WITH THE SUMMER SUN SHINING DOWN ON THE BEAUTIFUL LANDSCAPES OF DENMARK, IT'S THE PERFECT TIME TO EMBARK ON A JOURNEY OF RELAXATION, EXPLORATION, AND BONDING WITH LOVED ONES TO CREATE UNFORGETTABLE MEMORIES.
II DON'T KNOW about you, but I want to slow down this summer. I think it's because I grew up in a time and place when summer for kids meant lots of freedom and relaxation. The kids in my neighbourhood didn't follow a jam-packed schedule of camps and programmes - we just hung out with our friends, went camping for a week, and maybe took a trip with the family. And we thought summer was just the best time of our lives. So now, even though many years have passed since those idyllic summers, I still think summer should look different from the rest of the year – a little more relaxed and fun. In other words, I want to slow down this summer.
For most women, the reality is that summer isn't very different from the rest of the year. Schedules don’t magically divest themselves of commitments, and responsibilities don’t suddenly come to a screeching halt just because the calendar says “July” or “August.” So except for a week or two of vacation, summer isn’t fun or relaxing for many women. And when they take a vacation, they may need to be intentional to ensure it's fun and relaxing.
Fortunately, I think we can change this pattern. We can’t go back to the carefree childhood summers, but we can create something different from the busy norm during the rest of the year. The secret is making small, short-term changes that reduce stress and give us space to kick back, relax, and make happy memories.
So, for this issue, we are celebrating the summer holidays in Denmark (that's if you're staying here). During this time of the year, the season's beauty intertwines with the essence of Danish culture, with its charming coastal towns, lush green countryside, and vibrant cities - a haven for holidaymakers seeking tranquillity and adventure.
Whether you find solace in the pristine beaches of Skagen, immerse yourself in the enchanting history of Copenhagen, or traverse the breathtaking landscapes of the Danish Riviera, the country offers many experiences that cater to all tastes and preferences.
For those seeking a touch of serenity, Denmark's coastal regions are a testament to the country's natural beauty. The gentle rhythm of the waves lapping against the shore, the salty breeze caressing your face, and the golden sands beneath your feet create an atmosphere of calm and relaxation. Whether you bask in the sun, build sandcastles with your children, or embark on a seaside adventure, Denmark's beaches are a gateway to pure bliss.
Furthermore, the cities of Denmark pulsate with life, history, and culture. Copenhagen, the capital city, beckons with its iconic landmarks, such as the majestic Tivoli Gardens and the picturesque Nyhavn Harbour. Explore the narrow streets of Copenhagen, savour delectable Danish cuisine, and immerse yourself in the city's vibrant arts scene.
Discover the magical charm of Aarhus, Denmark's second-largest city, or wander through the medieval streets of Ribe, the oldest town in the country. Each city has its unique allure, offering an unforgettable experience for visitors of all ages.
Engaging in activities with your family, whether a stroll along the beach, a picnic in the countryside, or a cosy movie night at home, can be deeply fulfilling.
As we embrace the vibrant energy of summer holidays in Denmark, let us also celebrate the beauty of family connections. Cherish the moments spent together, create new traditions, and embark on adventures that will become cherished memories for years.
So, to our exceptional internationals, immerse yourself in the wonders of this captivating country as you embark on your summer holidays in Denmark. Embrace the beauty of its landscapes, indulge in its culture, and find solace and joy in the company of your family. May this summer be a time of rejuvenation, exploration, and celebration of the precious bonds that tie us together.
Happy Holidays!
Love, LYNDSAY JENSENEDITOR & FOUNDER THE-INTL.COMEDITOR & FOUNDER
Lyndsay Jensen - lyndsay@the-intl.com
MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER
Kenneth Macalpine - kenneth@the-intl.com
CONSULTING EDITOR
Conrad Egbert
GRAPHIC DESIGN
The International
WRITERS TEAM
Ophelia Wu; Alexandra Beck; Mariano Davies; Monika Pedersen; Sara R. Newell; Michaela Medvedova; Shani Bishop; Natasha Liviero; Heather Storgaard; Lasse Frimand Jensen; Jane Elgård Petersen; Natália Šepitková; Luke Hannon; Nanna Hauch
COVER PICTURE
Morten Larsen - www.mortenlarsen.dk
SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM
Head of SoMe
Shivangi Singh - shivangi@the-intl.com
SoMe Ambassadors
Neelam Gahlaut; Michaela Medvedova; Aina Masood; Ane-Sophie Custura; Terumi Mascarenhas; Leslie Noygues; Shelly Pandey; Shivangi Singh; Ritika Jain; Pavlos Tsiakoumis; Sakib Akhter; Rashmi Jadhav; Shaeema Zaman
SALES
sales@the-intl.com
The International is published online 12 times a year. This issue was published on 12 July 2023.
Notice: The publishers regret that they cannot accept any liability for error or omissions contained in this publication. The opinions and views presented need not necessarily reflect those of the publishers. Readers are advised to seek special counsel before acting on any information contained herein. All rights reserved. No part of this publication or contents thereof may be reproduced, stored or transmitted in any form without written permission from the publishers. Published by and © 2021 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181
LYNDSAY JENSEN EVENTS COORDINATOR lyndsay@the-intl.com
Take two dance instructors. 50 silent disco headphones. Music, laughter, sweat and eye contact ad libitum for everyone!
Come join this FREE event and start your weekend with high vibes and fives.
Everyone is welcome: all sizes, all genders, all coloursand almost all ages (12+). You will be guided by Olga and Signe all the way through. Moves are super easy, yet you can challenge yourself if you want more! We mix all dance styles with musical games and magic moments of calm and self-connection.
Why is it free? Because we have arranged a filming crew to make some great content to show the world just how great it is to be dancing together. So you must be ok with this to participate. But don't worry, we will make you look and feel like a rockstar!
The exact location in Søndermarken will be announced. Bring your friends and maybe some Friday drinks!
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/4YZ1P5LQN
We are glad to invite you all to our summer event, "Afro Summer Party". Presented by Afrobeat Vibration, Afrodiziaq and Kayak Bar.
This will be fun and wild as it has been in our past events. So drag your dancing or party partners with you, and join us as we celebrate the culture and music this summer.
FOOD, COCKTAILS AND MUSIC
19:00-22:00 - outdoor
22:00-04:00 - indoor
Dj Lineup:
Dj Mof! Yah
Dj Atkin
Live Act: TBA
Dancers: TBA
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/7K3ZYLXBT
Join us for a whole day full of jazz in Aarhus City!
16:00 - 3 x Vuust @Salling ROOFTOP
21:00 - Kwella Trio @Café Gemmestedet
If you want to indulge yourself and listen to indoor jazz, you should definitely attend this:
19:30 - Aarhus Jazz Orchestra – Celebrating Thad Jones featuring Dennis Mackrel @Musikhuset.
All concerts recommended events are free!
Feel free to find other concerts and locations here: https://jazzfest.dk/
Let's support the local jazz festival and the wonderful bands that will play for us.
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/BGG0DICBR
Every Sunday, you are invited to our creative workshop, Kunst-Lab (Art Lab), where you can work with different materials and participate in small, artistic experiments.
Kunst-Lab is an extraordinary place with time and space for good talks about art, creativity, and everything that touches the surface. Here you can laugh and sing and have fun with all the materials laid out.
In Kunst-Lab, your activities are set in motion by one of our professional artists, and help is always available if you get stuck. We are open from 11:00-15:00 – you just arrive when it suits you. You always work with something that has a relation to a current exhibition. However, you should never be afraid to participate several times with the same theme – there is always something new and fun on the programme.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION:
- Access to the Kunst-Lab is free when you’ve paid an entrance fee.
- Children and young people under 18 and Klub - Kunsten + Utzon do not pay admission.
- Registration is not necessary.
- Art Lab is for everyone - however, children must be accompanied by an adult.
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/4ZSTEEJ92
After great demand and massive success, we can happily unveil another Cars'N'Coffee! This time it will be even wilder!
When: Saturday, 22 July
Where: Ishøjvej 2B, 4700 Næstved at 11:00 - 15:00.
We open our doors to anyone who shares our passion for cars. With the Sophisticated Car Club, we will collect the coolest sports cars across all the car brands.
The programme is tightly packed, with several fantastic exhibitions and activities:
- Sophisticated Car Club
- Meguiar's Denmark – wild offers!
- Prizes for the day's most beautiful car
- Food and coffee truck
- And so MUCH more
A day you will definitely NOT want to miss!
The countdown has officially begun - see you on 22 July in Næstved!
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/9RONMIOG6
Join us for a fun filled, sweaty and powerful BodyCombat event!
Henrik and I will team up to give you an awesome workout, using SilentFit headphones for the best music and instruction experience. Bring lots of water, an empty bladder and your own yoga mat and towel. We will provide the rest.
Registration is mandatory - no registration = no headphones ��
Price:
Alex Beck members (valid STRENGTH memberships going into August): FREE
Guests: 80kr to be paid via Mobile Pay: (details in link below)
https://calendly.com/ale.../lesmills-bodycombat-23julyevent
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/1FQ3N06PL
We hold Knit and Drink on the last Thursday of the month. Bring out the knitting needles and join us for a cosy evening at Kunstcafé Brandts, where we knit, drink, chat and inspire each other. Crochet clothes, embroideries and all other needlework are, of course, also welcome.
Combine your visit with our Thursday bar, where we serve beer, wine and drinks at a 2-for-1 price between 16:00 and 18:00 every Thursday. If hunger strikes, the café also serves a range of light dishes throughout the evening.
Remember, a ticket is not required to visit the museum's café.
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/QDKT17IS
WORKSHOPS:
Bunting workshop with Anne Abildgaard // MUD BUILDING with Theis and Ann Sofie // PLANT DYEING with Winnie Arnum Handberg
READING:
Anette Gregersen reads from the poetry collection "My Herbarium."
GOOGLE AND FUN:
Jørgen from the Flying Suitcase Circus and Dome O // Aunt Meta's monster myriad
Under the Sun is a small, newly started festival organised in collaboration between the eco-community Himmerlandsbyen and Huset i Hasserisgade.
We dream that the music, our workshops and the community will create a weekend to experience even more care and joy for nature, our fellow humans and ourselves! Our unique festival site stretches from the community centre to the residents' cosy gardens.
As a participant, you are our guest and are invited to hammer the tent pegs into the ground. We hope you would like to help create a great festival with us!
Under the Sun 2023 is supported by Region Nordjylland and Rebild Municipality.
FOR MORE INFO: HTTPS://FB.ME/E/6MO7D38RM
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Rygaards has a strong reputation of a rich educational experience with a nurturing atmosphere where students learn to think for themselves, find their own voice, and engage with the world with confidence and curiosity. •
WHEN SHARING THE STORY OF HER MOVE TO AND CAREER IN DENMARK, IT'S CLEAR WHY KAY XANDER MELLISH WAS THE BEST PERSON TO WRITE BOOKS ON LIVING AND WORKING HERE.
KKAY XANDER MELLISH did not choose the best time to come to Denmark 23 years ago. The Internet bubble had burst, which left her out of a job for a while. In the years that followed, she not only established an amazing career for herself but is now dedicating her time to helping internationals and Danes bridge their cultural differences and work better together.
Kay is originally from Wisconsin - a state with a special connection with her adopted country. "Denmark is very prosperous, but it hasn't always been so. It was very poor for a while, particularly after the Second Schleswig War in 1864. There was famine and war, and about 10% of the Danish population emigrated to America." Many of them came to the Wisconsin area and the states nearby because the climate was similar, and many of them were farmers from Jutland who took their skills to the US. "I don't have any Danish heritage, but the state I grew up in does. For example, we've never had capital punishment, and there's a lot of value to education, so you still see echoes of the Danish culture. One more echo - it has the number one rate of alcoholism in the US. I'm not a drinker, but there are more bars per capita in Wisconsin than any place in the US."
The similarities don't end there - Wisconsin has the same population as Denmark and the university city (Madison) resembles Aarhus. Wisconsin has one large city, Milwaukee, and one university city, Madison, just as Denmark has Copenhagen and Aarhus. It's also a pleasant, peaceful place - perhaps too much for young people to build their careers. "That's the thing I tell people about Denmark. I have a lot of young people saying they have job offers in the UK, the US, Asia, and Denmark - and asking which one they should take. And I always say: go someplace else when you're young, someplace exciting, date many people, and have many experiences. And when you're 35, married, and have a kid that needs to go to vuggestue, then come back to Denmark."
Kay herself moved out of Wisconsin when she was 18. She attended university in New York, moved to Germany and Hong Kong for a couple of years, and then moved back to
New York for a decade. "In the 90s, New York was really a go-go place - kind of a Sex and the City time with lots of discos, restaurants, and parties. It was super fun, but I was approaching my mid-thirties and ready for something else."
She'd been looking for a place to move in the US - Atlanta, Austin, Seattle, or Chicago - but none suited her. Then, she visited Copenhagen. "Denmark was sophisticated without being too intense. New York has constant competition, and that's fun when you're building your career. But I was ready for a change - I was ready to start a family."
She was able to find a job in Copenhagen and navigate the immigration process with relative ease. "The company did an executive move for me, so they moved all my furniture here. But they went bankrupt after five months. So here I am, in a foreign country - I don't know many people, I don't speak the language, and I can't really go back because I have all my furniture here. Then I got another job, and that company went bankrupt after nine months."
This was caused by the Internet bubble burst. Kay then ended up being unemployed for a year. She spent the time well - learning Danish and going to every museum in town, learning about the history and culture of Denmark. She learned so much about the Danish tourism industry that she started writing tourist articles about Denmark. "At the end of that year, I was on the last kroner of my savings because I didn't get any benefits - I hadn't been here long enough. But it didn't make me think negatively of Denmark because it wasn't the country's fault - the bubble burst worldwide."
So despite the initial trouble, Kay celebrated her 23rd Danish "birthday" this June and is a dual citizen of the United States and Denmark. When speaking to people in other countries considering the move to Denmark, she always mentions an important consideration: Is Denmark right for you? "Based on your personality, maybe it is, maybe it isn't. You have to be willing to work in a group and share credit. You have to be able to not take yourself seriously and admit your mistakes. And you have to have a lot of initiative in a Danish workplace."
FROM ONE BIG DANISH BRAND TO ANOTHER
Breaking into the Danish job market was quite difficult for Kay. She had a journalism
degree and a career as a writer. But she didn't speak Danish well enough to write in it - and still doesn't. "I can do an interview in Danish, which I think is crucial. I speak to customers and give speeches in Danish, but my writing still isn't good enough. When I occasionally write for Danish newspapers, I still get a translator. I can take a look at a translation and use this word instead of that word, but I couldn't do it from scratch."
After spending almost a year without a job initially, she got a position at Danske Bank that she held for the next 8 years. "I almost made them bankrupt. I tried really hard - I just didn't get them over the edge," jokes Kay. This job was a great continuation of her Danish lessons, as her coworkers were Danish, forcing her to train her language skills. Her role was to translate the corporate magazine from Danish to English. "But the stuff I translated wasn't very interesting to English speakers. I'd translate a piece about a local football tournament for readers in Singapore. They don't care. So I did original English language articles about Singapore and our non-Danish business. That turned into me being the writer and editor for the magazine and making it bigger - we ended up being in seven different languages." However, then came the financial crisis, and needless to say, having a magazine was not at the top of Danske Bank's priorities. So Kay moved on - to Carlsberg. "Which was really fun because you get free beer," laughs Kay. "I was very popular during those years because I don't drink that much and was always giving away beer."
And after Carlsberg (and a brief stint in Saxo Bank), Kay set up her own business - and has worked for herself ever since.
Now she helps companies and individuals achieve better cultural collaboration. Her work focuses on expats who want to work in Denmark and Danish companies with international employees. She's also the author of the popular books How to Live in Denmark and How to Work in Denmark.
When she first arrived, Kay wrote some blog posts about trying to fit in Denmark - and got emails from people telling her how much she helped them. But she did not pursue it further until she left Saxo Bank. "All of a sudden, I had many hours a week with nothing to do. I was trying to set off a business as a voiceover artist - which I still do sometimes. To practice, I started a podcast." Kay's How to Live in Denmark podcast is still running ten years later.
Many people had been asking her for transcripts, so she got a website and put them up. "I had ended up with a big pile of transcripts and thought - hey, this can be a book. And once that was out, I've started to be asked to come and give speeches, and that's now like 80% of my business."
In her first book, there was a chapter on finding a job and working in Denmark, which got the most engagement
from people. That spurred the second book, focusing on how to work in Denmark. "People were really interested in it because no other guide was available at the time. Now we have many government agencies and other things trying to help people, but before, people were just in the dark. I saw so many people come here and have it not work out for them because they didn't know the rules." For example, the culture of trust might be unknown for some coming from a non-trusting culture where you have to defend your achievements or work, not share it in a team. "If you are used to your success being based on individual achievement and find yourself in a group-oriented culture, you must make a big adjustment. If someone explains it to you, you realise that it's not about you - they just simply do it this way here."
Cultural differences also come into play when finding a job - instead of relying on qualifications and certificates, Danes like storytelling. "I tell internationals that when they come to a Danish job interview, they need to have three stories prepared: two in which you took on a challenge and figured it out and did really well, and the third story about the time when you made a big fool of yourself, you made a big mistake, and what you learned from it. You get more credibility. Danish employers will think: Okay if she is wrong, she will admit it."
Kay highlights the ability to readily admit your mistakes as a big difference between Denmark and other working cultures, where you either hide it because you don't want to lose face or your job or blame someone else. She thinks Danes are comfortable admitting they dropped the ball partly because of the welfare system - they know that even if they get fired, they've got that hand underneath them.
"A lot of Danes don't understand that many expats don't have that same backup, that they might have to leave if they lose their job and don't have permanent residency. So if you have the social welfare system beneath you, you'll disagree with your boss openly, leave at precisely 4 pm, and take all your vacation. But an international doesn't have the same security as a Dane or a permanent resident."
But the number one reason Kay sees people leaving Denmark is if their spouse is unhappy. "I would say of the people I work with, maybe 80% of the time, we're talking about a female spouse. If the spouse can't get a job, can't find some friends, and is lonely, that will be a short stay." There are some things internationals can do to prepare for living in Denmark before coming here. They can read up on the workplace culture to better foresee the expectations their employer is going to have of them. But they
should also consider their social network as it is just as important as work. "They should ask themselves what they like to do socially - and start looking for those social aspects in the place they're going to move to. You can't always count on your colleagues to be your friends. If most people already have families, they won't want to hang out with you." Kay also recommends not giving up if friends don't come easy and immediate. "Danes take a long time to warm up to you. One of my colleagues is a Polish woman who had been going to a salsa club for 6 months before they invited her to have sangria afterwards."
Approaching Danes who have not grown up in the area they now live in might also be a good idea because they can feel just as isolated without the friend group they grew up with. "If you're in Odense, find someone who grew up in Aalborg because they won't have their network - and they won't have family functions and celebrations every weekend."
Thanks to her outgoing personality, Kay succeeded in finding her group just as she did in establishing her career. But starting a family was also in the plans. "I was 40 and had not met Mr Right. I'd met a lot of Mr Wrongs," she laughs. "But I decided I really wanted to be a mother. So my daughter is a donor child, and she's absolutely great. I don't know if I could have done that if I was still in the US. There is a great daycare situation set up in Denmark. It's the sense of security again."
Kay is fortunate to see the impact of her work firsthand. She's had people coming to her or reaching out after they've read her book, saying how she's helped them or that they wish they'd had this information five years ago when they moved to Denmark. "I think, in general, Denmark has moved towards addressing cultural differences because, let's face it, they need international workers at all levels of the labour market. They need to realise what they're expecting because when you have an insular culture like the Danish culture, you don't always realise what you expect of internationals." She's constantly learning more about how Danes and internationals work together - and she doesn't plan to stop.
Personally, she wants to focus a little more on travelling within Denmark. "Many internationals come here and just stay in Copenhagen or Odense. There's so much to do here, particularly because you can get train tickets for 99 kroner - you can simply get to the other end of the country.
So I would like to encourage internationals to experience different parts of Denmark, especially if they want to have kids and build a life here." THE-INTL
"I WOULD SAY OF THE PEOPLE I WORK WITH, MAYBE 80% OF THE TIME, WE'RE TALKING ABOUT A FEMALE SPOUSE. IF THE SPOUSE CAN'T GET A JOB, CAN'T FIND SOME FRIENDS, AND IS LONELY, THAT WILL BE A SHORT STAY."
TTHE INTERNSHIP PERIOD is upon us! Or very soon to be, at least. That means that students are well underway in their internship applications. Depending on your studies, there are usually two internship periods in the university year. Even though the Danish university system is beneficial, it can still be challenging for an international student to find an internship - I'll show you how.
There is no better advice I'll give you than this - "Do your research!".
If you want to land yourself an internship position, then you'll need to do your research. Many students fail to get a job as an intern because they don't do the most basic research into the company. Reading up on the company's website, recent news and social media is vital. If you want to secure an internship, you need to be able to talk about why you want to work for that company and no other.
Trust me, they'll be glad you did!
If you want to land an internship, then do your research!
Acing the application process is the key to getting an internship at any company.
"But how do I do that? I have ZERO experience?!". Well, I'm very glad you asked! Just because you don't have much work experience, you can still highlight the skills you've gained from your education. In your CV and cover letter, you need to explain as fully as possible the skills you've learned and (most importantly) what you've used these skills for. So, if you are looking to land a position as a Software Engineer Intern, you don't only want to say you know C# but also what you have developed using it. The more detail you can give, the more you can separate yourself from the pack.
Learning to ace your application is one of the most essential steps to landing your internship.
How do you stand out as a candidate when your experience is the same as everybody else?
The best way is to stand out online. Everyone's CV will look the same, but having an online presence can show what you can do. If you're a budding engineer, you must be active on GitHub. If you're an aspiring artist, ensure your updated portfolio is online. For everyone else, being active on Linkedin and sharing your learnings, expertise, and opinions can set you apart. Want to land that internship? Make sure you stand out online!
"Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference."
Winston Churchill said that. A positive attitude and a growth mindset is your greatest asset in finding and thriving in an internship position. I said that! The thing is, when you interview for an internship, the recruiter and the hiring manager understand that you're not the finished article. They understand that you are at the beginning of your career and you're not yet an expert.
So don't pretend to be!
If there are areas that you don't know or
understand, be sure to let the interviewer know. It's far better to be humble, be honest and approach with a growth mindset.
If you want to land an internship, then you must show the right attitude.
You won't always get every single internship you apply for.
And that's okay! Internship positions in Denmark are in high demand. The chances you won't get the first internship position you apply for are very high. The most important thing to do in this situation is to get the feedback, self-reflect and get out there again!
Understanding that failure is only feedback will help you not only in your internship and every job after. I wish you all the best!
There you have it! Use these tips to find your perfect internship and the first steps into your new career. Stay tuned for next month! THE-INTL
Luke is a Senior Talent Acquisition Partner at SYBO Games, the company behind the smash-hit game Subway Surfers. Based in Copenhagen (by way of London)!, he has been working to make SYBO grow. He spends his time finding the best talent that the games community has to offer!
He is always keen to build relationships by bringing passion and enthusiasm to the recruitment process. An advocate of Employer Branding, Luke works with the talented people at SYBO to let the world know how great a place it is to work.
When he's not hiring awesome talents for SYBO or cycling (he does live in Copenhagen, after all!), he's busy reading his favourite books and channelling his inner Hemingway as a writer!
@Luke Hannon @ Hannon Recruits @ hannonrecruits“Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.”
- Winston ChurchillTALENT ACQUISITION PROFESSIONAL LUKE HANNON SHARES RELEVANT TIPS AND HINTS IN YOUR CAREER SEARCH. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH TEXT LUKE HANNON LUKE HANNON SENIOR TALENT ACQUISITION PARTNER
TTHE HOLIDAY SEASON is upon us. If this summer isn’t one for another transition, most expats visit family and friends back home or have visitors fly in from around the world this time of year.
Just as much as we look forward to spending time with family and friends, many of us can get challenged with managing expectations – our own and those who look forward to spending time with us.
I hope this little guide to managing holiday expectations will serve you well and give you and your family ideas for discussing what nourishes you.
#1 DEFINE THE “GOOD HOLIDAY” FOR ALL FAMILY MEMBERS.
Allocate time before the holidays to discuss what a good holiday is for each of you. We can easily assume we have common grounds for spending quality time together when most couples and families have divergent wishes and needs. You can continually readjust and have conversations during the holiday to stay aligned.
The first round of the conversation is about listening. All wishes, needs and dreams are on the table. You might ask each other questions like: “What relaxes you?” or “What is the perfect holiday scenario if everything was possible?”
Once this conversation is on the table, you might have to readjust your planning to add space for everyone’s wishes.
#2 WHAT NOURISHES YOU?
When I see families and couples after a holiday season in their homelands, exhaustion and conflicts have often escalated due to a lack of individual and collective nourishment during the holiday.
As expats, we might feel “quilt” for living so far away from our extended family and close friends that we stretch ourselves beyond our boundaries to accommodate their (and our own) needs to catch up and spend time together.
Most of us know the metaphor “putting on the oxygen mask before helping others”. However, we rarely explore what
nourishes and gives us energy. Combined with the difficult dilemma of needing private holiday time and spending time with family and friends, we might forget to prioritise activities that nourish us leaving us more drained than during our busy everyday life.
Ask yourself and each other: “What really fills you up with good energy?” Is it time to read, listen to music, meditate, or go for a run?
Is it having no plans at all, or is everything preorganised?
We are all different, but conflicts arise primarily because of different wishes and needs that have not been discussed. You can find compromises and common ground by reflecting on these questions and sharing them with your partner and kids.
Being clear on your needs and communicating them clearly creates clarity and minimise conflicts.
#3 BE AWARE OF YOUR BOUNDARIES AND STAY AUTHENTIC.
I recommend expat families revisit their
boundaries, individually and as a family before they head off for the long summer holiday.
How many days with your family? Or mine?
How many visitors stay over, and how much “bed & breakfast” service before we feel exhausted?
It goes back to what you have defined as a good holiday, what nourishes you, and how well you stay true to your boundaries and authentically express your needs in a kind and loving way.
Last, but not least, allow for a smooth transition back to everyday life once the holidays are over. As expats, the holiday season, visits home or having spent time with the people we love can raise questions about our future, ignite the feeling of homesickness and leave us feeling torn between places and people we love.
Step out of your holiday with this awareness, and remember that all transitions take a slight adjustment. Stepping back into everyday life can be overwhelming. Stay kind, gentle and curious. THE-INTL
Nanna Hauch is a Danish fourtime former expat, mother of three Third Culture Kids, licensed couple and family therapist, MPF specialised in the psychological aspects of expat life, global transitions and intercultural organisational dynamics.
She is a warm and analytical therapist and an experienced speaker and workshop facilitator and additionally holds a M.Sc. in Intercultural Management.
Nanna founded Expat Hero in 2018 to support internationals and their families to adjust to transitional life and increase mental health when living globally mobile lives.
You can read more on www. expathero.dk and connect with Nanna at +45 40110459 or email: welcome@expathero.dk
Let’s connect on social:
@Expat Hero
@Expat Hero
@Expat Hero
@Nanna Hauch
"ASK YOURSELF AND EACH OTHER: WHAT REALLY FILLS YOU UP WITH GOOD ENERGY?"PHOTOGRAPHS PEXELS TEXT NANNA HAUCH
WITH ALL THE EXCITEMENT AND DAYDREAMS ABOUT COCKTAILS, ICE CREAM AND AMAZING FOODS WE WILL DISCOVER AND INDULGE IN ON HOLIDAY, WE GLADLY SET ASIDE OUR HEALTHY LIFESTYLE. SOMETIMES, THAT IS EXACTLY WHAT OUR BODY REQUIRES AFTER SOME STRESSFUL MONTHS AT WORK, FAMILY DUTY OVERLOADS, SCHOOL EVENTS AND LIFE IN GENERAL – SO REMEMBER TO JUST BE AND ENJOY!
FFINALLY, THE SUNNY days have arrived, and the prospect of some well-deserved time off is getting close enough to consider slowing down, turning off email notifications and leaving early. Flip flops (or the fashionable Birkenstocks) are out, suitcases are dusted off from the attics and/or basements, and it's just about time to get the passports, sunscreen, beach towels and swimwear out.
As a health and fitness professional, I am often asked how I maintain my routines throughout the vacation. Well, in all honesty, I don't. Keeping up with routines can be challenging when travelling. It's not always possible to find the same time or equipment as at home, nor is it possible to home-cook meals, which means that movement and nutrition will definitely change form for me during a holiday. However, change is healthy too, and with the right mindset, you can still stay fit and healthy no matter the circumstances.
Here are a few tips to help stay just a little bit fit on holiday:
#1 INDULGE IN THE ICE CREAM.
It's good for our souls. We don't, however, need to order the one that is the size of a football, nor do we need to have it in a waffle or with extra whipped cream and sprinkles every time.
This goes for any food - eat anything you feel like eating, and make a conscious decision about quantity. I understand how hard it can be to not want to taste everything on the all-inclusive buffet table - but remember, you are likely to be there for a few days and the chance to taste it all can happen over several days instead of in one plating.
#2 DITCH THE CABS AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT: WALK OR CYCLE INSTEAD.
Unless you have decided to travel to a country that recommends using safe means of transportation, walk or cycle the areas instead!
Walking is sometimes overlooked as a means to stay active - it's an excellent way to keep the movement going and enables you to actually "look up" and see parts of a country, city, or area that you would not have discovered otherwise. Lots of steps count as fitness too.
#3 AVOID TAKING FITNESS EQUIPMENT WITH YOU UNLESS YOU KNOW YOU WILL USE IT.
Chances are, we won't use the suspension trainer or bands we bought with the best intentions, so they will take up space in our suitcase and give us a guilty conscience every time we take a glimpse at the open suitcase, with the equipment still fully wrapped in its original packaging - you know that feeling? I should… but … the pool… YESSS! Exactly, go to the pool and take a few laps, check if the hotel or resort has any group classes
you could join, or get a day pass at a local gym if you feel like a workout, but only pack the extra stuff if you know it will be used more than once.
#4 MAKE A FITNESS PLAN FOR YOUR RETURN AND SIGN-UP FOR IT BEFORE YOU LEAVE.
If you were on a great workout routine and on track with your nutrition before you left, be sure to not let the 4-6 weeks of summer vacation ruin your comeback - take steps to make sure you have a solid plan in place before you leave, which will force you to get back on track faster. Sign-up for a class and pay for it in advance, make a date with your workout buddy and set it in the calendar. Procrastination may make you feel miserable and ruin all the good, relaxing moments you experienced on vacation. Have a great summer, rest, indulge and come back refreshed and excited to get started again! THE-INTL
Alex is a Swiss/Brit mom and wife who has lived in Copenhagen since 2009. She switched from corporate life in communications to the independent life of an outdoor personal and group fitness trainer. She coaches people of all ages and fitness levels to find fun and consistency in movement through individual and group workouts. Delivering entertainment and spreading group fitness magic is her superpower. Alex encourages you to high-five her if you see her in the capital!
@alexbeck.fit
@alexbeck.fit
@alexbeck.fit
AAS THE SUMMER season arrives, it's time to enjoy a memorable family vacation in North Denmark, which offers a variety of exciting activities and attractions for children of all ages. North Denmark has something for every adventurous family, from sandy beaches to interactive museums and thrilling amusement parks. Here, I will share some top things to do with children so you can enjoy this summer's holiday.
North Denmark is renowned for its beautiful sandy beaches and dunes stretching miles along the coast. On the west coast, the beaches are so vast that cars can drive along the beach. You can find the perfect spot to pitch a day tent and set up beach chairs between the picturesque dunes and the sea shoreline. Head to destinations like Skagen, Blokhus, or Løkken, with plenty of sun, sand, and sea opportunities. From Aalborg, you are just a 40-minute to an hour's drive by car or bus to the beach, making it a great day trip or overnight stay.
Immerse your family in the rich Viking history of North Denmark. Explore the Lindholm Høje Viking Burial Grounds near Aalborg, where you can see ancient burial mounds and artefacts. The Viking Museum in Løgstør offers interactive exhibits and a chance to sail on a reconstructed Viking ship. These experiences will transport your family back in time and provide a deeper understanding of Denmark's Viking heritage.
For a day of excitement and adventure, visit one of North Denmark's amusement parks. Fårup Sommerland near Blokhus offers a wide range of rides, water slides, and entertainment options suitable for all ages. My first job was at Fårup Sommerland, where I returned year after year. I have some of my best memories from working all the rides and handing out tickets in the ticket booth. Djurs Sommerland, located in the region's eastern part, is one of Denmark's largest amusement parks, with thrilling roller coasters and family-friendly attractions. These parks promise laughter, adrenaline, and cherished family memories.
North Denmark is a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. Explore Thy National Park, Denmark's first national park, with its vast heathlands, windswept dunes, and serene lakes. Take a family hike through Råbjerg Mile, Denmark's largest migrating sand dune, or
enjoy a picnic by one of the many tranquil lakes. These outdoor adventures will allow your family to connect with nature and enjoy quality time together.
VISIT INTERACTIVE MUSEUMS
North Denmark is home to numerous interactive museums that the entire family will enjoy. The North Sea Oceanarium in Hirtshals showcases the wonders of the underwater world, complete with feeding shows and interactive exhibits. The Utzon Center in Aalborg offers a hands-on exploration of architecture and design. These museums combine education and entertainment, making learning a fun and engaging experience.
A visit to Aalborg Zoo is a delight for animal-loving families. With over 100 different species, the zoo allows you to observe and learn about wildlife worldwide. Children can participate in feeding sessions, attend animal shows, and enjoy playgrounds within the zoo. Aalborg Zoo combines education, conservation, and entertainment, ensuring a rewarding experience for the entire family.
North Denmark is a region that caters to every family member's diverse interests and ages and offers a summer vacation that your family will remember for years to come.
All summer long, International House North Denmark will share exciting and fun events happening around Aalborg and North Denmark on their social media pages. You can follow them on Facebook and Instagram under International House North Denmark. THE-INTL
MAYOR OF AALBORG
Team Manager at International House North Denmark.
City Council member in Aalborg Municipality.
Group chairman for the Social Democratic Party in Aalborg.
Chairman of DANVA and Port of Aalborg.
Father of three kids and married to Kirstine.
Worked and lived in Africa as an expat.
Takes an active part as a volunteer for the international community.
Believes in international solidarity and wants the international community in Aalborg to be more aware of their rights.
lassefj.dk
lassefj.dk
lassefj.dk
DDANISH SCIENTISTS ARE keen to re-establish the growth of eelgrass (seagrass) in Denmark’s coastal waters. After a two-year experiment, there are now 70 times more eelgrass shoots in Horsens Fjord and on the Danish Island called Laesø, once known for its salt industry, several original dwellings still exist thatched with seaweed.
Eelgrass was traditionally dried, bundled and twisted into thick ropes that were then woven through the rafters of homes to form roofs. These roofs typically last at least 200 years, some surviving up to 400 years. However, in the 1930s, the eelgrass natural to the area was attacked by a disease that made it challenging to maintain these roofs. The number of remaining eelgrass roofs dwindled to just a few by the 21st century.
Since 1900, Denmark has lost between 80-90 % of the once lush beds of eelgrass that grew along our shores and in its fjords. This is not only bad for fish but also other animals that need the eelgrass as their natural habitat; it is also a negative development of the climate because eelgrass is effective at binding and storing carbon.
For this reason, biologists from the University of Southern Denmark decided to investigate whether it is possible to restore eelgrass meadows in Denmark. Their work also has implications for other species of seagrass suffering the same fate elsewhere in the world.
At the moment, the research team is conducting similar experiments in two other places as well - in Vejle Fjord and in Lunkebugten on the island of Tåsinge. To date, 84,000 shoots have been planted in Vejle Fjord, covering an area of 3.42 hectares.
A scientific project carried out by The International Thatching Society and several universities has proven that thatched roofs are the most CO2-friendly construction and far more fire-resistant than used to be thought. Furthermore, these thatched houses are often cooler in summer and warmer in winter. There are approximately 55.000 houses with thatched roofs in Denmark and 10.000 of these are holiday homes. These are spread throughout Denmark and serviced by nearly 800 Danish thatchers, of which 100 are mostly from Eastern Europe.
There are only three female thatchers in Denmark, and I was fortunate enough to meet Betina Steffensen, who is the most experienced of these three and presently working at Frilandsmuseet near Kongens Lyngby. She has been a fully qualified thatcher for 13 years and thoroughly enjoys her creative and skilled work – not regretting her chosen profession in this male-dominated world, where no two roofing tasks are quite the same. She particularly enjoys the vision of the finished result of her work.
Asked whether she would advise other females to consider her profession, she once again emphasised that for anyone who would enjoy seeing the completion of a straw roofing task, even though it can be quite hard work at times, the end result certainly justifies the means. To fully understand the beauty and skilled complexity of thatching as a profession, a work experience period with a
professional thatching team is the best way to find out if this is something for you, she said.
The beauty of this skilled profession, with its magnificent history, can be experienced throughout Denmark at open-air museums, where houses with thatched roofs from different periods of Danish history can be seen as they were in their original placing.
The most famous of these open-air museums are:
• Frilandsmuseet – Kongens Lyngby.
• Sagnlandet – Lejre.
• Frilandsmuseet – Falster.
• Det Fynske landsby.
• Glud Museum.
• Den Gamle By – Aarhus.
• Frilandsmuseet – Hjerl Hede.
If you are considering building a house and looking for a finished result that signals beautiful architecture and classic Nordic quality, a new thatched roof might be for you. Besides their aesthetic and climate-friendly qualities, they have a proven longevity track record. THE-INTL
PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS
Mariano has over 40 years global experience as a bus iness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, so far thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running Oxford Business Services ApS). 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 45 years and has held over 150 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty.
oxford-business.com
PRESENTING SUMMER ON A PLATE: CRISP TART SHELLS FILLED WITH SILKY PASTRY CREAM AND SWEET SEASONAL BERRIES.
MAKES 1 X 25CM TART
PATE SABLE INGREDIENTS:
90g unsalted butter, cold
50g icing sugar
25g almond flour
200g flour
Pinch of salt
35g whole eggs, mixed
1 egg white, mixed (for brushing the tart shell)
METHOD:
1. Cut the butter into small cubes and place in the bowl of a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Add the icing sugar, almond flour, flour and salt.
2. Beat on medium-low speed until the mixture resembles bread crumbs.
3. Add the whole eggs and mix on low speed until the mixture forms a ball. (Add more egg if the mixture is not forming a ball).
4. Cut two sheets of baking paper 60cm long and roll the dough between the two pieces of paper until about 3mm thick.
5. Lay flat in the fridge for 3-5 minutes to firm up a little.
6. Grease a tart tin with cooking spray or butter.
7. Line the tart tin with the sable dough and place in the freezer until ready to bake (minimum 20 minutes).
8. Set the oven to 180°C (160°C fan) and blind bake the tart for 15 minutes (no baking beans required) or until lightly browned. Remove from the oven and brush the inside and sides of the tart shell with the egg white. Return to the oven for a further 4 minutes.
9. Remove from the oven and rest for 10 minutes before carefully removing from the tin. Place on a wire rack to cool.
LEMON PASTRY CREAM INGREDIENTS:
550g milk
150g cream
10g vanilla extract
1 large lemon/orange, peeled with a potato peeler
150g sugar
60g cornstarch
120g egg yolks
80g salted butter
METHOD:
1. Heat the milk, cream, vanilla, and lemon/ orange peel in a medium-sized saucepan until simmering.
2. Whisk the sugar, cornstarch, and eggs in a large bowl.
3. Slowly pour the heated milk mixture over the eggs whilst whisking continuously.
4. Return the mixture to the saucepan and continue to whisk over medium heat until thick, smooth and glossy with a pudding-like consistency (it must be very firm, or it won’t hold its shape when the tart is cut). Continuous whisking is essential to prevent a lumpy pastry cream.
5. Remove from the heat and whisk in the butter.
6. Remove the lemon/orange peels and press pastry cream through a sieve into a bowl to remove any little lumps.
7. Contact cover with cling film and leave to cool.
8. If not using the same day, refrigerate until ready to use and whisk by hand before spreading into the tart.
NAPPAGE GLAZE
INGREDIENTS:
(See notes if you don’t want to make a nappage glaze)
50g sugar
5g pectin NH
115g water
NATASHA LIVIERO - PASTRY CHEF
METHOD:
1. Whisk 25g sugar with the pectin and set aside.
2. Combine the remaining 25g sugar with the water in a medium saucepan and bring to a boil.
3. Remove from the heat, sprinkle the sugar/pectin mixture over the syrup and whisk until fully dissolved.
4. Boil for another two minutes, remove from the heat, and cool for 10-15 minutes before using or storing in the fridge for up to a week.
5. If it gets too cold and or becomes too thick, micro
wave it to soften it. It should be the consistency of maple syrup.
3-4 strawberries, thinly sliced 15-20 blueberries, whole and halved
4-6 cherries, full and quartered 6-8 raspberries, halved Edible flowers
METHOD:
1. Gently brush each piece of fruit with the nappage glaze.
2. Position the fruits in a circular design around
the surface of the tart.
3. Add edible flowers to fill in spaces.
Notes:
* Best served the day it is made. Refrigerate leftovers.
* If you don’t have pectin NH, make a glaze by melting smooth apricot/strawberry jam with a splash of water or liqueur. Once the consistency is smooth, cool and brush fruit with the glaze.
* Any seasonal fruit that doesn’t brown, i.e. bananas and apples, may be used for the tart.
Natasha is a pastry chef who is South African by birth and Croatian by blood. She spent many years working for a wellness publication but did an about-turn at the beginning of 2020 when she joined a culinary school to fulfil a lifelong dream to study patisserie. She’s passionate about European patisserie and loves spending time in the kitchen experimenting with recipes (while quibbling with her fe-line friends), and is always on the hunt for interesting new cookbooks.
natashaliviero
ARE YOU PLANNING TO HAVE A HOLIDAY IN
NNORTH JUTLAND IS an island separated from mainland Denmark by the Limfjord. This part of Denmark has the smallest population and will surprise you with wild and wonderful nature. If you love Danish beaches, lighthouses and picturesque fishing villages, you must come to North Jutland.
The northernmost point of Denmark is Grenen, a unique natural phenomenon where two seas of Skagerrak and Kattegat meet together, and waves merge and break over. This place is visited by many tourists worldwide every year, especially during the summer season. The landscape around Grenen is also remarkable. Here you can get very close to the seals sunbathing on the beach and observe many bird species. If you visit this part of Denmark, don't forget to go also to the Danish desert Råbjerg Mile, which will take your breath away. I recommend having lunch or just a cup of coffee in the small town of Skagen. There is not much activity in the town, but you could take a walk or sit in a restaurant - you will love the town for its laid-back atmosphere and picturesque yellow houses.
The Danish summer is usually short and not so warm, but if you want to enjoy beach vibes, go to the North West Cast. Blokhus and Løkken are our favourite summer destinations in North Jutland. The vast beaches, which can be reached by car, are perfect for holiday relaxation and active summer days. In addition, both towns have the right holiday feeling. If you get bored of sunbathing and swimming, take a trip to Rubjerg Knude, one of the most photogenic and, for me, the most beautiful lighthouses in Denmark or enjoy the amusement park Fårup Sommerland. They both are close to each other, and they are located between the Blokhus and Løkken.
North Jutland's metropolis and the fourth largest city in Denmark, offer many opportunities to spend an exciting time there. Except for wandering around the city, where you can find a fantastic mural street art, a wonderful waterfront and the wellknown disco and pub street Jomfru Ane Gade, you can explore Danish history in the engaging Viking museum Lindholm Høje. If you are interested in Danish design, you must see Utzon Center, where you can find exhibitions for all adults and children. There is also the Museum of Modern Art, Denmark's largest museum for modern art, with an extensive collection of contemporary art and a particular focus on experimental art. We also love spending time in Aalborg Zoo and Vestre Fjordpark, where you can swim in a natural open-air swimming pool during summer.
Massive dune formations, clear lakes, places for camping and
many paths for hiking, biking and riding. Thy National ParkDenmark's wilderness covers 55 km of the north-western coastline of Denmark by the North Sea, and the entire area is 244 square kilometres. It is spread between Hanstholm in the north, where Denmark's largest fishing port is located, and Agger, with broad white sandy beaches in the southern part. If you want something more romantic in this area, the fishing village Stenbjerg is a good choice. One of the gems of Thy National Park is also the lighthouse Lodbjerg which stands alone in the middle of the large heath. It is located between Agger and Stenbjerg. And finally, don't miss Klitmøller, also known as Cold Hawaii – a surfer's paradise that has fantastic windsurfing and surfing conditions, shops with surf equipment, Nystrup Camping with special housing facilities for surfers, and delightful dining options ranging from grilled food, pancakes, pizza or a gourmet restaurant.
Just ninety minutes by ferry from Frederikshavn, you are on a perfectly relaxed and quiet island where you can forget everyday life. Læsø has the highest number of hours of sunshine in Denmark, and with a combination of unspoiled scenery is the right place for a holiday. The island became famous for two things –iconic seaweed roofs and salt produced by ancient recipes. People also come to Læsø for gastronomy. Fresh fish, langoustines and other seafood can bring you a genuine culinary experience. Enjoy a coastline of almost 100 km, play golf overlooking the sea, hike, cycle or ride a horse, or have a self-care day in a wellness resort. THE-INTL
Natalia is a Slovak journalist based in Aalborg, Denmark. She has around 15 years of experience in journalism. Her experiences as an editor and a reporter were founded in Slovak magazines and newspapers. She was also working as a TV reporter, a TV moderator and a host in radio broadcasting. Part of her career included working with PR and marketing. Natália is also a content creator on her social media. Follow her blog www.mamavdansku.com , where she writes about life in Denmark.
@Mama v Dánsku
@Mum in Denmark
"THE DANISH SUMMER IS USUALLY SHORT AND NOT SO WARM, BUT IF YOU WANT TO ENJOY BEACH VIBES, GO TO THE NORTH WEST CAST. BLOKHUS AND LØKKEN ARE OUR FAVOURITE SUMMER DESTINATIONS IN NORTH JUTLAND. "
SUMMER IS A CHANCE TO GET OUT OF THE CITY, SLOW DOWN AND CONNECT WITH NATURE AND FAMILY.
GGERMAN WORDS ARE known to be varied and wonderful, if a bit absurd, and my favourite since I first heard it is: Zusammengehörigkeitsgefühl which means a feeling of togetherness and belonging. This is what summer houses foster, be it to visit family, friends or colleagues. Surveys say that Danes are one of the happiest countries in the world, but many analysts say that this should not be understood as the whole country jumping for joy but being content and secure with their lives. This is partly, especially during the summer months, thanks to summer houses. I like to joke that there is a mini migration during the Danish summer. Copenhagen and other cities are empty, and the countryside comes to life. The radio is full of announcements about the queues on Storebæltsbroen and Lillebæltsbroen, and the official speed limits near us are reduced to cope with an influx of city-dwellers not used to winding country roads and unpaved lanes (this upsets my husband greatly, and I hear about it from Easter through to September). While there are upsides and downsides to the extremely high rate of second homes in the Danish countryside, there is undoubtedly a buzzing atmosphere during the summer months.
THE SEA. The West Jutland coast is full of summer houses, and the North Sea offers the rugged landscape otherwise missing in the rest of Denmark. While beautiful, it has the downside of bringing summer storms that can be stressful to tourists in unfamiliar surroundings. With typically higher property prices, Eastern Jutland has warmer summer weather, with the Kattegat nearly a lake rather than a sea.
REMOTENESS. Are you used to a quick
walk or cycle to the shop? This is still possible in summer house areas but is far from the norm. We are a 50-minute walk from the nearest shop, with no pavements at any point and little public transport. This is great for switching off, but it isn’t for everyone.
VARIETY. Want something truly different without going too far? Danish islands all have unique ways of life and could be what you’re searching for. For more variety than an island can offer, try spending the summer in Als, near the German border and city of Flensburg, or Northern Zealand, where it is easy to take day trips to Sweden.
Architecturally, many summer houses are created to have a central, communal space to hang out in, prepare food, and carry out other daily tasks. While spending time with family is the primary use, I know people who have gone to summer houses with their university study groups to spend time together following each exam season, with work colleagues for team bonding, or on writers retreats. Putting effort into maintaining relationships is considered normal in Denmark, despite
the initially frosty exterior many foreigners first experience in the country. Danes are rightly proud of this culture and gladly tell others about it, as I found out when my dad started telling me about the virtues of summer houses! Odense-based colleagues recommended he use his almostDanish daughter by spending his summer Danish-ly.
You may also have heard of kolonihavehuse - literal translation: colony garden house. On my first trip to Denmark with my husband, we borrowed one near Amager in the middle of winter. Trying to explain this concept to my mum got utterly lost in translation, and she seemed to think we were squatting in someone’s shed! Kolonihavhuser are small buildings situated on allotments, allowing owners to grow their produce while having access to a home-from-home with running water and maybe even heating installed. Typically, their residence is limited to the summer months, with occasional trips allowed during the rest of the year. If you don’t want to go anywhere but want to get out of your apartment and have the feeling of more rural life, a kolonihavehus is the solution! THE-INTL
Heather Storgaard comes from Northern Scotland, grew up in Switzerland, and lived in England and Germany. She met her Danish and soon-tobe British husband back in 2017, and they now split their time between Central Scotland and Helgenæs, a peninsula in rural Eastern Jutland. Suitably for a Scot, Heather works with whisky, spending her time writing and translating, with a particular softspot for the up-and-coming world of Nordic Whisky.
@heatherstorgaard
"Copenhagen and other cities are empty, and the countryside comes to life."PHOTOGRAPHS VISIT DENMARK TEXT HEATHER STORGAARD
SUMMER IN THE UK WITH MUM AND WRITER SHANI BISHOP.
PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH TEXT SHANI BISHOP
YOU TRY TO travel and see your new country when you live overseas. When you return home, your home country can feel new because you haven’t visited for ages or things have changed. We have been exploring the UK since returning, and here are my top tips for summer.
SURFING
The Cornish coast is a mecca for surfers. The waves roll in off the Atlantic, providing a challenge for experienced surfers, whilst safe inlets allow beginners to have a go. Cornwall is gorgeous, with sandy beaches, quaint villages and breath taking scenery. Climate change means our summers are long and hot nowadays. To find the best beaches and how to plan your trip visit this website
WINE
French wine companies are buying lots of land in the South of England. The South of England has the same chalky hills and a climate similar to how the wine-growing regions of France were 30 years ago. France will eventually become too hot to grow Champagne, so wine companies are looking for cooler climate alternatives to grow grapes. Taittinger, Pommery, and German giant Henkell-Freixenet, are all pursuing this strategy
This, together with local English vineyards, means you can tour the south of England, tasting the wine in many locations. My local vineyard is called Denbies - they have a great wine tour that you can book online and a fantastic café. A few years ago, they won an award in a blind taste test against French champagne brands.
HARRY POTTER
There is much to see in England and Scotland related to Harry Potter. There are many tours of the London film locations like the Millennium Bridge, Leadenhall Market, Reptile House, London Zoo and King’s Cross Station. The Hogwarts Express departs from Platform 9¾ at King’s Cross station, so you’ll find a baggage trolley disappearing into the magical realm through a wall.
Next on your list will be the film sets in North London. You can taste Butterbeer and walk through the Great Hall, Diagon Alley and Gringotts Wizarding Bank here - you’ll be astonished at the attention to detail.
Harry’s flying lessons took place at Alnwick Castle, Northumberland. The castle has some broomsticks for you to have a go! Many people also visit the Glenfinnan Viaduct in Scotland while visiting Edinburgh.
J.K. Rowling lives in Scotland, and much of her inspiration for the stories came from Edinburgh. There are tours and many landmarks, including Victoria Street, Candlemaker Row, Greyfriars Kirkyard, aka Harry Potter Graveyard and The Elephant House Café.
STATELY HOMES
When people think of stately homes, Downton Abbey is often the image which springs to
mind. You can actually visit Downton Abbey and sometimes stay overnight via AirBnB! Like many of the Royal palaces, it is open for the summer from July to September. You can book a tour, picnic or enjoy a Magic at the Movies afternoon. Find out more here: www.highclerecastle.co.uk THE-INTL
"J.K. ROWLING LIVES IN SCOTLAND, AND MUCH OF HER INSPIRATION FOR THE STORIES CAME FROM EDINBURGH."
IIF YOU MENTION to any student or teacher the phrase, 'summer holidays', then an instant smile lights up their faces, there is a dropping of the shoulders, and the mind drifts away to all the possibilities that can occur in the extended period. To get to the summer holidays is the like reaching the summit of a mountain.
The start of the summer holidays varies from country to country as it can be as early as the end of May, June or even as late as the end of July, as in the UK. The vacation time can also vary from six weeks to eight and even as long as three months in Ireland and Turkey.
The long holiday tradition stems from times when everyone helped in the fields. These traditions are long gone, so the question remains whether there is a need for such a long holiday.
The long period of free time allows a child and a teacher to gain much-needed rest. Everyone is on a tight schedule which needs to be followed religiously. The long holiday allows a person to 'decompress', escape the rigid regime, and recharge batteries. It is imperative to maintain good physical and, even more importantly, mental health. It takes time to break from the ingrained routines, which cannot be achieved quickly. Older students, especially, need the time to recover from the pressures of maintaining grades, exams and working towards further educational opportunities.
Students need time for the learnings of the year to assimilate and cement in their minds. Time is also needed for a child to mature, process the learning, and be ready to move forward. An educator clearly sees the significant growth curve from the child who departs for the long vacation to the child who returns afterwards.
A stretch of time allows a teacher to reflect on the year's teachings and consider adjustments and additions for the coming year. The essentials are covered and/or tweaked every week, but there is no time for deeper reflection and innovation.
Older students can take advantage of
the time and plan for college applications, work to secure some finances for college or undertake an internship.
The holidays generally occur at the warmest time of the year, when it is nicest to be outside and enjoy nature. The sun and long days build up the immune system and help release chemicals in the body that secure good health and well-being.
The extended time allows for travel. For an international, mobile student, the chance to return home, reconnect with family and friends, and maintain connections is crucial to sustaining links and an identity. There is also the opportunity to travel to discover new lands, learn about different cultures, and broaden one's horizons. All of these foster a child's character development and approach to life.
A long rest period allows students to find and pursue activities outside of school. It is a time to be inspired to do new and different things. These hobbies are extremely important as they support another aspect of a child's development. The enjoyment a child or teacher derives from this has a huge impact on their well-being.
Previously, not recognised as fully as experts have now reinforced, is the enormous benefits to one's health that good quality sleep delivers. Poor sleep, an issue in a compressed week, can often lead to poor physical and mental health. Sleeping the recommended hours gives the body a great 'health boost'.
Researchers have also investigated the upside of reducing the long summer holiday and re-distributing the time throughout the year. The thought is that it brings benefits for all parties involved.
EMBRACING CHANGE
Such has been the findings that a district in Toronto, Canada, has changed its vacation schedule. The view is it prevents the slide in recall among students and the need to review knowledge and use time on it. Instead, there is better retention, which allows for more of the curriculum to be covered and reinforced, giving students a better chance to succeed along their educational pathway. The teacher can plan more effectively, as the time stretches are shorter, so predicting what the students can learn and absorb is easier.
It was also noted that those students from economically challenged or dysfunctional households benefitted as they had a safe place to go, could secure a meal, and sustain stability in their lives. The consistency of school time also increased their chances of academic success.
It was positively received by parents who did not have to deal with the stress of childcare and time off work which long summer holidays bring.
There is an argument for 'balanced holidays', but the shift to a new approach will take some time, as old habits are hard to break and opinions are still varied regarding the benefits of the change. THE-INTL
"There is also the opportunity to travel to discover new lands, learn about different cultures, and broaden one's horizons."
Monika comes from the London area of the UK, where she worked in the state system and the international school system, as an English teacher of 11-18 students and then a high school principal. She has also worked in leadership roles in Germany and in Denmark. She has an overview of the British, International, American, and the Danish system. She has many years of experience and continues to enjoy the profession. She has relocated to Copenhagen and enjoys the city and summer house life with her Danish husband.
@monikapedersen@monikapedersen
@monikapedersen
THE REALITY OF many Danish and European cities is their cobblestone-covered roads and paths. While undoubtedly beautiful and historical, this surface type is far from accessible and can often cause difficulties or even complete exclusion for wheelchair or cane users or other people with decreased mobility.
TKathryn Larsen, a Copenhagen-based architect, aims to change this with her accessibility tile. This colourful and playful tile can create a level surface for wheelchair or cane users and be mass-produced using 3D printing.
Kathryn has worked for several firms and realised that design firms often design products and spaces without discussing these with the people affected by the end design. "In general, we tend to not think about our end users or people who go through the spaces we're designing for them because it's all about pleasing our clients - and these two groups of people are not necessarily the same. A real estate developer will commission a huge housing project, but as an architect, you have to push to include elements that will give the people living in the apartments a nice life. It's always a battle between budget, time, and cost."
Kathryn explains that at a certain point, it becomes a discussion of "not my scopenot my problem". "The issue is when everyone starts to say this. That's how we end up with things that are really badly designed for everyday people. I'm trying to include everyday people in the conversation more."
Kathryn's been working with accessibility for quite some time now. When working on projects where she was a consultant, she was often in charge of bathroom accessibility. "At one point, I worked on a municipality project designing housing for people with autism. The different attitude struck me. It was all about the needs of the people who would be in these spaces. I was thinking about rounding corners or edges of things which people could bump against, creating an accessible kitchen they all could share, or creating sensory rooms."
She compares it with other large projects, where this thinking was entirely out of the discussion. "I remember trying to talk about how I had just seen a woman change her baby on the floor of the women's toilets since there wasn't a changing station." When she proposed integrating unisex and accessible changing stalls into the project, she was shut down and told by the lead architect to 'shove it' into the handicapped toilets that were absolutely bare bones. "But what if somebody who needs to use the bathroom can't because a parent is changing their baby - and that's the only toilet they can access? I know we can do better. It's completely doable on time and budget, especially if we implement it early in the planning process. But nobody knows how important it is, so it just never happens, and that's how we end up with an inaccessible space."
Kathryn started to work on the accessibility tile project as a submission for the CHART
MICHAELA MEDVEDOVÁ comes from Slovakia and moved to Denmark 3 years ago to study for her Master's degree. She says living in Odense is the perfect city for her because it's not too large to be intimidating, but still exciting! She works at Umbraco as a Magical Copy Whisperer and started a podcast with her friends - @humans.of.sdu. She loves watching and talking about movies, Harry Potter, karaoke nights (even though she can't sing to save her life), and pub quizzes (winning them, to be specific).
Art Fair 2023. She collaborated with Cath Borch Jensen, who has cerebral palsy and uses a wheelchair. "I read an excellent article from Cath where she was talking about the ridiculousness of putting an elevator in front of a building and saying: "We've done it, it's accessible now". But there is so much more that needs to happen, just for her to be able to enjoy an outing with her family."
So Kathryn reached out to Cath and asked her to collaborate on the competition at Kunsthal Charlottenborg. Cath replied that she strongly felt about that place since she couldn't access it because every entrance was lined with cobblestones. And while there is an accessibility path, she can only get to it by first going over cobblestones. "I hadn't realised that, and I asked her: "Can't somebody push you over the cobblestones?" And she said, "Yes, but it hurts, it's jarring, it can be uncomfortable sensory-wise". Just think about being on a bike and going over cobblestones. I talked to other people with handicapped family members and some of my family members with osteoporosis whose bones are easily injured - this is a public health issue, and we don't think about it."
So together with Cath, Kathryn started to design a flexible and modular solution. The resulting tile has a raised design surface, self-locking joints, and drainage. "It's still in the early stages, but we're learning from each prototype. We're doing it in our free time. I can model and prototype - and Cath and others are helping me test the prototypes."
The duo are currently making the prototypes out of PLA - but since PLA is only compostable material in industry conditions, Kathryn, whose focus is on working with natural materials, is experimenting with different biodegradable polymers in all biotopes. "That's what we really want this to be made of - we want to keep the colour but make it a sustainable solution. Because otherwise, it could have the potential to leak microplastics into the environment."
The idea is to use the tiles for events or temporary pop-ups to create more accessible pathways. "It's not about advocating for all the cobblestones to be torn up - it's about trying to make sure that if you want to enjoy an art festival or go to a gallery, that it is an option. It's about interacting with the existing architecture."
But going forward from a public planning proposal, Kathryn believes that people need to think about what kind of access they create for everyday people - because they often exclude people rather than include them. "Very few people are disabled and have a voice in the architecture forum. It's a massive blind spot we have. We always think that if we just do the bare minimum, that it's good enough, but we haven't actually taken the time to ask the people impacted by it, and we haven't integrated their experiences into our planning."
The accessibility tile project was recently selected for the Distributed Design residency, so the current focus is to create an open-source 3D print file and a maker's guide for other makers in the community. "The tile is something I would like to see put into production at some point. I want this to be an option for festivals, fairs, and any temporary situations, where we can create joyful, accessible paths so all people can come to the party." THE-INTL
SARA R. NEWELL is from Canada, went to high-school in Costa Rica, and has worked and studied in Iceland and Denmark. She is a disability rights activist and has a master's degree in Technological Business Development and Biomedical Engineering from Aarhus University. Sara has lived in Denmark since 2003, and lives with her husband and daughter. She hopes to contribute and share insights with others who have children with disabilities. https://www.linkedin.com/in/sararose-newell-b1904726 / https://m.facebook.com/groups/bakopomdepaarorende
FFAMILY. WHERE SHOULD we begin? Every family is different - the dynamics between one can be unimaginable in another. While family is everything and a priority to some, keeping as much distance as possible from them for some others might be best. Whichever it is, I still believe having a healthy boundary with your family members is necessary and one of the most challenging things to do, especially in a more traditional culture.
From a little request of knocking on the door to standing up for yourself, everything within the household and family can potentially be a boundary of some sort. In Asia, we were brought up to be super polite, obedient and respectful towards our parents and every senior member of the family, meaning it would be frowned upon or even get told off or punished if you talk back to them, or in some extreme families, not agreeing or doing as they’ve been told. This is fundamentally a cultural and generational mentality instilled in most of the population there (or other cultures sharing similar values), making it difficult, almost impossible, to even think about boundaries with family members. ‘Because I’m your parents!’ ‘ Because I said so!’ these are the most common phrases we hear, and sometimes we don’t even question much about it. You get used to it growing up ‘because they are your parents’, or ‘that’s just how it is.’. But is it?
You are one of the lucky ones if there’s a lot of respect among family members, especially from the senior members. From my experience, setting and voicing my boundary and asking to be respected is one of the hardest things to do. I cannot remember how often I’ve been told to do or denied certain things reluctantly ‘just because’ - it felt very disrespected, deprived, and slightly unfair. I couldn’t help but wonder why does it not seem to be the case that my needs or requests were not being respected. I have also heard from many that they find it almost impossible to say no to their family, and they care a lot about what their parents or family say and think about a specific thing or person. I understand that, but at some point, you’ve got to take back control and live your life the way you want and do it respectfully.
If you’ve never been able to say no to your family, taking baby steps is an excellent place to start. Practice saying no. If you don’t feel like joining that family gathering, seeing that annoying aunt who has grilled you repeatedly about your most private life, or sucking up to mean jokes of that distant cousin, just say no. Just because you’re part of the family does not automatically mean that you have to agree with every person and comment that has been said. It is a small but powerful move because once you get used to saying no (politely and respectfully!), you slowly feel empowered to voice more of your needs and your opinion without feeling guilty. By doing that, you’re also teaching them how to respect your likes and requests while you learn to become more comfortable expressing them. One of the reasons why we are so reluctant to draw boundaries with families is because we often prioritise
them and the whole dynamic in front of our own, sometimes it is necessary to maintain a harmonious relationship, but there are times you just need to live your own life and follow your heart. Often, the lack of boundaries or respect, especially from the senior family members, is a type of power play. There is so much complexity within the family dynamics - childhood trauma of the parents and previous generations, parenthood, fear, conditional love etc. - so many things get entangled in the most common relationship we have in life- family. Whatever they are going through, it is not your responsibility to resolve that, and as much as you respect your family members, this boundary has to come from you. Guard it with your life, and don’t be afraid to detach or distance yourself if it gets too much. There is toxicity within a family, and most often, some of the most dramatic scenes can quickly come from there. As we discussed in previous issues, the bottom line is that you need to have clarity of your needs and wants, a boundary for yourself, and extend from there. Do it from a place of compassion, kindness and respect - it will be worth it, even if it might initially feel very uncomfortable. Sometimes, a little distance and buffering space is what it needs to get closer. THE-INTL
Like her hometown Hong Kong, Ophelia has a diverse background and upbringing. She moved to Copenhagen in 2019 after 10 years of living in London. Her fashion and journalism career began in 2007 at ELLE Hong Kong magazine, and later on as an online stylist at Net-A-Porter.com in the UK; she has worked with all sorts of creatives, brands and celebrities globally. She now works on everything fashion and communicationrelated. With her love of travelling and places her work brought her to, people she met from all walks of life inspired her to start her own business M for Minimal: a place to raise the awareness of going back to basics through conscious consumption and mindfulness with a touch of spirituality - something she has been practising since her teenage years.
@mforminimal.com
@mforminimal.mfm
@opheliawu
"IF YOU’VE NEVER BEEN ABLE TO SAY NO TO YOUR FAMILY, TAKING BABY STEPS IS AN EXCELLENT PLACE TO START."
