The International - July 2018 by The International Denmark

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

FESTIVE FARE: 4TH OF JULY RECIPES

SUMMER FUN: ACTIVITIES FOR ALL

TECHNOLOGY FOR EASY LIVING

LOSE WEIGHT, AND KEEP IT OFF

JULY 2018 - THE-INTL.COM

FREE

CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN:

PAPER

THE NEW FACE OF THE DANISH BUSINESS WORLD JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

MAKING NEW CONNECTIONS LIFE IS A SERIES OF CONNECTIONS, BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS THAT WILL KEEP YOU MOVING FORWARD AND ON TO GREATER THINGS.

ONE OF THE best things about starting The International is the people I've met on this journey. I recently took a road trip to Jutland with my husband for a long-weekend getaway and of 'us time' as well as business networking. The first day was business, where I got to meet head of the International Community in Aarhus and talk about expats and all the issues they are going through. Like the rest of the expats on Sealand, the issues are pretty much the same - finding a job, the language and basic integration and cultural misunderstandings. Then, onto Randers where I met with Heidi (our new sales rep for Jutland) and her lovely family and friends - this is part of what I love that The International is bringing together so many people from different cultures. The time was spent talking about issues, funny cultural differences and new contacts and distribution areas for Heidi. So, from this issue The International will be available in certain areas and places in Jutland! After that it was onto Randers (we fell in love with this little town) where we came across some real bluegrass mu-

sic and a little festival going on! The evening was spent at a barbeque amongst British expats which was heaps of fun and interesting listening to their varied experiences of

living in Denmark. This issues we are also adding another THREE columns! Finance, business and fitness - so a big welcome to Jason, Claire and Ed - I know our readers are going to enjoy your regular columns. As always, we have a full issue to take you through summer: fantastic events all over Denmark for the whole family; our yummy food column celebrates 4th of July; a great article for expectant moms about having a baby in Denmark; Bilingual Backpack Baby goes strawberry picking; Barbara turns gold in our beauty column, and our local librarian, Susan, has put together some great crime novels to keep you entertained this summer. Whether you're staying in Denmark or going back to your own country, The International team wishes you a great summer - and remember we are always here for you if you need us.

“A connection is the energy that exists between people, when they feel seen, heard, and valued; when they can give and receive without judgment; and when they derive sustenance

Love,

and strenth from

LYNDSAY JENSEN MANAGING EDITOR AND PARTNER

the relationship.” - Unknown

WEBSITE: THE-INTL.COM

MEET THE TEAM MANAGING 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

ADVERTISING SALES JO JENSEN is a married mother of one from Scotland who moved to Denmark a year ago. Jo previously worked as a TV Producer in Singapore making documentaries with many companies including National Geographic, Discovery and MTV Asia. She also has experience in publishing. Jo is a Reiki Master and interested in art, film and the paranormal. jo@the-intl.com

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

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

Provins-Trykkeriet ApS, Vordingborg

COVER PICTURE / MAKEUP ARTIST 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

JULY 2018 - 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.

Mark Trustrup / Kathrine Soerensen

DISTRIBUTION

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

SUBSCRIPTIONS

For home or corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: distribution@the-intl.com The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on June 26, 2018

CVR:

39118181

“Learning Danish is expanding your horizon”

Ganesh, medical doctor from Madurai.

1605_SH_annonce_Murmur_255x345mm_01.indd 4

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM 23/10/17 09.46

WHAT'S ON

IN JULY

SUMMER HOLIDAYS ARE OFFICIALLY HERE, AND FOR THOSE OF YOU WHO AREN'T ESCAPING DENMARK, THERE IS LOADS ON OFFER! FROM MUSIC FESTIVALS AND STAND UP COMEDY FOR THE ENGLISH, TO FUN ACTIVITIES FOR THE KIDS - THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF ENTERTAINMENT.

COPENHAGEN

COPENHAGEN BEER WALK

SKAGEN

VISIT DENMARK

ØREHÆNGERNE

ROSKILDE

TOP

PICK FO R JULY!

5 JULY

5-8 JULY

ALL OF JULY

EVENTS FOR KIDS

SKAGEN FESTIVAL

BEERWALK TOUR

Every summer Roskilde Library hosts a series of musical events for kids aged 3-8 and their families, of course! All the events are free, and always from 10-10:50, and around central Roskilde. Everybody is welcome, and it’s a great way to meet other families. Kicking things off is: Ørehængerne - crazy songs you have to dance to.

Denmark’s oldest music festival. Come and experience a festive atmosphere and the many fantastic Danish and foreign bands, which all help to make this festival quite unique. The festival, which takes place at several locations throughout the town and at the harbour, offers a wealth of different styles of music which can be experienced at the many concerts on both indoor and outdoor stages.

Copenhagen Beerwalk offers you a new and different experience in Copenhagen. Your very own beertasting tour. Tasting glass in hand, you can choose up to six glasses of good draft beer at some of Copenhagen's friendliest, hip, atmospheric and traditional beer bars, pubs and cafes. You choose the bars you want to visit, in which order, and how long you want to spend at each bar. With the tasting glass, you get a map of all the bars, taking you on a journey through Østerbro, Nørrebro, Vesterbro and the Inner City. For a list of all the bars participating, visit the Copenhagen Beerwalk website, www.copenhagenbeerwalk.com. Hand in a token from the beerwalk package and in return you will have your glass filled with a beer from the tap. You decide whether you want to use one token in six different locations, two tokens at three locations or all six tokens at just one place. Just keep in mind that not all beers are available to choose from at each location. You can buy Copenhagen Beerwalk packages at the Copenhagen tourist information centre, at some of the participating bars and in some hotels. With roots in the Copenhagen tourism industry, and a taste for good beer, the company is founded and owned by Henriette Kragh Jacobsen and Britt Herrmann.

ADMISSION: FREE DATE & TIME: 5 JULY / 10-10:50 LOCATION: AMFITEATRET IN FOLKEPARKEN, LOUISEVEJ, ROSKILDE

ADMISSION DETAILS: BILLETKONTOR@SKAGENFESTIVAL.DK TIME: 10:00 - 12:00 LOCATION: KULTURHUS KAPPELBORG, SKOLEVEJ 5, 9990 SKAGEN WWW.SKAGENFESTIVAL.DK

VISIT DENMARK

ØREHÆNGERNE

ADMISSION: A BEERWALK PACKAGE COSTS 225 DKK. THE PACKAGE CONTAINS A TASTING GLASS WITH A CAPACITY OF 15CL FOR GOOD DRAFT BEER.

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ROSKILDE

AARHUS

VISIT DENMARK

MEK PEK & HABBASUTTERNE

HUNDESTED

ALL OF JULY

12 JULY

14-21 JULY

SAND SCULPTURE FESTIVAL

EVENTS FOR KIDS

AARHUS JAZZ FESTIVAL

World-class sand in Hundested. From May 10 until September 16. Ten giant sand sculptures, created by the best international sand artists, will throughout the summer be on display at Hundested Harbour. The Sand Sculpture Festival has a unique location right on the harbour. The site offers a huge children's area, where the whole family can enjoy themselves with various activities. You can buy ice-cream, beer, soft drinks, coffee, and more. Picnic baskets are allowed. At the festival area, there are tables and benches. Dogs must be kept on a leash.

Over the pas 20 years, Mek Pek has entertained children across Denmark with an unusual energy, humour and sincere joy. This month your kids get to experience his entertaining antics live in Roskilde: Mek Pek & Habbasutterne, an all time favorite.

Like all good festivals, the Aarhus Jazz Festival is continually evolving and has achieved international renown. The whole city is backing the eight days of jazz, and at this years' festival you can experience more than 300 concerts at 30 different venues. Most concerts during the daytime are free of charge for the audience. You will find jazz for children, jazz brunch, concerts with international stars and local musicians. Aarhus Jazz Festival presents all styles of jazz for your listening pleasure.

ADMISSION: FREE DATE & TIME: 12 JULY / 10 - 10:50 LOCATION: AMFITEATRET IN FOLKEPARKEN, LOUISEVEJ, ROSKILDE

ADMISSION INFORMATION: GO TO WWW.JAZZFEST.DK FOR MORE INFO LOCATION: VARIOUS LOCATIONS.

VISIT DENMARK

MEK PEK & HABBASUTTERNE

VISIT DENMARK

FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SANDFESTIVAL.DK TICKETS: ADULTS - DKK 45 / CHILDREN 4-12 - DKK 20 / CHILDREN 0-3 - ENTER FOR FREE TIME: 10:00 - 17:00 LOCATION: KAJGADEN 7, 3390 HUNDESTED

H i g h Ac ad em i c S t an d ar d s C h ri st i an E t ho s C onv en i en t l y l o cat ed i n H el l er u p

rygaards.com JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

HILLERØD

VISIT DENMARK

HELSINGØR

VISIT DENMARK

LEJRE

16-20 JULY

ALL OF JULY

ATHRA GATHERING AT LAND OF LEGENDS

SPACE - THERE AND BACK

HISTORICAL COSTUMES AT FREDERIKSBORG CASTLE

See the Soyuz Space Capsule TMA-18M - The original space capsule that sent Denmark's first astronaut, Andreas Mogensen, into space on September 2, 2015.

July 16-20 is stoneage week at Land of Legends, the land you MUST explore. Here you get a sense of 15,000 years of living past, and have the opportunity to meet your ancestors in the Stone Age settlement, the Iron Age village, the Viking area or in the thatched smallholdings. At the Land of Legends you are welcome to walk in the grass and get muddy. There may not be bumper cars, however, you can sail in hollowed-out tree trunks. Prepare the food you have brought along on the Viking grills free of charge, chop firewood with stone-age axes, light a fire using flint and steel and grind flour for your own biscuits. Visit the website for admission fees and special opening hours.

Be greeted by hosts in historical costumes at The Museum of National History Frederiksborg Castle. From the Easter holidays until the autumn holidays you can experience a historical dress-up surprise on weekends and holidays at the Castle. The costumes are tailor-made especially for the museum, and they have been created from portrait paintings on the castle walls. The first suit was acquired in 2006, and today the museum has five suits for men and seven for women. Meet among others, Queen Anna Cathrine and princess Leonora Christina from the Renaissance, or the founder of the museum Carl Jacobsen from the 1800s.

TICKETS: ADULTS - DKK 90 / PENSIONER/STUDENT - DKK 80 / CHILDREN (UNDER 18) - FREE DATES AND TIMES: ALL JULY (TUE - SUN), 10:00 - 17:00 LOCATION: DANMARKS TEKNISKE MUSEUM, FABRIKSVEJ 25 3000 HELSINGØR FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.TEKNISKMUSEUM.DK

TIMES: 10:00 - 17:00 LOCATION: FREDERIKSBORG SLOT, 3400 HILLERØD FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.DNM.DK/UK

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

VISIT DENMARK

OR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.SAGNLANDET.DK/EN LOCATION: SLANGEALLEEN 2, 4320 LEJRE

ROSKILDE

SØRENS SAFARI SHOW

AALBORG

VISIT DENMARK

ODENSE

ALL OF JULY

19 JULY

BIWEEKLY FARMER'S MARKET

MICHAEL KVIUM EXHIBITION

EVENTS FOR KIDS

At KUNSTEN, you can experience a unique, temporary exhibition by the artist Michael Kvium. The exhibition shows a collection of his work spanning 30 years, including oil paintings, drawings, videos and more. In this exclusive focus-exhibition, visitors will experience Kvium’s absurd, grotesque, aesthetic, perverted, and tragicomic pieces that are known for evoking repulsion and smiles at the same time. He has created numerous sensational paintings, exhibited at home and abroad, which have portrayed the meaninglessness of life and Man’s dark sides. Michael Kvium was born in Horsens in 1955, where he grew up in a catholic family with seven siblings. His career in art began as an illustrator with the local paper in Horsens. Afterwards, in 1979-1985, he went to The Royal Danish Academy of Fine Arts in Copenhagen. In the 80s, he had his breakthrough, and has since continued working with figurative realism.

Sørens Safari Show, full of music, rhythm and song!

All year round you will find a vegetable and fresh produce market every Wednesday and Saturday morning in the city centre on Sorte Brødre Torv (Black Friar's Square) in the historic quarter. This market supplies everything from fresh fruit and vegetables to fresh fish and freshly smoked cheese (Funen style).

TIME: 08:00 - 13:00 (WEDNESDAY AND SATURDAY) LOCATION: SORTEBRØDRE TORV 1, 5000 ODENSE C

ADMISSION: FREE DATE & TIME: 19 JULY / 10-10:50 LOCATION: KLOSTERPARKEN, ALGADE 31, ROSKILDE

SØRENS SAFARI SHOW SØRENS SAFARI SHOW

VISIT DENMARK VISIT DENMARK

VISIT DENMARK

FOR TICKETS: VISIT WWW.KUNSTEN.DK/EN TIMES: TUESDAY: 10:00 - 17:00 / WEDNESDAY: 10:00 - 21:00 / THURSDAY-SUNDAY: 10:00 - 17:00 LOCATION: KONG CHRISTIANS ALLÉ 50, 9000 AALBORG

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ROSKILDE

TAPE THE CLOWN

KØGE

VISIT DENMARK

COPENHAGEN

ALL OF JULY

26 JULY

FRIDAY ROCK

MARKET DAYS IN KØGE

EVENTS FOR KIDS

Fredagsrock at Plænen in Tivoli is probably Denmark’s most popular venue for open-air concerts. Every year, Fredagsrock (literally Friday’s Rock) attracts around half a million pop and rock fans of all ages. Year-after-year, Tivoli presents a diverse programme, covering both international stars, new talents and artists that will bring nostalgia to their grey-haired guests. The concerts are free once the entrance to Tivoli has been paid.

The largest market square of the provinces is the place to go every Wednesday and Saturday to buy: Fruit, vegetables, flowers, cheese, fish, crafts and much more. Be on the hunt for a good bargain and enjoy a cup of coffee in one of the cafés in the Market Square. For those interested in setting up a stall, market regulations are available from Køge City Council.

Tapé the Clown, a one-man circus mixing comedy and mime.

ADMISSION: FREE DATE & TIME: 26 JULY / 10-10:50 LOCATION: HULLET, EJBOPARKEN 6, ROSKILDE

TIME: WEDNESDAY, SATURDAY - 08:00 - 14:30 LOCATION: TORVET, 4600 KØGE

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TAPE THE CLOWN

VISIT DENMARK

TAPE THE CLOWN

VISIT DENMARK

DATES AND TIMES: FRIDAY - 22:00 - 00:00 LOCATION: TIVOLI, VESTERBROGADE 3, 1630 KØBENHAVN V FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FREDAGSROCK.DK

COPENHAGEN

BRØRUP

VISIT DENMARK

AARHUS

ALL OF JULY

29 JULY

ALL OF JULY

ENGLISH STAND UP COMEDY

COPENHAGEN OPERA FESTIVAL

FACE PAINTING

Enjoy free, funny English stand up comedy open mic at Alberts Bar! New in the city? A local? A filthy foreigner? All are welcome at the shows. New and experienced comedians will put on a night of thrills and laughs for you beautiful English-speaking comedy lovers in Aarhus. Bring friends, family and random people you find on the way. English Stand Up Comedy Aarhus Open Mic Nights happen every Sunday at Alberts.

Copenhagen Opera Festival is taking the opera out of the traditional theatre and letting its sounds ring out over the streets, the underground and the waterways of Copenhagen. Central to the Copenhagen Opera Festival is the wish to create a new space for opera. An international forum where tradition meets innovation and talent and collides with experience. The idea is for the festival to be an invitation to new initiatives from both elite international talent and established local forces and institutions in the area. The festival appeals to those already familiar with opera, and to the curious for whom opera is a new acquaintance. Not least it seeks an audience interested in art that is breaking new boundaries.

Face painting in Enghave Dyre - Og Naturpark creates sweet animals, cool super-heroes and scary monsters, as you wish. With plenty of time to create “the mask” your child wants, the painters talk with the children during the process, and offer many different motives for face painting, which your child can choose from. The face painting can cover the entire or part of the face. The face paint is both water-based and eco-friendly, and nonallergenic. The paint lasts one day and is easily removed with water and soap, which is not always popular with the kids.

ADMISSION: FREE TIME: 20:00 - (DOORS OPEN AT 19:00) LOCATION: ALBERTS, STORETORV 3, 8000 AARHUS C FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ STANDUPCOMEDYAARHUS

ADMISSION: DKK 20 PER CHILD TIME: MONDAY - SUNDAY - 09:00 - 17:00 LOCATION: SURHAVEVEJ 14A, 6650 BRØRUP

VISIT DENMARK

DATE: 29 JULY - 12 AUGUST LOCATION: VARIOUS LOCATIONS AROUND THE CITY FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.COPENHAGENOPERAFESTIVAL.COM

YOU’RE HOME WITH US WE TAKE THE FUSS OUT OF FINDING THAT PERFECT HOME FOR YOU! DANISHHOMES.COM +45 70 15 90 07

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

BREXIT AND YOUR BACON Foreign exchange markets, stocks, company news and the latest on the economy – Jason Heppenstall tackles money matters with you in mind. This issue he talks Brexit and what it means for bacon.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO

ONE OF THE MOST common questions people want the answer to is what exactly is going to be the impact on Denmark after the UK leaves the European Union on 29 March 2019. In terms of money and finance, the most likely event is that we’ll see the Sterling take another hit similar to the one it took in the aftermath of the Brexit vote, where it fell some 10 percent against the US Dollar. Even though it will likely be priced-in ahead of time, such an eventuality can’t be ruled out; but what would be the consequences for us in Denmark?

CHEAPER TRAVEL, COSTLY EXPORTS IAny devaluation in the Pound would mean that it will be cheaper to visit Britain, and to buy British exports (such as Barnaby DVDs and Marmite). The Danish Krone is tied in value to the Euro, so wherever the Euro goes in relation to the Pound, the Krone must follow. In the balanced world of economics, for every positive there must be a negative, and in this case it means Danish exports to the UK are likely to become more expensive. Britain imports a lot of agricultural goods from Denmark, and it’s not just bacon and butter, Denmark also exports fish, milk and cheese. Further complicating matters is that, currently, nobody knows whether Britain will be able to strike a trade deal with EU countries after Brexit, meaning more costs and likely border delays for exporters. In fact, Reuters published a University of Copenhagen study in 2017 which found that almost half of Denmark’s 12bn DKK agricultural exports to the UK would disappear after a ‘no-deal’ Brexit. But don’t worry, the report concluded that the exports would find new markets within the rest of the European Union. Still, that’s not very good news for

TEXT JASON HEPPENSTALL

DID YOU KNOW? DENMARK PRODUCES ENOUGH FOOD FOR 15 MILLION PEOPLE? those of us Brits who enjoy a bit of Danish bacon with our breakfast.

ECONOMIC SLOWDOWN? Denmark is currently standing at something of a crossroads. Being a nation that actually produces desirable products for export, Denmark has run a fairly hefty trade surplus since, well since as long as anyone can remember. In fact, it seems like the world just can’t get enough Lego, Carlsberg, Cleantech and Grundfos electric pumps. Well, until now, that is. All this seems to have changed according to the latest Statistics Denmark report, indicating a shocking lurch into deficit territory for the trade balance – 4.4bn DKK in April to be precise, against an expected surplus of 3.5bn DKK. This unexpected turn of events seems to have left economists rubbing their chins in puzzlement, and there’s barely a mention of it in the august pages of the financial press. When it had recovered from the fright, Børsen.dk described the figures as being “far from impressive”, and noted

JASON HEPPENSTALL CURRENCY ANALYST AND ECONOMICS WRITER, TORFX. that exports had fallen by two percent. The author of the piece concluded that it was “no cause for alarm” and “only a little dip”. Whether he is correct or not remains to be seen. Neighbouring Germany is also suffering from the same kind of problems as growth in the Eurozone slows and exports begin to sputter. Watch this space.

Jason spent almost 10 years living

This column was brought to you by TorFX, a leading currency exchange provider. To find out how TorFX can help you save money with fast, free currency transfers and excellent exchange rates visit www.torfx.com THE-INTL

life in Denmark, and can convincingly

lish teacher and news editor. With a degree in economics and years of experience writing for publications including The Guardian, Jason also has a thorough knowledge of expat

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

DENMARK’S BALANCE OF TRADE POSTED ITS WORST EVER DEFICIT ON 11 JUNE 2018 (SOURCE: TRADING ECONOMICS)

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

and working in Denmark as an Eng-

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THOMAS HØYRUP CHRISTENSEN

MARTIN GREGERS JENSEN

TIVOLI - PETER NØRBY

AN OCCASSION FOR ALL SEASONS Whatever the weather, Danes make the most of every season. Here’s how you can too, thanks to Laura Wintemute of Homestead. PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER & MARTIN GREGERS JENSEN

WITH AN AVERAGE annual temperature of just 7.7 degrees Celsius, Denmark is not renowned for its weather. Being a coastal climate, the weather is also unpredictable and changes with the wind, literally. The one thing you can count on with the Danish weather is the wind. When I moved here I was given the best advice by my neighbour. She said, “when you walk out the door, wear layers and remember to always have an umbrella, a sweater and your sunglasses, today they’re calling for partly cloudy with a chance of rain”. By dressing in layers, you can remove or add on as needed. It can be quite chilly in the early morning, but by midday it could be t-shirt weather. Many years ago, my mom gave me a children’s book, which best describes where I come from; “If you don’t know the prairies you don’t know me.” Every now and then when I feel homesick, I take a look at it. “If you're not from the Prairie, you can't know my soul You don't know our blizzards; you've not fought our cold You can't know my mind, nor ever my heart Unless deep within you there's somehow a part… A part of these things that I've said that I know, T he wind, sky and earth, the storms and the snow. Best say that you have - and then we'll be one, For we will have shared that same blazing sun.” By Canadian authors David Bouchard and Henry Ripplinger

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Living in Denmark, reading this makes you appreciate good weather – even if unpredictable – you never know when the sun will shine again.

FOUR SEASONS IN ONE DAY April showers bring May flowers, or was it, May showers bring June flowers, or maybe it was September showers, or was it August? I can’t remember. All I know is it rains a lot here. 170 days on average. Spring, in my opinion can be summed

TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE

up in one word, magical. An abundance of colourful tulips, yellow daffodils and magnolias blooming everywhere. It’s truly a Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale during this time of the year. Everything comes to life and the people come out of their hibernation. After nine very dark dreary months, everyone flocks to outdoor cafés and grassy parks to soak up the missed and well-needed Vitamin D. Often, we are sitting in an outdoor café under heating lamps with blankets on our laps, but that

LIVING IN DENMARK, READING THIS MAKES YOU APPRECIATE GOOD WEATHER – EVEN IF UNPREDICTABLE – YOU NEVER KNOW WHEN THE SUN WILL SHINE AGAIN.

doesn’t matter if the sun is out. For those of you who have just arrived, count yourselves lucky. You’ve arrived at a perfect time of the year. Summer in Denmark is by far my favourite time of year. Festivals, carnivals, and an abundance of outdoor activities to partake in. Unfortunately, the summer weather is more often than not disappointing during the summer months, and most Danes flock in numbers to popular Danish tourist destinations along the southern coats of Europe where it’s pretty much guaranteed sunshine. During the dark winter months with less than seven hours of daylight (or greylight) this time of year can be pretty depressing. If we’re lucky, a little slushy snow will fall and provide a little excitement until it melts a few hours later or sometimes as soon as it hits the ground. The autumn colours are breathtaking, and taking walks in one of the many forests around Copenhagen is a common pastime for Danes. All four seasons have their own charm, and Danes are very good at making the best out of each of them. It’s not the weather, it’s how you dress. That’s what my motherin-law always says. Because quite literally you can have four seasons all in one day.

WHAT TO DO THIS SEASON In the month of July, Denmark becomes a 'ghost town' as everyone goes on vacation at the same time. No more commuter traffic jams, the public transport system is almost empty, offices start to shut down and 'out-of-office' email re-

plies become abundant. It’s the rest of the industrial world that can wait until August for Danish business to start up again. If you have kids in school here in Denmark, you know what this is all about. Danes have 5-6 paid vacation weeks a year which coincide with the Danish Educational System vacations. Fall vacation week 42, winter vacation, week 7. Summer vacation weeks 27-32 give or take. For those of you, like me, who don’t know which week of the years these are, you will. During three of these weeks, all schools are closed including “Fritids ordningen” or as Danes call it FTO. Having the entire country go on vacation at the same time, allows Danes to completely shut off and rejuvenate after a long winter, knowing almost everyone else is also doing the same. If you’re looking for some inspiration for the summer months, here are a few of our Homestead-sponsored favourites.

BONBONLAND A “must see” if you want to experience Danish humour at its best (or worst). With rides called 'The Water Rat' and 'The Dog Fart', this is probably the most unique amusement park you’ll ever visit. Kids love it! If you’re a “Homesteader” you receive 30% off for families up to five persons.

it was like over 65 million years ago at the just-opened Dinosaur Park. FREE entrance for two children with your Homestead Special Offer Card. THE-INTL

the Cayman’s, she met her Danish husband-to-be. Shortly thereafter, they moved to Whistler, Canada, where Laura managed

WHAT IS THIS SPECIAL OFFER CARD? Our Homestead Sponsors have all joined the “Homestead Welcome Kit”. A complimentary start-up kit for international working professionals, designed to help you get your feet planted quicker and with ease. Above receiving numerous Special Offer Cards from local businesses, you will receive all the necessary useful information regarding your new community. Emergency numbers, municipality information, local activities, maps and so much more. No strings attached. Complimentary. I know this concept is not the norm in Denmark, something “gratis” (free), but it is where I come from… and I am Canadian, that’s why I started Homestead.

a 5-star restaurant. One year later they settled in Denmark where she married and had a daughter. In 2012, she started working for a relocation company. It was a

LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD

job that encapsulated both Laura’s experience as an expat and her love of helping people. She

Laura was born in Winnipeg,

learned everything there was to

Manitoba, Canada. At a very

know about relocation to Den-

young age she knew that she

mark and built a good network.

wanted to travel. At the age of 22,

After six years’ experience in re-

she packed her bags and moved

location, she wanted to take her

to the tropical Cayman Islands.

expertise to the next level and

This launched her journey as an

started Homestead – welcoming

expat.

international working expats and

In the Cayman Islands she learned how to interact with people from all walks of life, all na-

their families to Denmark.

www.homesteaddenmark.com

tionalities and all cultures. She worked in the hotel concierge

KNUTHENBORG

service, hotel management and,

Safari and Fun-park. Not only will you see endangered camels and tigers from Asia and, baboons, zebras, white rhino’s and giraffes from Africa, (just to name a few) you can also take a trip back in time and experience what

eventually, opened her own restaurants. In her eighth year of living in

ROSKILDE

Building Character At Skt. Josef ’s International School, we strive to have happy, knowledgable children skilled with the right character so that each child learns how to learn. Skt. Josef ’s International School, provides quality international education for children aged 5 to 16 (Year 1 to Year 11).

sktjosefs.com Skt. Josef ’s International School

Frederiksborgvej 10, Roskilde

+45 4635 2526

info@sjs-roskilde.dk

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CLAIRE SIGNE ALVAREZ ØLLGAARD / PHIE FRIIS

THE NEW FACE OF THE DANISH BUSINESS WORLD

ENGLISH BUSINESS WOMAN CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN HAS DONE IT ALL, ACTING, BUSINESS CONSULTANCY, MUSIC AND IS EVEN A WELL-KNOWN VOICE OVER ARTIST. SHE SHARES WITH US HER PASSION FOR FAMILY, HELPING OTHERS IN NEED AND DOING BUSINESS IN A COUNTRY SHE IS PROUD TO CALL HOME. PHOTOGRAPHS SIGNE ALVAREZ / STEEN EVALD / SIGNE MØRKEBERG SJØSTRØM / SIGNE ALLVAREZ ØLLGAARD MAKE-UP AND HAIR PHIE FRIIS / LINA MAAROUF TEXT DAVID NOTHLING -DEMMER

“I REALLY HAVE a lot of different blood inside me,” this is what Claire Ross-Brown tells me as she explains that while she is from Chelsea in London, her grandmother is Scottish, father is English and mother is of Italian and Malaysian ancestry. Now, she has raised a family of Danes while balancing a career in entertainment with a finesse for finance. Claire describes her own upbringing as privileged, yet very dysfunctional, “an odd combination and yet one that made me grow up knowing exactly what type of family I wanted to create for myself,” she says. She married a Dane, made the move to Denmark and then found a husband she was “meant to be with”. In the process, her three children, Scarlett 17, William 20 and Frederikke 22 have been raised the way she always envisioned, as one big, happy family. “I always say I’m proud to be British, as I love my own language and some of our English ways – but I absolutely consider Denmark my home.” Claire says this is because she now has a family she always dreamt about as a young girl; “I have an amazing husband and three wonderful children who are all so kind and talented in their own special ways.” Danish men are wonderful dads she adds, “it’s one of their best qualities, and I love to see how ‘hands

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on’ they are with their kids. I think English men could learn a bit from them,” she smiles. “I loved Denmark from the minute I arrived – I always knew that I didn’t want to live in London, so for me Denmark was not a hard transition. The weather is not that different, and neither are the people,” Claire says as she explains that her experiences with Danes have been of really open, friendly and good people.

MULTI-TALENTED Although many years ago now, she describes moving to Denmark as a decision that made sense. “I love the way children grow up here – the freedom they have.” Her own upbringing saw her begin a career in acting at an early age – just 14 years old. Even from young she wanted to be a ballerina, and started with ballet classes which took a natural progression into the “arts” world. “I loved to act, sing and dance, and really pushed my mother to go a school where I could do this. I attended the Corona Academy of Performing Arts, and started with some small parts in amongst other things; East Enders and a film by Ken Russell called The Rainbow.” Realising the importance of education, she

STEEN EVALD / LINA MAAROUF (USING JANE IREDALE MAKE-UP)

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SIGNE MØRKEBERG SJØSTRØM / PHIE FRIIS

"WHEN I FIRST MOVED TO DENMARK AT THE AGE OF 26 I HAD ALREADY BEEN WORKING FOR SIX YEARS IN BANKING AND FINANCE AS A HEADHUNTER."

then took a break to focus on her school studies which sent her career in a different direction – business. “When I first moved to Denmark at the age of 26 I had already been working for six years in Banking and Finance as a headhunter.” It was only after making the move to Denmark that she returned to acting and got a TV role in a British series called Agony, where she spent two years. “I then got pregnant with my first daughter and spent a short spell of time training a few clients in personal fitness,” driven by her love for running she explains. And, if she didn’t already have her hands full, she spent her evenings studying personal fitness training. “I actually trained a few well-known Danes before getting my first audition in Denmark for a Danish sitcom.” While she didn’t land this role, two comedians, Casper Christensen and Frank Hvam, were putting together a new show and asked if she would be interested in being a part of it. “I didn’t know who they were at the time, thought they were quite funny, even though I didn’t really understand them either as I hadn’t learnt fluent Danish at this time. The show, Klovn, turned out to be a great success and the guys and director were great fun to work with too.” Part of her transition into Danish society was learning the language, and would be invaluable both on the stage and in the boardroom. Although, she does admit that it was hard to learn Danish when she first moved to Denmark because she was back and forth to the UK so much with Agony. “After about four years I really started to work at learning the language with a basic course at Studio school, and after that private teachers, as this was easier to fit in with work and family,” she explains. After her role in Klovn, many doors of opportunity in Denmark were opened for Claire, “I got a few small parts in Danish films, and also an international film. This lead to her own music album, Complexity. “Producing my music album was a dream come true, it was one of the most therapeutic artistic creations I have ever done and I loved every minute,” she says. Complexity is described by Claire as snippets of her life, for which she wrote all the lyrics and melodies herself – talk about talented! “I also produced two music videos which are both a bit artistic.”

"MY CAREER MEANS A LOT TO ME, BUT MY FAMILY IS WITHOUT A DOUBT MY BIGGEST PASSION." JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

17 A BALANCING ACT Throughout her acting career in Denmark, Claire has worked as a business consultant with several large corporations in Denmark – including the likes of Novo Nordisk, Mærsk and Rockwool – on various media training and marketing campaigns. “I have for the last year-and-a-half worked with Co-Founder Lone Fønss Schroder and CashWorks – A fin tech company where I am Executive Director. Lone has known me since I first arrived in Denmark, and always been supportive of my acting career too, hence it has been possible to take the odd role, such as a small part in a new Danish TV series called Friheden (out later this year).” Claire is also passionate about making a difference in the lives of others – be it with her children’s charity or at a personal level with her group of friends. “It means a lot to me to be kind to others, and, try as much as possible to brighten someone’s day. We take it for granted what a smile can do more than anything,” she says. “I have worked since 2008, as an ambassador, and for the past seven years on the Board of Directors of boernogungeinoed.dk. We help young children who come from dysfunctional families, experience things that they otherwise would not have. It could be anything small from getting them a computer for school to financially supporting holidays, fitness experiences to psychological help.” But above all else Claire is passionate about her family. “My career means a lot to me, but my family is without a doubt my biggest passion.” Claire really does bring home that we can all make a difference in some way. Claire loves the fact that she has been able to work with both her corporate and artistic sides, and follow her passion for family and helping others through the work that she does. “It’s a combination I love.” THE-INTL

"IT MEANS A LOT TO ME TO BE KIND TO OTHERS AND TRY AS MUCH AS POSSIBLE TO BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S DAY."

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.

SIGNE ALLVAREZ ØLLGAARD / PHIE FRISS

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.”

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4 OF JULY: AMERICA’S PICNIC PARTY TH

Celebrate Independence Day with a taste of America courtesy of Erin Chapman of the American Pie Company. PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN CHAPMAN, ANDREAS WIKING, MONICA BACH

TEXT ERIN CHAPMAN, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY

PICNICS, PARADES AND plenty of

fireworks – each year America celebrates it’s “birthday” on the 4th of July. Families gather in parks and pavilions to celebrate, while enjoying classic summertime fare that urges one to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures. Memories of July 4th celebrations conjure up familiar scents of charcoal grills, sweet cotton candy and corn on the cob. Whether you’re an American expat missing home, or simply want inspiration for your next summer get-together, here are some fun twists on two very classic 4th of July picnic favourites: grilled sausages and lemonade. THE-INTL

TIP: FOR A BEAUTIFUL SUMMERTIME LOOK, FREEZE LITTLE FLOWERS IN YOUR ICE CUBES – A SIMPLE, YET PRETTY DETAIL SURE TO IMPRESS.

WATERMELON LEMONADE COOLER SUMMERTIME MEANS ONE THING: COOL REFRESHING DRINKS TO SIP ON! WE’VE TAKEN A SPIN ON THE CLASSIC LEMONADE AND ADDED FRESH WATERMELON JUICE FOR A FUN PINK TWIST. IF YOU’RE HEADING TO A COOKOUT FOR GROWN-UPS, TRY ADDING A SPLASH OF GIN OR VODKA FOR AN EXTRA KICK.

MAKES APPROX. 1.5 LITRES.

INGREDIENTS: 1 watermelon 200ml freshly squeezed lemon juice (approx. 6 lemons) 150g sugar Water Bubbly water (with gas) Fresh mint or basil

METHOD: Cut up the watermelon, removing the rind. Juice it by either running it through a juicer or pureeing in a blender, and then pouring it through a sieve to remove any pulp or seeds. Set aside. Make a simple syrup of ½ litre of water and 150g sugar. Dissolve the sugar in the water on the stove over medium heat. Let cool. Juice the lemons. Add the watermelon juice, lemon juice and sugar mixture into a large pitcher and chill. Garnish with fresh mint or basil and serve with freshly sliced lemons, ice cubes and a bit of bubbly water for a sparkling finish.

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HOW TO CELEBRATE INDEPENDENCE DAY IN DENMARK

ERIN CHAPMAN CO-OWNER, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY With over 20 years’ experience in

Join the annual celebration of

the advertising industry, work-

the American Independence

ing both in Denmark and USA, Er-

Day in Denmark at the Re-

in has specialised in brand build-

bild National Park in Jutland.

ing and image development for lifestyle, food and fashion clien-

"Since 1912, America's Inde-

tele at both national and interna-

pendence Day has been cel-

tional level.

ebrated in a grand way in the

Erin attended DIS, Denmark’s

Rebild Hills of Denmark, just

Study Abroad programme in

south of Aalborg," says Re-

1996 and made a connection

bild U.S. Corporate Secretary

with Copenhagen. She moved to Denmark permanently in 1998

Linda Steffensen. "At the July 4, 2018 Rebild Tent Luncheon at 11:30, guests will enjoy a traditional Danish lunch with pumpernickel, herring, frikadeller, potato salad, Danish pastry, beer, akvavit, soda and water. From 14:0016:30, visitors venture down to the Rebild Hills to enjoy the Rebild Festival itself with

with two suitcases and a pocket-

BEER BRATS I COME FROM THE US STATE OF WISCONSIN – THE BEER-GUZZLING REGION IN THE NORTHWOODS – AND THIS IS ONE OF OUR MOST BELOVED SUMMER FARE, WITH AN ADDED TASTY “BREW” TWIST TO GRILLED SAUSAGES. IN WISCONSIN, “BRATS” (SHORT FOR BRATWURST, OR ANY FRESH, THICK SAUSAGE) ARE A SUMMER AND EARLY-FALL STAPLE. IN THE MIDWESTERN STATES, YOU CAN’T ATTEND AN AMERICAN FOOTBALL PRE-GAME “TAILGATE” PARTY WITHOUT CATCHING THE DELICIOUS SCENT OF BEER-SOAKED BRATS ON LITTLE GRILLS IN THE PARKING LOTS ON THE WAY IN TO THE STADIUM. SERVED WITH WARM BUNS AND A COLD BEER, OF COURSE!

SERVES 6-8

speakers, music, entertainment and singing. At the

ful of change. Working in the advertising industry she worked 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

INGREDIENTS:

in Los Angeles, Erin worked with

2 medium onions

several US brands on image and

tent at 16:30, guests can relax

2-3 tsp olive oil

recipe development and upon re-

and buy burgers, snacks, ice

2 cloves garlic

Rebild After-Party, back in the

cream, beverages, and so on," she says.

8 quality, thick sausages (not pre-cooked) 2 bottles of beer (your choice) 1 tsp salt 4 tbsp muscavado sugar

Steffensen adds, "To kick off the July 4th festivities, there is the Rebild Gala Dinner on July 3 at Musikkens Hus in Aalborg,

2 tbsp balsamic vinegar 8 quality sausage buns

turning to Denmark, she partnered with Dorte Prip in 2015 to introduce The American Pie Company in Copenhagen. Erin is happily married to her Danish husband and is the mother of a sassyfive year old daugh-

METHOD:

ter who speaks fluent “Danglish”.

Prepare your grill. Meanwhile, cut the onions and the garlic into thin slic-

with fireworks over the Limf-

es. In a large soup pot, sauté the onions in the olive oil on medium-high

jord just before midnight."

heat for 5-10 minutes until they start to turn golden. Add the garlic and

www.theamericanpieco.com

sauté for another 4-5 minutes. Add the beer and sausages to the pot and bring to a boil. Then reduce the heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes. Remove the sausages from the liquid and set aside. Turn the heat to medium-high and boil the beer and onions once more, adding the salt, sugar and balsamic vinegar. Stir and continue to boil. Meanwhile, grill the sausages on the prepared grill for 5-7 minutes – just enough to brown them nicely. The sauce should by now have reduced to a thicker syrupy sauce. Place the brats in the sauce and stir to coat.

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RASMUS FLINDT PEDERSEN

LIOR ZILBERSTEIN

TUALA HJARNØ

CHRISTIAN LINDGREN

BUILDING BRIDGES THROUGH EDUCATION Bilingual education, has been proven to bring expats, Danish Repats, Multicultural and Danish families together to not only learn Danish and English, but also to promote integration and internationalisation simultaneously. In doing so, these diverse families have been given the flexibility to succeed in Denmark and abroad, but more importantly, the incentive to stay in a Denmark where they all belong.

INSTITUT SANKT JOSEPH, located across from the American embassy in Østerbro, recently celebrated the first ever graduating class from its international bilingual programme. In doing so, the first fully Danish/English bilingual programme in Denmark completed its final stage, and the vision that was launched just over five years ago was brought to fruition. That vision was to provide an educational programme that could serve as a common framework for Danish and international families who yearned for the possibility of having both a Danish and international educational experience for their children. This vision is now a reality, as the graduating 9th grade class of Institut Sankt Joseph successfully navigated both Cambridge International Examinations and the full Dansk adgangsprøver to receive their diplomas. Bilingual education is certainly not a new idea in the educational sector. In fact, the Netherlands alone has around 100 bilingual schools with instruction both in Dutch and English. However, Scandinavia, with Denmark included, has not overseen the spread of bilingual education as a viable alternative to standard monolingual education. It is quite interesting indeed that the Dutch and the Danes are both highly talented nations with regards to English language competencies, and yet have such different priorities in terms of educational choice. Unfortunately, the lack of bilingual educational choice has put many expat, Danish repat and multicultural families in a quite

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PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER

a difficult position of having to choose between a Danish or an international school. Many times, this choice has felt like, and has been, a choice between assimilation or segregation while living in Denmark. However, bilingual education affords a third way, a hybrid model, in which integration and internationalisation can be lived realities occurring simultaneously.

INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATION Simultaneous integration and internationalisation are born from openness, whereby those of diverse backgrounds can learn, socialise and simply “be” together and thus,

contribute in a dynamic and innovative way. To integrate fully in Denmark, one needs to cultivate Danish skills, but this does not need to be at the expense of one's English competencies. To be international in Denmark, one needs to cultivate a global perspective, but this does not need to occur at the expense of participating actively in Danish society. Many families have question marks in terms of their future plans, and find com-

TEXT THOMAS MULHERN

fort in the stability that goes with knowing that their children will transition nicely into a programme if/when they leave Denmark. Though not all families will leave Denmark, so it is therefore equally important that the Danish language and cultural immersion that goes with being part of the rich Danish pedagogical tradition is maintained. Bilingual education has the potential for families to meet both of these objectives. This is essentially about providing flexibility here and now, but also for the future. A future which is now the reality for the 9th graders about to take the next step in their educational journey here in Denmark and abroad. This August, students from the graduating class will attend danske gymnasier, Danish IB schools, efterskoler and IB world schools abroad. Bilingual education, and its underlying core principles of simultaneous integration and internationalisation can overcome the either/or dilemma that faces many expat, Danish repat and multicultural families. With over 200 students attending its 10 classes and over 100 children on the Institut Sankt Joseph waiting list, the need for such a programme has been clearly demonstrated. It is time that we create programmes where families have the flexibility to succeed both in Denmark and abroad, and most importantly, create programmes where global and local families can come together, equally belong and feel good about calling Denmark their home. THE-INTL

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

LEARNING DANISH AT COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Teachers and students share why learning Danish at school is so important for expats.

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

THE DANISH LANGUAGE and Literature lessons at CIS are based on the goals set by the Danish Ministry of Education and the International Baccalaureate Organisation for Language and Literature. There is a strong connection between grades 6, 7, 8 and 9, making sure that the school’s curriculum meets these goals. On top of that, CIS prepares its students for the four final tests in grade 9 – also called FP9: Folkeskolens prøver i faget dansk – 9. klasse. “Our aim is to deliver a very high standard of teaching, giving our students the greatest possibility to be successful learners in an international environment. Therefore we expect our students only to speak Danish during our classes, to prepare properly for every lesson, and to hand in all given assignments. We are looking forward to welcoming you,” explains Tine Balck, Middle School Danish Language and Literature Teacher. “In Beginner Danish students learn so quickly, as they are eager participants in class. Their progress is so noticeable, moving from only a few words in the beginning, to being able to express themselves in short sentences. Our lessons need to be fun, meaningful, and at just the right level,” adds Debbie Smith, a Fifth Grade Danish Teacher.

HEAR IT FROM THE STUDENTS NAME: CARLA MARIE ØRTING JØRGENSEN NATIONALITY: DANISH I enjoy learning Danish at CIS because my classmates are at the same level as me, and we are always being pushed to

TEXT

COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

really reach our full potential in our knowledge and application of the Danish language. People seem to think that Danish native speakers have an advantage because we are typically Danish, but actually it isn't easy for students who have spent most of their lives living outside of Denmark. The work we are assigned is just as difficult as English Language and Literature is for English native speakers, we always learn new things, and that's why I enjoy Danish.

NAME: HARMANNAT SINGH NATIONALITY: INDIAN; RESIDING IN DENMARK SINCE AUGUST 2016 Danish is fun to learn. I think it’s important to be able to speak to local people, and make new friends outside of school.

NAME: DMITRY STOROZHENKO NATIONALITY: RUSSIAN; RESIDING IN DENMARK SINCE AUGUST 2016 I think that it is really fun to learn Danish, and important. I would like to make new Danish friends while I’m here, and would therefore like to understand their language.

NAME: NICHLAS LUTTE NATIONALITY: DANISH/AMERICAN I enjoy learning Danish because I like the learning environment in the class. There is a good and positive vibe. We are very interactive and everyone participates during

the period.

NAME: LOTTE HELLEMONS NATIONALITY: DUTCH; RESIDING IN DENMARK SINCE 2013 I had very little English knowledge when I came to CIS, and so focused more on learning English until I felt confident enough to conquer Danish. Now, I really enjoy the Danish classes as our teacher uses fun methods to teach us new words and sentences.

NAME: AL-FADL SALEM NATIONALITY: DANISH/EGYPTIAN I enjoy learning Danish because I feel that it is important for me to learn and explore the language that is my mother tongue. In Danish we analyze and read complicated texts, which I find challenging. At the same time I enjoy it because I can feel improvement from time to time. We also create our own essays where it is required to the write varied and thoughtful sentences. In school we usually interact with each other in Danish because we generally find it easiest, but only when it is only Danes conversing. One of the best things about being Danish at CIS is that you act like an ambassador for Denmark, especially for new students. Whenever we are together on the weekends we usually go around Copenhagen. I like to do that with my CIS-friends because I have a chance to show them my favourite places and restaurants. In that way I actually feel I have learned more about Copenhagen after starting at CIS. THE-INTL

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

ANDREA FJORDSIDE PONTOPPIDAN

TY STANGE

MARTIN HEIBERG

JACOB SCHJØRRING & SIMON LAU

BEFORE YOU HAVE A BABY IN DENMARK Starting a family or even extending your family is one of the most natural things to do. Yet, it can be one of the most daunting – especially if you are in a country not your own. Melanie Haynes shares the how-to of bringing a baby into this world, in Denmark. PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER

AS AN EXPAT, without immediate family around, and not always understanding the system, you may feel a bit overwhelmed. In Denmark, there are three main pieces of bureaucracy you need to know about when planning to start a family, and once the baby has arrived.

MATERNITY/PATERNITY LEAVE AND PAY

tled to paid maternity leave from their workplace can receive maternity maintenance from their municipal office in their place of residence. In order to claim this payment, contact the local municipality no later than eight weeks after the birth.

REGISTERING THE BIRTH AND CPR NUMBER

TEXT MELANIE HAYNES

doesn’t matter. A temporary CPR number is issued, but you still need to apply for an EU or other residence permit for your child. You will need to seek guidance from your own embassy about registering your child in your home country, and also passport applications. Within six months of the birth, you must register both your child’s first and last name. It must be permitted under the Danish Act on Names.

Birth certificates are given automaticalBefore you go on your parental leave, you ly to babies born in Denmark. Followhave to have been employed for at least 13 ing the birth, the midwife fills out a form weeks to be eligible for parental benefits. and sends it to the Register of the State If you move to Denmark from another Church in your parish of residence. DAYCARE EU/EEA country less than 13 weeks beThey are the administrators of this, If you have a CPR number, you can regfore your leave, your employment in that and your religious affiliation or lack of ister your baby for daycare from four other country counts as part of months old, while the earliest the 13 weeks — however, this they can start is six months only applies if you have not old. Most, usually start from had any periods of unemploythe age of one year old. This ment between employment in registration can be done via the other country and the emthe kommune websites, usuployment in Denmark. ally under Pladsanvisning. You must be employed in You can request three specifDenmark when your leave beic places you would like your gins, in order to receive pachild to go, and you may have rental benefits from Udbetalto join a waiting list. Othering Danmark. Parents also wise the Kommune will allohave the right to 52 weeks cate you a place within a few leave with maternity subsistkilometres of your home. ence allowance, of which 36 It is possible to use private weeks can be divided between childcare (privat børnepasnthe mother and the father acing), where you can use a pricording to individual wishvate childminder from when es. And, many fathers take up your child is 24 weeks old. their share as it is very much You can get financial support accepted practice. The mother to pay for this from the Komis entitled to four weeks’ mamune. Also, you can personternity leave (barselsorloven) ally register as a childmindprior to giving birth and 14 er or dagpleje if you care for weeks after; the father is entiyour child (or yours and othBEFORE YOU GO ON YOUR PARENTAL tled to two weeks’ leave after ers) in your home. You need the birth; and the remaining to complete a form from the LEAVE, YOU HAVE TO HAVE BEEN EMPLOYED time can be divided according Kommune for this and you FOR AT LEAST 13 WEEKS TO BE ELIGIBLE to individual wishes. will receive some financial FOR PARENTAL BENEFITS. Parents who are not entisupport. THE-INTL

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MELANIE HAYNES CONSULTANT, BLOGGER & WRITER Melanie is a relocation consultant, blogger and writer based in Copenhagen, where she has lived for the past ten years. After experiencing relocation to Copenhagen and Berlin, she runs a settling-in service aimed at expats, called Dejlige Days Welcome. Through her consultancy she helps people planning to move to Copenhagen or who are already living here. She regularly writes about expat life in Denmark in The Local Denmark and the Huffington Post as well as on her popular blog, Dejlige Days. She has also appeared in the press including the Guardian and The Sunday Times, and also in the Danish media talking about life as a seasoned expat in the Danish capital. She lives with her husband and son close to the beach in Copenhagen.

www. dejligedays.com

GET INTO THE HABIT OF LONG-LASTING WEIGHT LOSS The science of fat loss is in, so why is it that we aren’t all Instagram models already? Ed Ley explains…

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK PHOTO

TEXT ED LEY

and so triggers a flight or freeze response. Our brain is invested in keeping us the same because that means 'safe'. Whenever we are struggling to build a new habit it is always for one of three possible reasons: we are moving too fast, or too slow or are unclear on our intent.

ALL YOU NEED IS LOVE

THERE HAVE BEEN hundreds of studies that prove that consistent fat loss

If the goal is to create a habit, this cannot be done without love or joy. From our brains perspective this simply means progress according to our unique brain chemistry. To talk in the extremes of this, progress to the female brain tends to mean increased human connection. Progress in the male brain tends to mean winning. Building a habit must be placed above doing what’s best because our brain simply will not allow us to suffer our way to results. You’ll never create a life you love by doing the things you loath. THE-INTL

is easily achieved with regular resistance exercise and a diet that contains 1.4 - 2g of protein per kilogram of body weight, and a small calorie deficit. This information isn’t hidden either, many gyms are pushing their functional training/ Crossfit, and every diet that is ever successful for more than a month has to follow the protein and calorie principles. Why is it then that obtaining the body we desire is so difficult?

ED LEY HEALTH COACH, CONSULTANT, WRITER AND PRESENTER Ed helps business leaders optimise physical and mental performance. He does this by using neuroscience to help people clearly see the root cause of their health challenges

A QUESTION OF HABIT

rather than constant-

What we often miss when we look at these studies is that subjects are in controlled conditions and often being paid for their adherence for a short period of time. Adherence is much easier. Long-term adherence, though, requires habit. Rather than just being a product of repetition, a habit is described by neuroscience as an action that has been adopted by the “Basal Ganglia” in the brain. The science on what to do has hit the mainstream, unfortunately the brain part of the equation has yet to reach the masses. The current belief is that it is willpower that we lack. We need to want it more, to dig deeper, to man-up, to stop self-sabotaging. Those who don’t have the beautiful body are mentally weaker in some way. This is a false understanding. Our brains are safety-creating machines. They notice patterns and then send us a signal (emotion) so that we can firstly survive, and secondly, take advantage of opportunities. The trouble is that those patterns and potential threats are noticed by a brain that evolved thousands of years ago, and its biggest threats were being kicked out of the tribe for being different; being a lower rank within the tribe or being eaten by sabre tooth tigers and so on. This can result in all sorts of things creating fear, not least exercise and what we eat. Our current lives are our perfect design based on our values and beliefs, and this feels safe to our brains. Change represents threat,

ly battling with symptoms allowing them to quickly unpick them. Ed and his wife (who works with female clients) are excited to be opening up a small health practise in Hellerup in August.

QUESTIONS I USE TO HELP MY CLIENTS BUILD A PLAN THEY WILL LOVE:

www. edley.net

1. How can I change this ‘diet’ so that I can’t wait to get started? 2. What would make this more fun? 3, What if I placed the habit goal above the result goal? 4, What exercise would I most love to do? 5. What will I notice if it is working? JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TRINE BRANDTRYHEDE

CATHOLIC SCHOOLING IN DENMARK Dom Maher went to a Catholic school as a child, and in many ways, says that it was the old stereotyped image of a Catholic school. There were brothers (monks) who wore long white robes with heavy crucifixes around their necks carrying a cane that was used freely. But that was a long time ago, so what do Catholic schools offer today?

ONE MIGHT BE surprised to learn that there are 22 Catholic schools in Denmark. Each individual school is independent with its own history and identity. Many of the schools’ histories go back more than 150 years. Some were originally established as local parish schools while others were established specifically to welcome families from all over Europe. What Catholic schools have done well in the past, and still do well today is to provide quality education. Catholic schools provide a professional academic environment with up-to-date pedagogy using school values for the formation of the whole child. Children should experience trusting relationships, for it is through these that that they will feel empowered to open up to others and the world. The Association of Catholic Schools in Denmark states “that a school’s collective ‘subject knowledge’ is never value-natural but always made up of a particular attitude and approach to life, fellow man and the world. This attitude and approach to life should go hand in hand with academic content. When this succeeds, the Catholic school’s formation ideal is on its way to becoming realised. Catholic schools hope to offer an ambitious and caring school environment, where the individual student is imparted with both the courage and skills to succeed in life. The role of a Catholic school is not to ‘produce’ Catholics. Rather the schools job is to provide opportunities for students to be self-reflective and nourish their own personal and spiritual development.”

SKT. JOSEF’S, ROSKILDE INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL The story of Skt. Josef’s School goes back

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PHOTOGRAPHS SKT. JOSEF'S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT DOM MAHER

DOM MAHER over 100 years when three young children began receiving lessons in 1904 from the Catholic sisters who had come to Roskilde to start a hospital, and offer education. Their mission was simple – educate children and make a difference in Roskilde, which back in those days was a small town. The school today has more or less the same mission as that of the Sisters all those years ago. Solid Christian values and a commitment to make a difference to the lives of each individual student, give children the best possible education. Today “Skt. Josef ’s School has a place for everyone, but not everything”. Said in other words, Skt. Josef’s is here for all children, irrespective of social, ethnical, religious, or educational background. Similarly, the school expects that students and parents alike understand and accept the

mission, values, and goals the school sets for professionalism in teaching and social behaviour. This is how it has been from the start, and it is still an important aspect of the school’s DNA. A constructive and positive cooperation between parents and the school is what the school sees as the key to a good school life for the students and their education, and to enables teachers to reach the goals they aspire to for each individual student. Skt. Josef ’s School has created a platform for children where they are challenged, become enquiring, and at the same time develop in character so that they can navigate the world which is waiting for them. Skt. Josef ’s Christian values and traditions are part of this tool-kit, which binds its students and teachers together and gives them meaning. THE-INTL

SKT. JOSEF'S IS HERE FOR ALL CHILDREN, IRRESPECTIVE OF SOCIAL, ETHNICAL, RELIGIOUS, OR EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND.

SKT. JOSEF’S INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL Dom is the Head of the International at Skt. Josef’s International School in Roskilde. He has over twenty year's of teaching experience in different countries and across various school systems. Skt. Josef’s International School is located in beautiful Roskilde providing quality international education for children aged five to 16 (Year 1 to Year 11).

www. sktjosef.com

TURN UP THE GLOW! Get the summer look with these top beauty picks courtesy of beauty editor Barbara Mensah. BEAUTY ED'S TOP PICK

SIMPLE AND SUBTLE Mac is the Ultimate go-to brand if you are looking for a dazzling glow. The Mac Mineralize Skinfinish powders are perfect for the face and body, especially when you want to create a subtle or super glow. Highlighters are often used when you wish to “highlight” or bring more focus to a particular area. This can be around the chin, tops of the cheek bones, nose line, brow bone, the cupids bow, center of the neck, collar bone, the décolletage or anywhere else on the body you wish to be glowing and draw attention to. Mac have created the mineralise skinfinish range to cover all skin types, and there is a highlighter perfect for the fairest to the darkest of skin tones. ■ MAC MINERALIZE SKINFINISH HIGHLIGHTER, DKK 250

BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST Barbara was born in England, London with her origins in Ghana. She has been a makeup artist for over 10 years. She moved to Copenhagen in 2017

A GOLDEN GLOW

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facial Mask treatment. This treatment targets tissue restoration, reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and will absolutely enhance firmness in the skin. The Gold Mask is enriched with Shea Butter, Wheat Germ oil, and Avocado oil. Also included is pomegranate juice and pumped full of Vitamin E. It's moisturising, nourishing and has a fabulous instant after-glow effect of gold particles, leaving you literally glowing like gold. What more can you ask for? After having the treatment done myself on several occasions, I’m yet to be disappointed in this top-of-the-range VIP facial massage. It’s a delightfully pleasant experience leaving you super relaxed and refreshed. Not only does it leave your skin soft, the wonderful smell of the mask leaves you with the feeling of lying in a bed of flowers and delicious fruits. This facial treatment truly is first class and

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JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

NOTHING SAYS SUMMER QUITE LIKE A DANISH STRAWBERRY July is the month when Dansk jordbær (Danish strawberries) are in plentiful supply. A true taste of summer that shouldn’t be missed. Keri Bloomfield discovers some of the best places to pick your own, and what to do with them. PHOTOGRAPHS KERI BLOOMFIELD / MARTINA STOLÁRIKOVÁ

TEXT KERI BLOOMFIELD

IF YOU HAVEN’T tasted a Danish strawberry yet, now is the time. Big, juicy and full of flavour they signify summer in Denmark, and are arguably some of the best local produce to be found at this time of the year. While kartofler (potatoes), rabarber (rhubarb) and ærter (peas) have also been in plentiful supply, it is the Danish strawberry which really signifies that it is summer. And thanks to one of the best starts to summer in many years there is currently an overabundance, with many farms encouraging you to pick your own. You can find farms to pick from at Pluk selv frugt I Danmark (Pick your own fruit in Denmark) www.plukselvfrugt.dk or at Selv Pluk (Self pick) www. selvpluk.com. Here, you can search by fruit to find when they are in season and where you can pick them. You’re often encouraged to bring your own containers, and after picking your berries, you then simply weigh and pay for them. It is a great way to not only get some of the freshest fruit in Denmark, but also a nice way to explore the countryside. Picking your own, also allows you to get much higher quantities than what

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

you’d otherwise buy at your local supermarket. Your only problem being trying to decide what to do with the fruit before they spoil. But, be encouraged to know that you can also freeze strawberries, as well as most other berries. So, if your picking enthusiasm doesn’t match your appetite, then relax knowing that you can freeze the excess. Simply wash, dry, cut off the stalk (the green bit) and freeze in bags.

SUGGESTIONS FOR BERRY PICKING There are numerous farms throughout Denmark that encourage you to visit and pick your own fruit, but here are a few suggestions to get you started.

THANKS TO ONE OF THE BEST STARTS TO THE SUMMER IN MANY YEARS, THERE IS CURRENTLY AN OVERABUNDANCE!

Ventegodtgaard (40km south of Copenhagen) A family farm producing organic strawberries of high quality. They also produce courgettes, raspberries, apples, apple juice, peas, rhubarb, new potatoes and even big Halloween Pumpkins. More information at www.ventegodtgaard.dk.

MAKING JAM Known as syltetøj or marmalade in Denmark, I love a good jam because I grew up in a home where the jam was always homemade. Not homemade because we wanted to impress the neighbours with our culinary skills, but because that was simply the easiest way to do it. As a result, commercially-made jam often disappoints me with the lack of fruit and flavour. So, continuing the tradition of making my own jam in Denmark has been an easy and a fun one to get the family involved in. With Denmark’s current bumper harvest of berries, this is a perfect year to try making your own and a great way to show your children where their food comes from. With a bit of practice and a little bit of knowledge, it’s also a relatively easy process. You’ll first need to start building up your own supply of empty glass jars (with their lids). 500 grams of fruit will typically make between 2-3 jars of jam so as soon as you have three jars you’re ready to start making jam. You can sterilize the jars just before bottling by placing them in the warmer drawer of your oven (or placing in the oven on a very low heat). Next, find one of your local berry farms from the websites mentioned above and plan a trip to pick your own fruit. Freeze any extra fruit that you aren’t going to use immediately or gift to a friend (or neighbour). A great excuse to break down social barriers and meet your neighbours! THE-INTL

Ejlsøgård, (Broby, 30km southwest of Odense) Located on Fyn this is a property with a long history where you can pick not only strawberries but redcurrants, blueberries and cherries. More information at www.ejlsoegaard.dk. Hallongården (20km south of Malmö, Sweden) Known as ‘The Raspberry Farm’ it is only 15 minutes by car from the Öresund Bridge, making it a great day trip from Denmark. In addition to raspberries, you’ll also find a café with a wide range of raspberry-inspired foods and a farm shop where you can buy jam, chutney and even raspberry ketchup. Then, just 3km down the road you will find Ängavallen Farm. Here you can buy their local produce including meat, cheeses and creamy fresh milk straight from their farm, as well as visit their eco restaurant. They also offer farm tours for the children. Visit www.hallongarden.com/english-summary and www.angavallen.se/en for more. Or for an authentic Danish experience try foraging. You’ll find many wild berries (typically blackberries, but if in doubt Google or ask a local) in the forests and in the many open green spaces over the coming months.

EASY STRAWBERRY JAM STRAWBERRIES DON’T NEED TO BE PERFECT IF YOU’RE TURNING THEM INTO JAM. SO, LOOK OUT FOR ‘SECONDS’ WHICH ARE OFTEN CHEAPER.

INGREDIENTS: 500g strawberries, stalks removed 500g sugar

METHOD: Wash the strawberries and place in a large pot. Pour the sugar over the top and bring to the boil. Because the strawberries are so juicy they will quickly ‘mush up’ so there is no need to add extra water to the pot. Throughout the boiling process, test the jam to see if it is ready by pouring a small amount onto a saucer. Let it cool for a few

KERI BLOOMFIELD BLOGGER Keri Bloomfield is a connector, writer, event manager and blogger currently living in Copenhagen. Originally from New Zealand she was recently employed by her daughter (Bilingual Backpack Baby) as editor, writer, photographer and social media manager to document their adventures living in Denmark. Prior to this job posting, Keri navigated a corporate life in New Zealand and England working in the field of event management and people management. She is strongly passionate about healthy workplaces (and pastries). Now based in Denmark Keri is on her way to becoming bilingual (she hopes) and is the co-organiser of ‘Post A Letter Copenhagen’. A monthly event held at ENIGMA Museum of Post & Communication in Østerbro. Entry is by donation and in return attendees are able to write letters to anywhere in the world for free. She recently initiated a project for volunteer writers to write to lonely elderly people all over the world. This is part of Keri’s greater goal to encourage more thoughtful and meaningful communication in the world. You can read and follow Keri’s adventures in Copenhagen with her Danish partner and daughter, and learn more about Post A Letter Copenhagen, by visiting: www.bilingualbackpackbaby.com www.postalettercopenhagen.com

minutes then try running your finger through the middle of it. If the jam stays separated, it’s ready to put into the jars. If not, keep boiling. Once it is ready you can pour the hot jam into jars and seal immediately. It’s advisable to use special cellophane jam covers, but you can also simply seal the jars with the original jam lid. Although, it’s important to try and make the lid as tight as possible to keep the jam from going off. Soak the lids in boiling hot water just prior to using, to help with this. Give the jam 1-2 days to set after bottling.

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TIME TO UNPLUG – THE DIGITAL DETOX As we start to prepare for the summer holidays, it's time to think about unplugging from the plugged-in world we live in each day. Sure, this level of connectedness with friends and family has its benefits, but there are also some pretty serious drawbacks.

PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS

STARING AT OUR devices may be pleasurable in the moment, but pleasurable behaviours are very addictive. Thanks to ever-present technology, research shows that the average person’s attention span has dropped over the past decade from twelve seconds to a mere eight – shorter than the attention span of a goldfish.

HERE’S A COUPLE OF TIPS SHOULD YOU DECIDE TO TRY A DIGITAL DETOX DURING THE SUMMER BREAK: #1 Plan to enjoy (and not regret) missing out on what everyone else is doing. #2 Be prepared with real books, paper maps and even written down phone numbers (see this issues best reads on page 31). #3 Leave some of your gadgets at home during your holiday. #4 Commit to changing one habit at a time. For example, decide which social media channel to stop notifications for during the first few days and systematically add more. #5 Plan some activities that will occupy and entertain you all day (such as snorkelling where you simply can’t have your phone). #6 Get a detox buddy to keep you motivated. #7 Protect your body. Combat digital eye strain, which can cause dryness, blurred vision and headaches by following the 20-20-20 rule. For every 20 minutes, you look at a screen, look up and at an object 20 feet in the distance for 20 seconds. And, avoid ‘smartphone thumb’ which can cause inflammation, irritation and pain by taking regular breaks form your phone and mixing up the way you type. Finally, if you really want to get ambitious digital detoxing, MUTE is an app all about living less on your phone. I have been testing it now for a week, and it actually makes you feel good about not being glued to your phone. Also the MOMENT app can track how often you use your phone each day, and lets you set time limits, while the FREEDOM app lets you block whatever sites distract you on your phone or computer, with the goal of helping you focus. You might just find that if you take the initiative, you’ll enjoy your tech-free hours, be more productive at work and be more present in your personal life.

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

TEXT SUZAAN SAUERMAN

SMART SUMMER TECHNOLOGY THAT WILL KEEP YOU ON-TREND DURING YOUR HOLIDAY

✱

EDITOR'S TOP PICK! STAND OUT THIS SUMMER! THESE GEEKY GLASSES ARE ALL THE RAGE RIGHT NOW.

SMART SUNGLASSES SNAP SPECTACLES Snap Spectacles are back, and the second generation of the wearable camera sunglasses aims to be

SMART SUN APP HAPPYSUN HappySun has a simple mission: to banish sun burn. The app uses satellite data to measure the UV dose where you are currently located. Using this, it gives you personalised advice on when to top up your sun cream and what SPF to use. It

better and more stylish than the last. The new Spectacles can capture photos, 10-second videos, and 30-second videos. Whilst you probably wouldn’t wear them as sunglasses all the time, they’re perfect for a trip away as you can take pictures and record memories without interrupting the moment

SUZAAN SAUERMAN

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SMART TRAINERS ADIDAS DEERUPT Adidas’s Deerupt trainers are the shoes everyone will be wearing this summer. With an allover grid design, the ultra-light trainers are cushioned to lock in the foot with specially moulded foot pockets. Whilst the trainers are technically designed for running, the shoes are perfect for exploring in, thanks to the comfort and performance of Adidas’s specifically designed sockliner.

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note speaker and panellist at various global technology and lifestyle events. Suzaan, a self-confessed tech geek, has travelled extensively, having worked and lived in all the continents of the world. In her spare time, she loves to keep fit by running and training at The Wolfpack Gym. She has a passion for food and wine, always scouting the best cup of coffee in the city, and enjoys art galleries. Suzaan lives in Copenhagen, was born and raised in South Africa, and is a British citizen.

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

WOULD THE REAL MICHAEL JACKSON PLEASE STAND UP? Everyone immediately thinks of singer Michael Jackson when hearing his name, and yet this Michael Jackson is just as well known, but in a completely different setting – Blockchain!

PHOTOGRAPHS STEEN EVALD, ISTOCKPHOTO

MAKE-UP AND HAIR LINA MAAROUF

TEXT CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN

extremely transparent. It may seem tricky to imagine in Denmark, where we have a well-functioning transactional system MobilePay and so on, but you don't have to travel more than an hour south and the world is very different. Cash is king in Berlin, and even in the US, financial systems are prehistoric by our terms. And that is before one looks at one of Blockchain’s most successful countries – Venezuela.”

ADVICE FOR TRADING BITCOIN

MICHAEL JACKSON WAS the former Chief

Operations Officer of Skype and now partner at Mangrove Capital Partners and Board member of AXA UK PLC, one of the largest insurance companies. He’s also a board member of Blockchain, the largest digital wallet company in the world, from where he has a unique view on the developments of cryptocurrencies. I sat down with Michael for a one-on-one about digital currency, and got him to explain it in a way we can all understand.

BLOCKCHAIN AND BITCOIN Rolls Royce have an issue with their engines, they have 27,000 suppliers, so tracing the issue back to a specific supplier can be very time consuming. A few years ago, it would take around three weeks and tons of paperwork to identify a faulty batch of

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

components. However, with their new Blockchain-based system, this can take just a few minutes. This is how Jackson says Blockchain technology is being used to advance people-to-people or company-to-company information transfer and management. “A Blockchain is a new development in the field of computing, made possible thanks to recent advances in mathematics, cryptography and computing power. With a blockchain, one can publicise and secure information, so no-one can ever change the information, and only if they own a secret key, can they even look at it,” explains Jackson. He goes on to say that it’s a very powerful technology allowing organisations worldwide to cooperate and open their systems to not only the people they trust. The Bitcoin phenomenon uses this technology to assist in the secure transfer of money or cryptocurrencies. “Bitcoin was the first way to transfer funds quickly and directly between persons globally, without the need for an intermediary, such as a bank. Once again, something that fits perfectly in our international and highly-connected world,” says Jackson. There is no doubt that cryptocurrencies will form part of our mainstream financial system very soon, Jackson goes on to say. “They are international, very secure and

Jackson says that trading anything is risky business, and that unless you understand more than the counterparty, you’ll probably lose. “That’s why we hate used car dealers.” Bitcoin takes this risk to another level. It is new, there are many experts and very little supervision. But for those in the know and wanting to trade, Jackson say: “Quite simply, do not trade more than you can afford to lose.” “I live in this world and dream about what this could be – even for me, there is a very high chance that bitcoin fails. But people said that when we started Skype – I mean, why would people talk into a computer? Sometimes we have to think of possibilities - not just problems,” says Jackson. Reflecting on his own life accomplishments and business decisions, he offers the following advice to those looking to take more business risks: “Make sure you have someone really close to you, with whom you can celebrate your successes and who is aligned around the sacrifices, yet appreciates the potential, and allows you to have the freedom you need. When you find this person, do all you can to keep them. They are the key to work/life balance – no matter how many hours a week you work on your dream – you need someone you can trust, and who trusts you. For more info: www.mangrove.vc THE-INTL

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 actress/ singer. She has 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 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

KILLER READS FOR THE HOLIDAYS During the summer months libraries see a great increase in the interest for crime fiction. Perhaps the idea of spending a lot of uninterrupted time alone with the family inspires this? Susan Jessen Spiele shares her top crime series that will keep you well-chilled.

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.

TRULY NERVE WRACKING

NOT FOR THE FAINTHEARTED!

KICKASS, YET VULNERABLE

BIRDMAN IN THE JACK CAFFERY SERIES BY MO HAYDER

EVERY DEAD THING IN THE CHARLIE PARKER SERIES BY JOHN CONNOLLY

NOW YOU SEE ME IN THE LACEY FLINT SERIES BY S. J. BOLTON

is up against the worst

A former police officer

A young detective con-

kind of criminal, seri-

turned private investi-

stable’s first case is not

al killers. Haunted by

gator after the murder

just a horrible copy

his own past and the

of his wife and young

of the Ripper, but ad-

disappearance of his

daughter, Parker’s cas-

dressed directly to

es are not your average

h e r. S o m e t i m e s t h e

cases; they are chilling-

past will not stay hid-

ly sinister, often brutal

den, but will try to ru-

A driven police officer

brother, he struggles with the memories his cases trigger, and the pain they bring. Unfinished business never goes away.

with more than a touch of the supernatural.

in the lives of those who thought they got away.

WEIRD AND WONDERFUL PROTAGONIST

DID YOU KNOW? Every summer the Danish libraries have The Summer Book

TALKING TO THE DEAD IN THE FIONA GRIFFITHS SERIES BY HARRY BINGHAM

for kids aged 7-14.

An unusual and complex detective, Fiona is unlike any other l’ve come across! Smart, capable, driven and very odd, she is facing criminals that trigger some of her own fears from her unknown past, before she was adopted as a toddler.

books of their own

Kids have the opportunity to read three choosing, according to age and skill, and write a short review for each. For this, every kid can choose a brand-new book. It is perfectly okay to read and review in English too. Just ask at your local library and they will set you up.

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Wait, what!? You didn’t choose Studieskolen?

Learn Danish at a school that is not laughable Studieskolen has been teaching Danish for 40 years – and we’re not going to stop now! The price is the same as you will find in other language schools. Go for the best. Go for Studieskolen. In the centre of Copenhagen Find our new courses on studieskolen.dk/dansk

JULY 2018 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM