The International - February 2019

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

DECEDANT BIRTHDAY CAKE RECIPES

YOUR HEALTH CARE NEEDS COVERED

TAKE A TOUR OF LEGO HOUSE

SPECIAL: CHINA SUPPLEMENT INSIDE!

FEBRUARY 2019 - THE-INTL.COM

FREE

BALANCING BUSINESS & FAMILY PAPER

DANIELA TRIFILETTI ON THE SUCCESS OF MY DANISH FAMILY

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JOURNEY OF JOY

LIFE LEADS US TO UNEXPECTED PATHS, ON JOURNEYS OF DISCOVERY TO PLACES UNFAMILIAR AND OFTEN CHALLENGING. BUT, OFTEN ON THESE LIFE JOURNEYS WE LEARN THINGS NEW AND EXCITING, MEET WONDERFUL PEOPLE AND ARE LEFT FEELING ENRICHED FOR THEM.

I

IT'S HARD TO put into words the experiences I've shared over January. My heart is full from all the new connections myself and the team have made. We got the chance to meet readers, and other internationals from different parts of Denmark, and I got to share some treasured moments with our writers-thank you for taking the time to do that. Our journey began in lovely Copenhagen, where we had two events - very generously hosted by Social Brew and American Pie. Then it was on to Aarhus (the 2nd largest city in Denmark), hosted by Tirnanog and the typical warm Irish welcome you would expect. Aarhus is making amazing strides in opening itself up to Internationals, not only on a cultural but a business level too. The International also attended the GoGlocal awards, an initiative by the city of Aarhus, and was even nominated along with 18 other companies and individuals for the People's Choice awards.

This honour meant a lot to me personally as we are not an Aarhus-based publication, and just goes to prove we are being noticed around Denmark. A big congrats has to go to the winner of the award, one of our very own team members and this month's cover, Daniela - owner of My Danish Family, a popular blog that has many followers! The last leg of our trip

was to Odense on the island of Fyn. Odense welcomed us with open arms via The International community of Odense, as we had a wonderful get together, meeting and greet-

ing the internationals of Odense! Now that I've come down to earth again, the February edition is once more packed with great articles. Our team also seems to grow every issue as we welcome Mariano Davies and his insight and advice on business in Denmark in an ever-changing world. Heather Gartside is the other edition to our team, as she picks the best events and happenings from around Denmark, and keeps us up-to-date on what's new! This issue we visit Billund where the home of Lego is based (page 20-21), with Keri and BBB. Our relocation expert Laura shares with us important info on the Danish health care system (page 14). So many more great articles for you to enjoy this February! Last but by no means least, we have a special supplement about China and the celebration of the Year of the Pig. If you've ever wanted to know more about China, now is the time to enjoy this glossy supplement that takes you through business, technology and the ever changing China. It celebrates both the old and the new, and gives us a glimpse into the future.

“Wherever we travel to, the wonderful people we meet become our family.”

- Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & PARTNER THE-INTL.COM

MEET THE TEAM EDITOR & PARTNER 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 one years and mother to two boys aged 20 and 14. She loves travel, photography and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

INTERN LÉA SEVERINO is a Master's student in Film & Media Studies at the University of Copenhagen and an aspiring journalist. Passionate about literature and arts, she started writing culture-related articles for the newspaper of her home university in Switzerland, where she graduated with a Bachelor's in French and Cinema. lea@the-intl.com

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 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

SUB-EDITOR DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER is a print and digital writer, communicator and media production manager/ editor. He has several years’ experience in the media and publishing industry, and holds a Master’s degree in media and politics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). He is passionate about politics, publishing and people-empowerment. He is a husband of almost two years, and has a love affair with good food and wine. david@the-intl.com

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ADVERTISING SALES HEIDI GREVES is married, and a mother of six boys.

She Moved back to Denmark five and a half years ago after 14 years in Kent, England. Born in Copenhagen to a British mother and a Danish father, Heidi has knowledge and language skills of both countries. She has experience in the tourism industry in Denmark, and sales experience in England. She loves to be creative with photography, art and baking, and loves to socialise. heidi@the-intl.com

DISTRIBUTION 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.

Ileonora Yosifova

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 February 4, 2019

CVR:

39118181

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WHAT'S ON IN FEBRUARY

AROUND DENMARK HEATHER GARTSIDE AUTHOR & PHOTOGRAPHER

FEBRUARY IS A “CHALLENGING” MONTH, WHEREAS JANUARY WAS PERHAPS MORE ABOUT INTROSPECTION AS WE FORMULATED PLANS AND INCENTIVES FOR THE YEAR AHEAD. ALONG WITH THE BRAVE FLOWERS, THERE IS ALSO A BRIGHT CROP OF MAINLY FREE EVENTS TO WARM THE HEART, BELLY, MIND, POCKET, AND EARS.

Heather’s lived, worked and travelled all over the world but fell for a Dane in a train, in the rain and has lived here for “quite a while.” When asked in Danish, she replies that it’s four years and they then say that her language is great!

Heather is an author, photographer, yogi, cook, mother of three and tour guide who still laughs-out-loud when her washing machine says SLUT, and has been enjoying the journey to Jutland to see he husband’s family for years just to see the sign for Middelfart.

Heather’s written two novels, both set partially in Denmark - Rice Pudding In A Duvet – a warm and witty coming of age novel, each chapter inspired by a favourite recipe learnt along the way to womanhood. Her recently published second book, Middle Distance is a much darker, mystical and more sensual tale with not a recipe in sight!

www.heathergartside.com

TEXT HEATHER GARTSIDE

AARHUS

VINTERJAZZ 2019

WAXIES IRISH BAR FACEBOOK PAGE

COPENHAGEN

AALBORG

THE IRISH HOUSE AALBORG FACEBOOK PAGE

PHOTOGRAPHS HEATHER GARTSIDE / VARIOUS

1-24 FEBRUARY

5 FEBRUARY

7 FEBRUARY

VINTERJAZZ 2019

FIRST TUESDAY IN FEBRUARY

The complete programme for the 19th edition of the Danish nationwide festival Vinterjazz is ready. This year, more than 150 venues and independent organisers – from Skagen in the North to Flensborg in the South, and from Fanø in the West and Bornholm in the East – are presenting a total of 600 concerts. The key feature about Vinterjazz is not only its international headliners, but the international collaborations and specially curated concert series, all of which take place locally around the country.

For this wintery “First Tuesday” event, you’re invited to Waxies Irish bar in the heart of Aarhus to meet some other frost-bitten international residents. This is a regular event that takes place every first Tuesday of every month. It’s a chance to meet in an informal setting and mingle with other internationals and internationally-minded Danes, as well as getting to know the city and find the pulse, whatever the weather. First Tuesday events are free of charge - you just need to sign up and pay for your drinks during the evening. Swing by with a friend and/or make new ones!

TULLAMORE DEW & O’HARA’S BEER TASTING

BROWSE THE FULL PROGRAM HERE: WWW.JAZZ.DK/CONCERTS

More boozy hygge in Aalborg, as The Irish House invites you to come and discover how beer and whiskey compliment each other, hic. Sign-up at the bar, or on Facebook with your email address. The event costs just 50 DKK. Live music will follow with the amazing Dessie Higgins!

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM EVENTS/2430736693665911

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/270347283684374

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COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN

7 FEBRUARY

COPENHAGEN LIGHT FESTIVAL FACEBOOK PAGE

FACEBOOK PAGE

WELCOME GROUP CONSULTING FACEBOOK PAGE

AARHUS

7, 21 FEBRUARY

7 FEBRUARY

LIGHT SAFARI

MEET A SPANISH-SPEAKING EMPLOYMENT WORKSHOP AARHUSIAN LINKEDIN - BRING YOURS TO LIFE Have you ever wondered how someone coming from a Spanish-speaking country deals with living in Aarhus? Come and hear our Spanish friends spill the beans, dish the dirt and/or tell us how much they love it. The presentations will be free, last for about an hour and will be in English, Spanish and Danish. (Sanglish?)

It’s Copenhagen Light Festival in February, so why not embrace the darkness and go on a “Light Safari” in the winter garden at the impressive Glyptotekt museum? The idea is to spot wild animals in the building – yikes! The creative brains behind this installation is Jesper Kongshaug, who is responsible for the lighting effects at Tivoli, so you’ll be in for a treat. The FREE show is open just on February 7 and 21, from 18:00 – 21:00.

Baby it’s cold out there, so why not put your head down and find that job that you’ve been dreaming of? Finding a job in Denmark is not always easy – especially if you don’t speak Danish. But with expert coaching from Karey-Anne Duevang, founder of Welcome Group Consulting you will begin to break the ice! There’s all manner of FREE workshops with a different theme each week, with a 45 minute presentation on that subject. On the February 7, it’s time to bring your LinkedIn profile to life, and appeal to recruiters, get endorsements and make useful connections. After the presentation there is time to ask questions, and to work on your CV, cover letter or whatever you may need assistance with in the Café, where free wi-fi, cheap tea / coffee and snacks are available.

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/735860880106782

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/2201873136798394

COPENHAGEN LIGHT FESTIVAL FACEBOOK PAGE - @CHAOS.ENGINE

ISTOCK PHOTO

ISTOCK PHOTO

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/2468524533174756

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

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KOKKEDAL

COPENHAGEN

ISTOCK PHOTO

ISTOCK PHOTO

ISTOCK PHOTO

ODENSE

12 FEBRUARY

12 FEBRUARY

14 FEBRUARY

LEGO BUILDING WORKSHOP

HEALTHY COOKING CLASS

Find your inner child and have a great time constructing Lego models while your own kids or grandchildren try and compete. Hanne from “Hannes Klodsen” will be bringing thousands of great Lego bricks, special parts, instructions and expert guidance from her world travel with Lego bricks, showing how much creative fun and a what a bonding experience it is for everyone. If you’re catching her in Odense, then just bring slippers, a snack, a drink… oh, and kids aged six to 11 years old. The cost is 149 DKK for an adult with one child.

A little too much hygge over the past few months perhaps?

Spring really is just around the corner and in order to kickstart the renewal process, maybe we should take a look at the quality of the nutrition we are feeding ourselves? Yoga instructor and healthy food guru, Marzena puts together a fun four-hour workshop and cookery demonstration on how introducing small changes to your diet can really bring about big changes in your overall health and wellbeing. Even better, you get to eat and understand the tasty benefits as well as take the recipes and information pack home with you.

ARTSNIPS – CROQUIS AND DRINKS

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/135971670678369

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FACEBOOK. COM/EVENTS/242449666677945

Maybe you thought croquis were springtime flowers? These ones are rapid sketches of a naked model, while you drink something strong to get in the creative mindset. Come join ARTNSIPS for an alternative Valentine’s Day date? The workshop is from 18:00 until 20:00, there will be a male or female model, all art materials and a free drink are included and a professional artist will lead you on an artistic journey to discover the body beautiful! The event is for everyone at all levels of artistic development.

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/1189430011223118

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

hello@speakspeak.dk +45 3946 3050

speakspeak.dk

Learning Danish is expanding your horizon

Speak Frederiksberg Lindevangs Allé 8-12 2000 Frederiksberg

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ODENSE

COPENHAGEN

SOCIAL BREW FACEBOOK PAGE

HATHA YOGA FACEBOOK PAGE

KLANG-OPLEVELSER.DK FACEBOOK PAGE

FREDERIKSBERG

14, 21, 28 FEBRUARY 16, 17 FEBRUARY 23 FEBRUARY FREE HATHA YOGA

SOUND BATH

Not much sun outside, so create a warm glow in your heart, body and soul with this free Hatha Yoga Flow class at the vibrantly international Café Cadeau in Frederiksberg, Copenhagen. The hour-long class is recommended for any level and age of student, and beginners are heartily welcomed to participate in a yoga class that combines breathing technique, sun salutations, back bending, balancing and meditation. Bring your own mat, blanket and warm clothes for the end of the class. You can purchased a healthy juice, smoothie, snack or hot drink afterwards and mingle with your fellow international yogis. The event is for free, but you can show your support by donation.

It’s the ears that will be getting attention in Odense in an authentic sound bath. The sound bath experience is about letting the sound take you to a deeper medative place, making it easier to arrive in a relaxed state without complicating how to get there. Through sound frequency it's possible, and very easy, to down-shift our normal beta state (normal waking consciousness) to alpha (relaxed consciousness), with the majority of people able to reach theta (meditative state) and even delta (where internal healing can occur). This experience is helpful for anyone who wants to give themselves a moment of relaxation or gain the benefits from meditation, but has not yet learned how to access on their own. The event begins in quietness and builds up gradually.

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/313442962614874/?TI=ICL

COFFEE WORKSHOP – SOCIAL BREW Coffee anyone? Here’s a great workshop for coffee lovers, and the lovely lads at Social Brew kindly ask you to arrive without having consumed coffee earlier – it will be quite a caffeine romp!

You’ll be invited to join the very talented team to learn more about the world of coffee and how to make, and how not to make, the very best brew. AND everyone gets to make coffee professionally and play around with the fancy brewing equipment. All this in a gloriously social and can-do atmosphere of this new coffee shop venture in the trendy Kødbyen part of town.

The two-hour session includes - learning about the stages of coffee brewing, including understanding infusion and pre-infusions, operating the V60 machine and defining how a good cup of coffee SHOULD taste. Exploring and recognising coffees from various origins such as Honduras, Brazil, Kenya and Ethiopia and the importance of choosing single-source farmers.

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/2253648931545357

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SOCIAL BREW FACEBOOK PAGE SOCIAL BREW FACEBOOK PAGE

ISTOCK PHOTO

KLANG-OPLEVELSER.DK FACEBOOK PAGE

ISTOCK PHOTO

KLANG-OPLEVELSER.DK FACEBOOK PAGE

FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/329722934550167

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MAKING YOUR

BUSINESS BETTER HOW TO MANAGE BUSINESS RISK WHILE REMAINING TRANSPARENT IN AN AGE OF INCREASED TRANSPARENCY.

D

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK PHOTO

DESPITE RECENT CHALLENGES in the financial sector, Denmark’s advanced use of digitalisation throughout the Public and Private sectors has many advantages for a global society seeking greater transparency.

Governance, risk and compliance (GRC) have long been of fundamental concern to businesses, regulators and supervisors' and are more relevant than ever. As regulatory and compliance requirements are strengthening globally, businesses have an important challenge in adopting a GRC framework that is consistent with international standards. The dramatic market swings in 2016 showed that the frequency and rapidity of global changes, business challenges and business risks are here to stay.

EMBRACING COMPLIANCE Denmark has been able to embrace these challenges, particularly climate-related challenges, and has successfully turned them into innovative opportunities. This can be seen in Danish agriculture, knowledge transfer, renewable energy strategy, communication, robotics, computer science, pharmacology and production in general.

Although compliance is often considered costly, time consuming and burdensome, the benefits of observing GRC can also be comprehensive. Not only is GRC critical, it can also derive value and increase compliance performance, ensuring that the benefits outweigh the cost of the processes, the procedures and the controls that enable GRC.

BUSINESS RISK Given the turmoil in the financial and business world after the collapse of Lehman Brothers and other disruptive incidents, it is hardly surprising that risk management has moved swiftly up the enterprise agenda. The emphasis on managing risk and regulatory compliance is now shaping the business agenda. What happened to Lehmann Brothers, Arthur Andersen and Enron (among others) could also happen to other well-established companies and faster than ever before.

In order for compliance efforts to be effective and sustainable, compliance should emerge from an on-going board-level engagement. A Board of Directors should approve and oversee strategic objectives and set a compliance culture. Similarly, company Boards need to ensure that adequate policies and procedures (that enable oversight activities) are carried out on all business lines.

Over the past decade, international business has faced significant disruption, much of which has been due to lapses in governance and risk management practices. This has sparked interest

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

in a debate that has triggered a greater emphasis on managing risk with regulatory compliance.

One of the pillars of GRC is Risk Management, covering identification, assessment, continuous monitoring of risks and risk mitigation. Compliance tools have been developed that can deliver financial benefit. Training and consulting remain very important, especially to change the mind-set to a more committed one. Compliance and monitoring environment and real time risks ensure that risks are being realistically managed, and that disruption is embraced.

DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION In Denmark, businesses are operating in an environment in which regulators are encouraging more openness and public examination has become the norm. Increasingly, companies are being asked to publish information in near real time.

The power of the media and social media is a phenomenon with instant effect that can have both a positive and a negative impact. Consequently, businesses have to respond with more efficient digital systems for releasing information on compliance.

Digital transformation systems in a digitally savvy society have made Denmark a market leader. This is seen to compensate well for lack of economies of scale in a global arena.

With the business community facing more challenges than ever before, companies need to show their business partners trustworthiness. Companies, who are judged as having been complacent or negligent, risk very damaging financial consequences.

The overall Danish model, that embraces the United Nations Development Sustainability Goals, shows that proactive measures will always be cheaper and more effective in the long run than retroactive damage control. THE-INTL

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES PRESIDENT & CEO BOSS CERTIFICATION UK LIMITED Mariano has over 30 years' global experience as a business executive. He spent ten 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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RAISING

MY DANISH FAMILY

COLOMBIAN CITY GIRL TURNED AARHUS MUM OF TWO, DANIELA TRIFILETTI FOLLOWED HER ENQUIRING MIND HALFWAY ACROSS THE WORLD WHERE SHE WOULD INSTEAD FIND A LIFE OF LOVE, FAMILY AND FULFILMENT IN A PLACE SHE NOW CALLS HOME.

PHOTOGRAPHS ILEONORA YOSIFOVA / DANIELA TRIFILETTI / ERHVERV AARHUS

W

TEXT DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER

WITH AN EAGERNESS to know and discover more of the world, Bogota-born Daniela Tri-

GLOBAL SHAKEUP

filetti left Colombia for Denmark in 2013 on a journey of discovery that would see her learn new cultures, broaden her mind, fall in love, start a family and give back to a community she has truly come to call her own.

After completing a degree in journalism and communication in Colombia, Daniela planned visits to Aarhus University and Swansea University in Wales where she hoped she to further her studies in war and conflict journalism.

What she didn’t in her wildest dreams imagine happening upon her arrival in Aarhus, was that ‘love' would literally come knocking on her door. “The first person I met in Denmark, and the one who happened to open the door for me at the dorm where I was going to live for the next year, became shortly after my loving husband and father of my two kids,” Daniela smailes.

Long story short, her academic plans changed, she never moved to Wales, and she ended up calling Denmark her new home. This is her story of discovery, determination and dedication to the spirit of the multicultural family.

Raised in a what she calls “a very socially and politically active family” - and being educated in an International Baccalaureate school - it was perhaps no surprise to her parents that Daniela would follow a career in journalism. “I found incredibly interesting the fact that thousands of children worldwide were reading and doing the same exams I was doing in my city despite the distance or the different cultures we were from,” Daniela explains.

“I studied journalism at Universidad de La Sabana in Bogotá after understanding that my passion for finding stories behind facts and people was an undeniable trait of my personality. From my early years I began writing stories and my parents always believed that I could bring some happiness to those who read what I had to say.”

Her experience in working for one of most popular news radio stations in Colombia and having collaborated in different community projects including one with the United Nations, grew her fascination with the phenomenon of globalisation. “I got involved in community work and started contributing in several non-profit organisations, activ-

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"DANIELA HAS MADE IT HER PERSONAL MISSION OVER THE PAST FEW YEARS LIVING IN DENMARK TO IDENTIFY THE BEST AND MOST 'SHARABLE CHARACTERISTIC' OF COLOMBIA AND HER NEW 'HOME', PUT THEM TOGETHER AND BUILD A LIFE IN DENMARK AROUND THESE COMMON TRAITS." ity that even today, it shapes my views and many purposes in life,” Daniela says.

It was a fellow journalist who had sparked her interest in a Master’s Degree abroad, and that would eventually draw her to Denmark where she says life as a student was extraordinary. “It was a bubble filled with joy, new experiences, a steady group of friends and endless activities to do,” she enthuses.

Her bubble of student joy however, was soon popped - and although very much in love with her Danish husband and new baby, the cultural shock hit and everything she knew changed. “Becoming a mom in a city I didn't know at the time, in the middle of the winter, with a small number of internationals around, with an immense language barrier and with a pending resident status made those days some to remember. Life was a rollercoaster as I was figuring out how to try to enjoy the honeymoon stage of being a new mom and with a new life in this country, at the same time as being sad by experiencing this stage of my life with no support network,” Daniela says in one long mouthful.

Fortunately for the foreign mom, her early start in the country as a student meant that although radical, the cultural adjustments she had to make were manageable. “I was committed to find my place here. I had made a decision and my new family was my ultimate goal,

I was all in to learn the Danish lifestyle and little-by-little I stepped out of the dark days of the cultural shock and learned how to spot the middle grounds, which I call now my comfort zones.”

MY DANISH FAMILY Daniela has made it her personal mission over the past few years living in Denmark to identify the best and most “sharable characteristics” of Colombia and her new ‘home’, put them together and build a life in Denmark around these common traits. It was this personal project that lead her start a mommy-blog called My Danish Baby, after the birth of her daughter in 2015. “I had a tremendously hard time finding information in English about everyday life as an expecting mom in this country in 2014. At that time, I recall not finding a single article or official information in English about what it was like to give birth in Denmark, basic information about the hospitals, any guide to apply to daycare and so on,” she explains.

“Raising children in Denmark, more than a parenting method, is a full family lifestyle and in addition, to make it work, a full system around you is needed to help you be successful at it. As the African proverb says: ‘it takes a village to raise a child',” she adds.

After a year of writing about various topics relating to new motherhood for an expat raising a child in Denmark, she says that she

Mayor of Aarhus Jacob Bundsgaard (left), and Peter Rankenberg Thomsen (right), HR business partner at Terma present Daniela with the People's Choice award at GoGlocal

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noticed how much the blogs’ online community had grown as well as the network she had built up over the year. She decided then to take her project to the next level and focus on growing its reach and impact on the international community.

“Today My Danish Family is an online blog and community for both international and Danish families interested in learning more about everyday life as a parent raising children in Denmark. My aim with this project continues to be giving others information I wasn't able to find when I searched for it, motivating those who think they won’t find their place in Denmark and inspiring as many as I can to enjoy their days while in this country.

“During our most recent trip to Colombia as a family, I shared with other local moms some of the characteristics of the Danish parenting style and although some positive words came out after the initial shocks, I got several high eyebrows. And please note this was not because they didn't find it appropriate or they disagree with the things I was sharing, but it was mostly the lack of understanding as most practices wouldn't fit the societal behaviour in my home country,” she says, adding that many foreign moms living in Denmark have the very same reaction, simply because of the lack of understanding. To tackle this, she has also collaborated with several municipalities in Denmark organising talks and workshops about these topics.

Having the opportunity to raise her children in a multicultural home not only allows Daniela to give them the best inheritance she has had - multiligualism - she says that it also enables her to help them to become integral and prepared adults for the world that awaits them in the future. “Although I was not a multicultural child myself, throughout my education and grownup life I evidenced how multiculturality is one of the best traits in today's globalised world. We not longer live in cultures walled by nationalist thoughts, instead we now face a borderless world where identities are shaped by the mix of not only inherited traits but also by those acquired by experience and/or knowledge,” she says.

“I believe that raising global-minded children is not loosing the 'original' culture of the parents, on the contrary, it affords them a better understanding of the strong and most positive elements of those cultures they carry with them, ultimately creating outstanding ways of living,” she concludes. Her work with My Danish Family over the years - in addition to her professional background and education - has enabled Daniela several opportunities to engage not only with the community but also the Danish corporate world. She was selected as a jury member of the Go Glocal Awards in Aarhus, a speaker at the Nordic Chapter of the Forum for Expatriate Management and recently won herself the Go Glocal People's Choice Award, which recognises an initiative working towards the internationalisation of the city of Aarhus.

This award has sparked in Daniela new ideas for this coming years, all of them targeted to the wellbeing of expat families like hers. THE-INTL

DANIELA’S ADVICE FOR FEELING MORE AT HOME IN DENMARK Through her consultancy service, Daniela uses her skills of within global Mobility and Expatriate management to advise companies and individuals better settle in Denmark.

She offers these three tips: ➥ Acknowledge from day one that cultural shock will

happen. Embrace every stage of the process and make the

most out of it by identifying those good elements found on

the way.

www.cis.dk

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.

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.”

➥ Talk to others. Denmark has one of the most active,

supporting and organized international communities I've

seen. Make a good use of it and avoid isolation. Language

and cultural adjustment are just down the line.

➥ Don't let the Danish weather beat you. I believe it is a bad

campaign to say that Danish weather makes you sad,

remember happiness comes from within!

FOLLOW MORE OF DANIELA'S JOURNEY, ON

@MYDANISHFAMILY OR @

WWW.MYDANISHFAMILY.DK

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HOME VERSUS 'HOME' The first few months of the year can be for many expats a replay of the beginning of their journeys abroad, as the time to return from their holiday arrives. It can also be the perfect occasion to boost your life abroad as you learn that you can live a life with the best of both worlds.

PHOTOGRAPHS DANIELA TRIFILETTI

TEXT DANIELA TRIFILETTI

Many could actually argue that this is perhaps easier said than done, and I would tend to agree with that. Nevertheless, you can take this opportunity not just to overcome the ‘bittersweetness’ of returning to your new home, but primarily to strengthen your mind-set as you live the expat life.

There is no need to play-pause the two - or more - chapters in your lives, meaning that époque you lived in your home country and later the one as an expat abroad. Each culture you have experienced has without a doubt a set of magnificent traits that when identified and brought together can become the most powerful tool for living a life with the best of two - or several - worlds.

T

THE PERIOD AFTER a big holiday, such as Christmas and New

Year, can mark a time when many in the expat community are hit by the blues after leaving behind, once more, their loved ones and most importantly their comfort zones, normally after a short visit to the place they used to call 'home'. Described as the blues it's not usually deep sadness that onc experiences by going back, because the place you now call home happens to be where your house, work, new network and even the new ‘you’ are. Yet, what is undeniable is how challenging it can be returning 'home', as you are recovering from a possible reverse culture shock, which could occurred as you arrived back in your home town, but because you are once more finding yourself in that ‘identity limbo’ as you try to rediscover where you actually belong.

Fortunately, with a bit of effort you’ll manage to use this time in your favour, not just creating useful memorabilia for your everyday abroad, but also to tighten those new relationships you have built in your new 'home'.

TWO HOMES VS NO HOME No one has ever said pursuing the ‘expat living’ was going to be a stroll in the park. There are numerous challenges one faces after taking the decision of beginning a life abroad. Yet, for all of you who have chosen to follow this journey it might be clear by now that ‘home’ is undoubtedly a contested term.

The struggle of calling your home country or your new home away from it, your real ‘home’ can be a lifetime situation. However, it is up to you to decide whether to have the positive mind-set of being so privilege to call two different places by this heart-warming term, instead of falling down the thought of having no place to call home.

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

SOCIALLY RECONNECT Highly likely, for those who made this trip, a great deal of your time and effort was put in reconnecting with everyone in your home country. A crazy schedule ahead of you as you try to fit everyone in the limited days you have after landing and endless hours of catching up. However, over that period and perhaps over the following weeks after your return to your current home, a lot of relationships might have been put on hold. Relationships that are now with those who share the everyday life with you and who have become your support network abroad.

Reconnecting them is now as important as it was with your previous friends and family, yet it doesn’t necessarily mean finding time to see everyone after you travel back. A text, an email or call will do to get you started. Let your friends and those around you know you are back in town and remember that despite how unbelievable your trip was you are now ready to sail the ship again. A simple recommendation would be to avoid stating how sad, devastated and homesick you are feeling from having to return, if that is the case. While working on the ‘two homes mind-set’ you can realise that besides the inevitable feelings of melancholy, due to departing, a great share of joy comes as you return back to your own place, to your own things and to that special setting you have created abroad.

Without being a mindfulness expert, I can assure you that happiness comes from within. One of the main lessons learned while living life abroad is that nothing comes without an effort. There must be active persona to overcome the uncountable challenges this lifestyles carries with it, but only if done correctly this challenges will offer new opportunities instead of permanent defies. As heard from the wise palm reader in the film Eat, Pray and Love, the most important is you that ‘smile with your liver’ all along your journey. THE-INTL

DANIELA TRIFILETTI EXPAT FAMILY EXPERT BLOGGER AT MY DANISH FAMILY Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Daniela came to Aarhus to complete her education in Journalism in 2013. Life, however, had better plans and shortly after she became the wife of a multicultural Dane and the mother of two multilingual children, thereby making Denmark her new home. Her passion for human and social relations, writing and cultural understanding shaped her everyday life as it is today. Besides running her online community and blog at My Danish Family, she is an active member of large international communities in Denmark, engages actively in internationalisation initiatives and loves drinking coffee with new people.

www.mydanishfamily.dk

13

INVESTING 101 FOR WOMEN Claire Ross-Brown catches up with Sarah Ophelia Moss about her journey into investing and how she is steadily teaching women all over Denmark to invest their money.

PHOTOGRAPHS GRITT ULRIKKA JØRGENSEN

ACCORDING TO A study by Merrill Lynch, 41% of women wish they invested more of their money. The problem is that many women don’t know how to even start, and yet investing allows women to earn more money than a savings account alone, even with small monthly deposits.

Q

HOW DID YOU START INVESTING AND WHAT MADE YOU WANT TO?

I had always been fascinated with the prospect of investing money, and after investing in my first property and collecting a profit from this investment, I really wanted to understand what and how I could take charge and invest myself in the stock market. At that point in time, I couldn’t find any courses that spoke to me as a woman – everything was very much directed to men - and so I researched what I could find on the net, about investing and spoke with some experts. I quickly realised that as a woman, I was not alone in wanting to invest and yet, there was a huge lack of “know how” out there, with many others like myself, wishing they knew more. In some ways I can see now that it very soon became a mission of mine, to share my research and knowledge with likeminded women who wanted to invest, and this is how my company - Ophelia Invest was born.

Q

WHY DO YOU FEEL IT’S IMPORTANT THAT WOMEN INVEST THEIR MONEY?

Quite simply because we can! We have been brought up in a society where men have been the main “care providers” and we women have been the “home carers” – and in reality this old concept is still the case, for instance, investing. I want to share with women my experiences in investing and how to do this, if they would like to. I take the financial “lingo” and break this down so that every woman out there understands it!

TEXT CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN

"I TAKE THE FINANCIAL 'LINGO' AND BREAK THIS DOWN SO THAT EVERY WOMAN OUT THERE UNDERSTANDS IT!"

Q

WHAT CAN WOMEN EXPECT FROM ONE OF YOUR SEMINARS?

Q

TELL US A BIT ABOUT YOUR UPCOMING EVENT AND HOW WOMEN CAN SIGN UP AND START INVESTING?

I start completely from scratch, explaining the basics of how to invest and all the different steps that lead on from this.

During my seminars, or workshops, we start with giving everyone a chance to get “on board” – starting with learning what a stock is, through to where and how you can buy them, to ending up with learning how one diversifies sufficiently. Also learning about the whole process emotionally and how one can expect to feel, during what can be quite a rollercoaster ride.

My next event is with Nordic Invest Camp where you can tailor the day exactly to your needs. People (both women and men) can drop in to a beginner's workshop and get the basics in place. In the financial speed dating room you can speak with an advisor and make a plan that suits you. In the trader room you can get tips from talented day traders and on the big stage you can continually become wiser through lectures, panel discussions and interviews with the leaders, in the field of investment. As a beginner you can arrive with no knowledge at all and expect to leave with new insights and a plan for your next move. You will learn to combine economy and learning with some great music, networking and a good atmosphere. In addition, you will also get the opportunity to meet many likeminded people, who also want to take charge of their own finances. My hope is that everyone will leave the event with a new strategy and investment buddy in hand.

If anyone would like to join, they can sign up via nordicinvestcamp.dk where you can buy tickets and see the programme.

Q

CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINTECH COMPANY CASHWORKS Claire has over 26 years', experience working as both a business consultant and a c t r e s s / s i n g e r. S h e h a s worked as a Headhunter in London city with Investment Banks, produced an album and invests in companies. Claire is a true Londoner, yet considers Denmark her home, where she lives with her family. She loves to run, box, snowboard

WHERE CAN WOMEN LEARN MORE ABOUT YOU, SARAH?

I have a community for women who find investing interesting on Facebook, “Kvindelogen Investeret” and they can also follow “Ophelia Invest” through our own website opheliainvest. dk and on YouTube where we post videos every week on different topics about investing. We also have our Instagram and Facebook page, where we post all of our events (all over the country), along with our new podcast “Ophelia Invest Talks”. My goal is for all women to feel that they have access to all the information that they need, about how to invest - and most of all enjoy it! THE-INTL

and wakeboard. Her column in The International is about Entrepreneurship, interesting businesses and key business people, board member of www.boernogungeinoed.dk

www.cashworks.ch

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

14

SETTLING IN 101: THE DANISH HEALTH CARE SYSTEM Helping you unpack the challenges of being an expat in Denmark – Part 2 – health care.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE

M

MY FIRST ASSIGNED doctor in Denmark didn’t speak much English. This posed a problem when I was trying to tell him what my ailment was. He was also extremely hesitant to prescribe medicine. He had the same ideology as my own mother did, “Put your pajamas on and go to bed. You’ll feel better in the morning”. Although my introduction to the Danish health care system was quite a culture shock, I have come to discover that it is a system that works well, once you get to know your way around it...

THE GATEKEEPER

You can only access Denmark’s public healthcare system once you’ve obtained your CPR number, which is your personal ID number (yellow health card).

Once you have your CPR number, you will be assigned a doctor through your new municipality. A general practioner (GP).

Consider this doctor the “Gatekeeper” to anything concerning you or your family’s medical needs. Everything goes directly through them. They are your child’s pediatrician, your optometrist, your gynecologist, and sometimes even your family therapist. A Doctors degree in Denmark takes six years. They cover everything, in small amounts - you could say they know a little about everything. If they can’t help you, they will refer you to a specialist.

CHILDREN’S MEDICAL CARE Children are covered by the health insurance scheme, until they reach the age of 15 and are insured independently of their parents. All children 0-9 years old, receive preventive health examinations and vaccinations that help to monitor the child’s development and well-being. These are conducted by your GP. For more information regarding your child’s health care, contact your “Gatekeeper”.

If you're expecting or have recently had a child, Mydanishfamily.dk offers a free start-up package to all new parents.

PHARMACIES (APOTEK) Denmark’s regulations are very strict when it comes to prescription medicine, and you likely need a prescription for certain medicine you would normally be able to buy over the counter back home. Growing up in North America, over the counter medicine is typically much stronger than even prescribed medicines here in Denmark.

Back home, I would take an extra strength Tylenol and go to work with a fever, to prove my dedication to my employer. Here, Danes prefer you to just stay home. They don’t want you to make all your colleagues’ sick too.

HOMESTEAD TIP #1: Consider taking out private health insurance in addition to your public insurance coverage package so if the

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD Laura is Canadian. After years of living abroad and travelling the world, she 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 unexpected arises you're covered under any circumstance.

HOMESTEAD TIP #2: Stay home if you’re sick your colleagues will appreciate it.

HOMESTEAD TIP #3: Consider bringing your preferred medication from home.

Homestead’s Danish Health and Welfare seminar will be held on Wednesday February 8. Check out our Website or Facebook page to learn more.

If you have a topic, you’d like us to write about, let us know.

THE-INTL

IMPORTANT NUMBERS 112 - IS FOR IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE - MEDICAL, FIRE, CRIME IN PROGRESS OR ACCIDENT. 114 - IS TO REPORT A CRIME. (112 IF THEY ARE IN YOUR HOUSE).

1813 - IS A FUNCTIONAL AND EFFICIENT SYSTEM WHERE YOU SPEAK TO A ‘NURSE ON DUTY’, (BUT ONLY AFTER YOUR GP’S OFFICE HOURS).

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

15

FEBRUARY FUN IN AARHUS After the excitement of Christmas, the winter months to follow can feel like the longest, slowest stretch of the year. Here are a few ways to make your February in Aarhus go not only a little faster but a lot sweeter, too.

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

TEXT BARBARA BALFOUR

SALLING

HIT THE ROAD FOR HANDMADE ICE-CREAM ROLLS

BARBARA BALFOUR

GET ON TOP OF THE WORLD AT SALLING

■ SØNDERGADE 27, 8000 AARHUS

MY ICE DREAM - INGE LYNGGAARD HANSEN

What started as a modest furniture shop in 1906 Aarhus, has since evolved into one of the largest retail chains in the country. With no shortage of dining options to offer a warm respite from shopping – not to mention killer panoramic views – Salling is much more than just a department store. Check out the new menus at their Bar & Bistro and ROOFTOP restaurants, including five different gin and tonic cocktails and an enticing lineup of smørrebrød with toppings like venison sausage and lingonberries.

In the mood for something sweet? At the main level bakery, any cake and beverage of your choice can be yours for 38 DKK – one of the best deals in town. Climb the stairs to the second level of the Starbucks to watch the world go by on the city’s busiest street.

TELEVISION HOST, PRODUCER, PUBLIC SPEAKER, AND INTERNATIONAL PRINT JOURNALIST.

Maher Amer and his family fled Syria four years ago with a dream: to open a high-quality ice-cream shop.

You can’t get fresher ice-cream than at his appropriately named charming café, My Ice Dream, located in Ry, 30 minutes away from Aarhus. Flavours such as blueberry, avocado, mango, or Nutella are mixed in with Danish whole milk and cream and transformed into vertical rolls – a novel concept that first originated in Thailand, and the only one of its kind in all of Denmark.

■ WWW.SALLING.DK

PICK UP A NEW HOBBY AT From international play groups and knitting clubs to lectures on astronomy and Spanish film screenings, there is much more to Dokk1 than just books. Sign up online for free cultural and social events, as well as guided tours of what is now the largest public library in all of Scandinavia.

■ HACK KAMPMANNS PLADS 2, 8000 AARHUS

■ WWW.DOKK1.DK

MY ICE DREAM - INGE LYNGGAARD HANSEN

■ SKANDERBORGVEJ 14, 8680 RY

■ WWW.MYICEDREAM.DK

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

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

16

LET THEM EAT CAKE! Happy 1st Birthday to ‘The International’.

I HAVE HAD THE PLEASURE OF SUBMITTING RECIPES ALL YEAR LONG – FROM HEARTY WINTER STEWS AND BRIGHT SPRING SALADS, TO SUMMER BARBECUE AND AUTUMN PIES. IT HAS BEEN FUN TO BE A PART OF THE INTERNATIONAL ON ITS MAIDEN VOYAGE AND WATCH IT GROW INTO A FRIENDLY CORNERSTONE FOR THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IN DENMARK. SO WHAT BETTER WAY TO CELEBRATE A BIRTHDAY, THAN WITH CAKE?

PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN CHAPMAN

TEXT ERIN CHAPMAN, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY

1 teaspoon vanilla extract 350g apricot preserves 235ml whole milk

FROSTING: 300ml heavy cream 3 tablespoons powdered sugar 60g sour cream

METHOD:

COCONUT APRICOT CAKE WITH SOUR CREAM FROSTING

Preheat oven to 1750C. Toast the coconut in the oven on a baking sheet, stirring occasionally, until it turns golden (about 10 min). Set aside. Grease two 20-22 cm (8-9”) round cake pans.

In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder and salt. Set aside. In another large bowl, using an electric mixer, beat the butter and sugar until light and fluffy.

Beat in the eggs, one at a time, then the vanilla extract and half of the apricot preserves.

Using a spoon, stir in the flour mixture and then the milk, mixing until just incorporated. Do not over-mix.

Pour the batter evenly into the 2 greased pans. Bake for 40-45 minutes, or until a toothpick inserted into the middle comes out clean. Let the cakes cool for 10 minutes and then remove the cakes from the pans and cool completely on a wire rack.

THIS MOIST CAKE IS BEAUTIFUL FOR ANY OCCASION WITH ITS FLUFFY, NOT-TOO-SWEET

MAKE THE FROSTING: Using an electric mixer, beat

FROSTING, TOASTED COCONUT GARNISH AND A SURPRISING CENTER OF SWEET APRI-

cream and powdered sugar until soft peaks form. Add the sour cream and beat further until stiff peaks form.

Place one of the cakes on a serving plate and spread the remaining half of the apricot preserves on top of this layer. Place the second cake layer on top of the apricot preserves. Frost the cake with the whipped cream mixture on the top and sides.

Garnish by pressing the toasted coconut on the sides until well covered. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

COTS. MAKES ONE 2-LAYER CAKE (8 SERVINGS)

INGREDIENTS: 100g shredded/flaked coconut 170g unsalted butter, at room temperature 330g flour, sifted 2 teaspoons baking powder ½ teaspoon salt 340g cups sugar 4 large eggs

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

VARIATION: FOR A ZESTY CITRUS ALTERNATIVE, USE ORANGE MARMELADE IN PLACE OF THE APRICOT PRESERVES.

17

CAKE TIPS MAKE AHEAD! The cake layers can be

made days in advance. Simply let cool, then wrap well with plastic wrap. Refrigerate or freeze until ready to frost. Frosting cake layers when chilled is much easier than when they are freshly baked!

TO AVOID A MESSY CAKE PLATE while frost-ing, tear sheets of parchment paper and layer around the outside edges of your cake plate. Then lay your first layer down and begin to frost. When the entire cake is finished, gently pull the parchment pa-per pieces out from under your cake, and you’ll have a clean and tidy frosted base of your cake plate.

TO CREATE ROSETTES, as pictured, frost the top of your first layer. Then add the sec-ond cake layer and smooth out frosting on the top to the edges. Then, using a pip-ing bag and a cake decorating nib, fill the piping bag and pipe circular swirls, starting around the bottom and working your way up to the top edge.

THE FROSTED CAKE can be made 1 day ahead of time and stored in the refriger-ator. Take cake out 1 hour before serving.

ERIN CHAPMAN CO-OWNER, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY With over 20 years’ experience in the advertising industry, working both in Denmark and USA, Erin 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

DARK CHOCOLATE LAYER CAKE WITH CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING THIS RICH MOIST CAKE IS A FAVOURITE FOR CHOCOLATE LOVERS IN MY FAMILY. THE CAKE LAYERS THEMSELVES ARE ÜBER DARK, DUE TO A CUP OF BREWED COFFEE IN THE MIXTURE. WITH A DECADENT CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING, THIS CAKE SCREAMS “LET’S CELEBRATE!”.

(MAKES 2 CAKE LAYERS OR 24 CUPCAKES)

INGREDIENTS: 350g flour 370g sugar 60g cocoa powder 1 teaspoon natron (baking soda) ½ teaspoon salt 225ml coffee (cooled to room temperature) 225ml milk 225ml vegetable oil 3 eggs 100g dark chocolate, finely chopped

cake batter evenly into the prepared baking pans.

Baking time for 2 x round baking pans: 1600C for 30-40 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean. Baking time for 2 x round baking pans: 1600C for 20-25 minutes, or until toothpick comes out clean.

Allow the cakes to cool in the pans for 15-20 minutes, then invert the pans to remove the cakes and allow them to cool completely on a wire rack. See TIPS for storage.

CHOCOLATE WHIPPED CREAM FROSTING INGREDIENTS: 300g dark chocolate, chopped or chips 800 ml whipping cream 400g cream cheese 100 g powdered sugar

METHOD:

her way up as a senior creative, as well as 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 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

Melt the chocolate in the microwave or a double boiler

Pie Company in Copenhagen.

until smooth. Set aside.

Erin is happily married to her

In a mixing bowl, whip the cream with an electric mixer until fluffy and firm. Set aside in refrigerator to keep cool.

In a large mixing bowl, mix the cream cheese and powdered sugar together with an electric mixer for 2-4

METHOD:

minutes or until thick and smooth. (Use Paddle attach-

Prepare your choice of baking pans. If you wish to make a layer cake, use 22-23 cm (9”) round pans Grease the pans with butter or non-stick spray, then line the bottom with parchment paper. Preheat the oven to 1600C. In a mixing bowl, whisk together the flour, sugar, cocoa powder, natron, and salt.

In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the coffee, milk, vegetable oil, and eggs. Slowly whisk the dry ingredi ents into the wet ingredients and stir well until thoroughly combined. Stir in the chopped chocolate. Divide the

ment for stand mixer).

Danish husband and is the mother of a sassyfive year old daughter who speaks fluent “Danglish”.

www.theamericanpieco.com

Add the melted chocolate and beat on medium high until combined. (Use Paddle attachment for stand mixer) Add the whipped cream and mix until completely combined and smooth.

Use immediately to frost the cake as desired. (The chocolate will begin to cool slightly and stiffen) Refrigerate until ready to serve.

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

18

THE STAY-AT-HOME NINJA A CELEBRATION OF THE EXPAT SPOUSE AND PARTNER – PART 1.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO

TEXT KATHY BORYS SIDDIQUI

“68% O F E X PAT R I AT E D E M P LOY E E S A R E M A R R I E D. ”

KATHY BORYS SIDDIQUI FOUNDER, ACTIVE ACTION

NetExpat/ EY 2018 Relocating Pa r t n e r s u r v e y

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 kid 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

MANY OF US have been faced with the question of moving abroad - relocating - and many will be faced with it again.

Expats, Global Nomads, Internationals, for many, moving around has become a way of life. Yet, a recent NetExpat/EY 2018 Relocating Partner survey reports that the happiness of the Expat Spouse/partner needs to be improved. So, what's missing?

TO WORK OR NOT TO WORK…?

Sometimes this is a question that an expat spouse and partner needs to answer and discuss with their family. Now, there may be various reasons for doing so, but one thing is clear, not every expat spouse/partner is looking for a full-time job.

Each person, couple and family is unique and life circumstances surely play a role when deciding what is right for them.

As expats we may find that over time we are all of the following: dual-career oriented, stay at home parent, focusing on our own needs - further education, language education, developing passions and hobbies or self-employed, to name a few.

The expat spouse/partner is often expected to jump into the workforce. Not everyone relocating has a job at the top of their to-do-list, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Providing support for the spouse or partner often entails intercultural training, career and job search training, language support, work permit support, and so on. That is a great base.

However, through awareness and open communication, a clear understanding of the spouse and partner’s needs can surface.

Those needs can change over time but it is crucial that they are heard and acknowledged.

“The spouse or partner supports not only their other half but also the employer. The working spouse/partner is able to be a valuable employee, in a large part, because of the work they do at home to make sure things are running smoothly," Elisha Wakefield, an American expat spouse tells me.

Denmark has a strong work culture, and it can be frustrating and intimidating to be on the other side of the spectrum.

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

The spouse/partner that chooses to stay home wears many hats every day and contributes greatly to the new life. First and foremost, they are the ones running the show. They are the ones taking care of all formalities, smoothing out the wrinkles, taking care of everyday life tasks, drop off, pick up, decorating the house, chauffeuring, going to municipalities, calling plumbers… Some non-expats may claim, they do the same.

However, living in a new country, with an unfamiliar surrounding, culture and foreign language can be quite a challenge, but the spouses/partners keep going. Nevertheless, after the dust settles it is obvious that they can benefit greatly from focusing on their own needs and goals.

Finding purpose and a sense of belonging is immensely important for the spouse/partner. This is also their time, a chance to pursue an interest, to be creative, to be active in which ever way they choose. The spouses/partners is the driving force at home and they deserve to be recognised and appreciated for their efforts - many are even highly educated professionals.

The well-being of the spouse/partner is key to successful relocations, and only through awareness and open communication can we bridge this gap. THE-INTL

expat and she is not a stranger to the 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 lack-

“ 8 3 % O F I N T E R N AT I O N A L CO M PA N I E S F E E L T H AT S P O U S E A N D PA R T N E R

ing something - create it. She is the founder of two International Mom Groups in Denmark, a running enthu-

CO N C E R N S H AV E A N I M PA C T O R S I G N I F -

siast, active lifestyle advocate, wife

I C A N T I M PA C T O N T H E I R A B I L I T Y TO AT -

and mom.

T R A C T F I R S T C H O I C E C A N D I D AT E S TO

kbs@activeaction.dk

T H E I R I N T E R N AT I O N A L A S S I G N M E N T S . ”

www.activeaction.dk

- N e t E x p a t / E Y 2 0 1 8 R e l o c a t i n g Pa r t n e r s u r v e y

19

BLOGGER COLUMN

LEARNING DANISHWITH DR

There are many resources out there to help you learn Danish. Béranger Stark Morel shares how DR helped him better speak the language.

PHOTOGRAPHS DR 1/AFTENSHOWET - MARTIN JUUL TEXT BERANGER STARK MOREL

I

IT IS VERY

likely that you’ve heard about DR. However, in case you are still wondering, DR is Denmark’s oldest and largest electronic media enterprise. It was founded in 1925 as a public service organisation. Nowadays, it is an independent, licence-financed public institution comprising television, radio and online services. Their content is very geared towards expats wanting to engage better with the Danish language.

DR RADIO When I was studying Danish, I used to listen to the radio a lot. There are many stations aside from DR, but I always found DR to be helpful with interesting topics.

Currently, I mainly listen to the radio in the car when driving or in the morning to hear the news. I find it fun to start my day with some Danish words and thoughts. Songs played during the radio programmes are also a great way to improve and practice Danish. If you get a chance to study the lyrics at home, you’ll definitely be ready when the songs comes on. Have a look at the many radio stations featured by DR, here: dr.dk/radio.

DR PODCASTS Podcasts have proven to be a great learning tool in addition to reading, listening to Danish music and watching Danish movies. It is great for the simple fact that you have to really focus on what is being said. We used to study and follow podcasts when I was learning Danish at school. I’ve since kept up with it and really enjoy getting my weekly dose of podcasts. It is so easy to listen to when you are travelling, at home, or just walking.

DR has a very large selection of podcasts to choose from

with various themes, based on your preferences. Personally, I find it very easy to navigate their website to find new inspiration.

Obviously, your level of understanding will progress as you go along. I am finally able to listen to podcasts that I really enjoy, simply because I am able to understand what the hosts are saying. Back in my school days, this was a real challenge that frustrated me a lot. Use this resource as much as you can, it will absolutely elevate your skills and make you more comfortable in your Danish life. For more info, visit dr.dk/allepodcast.

DR TV DR also has many television channels which you can watch on your various screens, around the clock. When I found it challenging to watch and understand a programme on actual television, I would use their website where I could replay all the programmes, including many series and documentaries. The great part is that many of them are subtitled in Danish. This is so valuable when you are trying to understand what is being said.

Using subtitles not only improved my vocabulary and listening, but it improved my daily life. I rapidly noticed a change when trying to understand conversations in the street or at family dinners. If you focus a lot on this, you can expect to watch television without any problem. What seemed like an impossible challenge a few years back, feels a lot more natural now. For TV programmes you can enjoy with DR, visit dr.dk/tv.

Remember to have fun with all of these resources, they will definitely make your learning a memorable experience. THE-INTL

BÉRANGER STARK MOREL SALES EXECUTIVE & BLOGGER Béranger is a French expat living in Copenhagen since 2014. He works in sales at Trustpilot. In his spare time, Béranger also manages a blog where he shares his tips and personal experience about the process of learning Danish in Denmark.

@learndanishblog www.learn-danish.com

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BILLUND - THE HOME OF THE BRICK Keri Bloomfield takes a trip to Billund to explore the world of building blocks – the new LEGO House.

PHOTOGRAPHS KERI BLOOMFIELD / LEGO HOUSE

F

FOR THOSE AMONGST us who have had the misfortune of standing barefoot on a piece of LEGO, the thought of visiting LEGO House in Billund, with its 25 million pieces of LEGO may well be a slightly unnerving one for you.

Built over four years and recently opened in late 2017, LEGO House is the latest attraction from the LEGO empire in Billund. A small town in Jutland more commonly referred to as the home of LEGO thanks to hosting the LEGO factory pumping out the infamous coloured blocks, as well as having around 4000 people from over 60 different nationalities employed. LEGO is Billund.

It’s a 3.5-hour drive from Copenhagen and an oasis for both the smallest of LEGO fans and the AFOLs (Adult Fans of LEGO).

A HOUSE BUILT FOR LEGO If you’re a parent, or if LEGO played a role in your own childhood, you’ll be familiar with the unmistakable thundering sound of LEGO blocks being poured out of a box on mass on to the floor. A sound which, without fail, fills Bilingual Backpack Baby (BBB) with glee and myself with a sinking realisation I’ll be the one in charge of putting them back in the box.

So, it was a very familiar sound that greeted us upon our arrival at LEGO House. The almighty sound of LEGO blocks being poured, unannounced, from a large box straight on to the floor in the middle of the entrance lobby. This is a building designed for pouring LEGO on the floor. And to be honest I could barely contain my glee in the knowledge I wouldn’t be the one picking up this medley of LEGO blocks. Welcome to LEGO House indeed – the home of the brick. Or as they are called in Danish, LEGO klodser.

If BBB had her way, she would have been happy to stay sitting in the lobby all day playing with the free LEGO. But thankfully after some coaxing, we managed to move her on through the official gates to begin exploring the 12,000 square metre house with its 4 themed experience zones. Leaving the open public space behind us.

Designed to be the ultimate place in the world to play with LEGO it’s a full sensory experience that encourages the popular Danish approach to education of free play.

It’s easy to recognise that every part of this building has been designed with a strong sense of purpose. Even the building itself looks like a set of LEGO blocks stacked on each other. A design which also allows to you to explore and climb over and up the building (weather permitting).

But while free play and creativity is the main attrac-

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TEXT KERI BLOOMFIELD

21

KERI BLOOMFIELD WRITER & BLOGGER Keri Bloomfield is a connector, writer, event manager and blogger currently living in Copenhagen.

Originally from New Zealand she was lured to Denmark by a Dane and has since been employed by her daughter (Bilingual tion, technology is also used to create a bit of magic for all ages with all visitors being given smart wristbands that double as an entrance ticket. Using this you can record and manage your entire visit, from using one of the storage lockers to taking photos of yourself and your creations. All of which you can download post visit on the LEGO House app.

Technology and imagination also come together in the MINI CHEF restaurant where you have the very unique opportunity to order your lunch by inserting various LEGO pieces into an automated ordering machine. It’s a LEGO code to the ‘robots’ of what to prepare before they serve it in large LEGO boxes with just a tiny bit of help from a small crew of helpful humans.

Backpack Baby) as editor, writer, photographer and social media manager documenting some of their adventures living in Denmark. Whether you have children or not, her blog is a great source

A BILLION POSSIBILITIES (NEARLY) Six pieces of LEGO can be configured in one of 915 103 765 ways. That’s just under a billion different combinations to build. A fascinating thought that did make me wonder if anyone really needed more than six pieces of LEGO in their life to keep them happy building LEGO? You get your chance to find out for yourself when you leave LEGO House. Here you’ll have the chance of taking your own bag of 6 pieces of LEGO from the ‘6 Brick Factory’ freshly packaged onsite in front of your eyes. You’ll also have the chance to receive your own unique combination printed on a personalised credit sized card. Just make sure you’re one of the first 915 103 765 people to visit. THE-INTL

of entertaining and accurate information about finding your way in Denmark.

Prior to life in Denmark, Keri navigated a corporate life in New Zealand and England working in the field of event management

DID YOU KNOW?

and people management.

LEGO is one of Denmark’s most well-known

coming bilingual (she hopes) and

brands. Founded in 1932, the newest LEGO creation, LEGO House, has just attracted a quarter of a million visitors. The word is derived from the Danish phrase leg godt (play well).

She is now on her way to beis the co-organiser of ‘Post A Letter Copenhagen’. A monthly event held in Copenhagen where attendees can write and post letters for free.

You can read and follow Keri’s adventures in Copenhagen with her Danish partner and daughter and learn more about Post A Letter Copenhagen at the following:

www.bilingualbackpackbaby.com www.postalettercopenhagen.com

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WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN

TY STANGE

MARTIN HEIBERG

PETER HOLLIDAY

EMBRACING OUR CULTURAL DIFFERENCES Indian-Singaporean expat living and working in Denmark, Dr. Poornima Luthra, External Lecturer at Copenhagen Business School, examines three of the many differences between the Indian and Danish culture.

D

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER / ISTOCK PHOTO

TEXT THOMAS MULHERN

DANES PREFER PRECISE, clear and di-

nic time cultures such as Denmark, rect communication. Negative feedone task is handled at a time, there back is communicated in a manner is a rigid schedule in which punctuthat is frank and straightforward ality is valued while there is a clear without being lost amongst the posseparation between work and peritive feedback. In contrast, in India, sonal time. In contrast, in polychroncommunication is much more implicic time cultures like India, multiple it and layered in between the spoken tasks are handled at the same time, words. Negative feedback tends to be there is a fluidity and flexibility assosubtly hidden amongst positive ones ciated with time, as well as a blurred and is never done in a group setting. distinction between work and personThese differences in communication al time. Danes and Indians have such and providing feedback can create a different concept and relationship some interesting workplace dynamwith time. In conference calls with ics. You can only imagine the surprise Indian colleagues based in India, the on an Indian employee’s face after frustration of the Danes can be felt Dr. Poornima Luthra is a consultant for Globally Local having received very direct negative when their Indian counterparts have feedback from his Danish boss. Or you a more casual attitude towards the can imagine the confusion in a Danish tasked with sprucing up the IT capabilistart and end time of meetings. In employee when she received a lower perties of his team asked one of his Danish 2005, at a time when Danish companies formance evaluation score compared with team members reporting to him, to purwere opening the doors to more foreign her oral feedback session in which she felt chase the latest iPad for himself on the talent, Indian employees at a large Danshe had received a great evaluation from company account to demonstrate how the ish MNC were told by fellow colleagues to her Indian boss. use of such technology can improve effinot bring their “Asian” work behaviours Anthropologist Edward Hall’s famous ciency in the workplace. A week passed, to the Danish office. They were referring cultural framework classifies Denmark and the Indian boss noticed that his Danto the stretchable attitude Indians have as a low-context culture while India as ish team member hadn’t purchased the towards the hours that they spend at the a high-context culture. Low-context culiPad and couldn’t understand why. When workplace. Work-life balance is so importures are those in which individuals need asked, the Danish employee said that he tant to the Danish way of life. Being able a great amount of background or writfelt very uncomfortable being the one who to get out of the office by 4pm to be able ten and oral information before the comhad a better product than anyone else in to pick one’s children up from school is munication can be effective. High-context their team. This contrasts with Indian cula taken-for-granted practise. Something cultures are those in which individuals ture where there is more visual displays that is so different from the Indian conare heavily socialized so that they do not of success and power combined with more text in which many employees feel obligatneed a great amount of written and oral obedience towards authority figures. Aced to stay at work until the boss leaves or information. cording to the famous researcher Geert feel uncomfortable leaving work “early”.

Hofstede, India has a culture of high powIt’s surprising how much of our own culLAW OF JANTE (JANTELOVEN) er distance with a reverence for hierarture we take for granted, and sometimes VERSUS “YES SIR” chies, authority and status, while Dendon’t even notice how different it might I am amazed by the number of senior manmark is low on power distance being more seem to someone from a different culture. agers and even C-suite leaders who choose egalitarian with a preference for flatter orThe next time you interact with someone to cycle on daily basis as a means of transganizational structures. from a different culture and wonder why portation in Denmark. The egalitarian they said or behaved a particular way, inlaws of Jante are so deeply embedded in THE CONCEPT OF TIME deed perhaps it is culturally embedded.

Danish culture that no one is thought of as According to Edward Hall, there are two Respect and empathy for another person’s being better, smarter or more special than ways of handling time - Monochronic culture is the key to building cross-culturanyone else. An Indian manager who was time and Polychronic time. In monochroal competencies. THE-INTL

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THOMAS MULHERN MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBALLY LOCAL Thomas is the former International Department Head at Institut Sankt Joseph, where he led the first fully bilingual Danish/English educational program in Denmark. He is himself an expat, married to a Danish repat and father to a Danish/American. Thomas has experienced first-hand the barriers that make integration in Denmark so difficult, but has also learned the tools to breaking down these barriers and what it takes to integrate, and make Denmark a lasting home.

Globally Local uses innovative services to internationalise organisations, and integrate expats and Danish repats.

www.globallylocal.dk

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GRAB YOUR SEAT AT A COMMUNAL DINING TABLE

Seek out the warmth of a meal eaten in community at one of the many folkekøkkener (public kitchens) around Denmark.

PHOTOGRAPHS GINA LORUBBIO / ISTOCK PHOTO

TEXT GINA LORUBBIO

O

ON A BALMY JUNE evening (remember those?) I found myself singing “Summer Lovin’” from Grease with a hundred folks I did not know. Oh, and we were in a technicoloured old church sitting at pastel pink and green tables as we anticipated our meal, the contents of which were a surprise.

This was fællesspisning (communal dining) at Absalon in Copenhagen.

T h e wo r d s fæ l l e s s p i s n i n g , folkekøkken (public kitchen), and madklub (food club) will all lead you to an affordable meal that offers the chance to break bread with your neighbours. Found in community centers and culture houses, these are not restaurants.

You don’t order off a menu; you eat what the chefs made that day.

Diners take care of each other, splitting duties of retrieving the food, passing family-style plates, and cleaning up. Rather than paying 300 DKK for the check, these meals cost closer to 50 DKK. The tradition of folkekøkkener, which stretches back to the 1700s, began as a way to provide the poor with a cheap, nutritious meal. In our modern, digital age it’s undergoing a resurgence, perhaps to nourish our need for togetherness. Food is a powerful tool. Bellying up to a long table and asking the stranger next to you to pass the bread can be a gateway to lovely conversation. The experience is about more than food, which was reinforced by these words from an Absalon cook: “You don’t come for the food. You come for a meal.”

GINA LORUBBIO ARTIST & WRITER Gina is an artist, educator, and

HERE ARE A FEW OF MY FAVOURITES: SEND FLERE KRYDDERIER, COPENHAGEN I can’t s ay enough good things about the friendly, immigrant women who share tastes of their homelands through this eatery.

At the Verdenskulturcentret location, they hold Madklubben (The Food Club) every Tuesday and Thursday. Dinner is 60 DKK for adults, 30 DKK for kids 3-12, and free for those under three. On Tuesdays, buy tickets starting at 17:00; dinner is at 18:00. On Thursdays, buy tickets starting at 17:30; dinner is at 18:30. At the new Nørrebrohallen location, they hold folkekøkken every Tuesday from 17:00-20:00 and it costs 65 DKK for adults, 35 DKK for kids under 10. sendflerekrydderier.dk

ABSALON, COPENHAGEN Ab s a l o n i s a c o n v e r t e d church that now houses art shows, music, creative events, and a communal supper seven days a week, with a little something extra on Fridays. Dinner is served at 18:00. They begin selling tickets at 17:00 until they’re sold out - arrive early, as this spot is popular. Tickets are 50 DKK for adults; children under three eat free. absaloncph.dk DANMARK SPISER SAMMEN (DENMARK EATS TOGETHER), NATIONWIDE Danmark Spiser Sammen is an initiative that combats loneliness through shared meals. They invite folks to dedicate Week 17 (April 2228) to sharing meals with each other — from small

storyteller in Copenhagen. Upneighbourhood gatherings to large organisation-sponsored dinners. As the date draws near, check out their website to find meals near you, or consider hosting one of your own. danmarkspisersammen.dk Crowd-sourced favourites from other expats in Denmark: MADVÆRKSTEDET, THISTED kulturrummet.dk/plantagehuset/madvaerkstedet

on arrival from the U.S., she made an art series called ‘How to Fall in Love with Denmark through Food in 100 Days.’ She’s now creating daily art in 2019 that teaches and inspires us on the adventure of everyday home-cooking. To buy artwork or follow the series, visit: wwww.AmericanHeirloom Project.com @americanheirloom

FÆLLESSPISNING I AARHUS facebook.com/faellesspisningaarhus ONE BOWL, COPENHAGEN onebowl.dk Source: Politiken THE-INTL

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TRENDING TECH OUR FAVOURITE SMART HOME HEROES & WELLNESS FEMTECH MARVELS ARRIVING IN 2019.

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

TEXT SUZAAN SAUERMAN

Have you ever dreamed of standing in a massive room filled with all the latest and greatest gadgets on the market?

That is exactly what happens every year at the annual Consumer Electronics Show, Las Vegas in January, and I have pulled together my geek-out list of favourite wellness, fitness and beauty tech.

SLEEP SOMNOX ROBOT Somnox’s ‘Sleep Robot’ will help you get to sleep faster, longer and wake up more refreshed by offering you a peanut-shaped device that simulates the breathing of a human. Its chassis lowers and rises gently, and it’s this imitation of a human chest as it breathes that will relax you and help you nod off more peacefully.

Expected to ship in March/April. meetsomnox.com

VOLO BEAUTY GO CORDLESS HAIR DRYER Finally a cordless hair dryer, and this one is the world’s first. It utilizes quartz infrared light and heat that’s gentler on your hair (plus dries it faster), uses the same lithium-ion battery cells you’d find in electric cars, making it very energy-efficient.

Expected to ship in July 2019.

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WITHINGS BODY CARDIO The Body Cardio is not just an ordinary bathroom scale. Step on it in bare feet and it tells you your weight.

✱

EDITOR'S TOP PICK! THIS IS MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE LENOVO SMART CLOCK

But it also puts an imperceptible electrical charge through you. The charge meanse that it can tell you how much of your body is water, muscle, bone and fat.

It shows you your weight for the last five times you stand on it, and records your BMI. It also measures heart rate. All the data is saved to a smartphone app, meaning you can build an image of your health over months or years. It’s also clever enough to tell family members apart.

From DKK 900. withings.com

LENOVO SMART CLOCK This alarm clock will change your mood. The touch screen, voice-activated smart clock can gradually brighten your lights and increase the volume of your alarm for a gentler wake-up. It will jumpstart your morning routine by telling you the day’s weather forecast, noting your personal agenda and reminders, and even start your coffee pot in the kitchen!

From DKK 899, shipping in spring 2019. lenovo.com

SUZAAN SAUERMAN LIFESTYLE TECH CONSULTANT Suzaan has spend the past 19 years working around the world for various technology brands, leading & transforming global marketing organisations, developing innovative product portfolio’s, driving digital transformation and consumer driven product experiences. Today she is a consultant, advisor & investor, working within consumer technology,

ELVIE PUMP

helping various brands to create

Not your typical breast pump, as it’s discreet and convenient, which aren’t typically words you would associate with

pact & improves everyday lives.

breast pumping. This revolutionary pump is crazy quiet, but even more remarkable is the fact that it’s totally wireless. Slip it into a nursing bra and go about your day. It’s so easy.

From DKK 4,000. elvie.com

experiences & products that imShe is also a tech columnist writer & keynote speaker/panellist.

A self-confessed tech geek, has been travelling, working and living in Africa, UK, USA. Her biggest driver in life is curiosity, both professionally and privately. In her spare time she likes to keep fit by running & training at The Wolfpack Gym. She has a passion for food & wine, and always scouting the best cup of coffee when travelling to new cities.

Suzaan lives in Copenhagen, was born in South Africa and is a British citizen. Follow her:

@suzaansauerman @suzaansauerman linkedin.com/in/suzaan

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JUTLAND

THE ACCOMPANYING PARTNER We are all familiar with the charms and challenges of building a new life in a foreign country.

But what is it really like, and especially for the accompanying partner?

PHOTOGRAPHS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY / ZANE HARTMANE

TEXT SPOUSE COMMUNITY AARHUS

I

IT IS IMPOSSIBLE to capture all the strategies that accompanying partners have employed to get settled in Denmark. However, a recent project, What Is A Spouse?,

by Spouse Community Aarhus, sheds light on the diversity of accompanying partners and their strategies for making a new life in Aarhus. This issue they share strategies from four accompanying partners that may be useful to you:

CREATE Irena moved to Denmark in 2015 to be with her Danish husband and quickly found her self feeling ‘in-between’ and yearning for social engagement. She started the Creative Women’s Club, which brought crafters and artists together, arranging exhibitions and workshops around the city. Irena is now all done with her Danish courses and is a fulltime student. She continues to enjoy her social network and volunteers with different local organisations to stay involved in the community. She advises newcomers to take it easy and find a network to be a part of, or create one of their own.

IRENA unexpected with a smile and open arms.”

TAKE A DIP Lisa, an anesthesiologist moved to Aarhus in March 2016 and one of her first steps was to start learning Danish. She applied for jobs at hospitals across the region and was offered a three-month unpaid internship. She was initially disappointed by the offer because she had five years experience but quickly saw it as a way to get her

LISA foot in the door. She learnt about the government’s løntilskud programme, which offered a boost. That internship eventually led to a position where she is now finishing her specialisation. She credits clubs, especially the Viking Club, and social events with helping her adjust to her new life. Lisa thinks we have to take the difficult first step of reaching out to people and will find that they are surprisingly willing to help. THE-INTL

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

REIMAGINE Juliana, a Brazilian actress, moved to Aarhus in 2017 with her Argentinian husband. One of her first strategies was to connect with the different international groups around the city, which helped her to quickly establish her social network. After a couple months in Aarhus, she started running theatre workshops and has since written a play, which she has performed twice at a local theatre. She encourages newcomers to go out and try different events, which will help them meet wonderful people and settle in their new life.

KEEP AN OPEN MIND Andres accompanied his girlfriend to Denmark in mid-2017. He had difficulty finding a job as an industrial engineer and decided to take the opportunity to try something new, teaching Spanish language and culture at a business college. However, he was keen on continuing his career as an engineer and has since decided to pursue his masters in Mechanical Engineering. He advises newcomers “to find a way that works for you to connect with the society and welcome the

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INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

ANDRES

JULIANA

INSPIRATION IN THE DIVERSITY There are as many expats as there are approaches to finding a footing in Denmark.

As we navigate the charms and challenges of building a new life here, we can draw inspiration from the diversity of experiences that exists among us. Whether we decide to create something new, reimagine the process, take a ‘dip’ in our professional grade or in the sea, or find some other way entirely, we can all agree that we need to keep an open mind. Ultimately, we find the way that works for us. Spouse Community Aarhus tries to create an engaging and inclusive community for spouses (accompanying partners) from across the globe, and helps to empower and inspire new and long-term spouses as they find their way. We hope you can tap into similar resources in your city.

Learn more at internationalcommunity.dk or follow us on Facebook @InternationalCommunityAarhus and Instagram @internationalcommunityaarhus. www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.international community.dk

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ON BOLIGS, BREXIT AND BACON While Brexit continues to dominate the world headlines, here are a few of the business stories making the news in your back yard.

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER / ISTOCK PHOTO

P

PLANS ARE SUPPOSEDLY foot to build nine artificial islands to the south of Copenhagen as a way of attracting companies to the capital and turning it into a “European Silicon Valley”, according to Brian Mikkelson of the Danish Chamber of Commerce.

The idea is to construct several islands in the shallow seas south of the capital.

It wouldn’t be the first artificial island built in recent years; that accolade goes to Peberholm which was constructed in the Øresund strait as a crossover point for the bridge/tunnel connecting Denmark to Sweden.

Apart from the novelty value, quite why there should be any need for this is unclear. Denmark has a low urban density, with most of the country given over to farmland. This is immediately apparent if you drive north through Europe and into Denmark: the country is green and pleasant and mostly devoid of buildings.

This abundant space could be one reason why housing is relatively cheap compared to other countries. According to Emoov, flats in Copenhagen cost only a quarter of these in London, places in the Danish countryside can be had at bargain basement prices.

If you’re considering buying property in Denmark though you’ll want to do your homework first. For a start, figure out whether – assuming you are a foreigner – you are allowed by law to purchase property. There are numerous restrictions in place to prevent property speculation by foreigners. You’ll need to be a permanent resident and get a special permit from the Ministry of Justice – although EU citizens working in Denmark are exempt from this.

There are numerous estate agent sites that will help you find your dream property – or bolig –, and you’ll see two prices for each property: the brutto and net-

I F YO U ' R E CO N S I D E R I N G B U Y I N G P R O P E R T Y I N D E N M A R K T H O U G H YO U ' L L WA N T TO D O YO U R H O M E WO R K F I R S T.

TEXT JASON HEPPENSTALL

to price, which simply means the gross and net cost that you would pay if you took out a mortgage. If you buy the property outright with cash you don’t need to worry about this, although there will be a number of taxes you’ll have to pay You’ll need to put down an udbetaling – or deposit – to buy a house or flat, and for most newly-arrived expats this will come from savings in their overseas bank account.

It’s at this point where real savings can be made if you use a currency – or FX – provider instead of a regular bank.

Reputable ones will transfer the money without charging any fees at all, and will usually offer a better exchange rate than the banks. How can this be? It’s quite simple really, the currency companies – which have invested in a license to trade in foreign exchange – use their leverage to bypass the banks and obtain a better exchange rate on the inter-bank market (i.e. the rates regular people don’t have access to) and take a cut from every transaction without adding fees. The end result is a happy customer, a happy currency provider and a mildly irritated bank.

Although this is a simple thing to do, the savings can be substantial, potentially running to tens of thousands of kroner, and it can all be arranged easily on the phone or online. If you decide to do this, however, always make sure you use a reputable and established FX provider.

Finally, news has reached my ears that the flow of Danish butter and bacon will slow to a trickle if the UK reverts to WTO rules after it leaves the EU (whenever that might be). While this may be bad news for Danish farmers, it’s probably good news for British waistlines, which have been growing in recent years - giving new meaning to the term ‘EU expansion’. In that light, maybe it’s a good thing that one of the hottest trends in the UK this year is veganism. THE-INTL

JASON HEPPENSTALL CURRENCY ANALYST AND ECONOMICS WRITER, TORFX.

Jason spent almost 10 years living and working in Denmark as an English teacher and news editor. With a degree in economics and years of experience in writing for the The Express, Jason also has a thorough knowledge of expat life in Denmark, and can convincingly say rød grød med fløde to the satisfaction of the average Dane.

He is married to a Copenhagener and they live together in Cornwall, UK, with their two children.

www. torfx.com

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FAT LOSS AND

SU G A R DEPENDEN CE I recently ran a poll of 3,500 moms on my Facebook group 'MumsGetFit'.

Unsurprisingly, the two greatest challenges facing them was losing fat and dependence on sugar. So, how does one kick the habit and lose the fat asks Christina Ley? PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

W

WITH ALL OF the information, different diets and celebrity stories it can be very easy to become confused and overwhelmed. When it comes to getting rid of sugar dependence or wanting to lose some fat, our emotions get involved and pull us towards making emotionally led decisions.

Before we know it, we can find ourselves in cycles of over-eating and under-eating. We resist eating anything or eat as little as we can and then our primal brain takes over and we end up bingeing, which we follow with shame and the emotional cycle continues.

In my experience, the emotions only get too loud to ignore when the foundations are missing. What I mean by the foundations of course, is giving the body what it needs to function properly.

It is only when the body is getting what it needs that we are free to make better decisions. In fact, it isn’t until the body is getting what it needs that we are free to work on the things we want.

THE FOUNDATIONS

#1 Drink enough water every day and always start the day with water, so that you start your day hydrated. Aim for 1 to 1.5 litres before you eat anything in the morning.

#2 Eat 3 meals per day and make sure they keep you full so you don’t have to snack in between.

If you feel the need to snack in-between you aren’t eating enough at meal times. Run this as an experiment over a few day’s until you find the right balance. There will likely be a period of adjustment. Try to stay focused on this as a goal until you have achieved the desired result as it will have a strong impact on cravings and energy regulation once achieved.

#3 Have enough protein every day and have protein with every meal. Aiming for between 1-2g per kg of body weight. Aim toward the top end if your goal is consistent fat loss. You’ll lose more muscle that fat otherwise.

#4 Eat the rainbow. Make sure you get enough vegetables of all colours, and make sure to also add some fruit to your meals as well if

TEXT CHRISTINA LEY

you like fruit. Think green, white, purple, red, yellow and orange every day and even every meal. Your body is like a giant chemistry set, if you don’t take in the right chemicals the chemical reactions just don’t happen.

#5 Get as much sleep as you need and if you get broken sleep (like me) go to bed earlier, and sleep in a completely dark room so you produce more melatonin. The broken sleep will improve with time. #6 Cut down on caffeinated drinks so you aren’t addicted to caffeine. (You need to be able to have a break from caffeine without it causing you any issues such as gut problems, headaches, energy slumps or anxiety).

This is what I see as a good foundation, and will help you start making the changes you want, such as getting rid of a sugar dependence or losing fat.

The second poll I did was to ask moms which of the foundations they most struggled to consistently adhere to: The response was Number 3, Protein and 4, Colour.

These are the two points that most of the women I have worked with over the years have struggled with.

Protein is important because 20% of the human body is made up of protein, and as our bodies don’t store protein, it is important to get enough from your diet every day. Try and add 7g to each meal for a week. 21g is a big step in the right direction. When this feels normal, try and do the same thing again until you start to see the results you are looking for. Alongside enjoyment, this is the single most important step in both fat loss and sugar cravings.

Vegetables are full of nutrients (nutrients are found in proteins and colourful foods). Our bodies are made up of lots of metals and chemicals that get depleted in the course of living a healthy life.

Nutrients are what we use to put them back to make our bodies keep working efficiently. If you don't put them back stuff will slow down and important processes won't be completed. THE-INTL

CHRISTINA LEY ABSOLUTE HEALTH AND MUMS GET FIT FOUNDER Christina see herself as half English, having lived in the UK with her husband Ed for 15 years. Together Christina and Ed run absolute health in Hellerup.

Christina helps ladies re-align their health and feel energised and whole again. Often going from tired, wired, in pain, headachy and feeling heavy to feeling calm, energised and light.

If you would like to speak to Christina she can be reached on info@ absolutehealth.net or @ MumsGetFit on Facebook.

www. absolute health.net

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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B e s t BEAUTY BUYS

BEAUTY AND THE BRAINS

3 ENTREPRENEURS SHARE THEIR INSPIRING STORIES OF HOW THEY GOT THEIR RESPECTIVE BUSINESSES OFF THE GROUND.

BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST

chosen location is easily accessible. Set a fair price for

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

your treatments base this on the quality of your work.

tel: +45 53564504

LORAND BALI – 31, FROM TRANSILVANIA, ROMANIA

ANGELA TOTH – 24, FROM ROMANIA

NATASCHA TARANKOVA – 29, FROM LATVIA.

OWNER OF BEAUTY FACTORY BY LORAND BALI

OWNER OF TWO SALONS IN COPENHAGEN, BEAUTY BY ANGELA

OWNER OF COPENLASHES AND WESPACE

In 2009 I had decided my dream job was to be a hairdresser. There was nothing I loved more. I learnt to cut hair after my father bought clippers and tried to cut my brothers hair and failed, so he handed me the clippers to finish the job. No other job after that felt as good as when I was doing hair.

I took the opportunity to go on a hairdressing course.

Soon after, I managed to work my way up to working in the best hair salon in my home city. This was where my dreams started to grow. I felt the need to move abroad and expand my horizons.

In 2012 I got a phone call from a friend already living in Denmark to join him with working in a factory. I immediately took the chance knowing that while it was not my passion, I could see beyond that. I saw an opportunity, I saw the bigger picture.

Fast forward to 2018, I took the leap of faith to open up my own dream salon. I was in control of the concept, the name, the branding, everything. My dreams had come true. I had finally arrived. My salon offers treatments in hair and nails.

Fb.me/beautyfactorybylorandbali

Born and raised in Romania, Angela discovered her passion for the beauty industry during her teenage years. She decided very early on that this was what she was going to peruse.

After moving to Denmark in 2015 and working for other people, Angela realised the only way forward was to open her own beauty salon in the most “hygge” city in the world, and soon after followed up with the opening of her second salon also based in the centre of Copenhagen.

“One piece of advice I can give is no matter how hard it gets, no matter how slow and daunting it may seem at first, never give up! You must remember the sentiments that brought you on this path in the first place. The beginning of my businesses were rocky, the problem being the lack of money to invest, but after renting out a small space and making smart decisions when it came to investing and marketing, I managed to reach the point I am today.”

www.beautybyangela.setmore.com

Natascha moved to Copenhagen in 2015 with no money, no network and not speaking a word of Danish. Currently a Business Mentor, Natascha gives us her tips on how to get started as a new beauty business owner: Make sure to firstly research other beauty services available in the field you choose. Visit 10 salons and shops that may be similar to your personal brand. Define your unique and authentic style, this will connect you to the right clientele and help you grow faster. Check your

Finally, always remember that good work speaks for itself! Always go for the best quality you can provide.

You want to be known as an expert in the field, who clients are proud to come to.

www.copenlashes.com

Email: barbaramensah. beauty@gmail.com @barbaramensah beauty @barbara.mensahh. beauty

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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PARASITES AND YOUR PET When it comes to protecting your pets against parasites, prevention is the best cure.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK PHOTO

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

A

AS A PET owner,

understanding the reasons for using parasite prevention and choosing the right products can be overwhelming. However, devising an appropriate parasite treatment plan is essential to avoid harmful, preventable diseases.

PARASITES TO PROTECT AGAINST In Denmark, parasite treatment programmes target four main groups of parasites:

#1 FLEAS: Fleas are small jumping insects that survive by biting the skin of mammals and consuming small amounts of blood. Flea bites are very painful and itchy, and cause our pets extreme discomfort and dermatological conditions. They can also carry other parasites such as tapeworm, an intestinal worm causing diarrhoea. #2 HEARTWORM:

Heartworm is an internal parasite carried by mosquitos.

Mosquitos infect pets with heartworm larvae, which migrate throughout the cardiovascular system, settling in the heart and lungs. Heartworm infections can lead to the formation of blood clots, heart failure, distressed breathing, abdominal bloating, severe organ damage and eventually death.

#3 TICKS: Ticks are external parasites

that attach to the skin of mammals and feed on their blood. During the feeding process, they inject small amounts of saliva into the dog or cat, which may contain a bacteria known as Borrelia that is highly destructive to the neurological system. ‘Tick paralysis’ can result in difficulty breathing and swallowing, an inability to stand, seizures, coma and eventually death.

#4 INTESTINAL WORMS: Intestinal

worms are internal parasites that are generally transmitted by contact with infect-

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TAREK ABU SHAM OWNER, THE PET-AGREES ed faeces. Worms attach to the lining of the intestine and can cause serious diarrhoea, vomiting, anaemia, weight loss and even death in serious cases. Types of intestinal worms include roundworm, whipworm, hookworm or tapeworm.

A personalised parasite treatment programme is essential for all pets - regardless of whether they stay indoors. Some of the reasons vets recommend parasite treatment include:  External parasites such as fleas and ticks can carry other (potentially fa tal) diseases. Not only will your pet suf fer from allergic skin conditions and discomfort from bites, the risk of neu rological disease from tick-borne dis ease is a serious consideration, one which is completely avoided by parasite treatment.  Intestinal parasites can affect owners, too! Humans are not immune to con tracting intestinal worms from their pets- with diarrhoea and vomiting the most common side effects. Parasite treatment not only protects pets from intestinal worms, but the whole family as well.  As mentioned previously, not all par asites live outdoors. Mosquito-borne

diseases such as heartworm are impos sible to protect your pet against simply by keeping them inside.

Tarek was born in Amman, Jordan and from an early age has

 Veterinary-approved parasite treat ments are safe for your pet to use, and highly effective when used correctly.

had a love for animals.

Depending on your pet’s preference, parasite treatment is available in many forms. Common preparations include topical ointments, chewy tablets or even annual heartworm injections. This helps pet owners make an informed choice, based on how amenable their pets are and how often they would like to administer medications.

While certain parasites are more prevalent in the spring, we recommend providing your pet with parasite treatment year-round for continued protection and peace of mind.

For advice on the best parasite treatment protocol for your pet, contact your local veterinary clinic.

expat lifestyle that took him to

WE ARE HERE FOR YOU!

www.thepetagrees.com

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 a veterinarian look after your pet.

The Pet-agrees is owned by a trained veterinarian. Give us a call today. THE-INTL

He met his spouse in Amman and then soon embarked on an 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.

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TAKE ME BACK IN TIME For those of you who love a good historical novel where you get to spend time in a different epoch and learn something new and interesting, then these read are just for you…

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.

TIME TRAVELLING LOVE STORY

CHILLING COULDHAVE-BEEN

WHAT WOULD YOU DO…?

OUTLANDER

BY DIANA GABALDON

FATHERLAND

BY ROBERT HARRIS

BY OWEN SHEERS

In 1946 former army nurse Claire Randell and her husband Frank travel to Scotland for a second honeymoon after being apart duri n g t h e wa r. T h e r e , Claire “falls” through a standing stone and ends up in 1743, where the Scotts see her as an English spy.

It is April 1964 and one week before Hitler's 75th birthday. Xavier March, a detective of the Kriminalpolizei, uncovers signs of a conspiracy that could go to the very top of the German Reich. With the Gestapo right behind, March has to discover and reveal the truth.

Russia and the failed

RESISTANCE

1944. After the fall of D-Day landings, a German counterattack occupies half of Britain.

The women in a Welsh valley wakes to f ind their husbands gone and soon a German patrols settles in. How do you live with the enemy?

DID YOU KNOW?

BAROQUE, ANACHRONISTIC TALE

If you’re a big fan of

VIPER WINE

BY HERMIONE EYRE

comics, look no fur-

Famed beauty Venetia Stanley has inspired Ben Jonson and Van Dyke. But as she approaches middle age, she looks for any means to recapture her youth and finds a dangerous tonic, unkown to her adoring husband Sir Kenelm Digby – alchemist and time-traveller.

ther! Check out ComicsPlus, a great online service with 19,000 comics you can get for free through your local library. Here you can find comics for all ages and all genres, whether you like superheroes or horror. You have them for seven days, but can renew your loan indefinitely.

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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Try the finest Danish courses in town

Do you have a taste for high-quality learning, outstanding teachers and fast progression? At Studieskolen, Danish has been on the menu for more than 40 years. We know how to serve it.

Choose from a variety of different classes at studieskolen.dk

Check out what’s cooking at Studieskolen

FEBRUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM