand.

The social aspect was a very motivating incentive for me personally. When we went to parties, or a neighbourhood get together, people would chat away in Danish and I had

Laura is Canadian. After years of living abroad and travelling the world, she no idea what they we’re talking about. The weather? A football game? Me?? Unless I was directly included in the conversation, their communication was all in Danish.

When I first moved to Denmark in 2009, the government at that time provided free Danish language classes for newcomers. I took full advantage of this and fortunately became fluent as a result of the classes and as well I immersed myself in work and social situations where I had to speak Danish. In 2015, this amazing free resource was removed as a benefit. However, the classes are available at a cost, and in my opinion, they are worth it. There are a variety of apps and other resources to learn Danish as well. I highly recommend to all newcomers that they give it a try.

My eight-year-old daughter says we speak three languages.

English, Danish and Danglish. “Danglish isn’t a hard language to learn, you just add English words right smack dab into the middle of your Danish sentences. Easy!” says my daughter to her Danish friends.

TIP #1 Just say Hello. Then the Dane your speaking to will

moved to Denmark in 2007 and started her new life as an expat living in Denmark.

Laura’s experience working in the Danish relocation industry, encapsulating both her experience as an ex-pat and her desire for helping people, which is WHY she started Homestead.

Homestead offers Settling in Services and Workshops focusing on the day to day challenges of expats, as well as the cultural differences in both their work and daily life.

“In House” consultations for International employees are also one of Homestead’s specialties. Customized, personal consultations focusing on the individual employee.

Homestead. We are You’re Settling in Experts.

www.homesteaddenmark.com

automatically know you’re not Danish. It saves all that uncomfortableness of having to explain why you don't speak the language.

TIP #2 Watch Ramajsang on DR1, listen to Danish radio and try and read newspapers.

TIP #3 Try and speak Danish every day. Don’t be shy or insecure about how you sound. THE-INTL

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A WEST JUTLAND SUMMER THE AREA AROUND ESBJERG IS A POPULAR HOLIDAY SPOT, FOR DANES AND GERMANS ESPECIALLY. SPEND A FEW DAYS HERE AND FIND OUT WHY.

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PHOTOGRAPHS JULIBEHRENDTBEXKENS.COM / LINDSEY SCAIFE / CATRIONA TURNER / VISITRIBE

TEXT CATRIONA TURNER

IF YOU’RE NEW to Esbjerg, or you plan to come to the area for a visit, here is my rundown of the best things to do in West Jutland this summer.

It’s worth starting at Esbjerg’s elegant Torvet (main square).

Kongensgade is the longest shopping street in Denmark, with a growing choice of shops, boutiques and cafés to explore. From there pass the Musikhuset (concert hall), designed by the Danish architect of the Sydney Opera House, and find the Landgangen – this walkway was created last year and offers dramatic views as it links the town and harbour.

ISLANDS Just a 10-minute ferry ride takes you to the port of Nordby, with its charming historic streets, and then on to explore the island of Fanø. On its west coast huge beaches face out to the North Sea, and resorts there offer beach and water sports. Cycle round the island, stopping in the south at Sønderho, and reward yourself with a refreshing beer near the harbour before hopping back on the ferry.

Mandø is a little-inhabited peaceful corner of the Wadden Sea National Park, accessible only at low tide. There you can discover the island’s wildlife. Plan ahead and take one of the tractor-bus tours to be sure of getting there and back again at the right time.

BEACHES Head north out of Esbjerg for your view of the dramatic Mennesket ved Havet (Man Meets the Sea) sculpture, then go on to Hjerting for a relaxed day out on its promenade and accessible beach. The stylish Hjerting Badehotel is perfect for a sundowner with a view, or a locally sourced meal, while Café Stryhns has to be your spot for ice cream or fish and chips. The beach itself is dotted with hammocks, as well as a paddling pool at low tide, and you might catch a local gathering mussels while you’re there.

Further north is where you’ll find more wide, dramatic beaches. At Blåvand, drive your car or ride your bike right on to the sand for some sports or a picnic, and you’ll get to see people kitesurfing or paragliding above you. Climb the lighthouse for a great view – if it’s not too windy! If you plan ahead, you might be able to get a table at the nearby Michelin-starred Henne Kirkeby Kro for dinner. (Look out for my own review on the blog!)

RIBE Ribe lays claim to being Scandinavia’s oldest town. Strolling around its charming historic centre is unmissable – there’s an instagrammable moment around every corner. The Domkirke (cathedral) is the oldest in Denmark, and definitely worth a visit for its combination of Romanesque architecture and contemporary mosaics and frescoes. Climb the tower for a stunning view

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CATRIONA TURNER WRITER AND BLOGGER Catriona is a writer and blogger currently living in Esbjerg, Denmark. In the decade since leaving Scotland, she’s also lived in France, of the town and surrounding meadows.

There’s culture with the Ribe Kunstmuseum and the town’s various festivals. On our first weekend in Denmark, we stumbled on the Ribe Jazz Festival and revelled in the sunshine and live music being played on every corner. There’s a wine festival at the end of August, and throughout the summer you can join the Night Watchman’s rounds.

HEADING INDOORS? In the spirit of sunny optimism, I’ll keep my list of rainy-day suggestions for another time! But I’ll make an exception for the Tirpitz Museum which is not to be missed, whatever the weather. A former WW2 bunker at Blåvand has been transformed into a world-class interactive museum. It’s worth a visit for the architecture itself, by the same firm (BIG) that designed the Lego House in Billund. Inside, there are engaging exhibits not just about the occupation, but about the social and natural history of the region. A must-see. Fingers crossed for a sunny summer, wherever in Denmark you are! THE-INTL THE WEST JUTLAND LOWDOWN Tourism: visitesbjerg.dk Fanø ferries: fanoelinjen.dk/ Wadden Sea National Park: vadhavscentret.dk Mando tractor-bus: mandoekro.dk/en/mandoe-tractor-buses/ hjertingbadehotel.dk/dk visitribe.com ribejazzfestival.dk vardemuseerne.dk/museum/tirpitz

Uganda and the Republic of Congo.

At her blog, The Frustrated Nester, she writes about Danish living, travel and the expat life. She has a regular column in The International, a paper for internationals living in Denmark. Her writing has also been published in the anthology Once Upon an Expat, and its follow-up Life on the Move, published in June 2019.

She’s currently working on a memoir of place and home, and is also a freelance copy-editor and proofreader.

Follow The Frustrated Nester: www.thefrustratednester.com www.facebook.com/thefrustratednester @thefrustratednester

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B e s t BEAUTY BUYS

HI P, HIP, HOORAY, SUMMER IS HERE! Finally, it seems the Danish summer has arrived. 2019 has been fantastic for all beauty product lovers. We’ve been given unflawed lipsticks, glosses, hair care products, foundations, body creams, and oils. Loving all things in the beauty and makeup line, I’ve selected a handful of some of my personal favourites that will help maintain our summer looks.

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BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST #1 TOO FACED NATURAL LUST SATIN BRONZER STUNNING PACKAGING, THE PAN SIZE IS HUGE WHICH IS ALWAYS A BONUS. HIGHLIGHTER AND BRONZER MIXED INTO ONE. GIVING YOU THE PERFECT SUN-KISSED LOOK. 285.00 DKK / SEPHORA.DK

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#2 TOM FORD

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LIP SPARK IN SURGE THINK: SMOOTH, METALLIC, SEQUINS ON THE LIPS….. A VERY LUXURIOUS LIPSTICK, EXPLOSIVE COLORS AVAILABLE WITH ADDED SPARKLING PIECES. 365.00 DKK / MAGASIN.DK

#3 DIOR CAPTURE YOUTH AGE DELAY PROGRESSIVE PEELING CREAM A MAGICAL ACID PEEL THAT WORKS WELL WITH SENSITIVE SKIN. THE PERFECT BLEND OF VITAMIN B AND EXFOLIATING AHA’S. 749.95 DKK / MATAS.DK

#4 CHARLOTTE TILBURY

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GLOWGASM FACE PALETTE IN LOVEGASM THE ULTIMATE ALL OVER GLOW. 528.00 DKK / FEELUNIQUE.DK

#5 BALMAIN TEXTURISING SALT SPRAY SEA SALT INFUSED, OFFERING STRONG HOLD, ADDS TEXTURE AND HAS THAT ALL-IMPORTANT HUMIDITY RESISTANCE. 259.00 DKK / ILOVESHAMPOO.DK

#6 CHARLOTTE TILBURY SUPERMODEL BODY SHIMMER BODY CREAM GET THE GLOWING MODEL LOOK THAT DEFINES YOUR WHOLE BODY. 396.00 DKK / FEELUNIQUE.DK

Barbara was born in England, London and relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2017. She has been a professional International Makeup Artist for 11 years and a professional Lash Stylist for 3 years. After moving to Copenhagen, Denmark, Barbara became the owner of Barbara Mensah Beauty Studio. Her stylish, cosy and chic studio provides a welcoming, comfortable space for clients to spend their time getting glammed and pampered for those special moments and occasions.

All bookings for Lash Extension and Makeup can be made via her social media or tel: +45 53564504 barbaramensah. beauty@gmail.com @barbaramensahbeauty @barbara.mensah. beauty

#7 L’OCCITANE

ED'S FAVE!

ALMOND FIRMING BODY OIL THE PERFECT NON GREASY, LIGHT WEIGHT FORMULA TO KEEP YOUR SKIN FEELING SOFT, SUPPLE AND COMPLETELY HYDRATED ALL SUMMER LONG. 281.90 DKK / NOTINO.DK

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JUTL AND

INTERACTIVE AARHUS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY SHOWS YOU AROUND THEIR CITY! PHOTOGRAPHS INTERACTIVE AARHUS / VISITAARHUS

TEXT INTERACTIVE AARHUS

THREE HIDDEN GEMS IN AARHUS! POSTHUSSMØGEN: There are many hidden paintings, and graffiti, in Aarhus. But if you want to find several at once, you can take a shortcut and walk through Posthussmøgen. The small and narrow street can seem a bit shady at first sight, but it is a picturesque path to go from Strøget to Fredens Torv (or vice versa) in no time.

GEDULGT: While you are in the area, you could keep going in the direction of Rutebilstation and find the Gedulgt cocktail bar, hidden in a backyard. While the name itself refers to something secret, and the bar is hard to find if you don’t know it is there, the place still won the Bartenders Choice Awards 2018 among Danes.

KULBROEN: This place is maybe not a gem yet, but it will sure be anytime soon. At the heart of Aarhus Sydhavnen, this old bridge was used to transport coal. You can still walk on it and get a feeling of how the whole neighborhood will develop: the sightseeing platform that was built on it contains no less than 17 different types of trees!

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ABOUT ONE MILLION tourists come to Aarhus every year, according to the Visit Aarhus bureau. In the past few years, Denmark’s second city has grown to become more and more attractive, not the least in 2017, when it held the title of European Capital of Culture. Historic walking tours, hop on/ hop off bus, private sightseeing.

In the summer, the city offers tons of things to do for day or weekend visitors.

But what about people who come here to settle? Each year, 20,000 people decide to live in Aarhus; Danes and internationals alike. Interactive Aarhus was born out of the desire to help them discover their new city and meet other residents.

Behind Interactive Aarhus are three international women with this in common: we love Aarhus. Our paths first crossed during our training to become certified tour guides. We welcomed cruise ship guests all summer, and after the season ended, we found that tourism plummeted.

As internationals ourselves (Joy is from Guadeloupe, Amélie from France and Rocío from Chile), we were eager to share

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INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY what we had learned about our adopted city, in a social and fun way. So we created a new kind of tour, combining traditional sightseeing with the excitement of a scavenger hunt. It started as a winter edition with a shorter time outside and then a gathering in a café where we organized games and quizzes about Aarhus.

And then we developed the concept further for the summer months.

In the latest editions of our tours, people team up to solve challenges, choose their path and become actors of their own discovery. We (guides) coach them along the way and meet them in special places, either to deliver a new enigma or to tell a story. The finale still takes place in a hyggelig (cosy) place, with lots of talking and laughing. It is the perfect occasion to meet new people while having fun and getting insights into the many wonders of Aarhus. And, as it also turned out to be popular among locals, it is also a great way to meet people who are not so new. We can even organize a team building activity for a group or company. You can find us on Facebook. THE-INTL

We offer a wide range of events, seminars and online activities that help internationals get settled in Denmark.

Learn more on our website or follow us on: @internationalcommunityAarhus @internationalcommunityaarhus

www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.international community.dk

VISIT DENMARK - JENS THAYSEN, ÅRHUS STIFTSTIDENDE

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WHAT'S HOT IN AARHUS This month, let the cosiness wash over you while grooving to electronic music in the Botanical Gardens, reliving the 1990s with Aqua’s infamous Barbie Girl, or noshing away on creamy pasta in one of Aarhus’s newest restaurants. Because, let’s face it, without carbs we can’t truly attain hygge, can we?

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

CHILL OUT IN AARHUS AT STELLA POLARIS

TEXT BARBARA BALFOUR

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Check out a unique electronic one-day festival that tours throughout Denmark every summer: this year, Stella Polaris lends its chill vibes to Aarhus on July 28, where you can catch a stellar lineup of musical acts at the Botanical Gardens. This oasis of serenity, filled with flowering trees and trickling streams, is located just west of Den Gamle By (The Old Town). At this family-friendly outdoor concert, kids get their own dedicated area. Check online for the schedule or to download your favourite tunes from previous festivals.

■ WWW.STELLA-POLARIS.DK

CUSTOMIZE YOUR OWN PASTA Reliving the 1990s might make you long for comfort food, so you’re in luck. At Pasta Diem, the first Italian street food restaurant in Denmark, you can customize your own pasta for only 55 DKK. You’ll pay a little more for exotic variations like tagliatelle with wild boar sauce or black ravioli with shellfish sauce - but you’re worth it.

■ NØRREGADE 53

AARHUS JAZZ FESTIVAL - JØRGEN NIELSEN

■ MIDTBYEN, PETER HOLMS VEJ

BARBARA BALFOUR

■ WWW.PASTADIEM.DK

DANCE AWAY AT AARHUS JAZZ FESTIVAL More than 300 bands will play 380 concerts this month during the annual Aarhus Jazz Festival from 13-21 July. The program offers something for all tastes and all budgets.

Included are fusions of pop, salsa, Afro-Cuban, and classical melodies. AND a number of events even offer free admission. Check out double Grammy Award-winning musicians Gregory Porter and Marcus Miller, both of whom will be playing this year.

■ VARIOUS VENUES (CHECK THE WEBSITE) ■ WWW.JAZZFEST.DK

AQUA-UNIVERSAL MUSIC

TRY LIFE IN PLASTIC - IT'S FANTASTIC Be a Barbie girl in a Barbie world…at least for one night when DanishNorwegian pop group Aqua takes over Tivoli for a 75-minute concert of some of the greatest hits of the 1990s. Tickets will set you back 135 DKK and can be purchased online.

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TELEVISION HOST, PRODUCER, PUBLIC SPEAKER, AND INTERNATIONAL PRINT JOURNALIST. In addition to hosting a live talk show, she writes regularly for BBC World News, The Globe and Mail, and ELLE, to name a few.

She has published two children’s books, cont r i bu te d to tou r i s m guidebooks on Iceland and Chile, and co-edited an anthology of essays on Canada-European Union relations.

Her work has taken her to over 40 countries, but she currently calls Aarhus home.

When she’s not curled up with a good book and a hazelnut hot chocolate, you might be able to find her spinning away on the dance floor of a salsa club, or nestled in a window seat on a plane, en route to some exotic new destination. www.barbarabalfour.com

■ TIVOLI FRIHEDEN, SKOVBRYNET 5

■ WWW.FRIHEDEN.DK

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HOW TO CAT-IFY YOUR HOME Creating a feline-friendly environment with your cat’s natural inclinations to scratch, hide, climb, play, and rest won’t solve all of your problems, but it’ll sure make a difference and help maintain your sanity.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

CATS ARE CLIMBERS. EVER SEE CATS IN THE WILD, HANGING OUT ON TREE BRANCHES? REMEMBER: CATS ARE BOTH PREDATORS AND PREY. THEY ARE EITHER LOOKING FOR DINNER OR TRYING NOT TO BECOME SOMEONE ELSE'S DINNER!

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THOSE OF US who are cat lovers know that

cats are curious creatures. Even when your cat has shredded the sofa, knocked over your favorite knick-knack, marked its territory on a carpet, or started a never-ending game of hide and seek that tries your patience you still love your furry feline.

However………

SCRATCH

Is it too late to save the sofa? How long did it take you to realize that Fluffy had a preference for the armchair over that expensive scratching post you bought? First things first, determine if your cat has a preference for wood or fabric and where your cat likes to mark its territory and sharpen its claws. Okay, here’s the obvious: direct your cat away from the furniture and to the scratching post or pad. The scratching post should be placed where your cat likes to hang out. Try spraying it with a pheromone spray to attract your

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cat; spray your furniture with a cat repellant spray. THAT should deter your cat from scratching it! How to save the furniture you have? Cover the surfaces with double-sided tape. Cats hate it.

HIDE Ever spent what seems like hours trying to locate your cat or get them out of some hard to reach area? Cats love to hide and feel cozy and secure. If under the bed should be off limits to kitty, block it with storage boxes or other items, but offer new spaces to ensure that kitty has a place to feel secure and relaxed. It’s important to provide hiding spaces. Go for a simple box, out of the way. Make it dark, but cozy. Kitty will love it and you’ll always be able to find her.

CLIMB Cats are climbers. Ever see cats in the wild, hanging out on tree branches? Remember:

cats are both predators and prey. They are either looking for dinner or trying not to become someone else’s dinner! If you have one of those impressive cat trees and your cat uses it, you’ve won the lottery! If you’re like the rest of us and your cat completely ignores the cat tree, opting for tables, or high furniture pieces, do yourself a favour and remove precious knick-knacks and breakables. Cats need vertical space and they’ll jump on furniture to explore or simply find a place to observe your frustration. So, just remove any obstacles, or try installing cat-friendly shelving for kitty to use.

To make your cat’s (and your) life easier, you’ll need to adapt the environment for age as well. For senior cats that aren’t able to climb high, try offering them something close to the ground and warm, or a nice easy perch on the window to observe life in their golden years. For kittens, keep things close and accessible while keeping poisons, loose cords or small objects that could be choking hazards far away. Create inviting, soft, and comfortable places for them to lie down. Get litter boxes with low sides for both young and old cats; put it in a low-traffic area and keep food and water in a separate area.

TAREK ABU SHAM OWNER, THE PET-AGREES Tarek was born in Amman, Jordan and from an early age has had a love for animals.

He met his spouse in Amman and then soon embarked on an expat lifestyle that took him to Dubai, Prague, and now Copenhagen. Originally a veterinarian, Tarek reinvented himself professionally and decided to launch his own company.

With The Pet-agrees, Tarek has combined his veterinary experience with his entrepreneurial spirit. He cares for pets in the Copenhagen area, offering services including pet-sitting, walking, and more to come soon.

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! The Pet-agrees is not just about providing exercise and attention for your pets while you’re busy or out of town. By choosing us you’ll have the advantage of having people with veterinary education look after your pet. The Pet-agrees is owned by a trained veterinarian. THE-INTL

www.thepetagrees.com

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GET YOUR SUMMER TECH READY! PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS / UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT SUZAAN SAUERMAN

Summer is all about adventures and getting out of your comfort zone. And the latest technology gadgets can make this possible, even if you are not going to leave home. Here’s a list of gadgets that’s worth getting now!

SUZAAN SAUERMAN TECH CONSULTANT & INVESTOR Suzaan has spend the past 19 years working for various technology brands, leading and transforming global marketing organisations,

MOTIV SMART RING Want a fitness tracker that is not wrist worn? The MOTIV ring is much more discreet, but still packs in the features: your can set daily steps, sleep and activity targets and track how you’re getting on via the easy to use app. The ring is made of titanium, so you can wear it during workouts and also when you shower or swim. Comes in charcoal grey and rose

DYSON PURE COOL ME

LARQ WATER BOTTLE

AWAY SUITCASE: BIGGER CARRY ON

This is a powerful and per-

This reusable stainless-

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sonal tool that blows pu-

steel water bottle uses UV

ble prices and with a tech

rified air directly at you.

technology to self-clean

twist. It’s thoughtfully de-

You’ve got to hand it to Dy-

and purify your drinking

signed to solve real travel

es. Today she has her own

son: this is a company that

water. It purifies water up

problems: it has a build in

consultancy, helping fitness,

knows how to design slick

to 99.99% of both bacteria

phone charger and is made

and exciting products.

and viruses when it’s set to

of durable materials that

This one is ideal for keep-

its highest mode. It also

are made to last a lifetime.

ing cool when working at a

keeps water cold for up to

It comes in numerous col-

She is also a tech investor, col-

desk or trying to sleep on

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ours, with additional trav-

umnist and keynote speaker.

a hot night.

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proof port in a USB cord.

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It’s super simple and easy

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developing innovative product portfolio’s, driving digital transformation and creating consumer product experienc-

wellness and fashion brands to intersect with technology.

In her spare time she likes to stay fit by running and train-

gold.

to use. It’s a better option

ing at The Wolfpack Gym. She

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for your health and, also,

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the environment!

loves food and wine, and is al-

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ways scouting the best places to eat around the city. She has been travelling, living and working in most continents of the world and currently lives in Copenhagen K.

Follow her on:

@suzaansauerman @suzaansauerman @linkedin.com/in/suzaan

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CONGRATULATIONS TO THE CLASS OF 2019

CIS celebrated the largest class ever, and the first class to have spent their full International Baccalaureate (IB)programme in Nordhavn. The Graduation ceremony capped a week of celebration and the recognition of the many achievements of the class of 2019. The week began with the community sending the grade off on their truck ride. Congratulations to students and their families!

And thanks to students, staff, and parents who made all of the events so special.

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

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SUMMER READS ARE HERE! Summer is a time to catch up on what you missed while working.

What you need is something criminal, or thrilling, or romantic, or funny, or – ah well, four out of a lot will have to do. Enjoy.

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskilde Library, and in charge of the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke nights and book talks.

She is also busy with Roskilde Horror, a club dedicated to scaring the town.

EVENTS FOR KIDS Every summer, Roskilde Library hosts a series of musical events for kids aged 3 – 8 years – and their families, of course! All the events are free, and always from 10 – 10.50 and around central Roskilde. Everybody is welcome and it’s a great way to meet other families. This year you can enjoy:

SOLID HISTORICAL CRIME

DEEP, INSIGHTFUL PAGE-TURNER

STEAMY, REVERSE PRETTY WOMAN

THE WAY OF ALL FLESH

BY AMBROSE PARRY

THE WITCH ELM

BY TANA FRENCH

THE KISS QUOTIENT

BY HELEN HOANG

Edinburgh, 1847. Will

Toby is a charmer who

Stella makes algo -

is a medical student

surprises two burglars

rithms and a lot of mon-

and new member of re-

who beat him and leave

nowned Dr Simpson’s

him for dead. Strug-

household. Sarah is

g l i n g t o r e c ove r, h e

the housemaid, and as

takes refuge at his fam-

hires Michael, a profes-

bodies begin to appear

ily’s ancestral home to

sional escort, to help

across the Old Town,

care for his dying uncle.

her out, figuring she

Will and Sarah f ind

Then a skull is found in

needs practice. Howev-

themselves propelled

an elm tree in the gar-

er, things don’t go quite

headlong into Edin-

den…

the way she planned.

burgh’s underworld.

ey, but she is socially and sexually awkward and bad at dating. She

WARM, REAL AND FUNNY ELEANOR OLIPHANT IS COMPLETELY FINE

BY GAIL HONEYMAN Eleanor works, reads random books, drinks during the weekend and starts over next we e k . S h e i s h e a r t breakingly lonely and odd, with no human connections. But a computer problem at work starts an avalanche of new acquaintances.

KALLES BIG DRUM SHOW Kalles ‘Store Trommeshow’ will present ALL styles of music played on instruments like balloons, pigs and samurai swords! Kalle is also known from Ramasjang series: Kalles Danmarkstour.

Date: Thursday 4 July Address: Amfiteatret, Folkeparken, Roskilde MEK PEK & HABBASUTTERNE This band needs no presentation; they always deliver an amazing and fun performance. So come and dance and sing with us.

Date: Thursday 11 July Address: Amfiteatret, Folkeparken, Roskilde ANNA SPEJLÆG AND THE SINGING TRUNK When Anna Spejlæg is on stage with her Song Trunk, you never know what the trunk decides to play. The audience has to help finding the subject in the trunk and sing, dance and guess funny sounds.

Date: Thursday 18 July Address: Klosterhaven v. Kreativt hus for børn, Algade 31, Roskilde ‘MUDDI AND SALAMIDRENGENE’ FAMILY BAND Muddi og Salamidrengene are known as the best family band in Denmark and are loved by the kids. It’s fun, fast and fantastic!

Date: Thursday 25 July Address: Amfiteatret, Folkeparken, Roskilde

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