The International - May 2021

international

the

ISSN 2596-5220

HOW TO MAKE 'CAKE POPS'

CELEBRATING EUROPE DAY

CANOEING AROUND DENMARK

CPH STAGE IS BACK AND READY TO GO

MAY 2021 - THE-INTL.COM

A KNIGHT'S QUEST IN COPENHAGEN

ONLINE AND PRINT

STEVEN MOORE'S FAIRYTALE STORY FROM AUSTRALIA TO DENMARK MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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IT'S TIME TO GET YOUR LIFE BACK ON TRACK AFTER A TOUGH FEW MONTHS OF LOCKDOWNS, JUGGLING FAMILY AND WORK SCHEDULES, ANXIETY/DEPRESSION, JOB LOSS, DEATH, NOT SEEING FRIENDS AND FAMILY - WE ARE FINALLY COMING OUT ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THIS DAMN PANDEMIC. SO IT'S TIME TO LIVE A LITTLE AND GET YOUR LIFE BACK ON TRACK!

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FIRST, ASK YOURSELF this question: What is control, and what does it look like to you?

Does it mean having the proper balance between your personal and professional life, or is it more about having the skills to make quick decisions? Control is different from person to person, and every once in a while, that control can slip. If this happens, there are things you can do to get back on track, eliminate bad habits, and live your life.

#1 TIME FOR A LIFE AUDIT Life audits are great to help you start paying attention to different areas of your life – career, intimate relationships, family relationships, emotional well-being, health, finances, spirituality, and creativity. When it comes to getting your life back on track, it's best to assess where you are at this present moment. Sometimes, when life takes over, we neglect essential and vital areas that cause us to sacrifice our health and overcompensate our time and energy in relationships and things that aren't serving us. The first step is to check in and see how happy you are in these major life areas if you want to learn how to get your life back on track. Successful people can be honest with themselves about which areas of their life need the most work.

#2 BRINGING CONFIDENCE BACK Confidence is the root of how you show up every day. Showing up is more than getting up and going to work; it's about showing up with an intention for the day. When things are spiralling out of control, it's because you lack physical and mental clarity. Although confidence may seem an intangible element to grasp, it's far more within reach than you think.

Think about what gives you confidence, and find things that correlate to that. If it's feeling good about your body, commit to fitness. If it's knowledge, learn from those you admire or reach out to a mentor you would like to work with.

#3 THE GREAT BRAIN DUMP Interesting fact: On average, we have 50,000-70,000 thoughts per day! Although it's impossible to keep track of every single thought that crosses our mind, there is still an uncontrollable list that flows into our consciousness, which can get in the way when you want to know how to get back on track. Next time you're feeling overwhelmed or feel that things are spinning out of control, take 15-20 minutes of brain dumping. This exercise isn't supposed to have structure, instead, do it in your own time and write everything that comes to mind. Once done, go through your notes, and prioritise them into different categories.

#4 IT'S THE LITTLE THINGS THAT MATTER

member you have control over the things that surround your space – literally.

This means having control over how clean your house is, how organised your drawers are, if you eat healthily, how much money you spend, how often you see family and friends, etc. These little things add up and can also help you feel like you're regaining control of your life.

#5 FIGURING OUT YOUR PURPOSE IN LIFE Redefining or identifying your purpose couldn't be more accurate than during pandemic time. So many people have been forced to take stock of their life, and rethink their career paths. Diving into self-awareness can help identify or define your purpose, and that is the core of you. When things seem to be spiralling, refer back to your purpose and the joy that comes from it. Let that root you as you try getting life back on track.

#6 TIME MANAGEMENT IS YOUR FRIEND This is a super important life skill and one that takes years to master. There's nothing wrong with wanting to engage in multiple projects, but it's about moderation and portion sizes like everything else. Assess your day, and see how much of your time and energy go into certain areas and activities if you want to get your life back on track.

Try and track how much time you are actually spending doing different activities, including work, recreation, and errands. You will be surprised by the results – trust me!

On a personal note, I'd like to thank all our readers and followers for sticking by us online. I know you will be just as thrilled as we are about returning to print (but still online too)! Next will be events, and the team and I can't wait to see you all again!

Love,

LYNDSAY JENSEN - EDITOR & FOUNDER

When you feel like you don't have control over the major events in your life, always re-

THE-INTL.COM

MEET THE TEAM SALES For advertising sales,

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please contact: sales@the-intl.com

CONRAD EGBERT is a journalist and editor with over 20 years of experience across Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Apart from writing for The International, he also heads up the newly established Magazines and Supplements division for the company. If you wish to participate in any of our future magazines and supplements, make sure to drop him a line at conrad@the-intl.com

CONTACT The International ApS; +45 42407624

OUR SOCIAL MEDIA TEAM AROUND DENMARK HEAD OF SOCIAL MEDIA

EDITOR & FOUNDER LYNDSAY JENSEN has over 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 three years and mother to two boys aged 22 and 16. She loves travel, photography, music and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com

MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER KENNETH MACALPINE is a Nordic Financial Manager in the Transport industry.

His degree is in Finance and business 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

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

CATHERINE HEFFERAN is originally from DC, and loves living in Copenhagen. A passion for traveling, meeting new people, and dabbling in other artistic endeavors outside of social media, like illustration, graphic design and podcasting keeps her busy.

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ANJA PREDOJEVIC lives in Copenhagen after moving from Serbia 5 years ago. Her two loves of her life are her daughter and fiancee as well as being a coffee lover and enjoying Copenhagen coffee culture. She has a passion for discovering new cultures, traveling, psychology, photography and SoMe.

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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 © 2020 The International ApS. Registered in Denmark / CVR Number: 39118181

The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on 5 May, 2021

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THE FEEL-GOOD STORIES OF DENMARK

Listen and Learn: Your informal guide to decoding Danish culture

LEADING THE WAY IN CONNECTING DANES AND INTERNATIONALS Youth-run organisations like AIESEC are leading the change in Denmark's diverse society.

JAKOB WEIZMAN

Settling into Denmark and finding work can be challenging for many, especially young people who are slowly embarking on their life path. Therefore it becomes crucial for Danes and internationals residing in the country to help facilitate the process for those looking to start their new lives in Denmark.

This is where AIESEC comes into the picture, the world's largest youth-run, non-profit organisation with over 40,000 members in 126 countries. It's no surprise that its global network reaches into every corner of the world, especially here in Denmark, with five different local committees in Aalborg, Aarhus, Horsens, Odense and Copenhagen.

“AIESEC is the world's largest youthrun, non-profit organisation with over 40,000 members in 126 countries."

"AIESEC provides a great platform where internationals can find the support they need to develop and establish themselves. The network of AIESEC provides internationals in Denmark an opportunity to engage with businesses and schools in the local area, where they are part of creating a net-positive change, not just for the businesses, but for everyone involved," said Frederik Bendix Sørensen, the Local Committee President of the Aalborg team. He comes from Hadsund in Eastern Jutland and studies at AAU (Aalborg University).

Members help find local businesses and schools to set up internships and volunteering opportunities for internationals looking to move to Denmark and improve their careers.

Furthermore, AIESEC assists in creating internship and volunteering opportunities abroad for Danes and international students in Denmark looking to work or volunteer in other countries.

"Today, my vision is giving these opportunities provided by AIESEC to as many people as possible in Aalborg & in Denmark," said Sørensen. "Few people in Denmark actually know about AIESEC and what we provide, and in my role as President, I'm hoping to grow the organisation in Denmark, so we

JAKOB WEIZMAN is Danish-Colombian. As an international journalist he's covered political and cultural topics in Kosovo, Colombia and Austria.

He currently resides in Aalborg, and is achieving his Master's degree. Jakob likes to read, exercise, listen to classic rock, and is a linguist.

can engage more youth to develop leadership and take action to develop the world they want to see."

"I feel like AIESEC is one of the organisations that offer the possibility of connecting Danes and Internationals on a more personal level," said Alexandra-Madalina Stanci, a Masters student at AAU who hails from Romania. She leads the team responsible for finding internship opportunities in Aalborg, establishing partnerships with local companies.

Not only do they find opportunities to volunteer and work, but AIESEC maintains a close relationship with those that embark on the AIESEC experience. Before coming to Denmark to work for a local company or join a volunteer project, the local team helps internationals prepare for the culture change and what to expect from Danish life in all aspects.

"AIESEC always has in mind what activities internationals can participate in to feel more integrated into the culture. I loved how they were always organising different events for us," said Andressa Souza Martins, who came to Denmark through an AIESEC volunteer experience in Aalborg.

Martins is Brazilian-Spanish and stayed with a Danish host family during her volunteering at a local school. By the end of the experience, she decided to stay in Aalborg, undertaking her master's at AAU. "My host family encouraged me to apply for my masters here in Aalborg. It wasn't tough to convince me. By that time, I was already in love with Aalborg," said Martins. "And part of it is thanks to AIESEC. So I always tell my friends and recommend it as it's one of the best ways of exploring new countries, meeting new people, developing your own skills, and learning new ones."

The most frightening thing about coming to Denmark, or any other country, is the challenge of settling in. For many internationals, it can be quite a struggle. That's why AIESEC ensures that every participant's experience is seamless, from beginning to end.

"We also provide continuous support while the interns have their internship, and they get to take part in certain local or national events. They also get a great social safety net in our organisation and, considering that we also have Danish members, they are introduced into the culture by someone that has enough knowledge about both cultures," said Stanci.

"The main objective of AIESEC is to develop leadership in young people, and there are few things as empowering as stepping out of your comfort zone and travelling to a different country to work for a short period. These experiences can quite simply be life-changing, and they lead to self-awareness that can benefit you for life," added Sørensen. THE-INTL

OPHELIA WU is a fashion consultant and Founder of M for Minimal. Originally from Hong Kong, she moved to Copenhagen in 2019 after having lived in Spain and London for over a decade, with an education covering fashion, films, cultural, literary studies and Business.

OPHELIA WU

We know, integrating into a new culture is daunting. Danes have somewhat a notorious reputation of keeping a distance (sorry lovely Danes); while many of us know that's just an urban myth, there's still a lot of cultural mistranslation. New podcast, What The Denmark, produced by a Brit and a Dane, is set to be your audio guide on debunking myths and fundamentals of Danish culture. The episodes will surely help you feel good about this integration process and guide you as you navigate, perhaps with the Danish sense of humour, which you will laugh along after listening.

Cultural shock? Not entirely sure if someone is rude or sarcastic? Lost in translation? I get it. Moving to (and living in) Denmark is an exciting leap of faith if you're one of those who brave the unknown without any local network to help you learn the ropes of the Danish culture. As a foreigner, so much had been said about how distant and unfriendly Danes can be, and if you do not "get them" the right way to crack in, your life is doomed to be miserable. That is why Sam Floy and Josefine Volqvartz, a Brit and a Dane, decided to partner up and start a podcast to debunk all these myths. Namely, What The Denmark believes the longer audio format is the perfect medium to help resolve this cultural confusion. This allows them space to go in-depth and talk about the nuance behind many topics that non-Danes find confusing. It's rarely black and white, and talking about all angles of a topic is what makes it understandable, rather than veering into "us vs them" territory.

“As a foreigner, so much had been said about how distant and unfriendly Danes can be, and if you do not "get them" the right way to crack in, your life is doomed to be miserable.”

Sam, a professional podcast company owner, and Josefine, whose whole career has been in TV & Podcasts, these two experienced professionals are adamant that they invest and produce podcasts of the highest quality possible. As necessary as it is for foreigners, it goes the same for Danes. Episodes will cover all sorts of issues from linguistics to cultural differences, with experts being interviewed to discuss and explain why.

Adopting an inclusive, respect for equality and free speech approach, pretty much the essence of Danish culture, together with a team of researchers and professional producers, they cover topics like "Why Danish couples sleep with separate duvets", "How handball explains Danish society" and "How to make friends with Danes" etc. in an informal and entertaining manner. Since the start, they had received a breadth of support from Danes and non-Danes living in Denmark and worldwide. After listening to the episodes, they can see people becoming more open and curious to engage with others. It seems like everyone is interested in understanding why Danes behave in certain (peculiar!) ways and bridge the gap in understanding. See? The Danes are not that cold after all. THE-INTL For more information, visit www.whatthedenmark.com

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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CPH STAGE

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AN OPEN THEATRE FESTIVAL FOCUSING ON DANISH PERFORMING ARTS: WHERE IT’S AT AND WHERE IT’S HEADING, AND IT ALL BEGINS 27 MAY – 5 JUNE 2021! CPH STAGE PRESENTS ITS SEVENTH FESTIVAL WITH A WIDE REACHING FESTIVAL PROGRAMME RANGING FROM PERFORMANCES AT THE ROYAL DANISH THEATRE TO THE NEWEST DISCOVERIES. PHOTOGRAPHS CPH STAGE

TEXT THE INTERNATIONAL

SUN&SEA - ANDREJ VASILENKO

IS SET AND READY...

29 MAY – 1 JUN SUN & SEA

BY RUGILĖ BARZDŽIUKAITĖ, VAIVA GRAINYTĖ AND LINA LAPELYTĖ

CPH STAGE - FRIDA GREGERSEN

Imagine a beach – you watching from above – the burning sun, bright bathing suits, people reading, children playing with plastic toys. Then a chorus of songs: familiar songs, songs of almost nothing. And below them: the slow creaking of an exhausted Earth, a gasp.

VENUE: Copenhagen Contemporary FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/sun-sea/ *Winner of the Golden Lion at the Venice Biennale.

FROM 27 MAY – 5 JUNE, CPH STAGE BRINGS THE PUBLIC AND THE THEATRE WORLD TOGETHER TO CELEBRATE THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF CONTEMPORARY THEATRE AND PERFORMING ARTS. CPH STAGE IS THE BIGGEST THEATRE FESTIVAL IN COPENHAGEN. IT PRESENTS BOTH DANISH AND INTERNATIONAL PERFORMING ARTISTS, AND IT'S ALWAYS BEEN A HIGH PRIORITY AT CPH STAGE TO MAKE THE FESTIVAL ACCESSIBLE TO BOTH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL AUDIENCES. WITH 37 ENGLISH AND NON-VERBAL PERFORMANCES DURING THE FESTIVAL, SHOWCASING PERFORMERS WORLDWIDE CREATES A FESTIVAL WITH VIBRANT DIVERSITY! WE HAVE CHOSEN TO HIGHLIGHT 15 PERFORMANCES, BUT YOU CAN ALSO GO TO THEIR WEBSITE WWW.CPHSTAGE.DK TO SEE WHAT ELSE IS ON THEIR PROGRAMME.

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS FESTIVALS...

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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MY DEER HUNTER - SØREN MEISNER

WALK-MAN - CHRISTOFFER BREKNE

SOUTHERN BEDEFELLOWS - DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE

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2–3 JUN

27 MAY – 5 JUN

WALK-MAN

SOUTHERN BEDFELLOWS

BY DON GNU YOU WILL NEVER CROSS THE STREET IN THE SAME WAY AGAIN. DON GNU digs into the tediousness of everyday life, searching for poetry and humour in a performance with muscular physicality and edgy stunts.

VENUE: Teater V FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/perfor-

THEA TRE

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BY DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE Southern Bedfellows follows two non-binary children as they grow up in the American South, exploring themes such as sexuality, gender, poverty and religion. The play takes us on a journey through their 16-year relationship, where the sparks fly, and the characters are challenged on their identity and willingness to be together.

mance/walk-man-2/

VENUE: Bøssehuset FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/southern-bedfellows/

1–5 JUN

MY DEER HUNTER

BY BETTY NANSEN/FIX&FOXY A GROUP OF VETERANS TELL THEIR STORY OF RETURNING TO DAILY LIFE. They suffer from PTSD caused by fatal experiences that have forever changed them. Inspired by the film Deer hunter, Fix&Foxy asks four veterans to go back in time and revisit the crucial, defining moments to recreate the life that once was. We watch them struggle with shame and lack of confidence while they fight their way back into the world.

VENUE: Edison Scenen FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/my-deer-hunter-2/

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MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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PERF ORM

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TWO LIONS AND A CASTLE - RAPHAEL FRISENVÆNGE SOLHOLM

WHAT WAS MUST DIE - SAMBA - BADI BERBER

1984: BACK TO NO FUTURE - GOB SQUAD

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27–30 MAY

30 MAY – 2 JUN

28 MAY – 5 JUN

BY GOB SQUAD

BY UPPERCUT DANSETEATER

BY DANISH DANCETHEATRE

PEOPLE ARE TRAPPED IN HISTORY, AND HISTORY IS TRAPPED IN THEM.

WELCOME TO THE BLOOD-RED ARENA.

A DESPERATE MERMAID WOMAN GALLOPING IN SLOW MOTION, SILLY SONGS AND SPANISH RHYTHMS.

1984: BACK TO NO FUTURE

The internationally acclaimed art collective Gob Squad is now coming to Denmark. It’s 1984, and the Cold War is in full swing. The Americans have invented a powerful new weapon: the music video. Gob Squad travel back in time to confront themselves as teenagers, the principal targets of this media revolution. They find themselves fearful of nuclear war, enthralled by pop videos, uncertain of who they might become. As the performers remember themselves and reconstruct the media fantasies of that time, they also start to dismantle what may have been written into the programming code underlying this colourful world of commercial pop. Can they re-programme their own story?

VENUE: Sort/Hvid FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/

WHAT WAS MUST DIE – SAMBA

Welcome to the blood-red imagination of the porker! A samba arena, show ring, hotbed, a pigsty. A circus of festivities, fellowships, secrets and seduction. SAMBA is raw, urban, pulsates, sensual, and is dastardly deeds and connectedness. SAMBA is everything that arises in the space between us and gets under our skin, behind our masks, and into the ring. It embodies and makes space for everything we are. Nothing is clear-cut: not the cutest piglet or the hunkiest boar. With our snouts in the trough and our tails in the air, we will grub deep into the mire and hurl ourselves into the human fellowship with its misunderstandings, compromises and balancing acts.

VENUE: Dansekapellet FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/what-was-must-die-samba/

performance/1984-back-to-no-future/

TWO LIONS AND A CASTLE

Two Lions and a Castle is a new work by Israeli choreographer Roy Assaf. A master of combining the outlandish with the serious. In his first work for Danish Dance Theatre, we meet several wacky characters in a collage of satirical vignettes drawn from Assaf’s personal experiences of encountering Denmark and Danishness. Roy Assaf describes dance as a ‘filter’ to his own internal world. His approach to his choreographic practice is intuitive. The work is created as an exchange between the dancers and himself. This method is built on mutual trust between the dancers and the choreographer and is crucial to exchange creative ideas.

VENUE: The Opera - The Royal Danish Theatre FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/two-lions-and-a-castle/

CPH STAGE - FRIDA GREGERSEN

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS FESTIVALS...

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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PERF ORM

CHAMPIONS - CHRISTOFFER BREKNE

PERF ORM

RE(W)RITE - IRINA TUMINENE

NECROPOLIS - INSTITUT DES CROISEMENTS

PERF ORM

3–4 JUN

27 MAY – 5 JUN

1–4 JUN

BY THEATRE DE LA VILLE

BY CANTABILE 2

BY HIMHERANDIT PRODUCTIONS

A MAPPING OF A HUMAN CATASTROPHE.

CELEBRATING HUMAN CONNECTION.

AN EMOTIONAL PERFORMANCE INSTALLATION.

NECROPOLIS explores one of the biggest human catastrophes of our time: the deaths of thousands of migrants who have lost their lives in an attempt to reach Europe.

In this performance lecture, the Israeli-Belarusian artist Arkadi Zaides seeks to map out a digital archive, a virtual city of the dead entitled NECROPOLIS. As drone pilots, the performers take the audience on a death trip via Google Maps, zooming in on the many graves spread all over Europe. In this way, the project insists on the right for the dead to be identified and laid to rest. At the same time poses the question: what is our notion of collective responsibility?

What rituals do we miss in our lives today? How can we celebrate the connection to each other across political, religious and moral beliefs? Re(w)Rite! creates a Temple for our Time at Den Frie Centre of Contemporary Art in Copenhagen. It is an immersive performance, a ritual universe, an immersive space where guests are taken on a multisensory personal journey. It plays at different times of the day, from early morning to night-long experiences.

Each performance is a unique composition of 50 different contemporary rituals.

Champions is an emotional performance installation that deals with universal parent-child relations, loneliness and individual resilience. The performance features the interview recordings of the artist’s father, mother and conversations with his therapist.

Andreas Constantinou faces the audience while a personal story of a strained relationship between a gay man, his homophobic father, a stern mother, and a lonely individual is revealed. The installation is being interrupted by voices on the radio, TV, and gramophone in the room, and the walls suddenly change to a wrestling battle of violence and intimacy between two men. The images tell of a subconscious battle within the self.

VENUE: Sort/Hvid FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/perfor-

mance/rewrite/

NECROPOLIS

mance/necropolis/

RE(W)RITE!

VENUE: Den Frie Udstillingsbygning FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/perfor-

CHAMPIONS

VENUE: Edison Scenen FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/perfor-

CPH STAGE - FRIDA GREGERSEN

mance/champions/

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MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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OCEAN - MORTEN ARNFRED

HAIL TO THE GOOD LISTENER - GUIDO MENCARI

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28 MAY – 1 JUN HAIL TO THE GOOD LISTENER

BY DANISH DANCETHEATRE A NEW ENSEMBLE WORK CREATED BY CHOREOGRAPHER MARIE TOPP. Five women move in a meditative-like ’slow-motion’ choreography. Time stands still. The dancers are rocks and water, they change and, in turn, are changed by their surroundings. The five women are fixed, they float – in a field of tension of resistance and surrender. Collectively, they lean towards a shared past. They create space for change.

VENUE: The Opera – The Royal Danish Theatre FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/perfor-

27 MAY – 5 JUN OCEAN

BY MYKA IN A SEA FULL OF PLASTIC, WE DIVE INTO A FUTURE SCI-FI WAVE OF HOPE FOR BABIES OF 3-7 MONTHS AND THEIR ADULTS. Give yourself and your baby a magical and poetic underwater journey on the bottom of the ocean. Experience how the weightlessness of the sea makes time stand still.

Where past and future merge in a utopian universe and in a new wave that moves future generations into the unknown. Here we meet sea plants, luminescent deep-sea creatures and plastic in a new and improved ecosystem.

Maybe the octopus can teach us something new about ourselves? Feel the light and sound wash over you like waves on a beach.

mance/hail-to-the-good-listener/

VENUE: Teater Får302 FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/ocean/

PERF ORM

TOYS OF JOYLESSNESS OR DISTURBANCE & DEBILITY - OTMAR WAGNER

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27 MAY – 5 JUN

TOYS OF JOYLESSNESS OR DISTURBANCE & DEBILITY

BY LIVE ART DENMARK The Vienna based artist Otmar Wagner has since the 1990’s worked with Europe as a construct; a political, cultural, and physical body. A place divided by walls, penetrated by circuits and political disease. Wagner set up the room as a living body where energies flow. As within a physical body, the materials are animated and transformed in circulatory systems. Friisland art gallery is transformed into this installation for 3 weeks, and you can experience Wagners performing within the installation with VR headsets - one audience at a time.

VENUE: Friisland art gallery FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/toys-of-joylessness-or-disturbance-debility/

HIGHLIGHTS FROM PREVIOUS FESTIVALS...

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27 MAY – 2 JUN JOB - A SIMPLE MAN -

BY OFF OFF PRODUCTION

A STORY OF AN IMMIGRANT’S JOURNEY FROM THE OLD WORLD TO THE NEW. JOB-A SIMPLE MAN - EA VERDONER

In an intense and musical dramatisation, J O B tells the emigrant’s journey from the old world – a tiny village in Russia – to the new world in Manhattan, New York. Mendel Singer loses everything and ultimately experiences a miracle.

A timely story of encountering a new culture, new life – in a new world. Adapted from Joseph Roth’s novel. A powerful performance in a simple set-up, where music and theatre meet storytelling with award-winning actress Ina-Miriam Rosenbaum in every role.

VENUE: Bådteatret FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/job-a-simple-man/

THEA TRE

2–4 JUN

THE LETTER

- BY PAOLO NANI TEATER

SPARKLING STUDY IN STYLE, CREATIVITY AND TIMING.

THE LETTER - GABRIELE ZUCCA

Since 1992, THE LETTER has been performed throughout the four corners of the world. So far, it has been performed over 1500 times in 40 countries. It is already a classic that continues attracting audiences of all ages. Paolo Nani, alone on stage, with props that can be held in a suitcase and without saying a word, brings a simple story to life, playing in 15 different versions: forward, backward, with surprises, in a vulgar way, drunk, as in a western – horror or silent movie, like a circus act. THE LETTER is a sparkling study in style, creativity and timing, filled with details and gags from start to end, provoking constant bursts of laughter from the audience.

VENUE: Riddersalen FOR MORE INFO: https://www.cphstage.dk/en/performance/the-letter-4/

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Nakskov

E Maribo

Rødbyhavn

47 Nykøbing Falster

Femern

Lolland International School

Eutin Østersøen

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM Rostock

10

STEVEN'S FAIRYTALE STORY FROM AUSTRALIA TO DENMARK

MEET STEVEN MOORE, THE AUSTRALIAN CHORUS MASTER WHO HAS BEEN MADE A KNIGHT BY QUEEN MARGRETHE II FOR HIS WORK WITH THE ROYAL DANISH OPERA.

PHOTOGRAPHS LAURA IOANA V

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

STEVEN MOORE HAD his first brush with Queen Margrethe II of Denmark shortly after moving to Copenhagen to work as chorus master for the Royal Danish Opera. Despite a fear of heights, he snuck up to the highest balcony to catch a glimpse of the royal box at the Copenhagen Opera House. He still remembers what the Queen was wearing: a bronze gown, a few elegant and understated jewels, and no crown.

Originally from Australia, Steven had long dreamt of performing for royalty - specifically, Queen Elizabeth II of the United Kingdom and its commonwealths, who is also recognised as the Queen of Australia. "I'd dreamt of being knighted - Sir Steven Moore - just like Dame Joan Sutherland," he said, speaking of the Grammy-winning Australian dramatic coloratura soprano.

Although Steven did have the opportunity to play at London's Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, it was in Denmark that his dream came true. Last fall, Steven was made a Knight of the Order of the Dannebrog (Dannebrogordenen) by Queen Margrethe II for his service to the arts.

Despite a successful career spanning three continents and many countries, a nomination for opera chorus of the year in the International Opera Awards, and his recent knighthood, Steven continues to see himself as "a kid from Toowoomba."

"A KID FROM TOOWOOMBA" With a population of around 130,000, Toowoomba is the largest city in the Darling Downs region of Queensland, Australia. It occupies the crest and low ridges of Australia's most substantial mountain range, the Eastern Highlands. Supported by the region's rich vol-

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

LOCATIONS ROYAL DANISH OPERA & SURROUNDING AREA

canic soil, Toowoomba is surrounded by rolling hills of cotton, wheat, and herds of cattle.

Known as 'The Garden City', Toowoomba itself is home to more than 150 public parks, its streets lined with purple blooms of jacaranda and broad canopies of camphor laurel.

Steven spent the first 22 years of his life in Toowoomba with his mom, dad, and two older sisters, Julianne and Katrina. Although neither of his parents is musical, his mom always wanted to learn to sing or play an instrument but never had the opportunity.

"They decided that all of their kids would have the opportunity to pursue music," Steven said. His own musical education began informally when he was 3 years old, sitting on the piano bench next to his sisters during their lessons. Even then, Steven had a good ear and was able to play music almost instinctively.

At 7, he joined the local children's choir and theatre company. "Technically, I wasn't supposed to start until I was 8, but I was so desperate," he said. He still recalls his first musical production, about a princess in a distant land, pausing to sing a line he still remembers decades later. Soon he was playing the organ at several churches and participating in numerous choirs, concert bands, and chamber music groups. "Whatever music was up for grabs, I joined."

While studying the pipe organ at the University of Southern Queensland, Steven continued his broad musical interests around town and on campus, where he became involved in the school's opera studio. He went on to study voice at Griffith University, later travelling to Sydney to train as a répétiteur (a pianist and coach for opera rehearsals).

The programme was run by a well-respected retired répétiteur from England, Victor Morris, who encouraged Steven to go to London. There, Steven studied at the Guildhall

11

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12

School of Music and Drama and the National Opera Studio before working at the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, for three years.

When a friend sent Steven the job posting at the Royal Danish Opera, Steven had just left his job as head of music and conductor at the Badisches Staatstheater in Karlsruhe, Germany. His plan was to freelance and work on several projects after six years in Karlsruhe, working six and sometimes seven days a week. "I didn't want to take a job just to have a job," he said. "If I was going to take on a new job, it had to be the perfect combination."

However, the role in Copenhagen intrigued him. Firstly, Steven had held "every single musical job the opera has to offer" at that point in his career - except chorus master. Secondly, Steven had visited Copenhagen a couple of years prior for a boat party in the harbour, and the city had left a positive impression. "Especially the architecture," he recalled. "Every city should have a gorgeous opera house on its main square!"

When Steven returned to Copenhagen for his auditions and interviews, he watched performances at the theatre and discussed the future vision for the company with his boss, John Fulljames. The role turned out to be "the perfect combination." He accepted the job and moved to Copenhagen in August of 2018. Now, his office at the Copenhagen Royal Opera overlooks those same boats passing up and down the harbour - the cornerstone of his first Copenhagen experience.

OLD DANISH, NEW DANISH No proper quest for knighthood would be complete without a few obstacles for the protagonist to overcome. One of the first obstacles Steven faced upon his arrival to Denmark was a different work culture. "I'm so used to long days in this job, it feels like it just comes with the territory," he said, recalling the German system in particular where they would rehearse in mornings and evenings five or six days a week and often perform on Sundays. When he came to Denmark and was told they only rehearsed once per day, he was shocked. Although it took some time for Steven to recalibrate his expectation of what is reasonable, he strives to adjust to the culture wherever he finds himself. "You can't bring your own way and only expect others to bend to it; instead, bring the best of you into their system and find your place from there."

Another obstacle Steven still faces is learning Danish, adding that he's had more difficulty learning Danish than any other language. He was so proficient in German he regularly introduced operas in German while working in Karlsruhe. "Here, I find myself speaking pretty close to Danish, yet people don't understand me," he said. "I think because so few people speak Danish as a foreign language, Danes aren't used to hearing Danish spoken badly. In English, Spanish, German, there are enough nonnative speakers that I think native speakers' ears are trained to better understand what people mean, even if the pronunciation is off." During Steven's time in Copenhagen, the Opera has performed several operas in Danish, including the Danish operas Maskarade and Drot og Marsk, and The Magic Flute in Danish. Steven works closely with the language coach to determine the best way for Danish to be sung in that opera, adding that there is a difference between old Danish and modern Danish. "To me,

"YOU CAN'T BRING YOUR OWN WAY AND ONLY EXPECT OTHERS TO BEND TO IT; INSTEAD, BRING THE BEST OF YOU INTO THEIR SYSTEM AND FIND YOUR PLACE FROM THERE." - STEVEN MOORE old Danish is a bit more like how the Queen would speak, whereas modern Danish sounds a bit more swallowed," he said. The type of Danish one might hear in a coffee shop, he adds, doesn't work so well on stage. So, the chorus tends to sing old Danish.

"I'm not a native speaker, and I try to make it clear I'm not criticising anyone's pronunciation. My job is to support the chorus in making it beautiful and understandable for the audience."

THE OTHER SIDE OF THE WORLD Steven met his partner of five years, Christopher, in Germany during the production of My Fair Lady; Steven was conducting, and Christopher was dancing. When they decided to move to Copenhagen together, they had both lived outside their native countries for years (Christopher is Italian). However, Denmark was not without new surprises for the couple.

For example, Steven was stunned by Copenhagen's bathrooms. "For a country with such attention to aesthetic and design, I was shocked!" he said. Thankfully, the couple was able to find an apartment in their preferred neighbourhood of Indre By that had a full-size bathroom, complete with a large bathtub. "Chris was like, 'Take it!' Dancers like to have a good soak in a bath."

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13

The higher cost of living was also an adjustment. Steven estimates Copenhagen to be three times more expensive than Karlsruhe. "It took about 6 months of converting kroner to euros before I could really get my head around it," he said.

"You just get used to paying 50 euros for two burgers. And the salaries here are designed to cope with that."

The couple enjoys Copenhagen's food scene, though they've had to adjust to Danes' earlier meal times. They're more inclined to eat on an Italian schedule, with lunch at 2 pm and dinner at 10 pm. "People here eat lunch at 11:30 am and dinner at 5:30 pm!" Steven laughed. Particular favourites include Kødbyens Fiskebar, Warpigs, and Reffen. However, during the COVID pandemic, they've enjoyed ordering in a wide variety of cuisines, from Arabic to Vietnamese. "We have to remind ourselves to place our Wolt order before 8:30 pm, though, or everything will be closed except McDonald's!"

The Danish winters were also a challenge, initially. "Everyone becomes so introverted during the winter, scuttled into their homes, staying warm, lighting candles, enjoying the hygge," he said. After three Danish winters, Steven and Chris have a cupboard full of winter wear, they've come to enjoy watching the snow, and they've learned to knit - a quintessentially Danish craft. During one of their first winters in Denmark, they knit scarves for one another. Steven made Chris a scarf he estimates to be about 6 metres long in the craziest of colours, "whatever yarn we had around the house," Steven recalls. "And he still wears it!" This past winter, they made a patchwork blanket together. Otherwise, Steven plans his future castle; "A castle for Sir Steven has a nice ring to it," he jokes.

Come summer, Denmark's laid-back outdoor lifestyle reminds Steven of Australia. "When the weather is good, it seems like everyone in Copenhagen is spending time outside with friends and family," he said. His own family is what he most misses about Australia, however, they are a constant presence in his life and a driving force behind his work. "It's hard being on the other side of the world from my family - literally - but I wouldn't be here without them. I want to make them proud every single day. Every compliment, honour, or award reminds me how blessed I am to have my family."

COMPLIMENTS OF THE QUEEN One of Steven's first major achievements with the Royal Danish Opera was the chorus' nomination for opera chorus of the year in the International Opera Awards.

When he told the chorus, some of them thought it was amazing; others were unphased. "Many of the Danes were like, 'Yeah, that makes sense,'" Steven laughs, "typical Danish understatement."

He's also had the opportunity to perform for members of the Danish royal family several times. "They always remind everyone during royal performances to bow to the royal box first, then the audience," he said nonchalantly, now nearly as understated as his Danish coworkers. Queen Margrethe II, an accomplished painter and costume designer, frequently attends performances. "Having the support of such a prominent figure, one who genuinely loves and supports what we do, is invaluable for the organisation."

That made his inclusion in the Order of Dannebrog all the more special, "because it comes from a place of understanding and respect for the arts." Under normal circumstances, Steven would have had the opportunity to thank the Queen in person for the honour. However, COVID made that impossible in 2020. "I really wanted to put on a pair of white gloves and meet the Queen!" he said.

Steven was presented with his regalia and medal - a white enamelled Dannebrog cross with a red border, bearing several royal cyphers and no fewer than five Danish royal crowns - at an in-house ceremony at the theatre. Today, his medal and regalia are royal company to his cufflinks and watches until he has an opportunity to wear it - perhaps his next royal performance. "In my work, there are events where I can actually wear the regalia," Steven said. "It doesn't just sit in a box."

If Steven ever has the chance to meet Queen Margrethe II in person - rather than bowing to her from the stage or sighting her from the top balcony - you can bet he'll proudly wear his medal, continuing a tradition dating back 350 years to the establishment of the Order of Dannebrog. Bravo for the kid from Toowoomba! THE-INTL

A focus on learning Early Years setting (3-5 year olds) Primary School (5-11 year olds) Secondary School (11-16 year olds) High School (16-18 year olds)

www.nis-ngg.dk Cirkelhuset, Christianshusvej 16 DK, 2970 Hørsholm

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MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

14

CREATING A CULTURE THROUGH

COMMUNITY SINGING PHOTOGRAPHS DR1 / ISTOCK

TEXT SARAH REDOHL

The 19th edition of the Folk High School Songbook, a community singing (fællessang) classic, was released late last year. After much debate about making the songbook more inclusive, The International looks into the roots of fællessang and its role of expressing a culture and creating it.

L

LIBERATION DAY, OFFICIALLY May 5, celebrates the end of Ger-

dition began with German-born composer J.A.P. Schulz, who was

many’s occupation of Denmark during World War II with the flap-

a royal bandmaster in Copenhagen from 1787 to 1795 and left "in-

ping of Danish flags, the flicker of candles in windows the night

delible traces in Danish music life." Denmark's most prominent

prior, and the cherished Danish tradition of community singing

composer, Carl Nielsen, was heavily influenced by Schulz' work.

(fællessang).

As Schulz composed melodies for German poems, so did Nielsen

Internationals are familiar with fællessang - at birthdays, bars,

for Danish poems and verse. Because Nielsen's work is the basis

meetings, and the start of the school day. Fællessang has long

for many of the melodies in the songbook, "we will find Schulz's

proven its importance in the good times - and the bad. According

ideas in the songs we sing today."

to Denmark's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, fællessang "played a

When a pair of researchers aimed to identify 'Danishness' in

big part in keeping a sense of national solidarity" during WWII.

Nielsen's songs, they concluded that it wasn't the musical charac-

More recently, fællessang became a way to connect during COV-

teristics - not the horn fifths, not the flatted sevenths - that made

ID, with one-fifth of Danes tuning in to sing-alongs broadcast by

his work "authentically Danish." Rather, it was Nielsen's aim to

SARAH REDOHL

the Danish Broadcasting Corporation (DR). Even Prime Minister

write songs that spoke to 'the Spirit of the People' (folkeånd), as

JOURNALIST, WRITER,

Mette Frederiksen led a virtual sing-along in April 2020 from her

well as the songs' reception across Denmark and their use in com-

FILMMAKER

kitchen! In 2021, Liberation Day fællessang may remain virtual,

munity singing. The authors argue that these factors constructed

but that won't be the only difference. There's also a new edition

the perception of the songs being "especially Danish." Ultimate-

Sarah is a journalist, writ-

of the Folk High School Songbook (Højskole-

ly, the songs are Danish because people perceive them as Danish.

er, and filmmaker from the

sangbogen).

BALANCING TRADITION AND RENEWAL Dating back to 1894, the book has become Denmark's most popular songbook and a frequent national bestseller. However, each edition of

IT WAS NIELSEN'S AIM TO WRITE SONGS THAT SPOKE TO 'THE SPIRIT OF THE PEOPLE' (FOLKEÅND).

the songbook isn't without contention, and

Nielsen said something similar in 1924: "It's the people who grab hold of a song and turn it into a national song...and when it happens, the decisive factor is the spirit of the times far more than any literary or musical taste." Century after century, crisis after crisis, songbook after

American Midwest. Although she holds a journalism degree from the University of Missouri, she’s been a natural-born storyteller since she could talk. Her work has

the latest version was no exception, writes Songbook Committee

songbook, the debate continues because these decisions help de-

taken her all over the world,

Chairman Jørgen Carlsen. This year's controversies range from

fine the 'Danishness' of the future.

from Amsterdam to Zambia and many places in between.

requests for the removal of a song called 'Grandpa put your teeth on' for the way it portrays the elderly to debates about the inclu-

BOTH SIDES NOW

She's travelled to more than

sion of a song titled 'Ramadan in Copenhagen' by rapper Isam B.

People seem to be 'grabbing hold' of the 19th edition; the Songbook Committee must have succeeded in balancing renewal and

40 countries, living in sever-

Even the New York Times weighed in on the latter.

People are, of course, sad to see songs they love excluded to

tradition. Released in November 2020, 120,000 copies had been

make way for contemporary additions. But each edition must

sold by mid-January. When I flipped through the new book, I

strike a balance between tradition and renewal, wrote Songbook

was surprised to find so many English-language songs I grew up

Committee Member Mette Sanggaard Schultz. For her, every time

with 7250 kilometres away. For example, 'Both Sides Now' by Jo-

she sings 'In Denmark I was born' ('I Danmark er jeg født') is a

ni Mitchell expresses the duality of life through the metaphor of

reminder of fællessangs original ideological aim to connect citi-

clouds: "One day, soft and friendly. The next, full of rain," reads

zens in a nation state - "to make them a people."

the song's description.

The role of community singing in national identity is well-recog-

Whether or not the song is inherently Danish, it has 'grabbed

nised, stated matter-of-factly by nearly every source I uncovered

hold' of enough people to persist through numerous editions of

for this article. The conclusion, it seems, is that the songs we sing

the songbook. In the song's eighth verse, Mitchell sings about

together don't just reflect the culture, they help create the culture.

how, with every day, we both gain something while losing anoth-

al before settling down in Copenhagen with her partner and their two (well-travelled) cats. Prior to moving to Europe, Sarah worked in a variety of newsrooms, from print to radio, and taught multimedia journalism at her alma mater. @sarahredohl

er. Whether applied to our daily life, an anthology of songs, or a

@sarahredohl

"AUTHENTICALLY DANISH"

country's culture itself, I can't think of a better metaphor for the delicate balance of tradition and renewal. THE-INTL

@sarahredohl

According to the Danish Royal Library, the Danish folk song tra-

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

15

DOING BUSINESS

IN DENMARK A UNIQUE WORK-LIFE BALANCE ENVIRONMENT!

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES

D

DENMARK HAS MANAGED to build a professional business environment within a globally recognised social welfare safety net.

Poverty is a very relative term in Denmark, where there are a variety of robust social welfare systems to ensure that no one falls through the cracks. This is one of the reasons why the Danish flexicurity business employment model works so well.

Consequently, a combination of the Danish social welfare safety net and the general willingness to carry out re-education are the basis of a country that is also an excellent place to do business.

FLEXICURITY Denmark's famous labour market model (Flexicurity) is widely admired for its ability to reflect the needs of employers while, at the same time, safeguarding the welfare of employees. The model has three core elements:  Employers have the right to hire and fire at will and do so without excessive costs for dismissing employees. Noticeably, litigation surrounding dismissals is un common.  Employees who join and pay subscrip tion fees to an unemployment insurance fund get up to two years' unemployment benefit after losing their jobs.  The Danish Government runs educa tion and retraining programmes as well as counselling services to get unem ployed people back to work as quickly as possible. These are remarkably success ful even though unemployment rose from 4% (prior to COVID-19) to 6.2% but has fallen again to 4.6% (March 2021).

Additionally, the Danish State safety net includes providing basic subsistence allowance payments for people who lose their livelihood due to illness, divorce or unemployment, and who do not qualify under other social welfare schemes such as pension or unemployment benefit.

THE DANISH DNA The Vikings were great traders – a skill we still see clearly in the Danish DNA and this has brought them great success regionally, internationally and globally with a very distinctive business footprint.

Geographically, well-positioned between the Nordic countries and the rest of Europe, linguistic malleability has also

MARIANO ANTHONY DAVIES helped Denmark develop a pool of talented professionals who speak English well and German. Furthermore, it is noteworthy that Danish business infrastructure is top-class, with reliable supplies of electricity and water as well as a well-developed financial system.

Let's look at some recent statistics. The World Bank has concluded that as a business environment, Denmark is best in Europe and fourth in the world for ease of business. Furthermore, according to Forbes Business Magazine, Denmark is the seventh most inviting country for capital investment despite the high taxes associated with the functional social welfare state.

CLEANTECH AND LIFE SCIENCE Despite its size, Denmark has become home to world-class companies in several industries, focusing on renewable energy. Ambitious energy policies have helped put Denmark at the forefront of "cleantech", and the country has a goal of being completely independent of all fossil fuels by 2050. However, this is a much-discussed strategic goal, which will be very costly to achieve now.

Denmark also has one of the strongest clusters globally when it comes to biotech and life science, bridging across to Southern Sweden. This cluster is based on robust public-private partnerships and has attracted leading companies from all over the world. This has created a respected and efficient R&D environment.

SHIPPING Viking maritime knowledge has culminated in modern times with a merchant shipping footprint that is the sixth-largest in operational tonnage. The world's leading

THE WORLD BANK HAS CONCLUDED THAT AS A BUSINESS ENVIRONMENT,

PRESIDENT & CEO OXFORD BUSINESS SERVICES APS

DENMARK IS BEST IN EUROPE AND FOURTH IN THE WORLD FOR EASE

Mariano has over 35 years

OF BUSINESS.

global experience as a busi-

container shipping operator (Maersk Line) is Danish and still has its headquarters in Copenhagen – annually transporting over 12 million containers to ports worldwide.

WORK-LIFE BALANCE Foreigners who join Danish business teams have commented that the Danish way of working is highly focused during working hours (including a brief 30-minute lunch break) and then a late-afternoon shift to family and personal time. Not many Danes (beyond executives) stay at the office after 4.30 PM or 5.00 PM. What is noticeable is that Danes seem to be highly effective while at work and have been found by many international companies to be just as effective as those in other countries who spend many more hours a day at the office.

This work-life balance makes for happier employees and strong families. Add to this an effective national network of quality subsidised child-care facilities, which gives Danish women the opportunity to compete on equal footing with Danish men.

There is no legal minimum wage in Denmark. Instead, the relatively high wages are set as part of the regular negotiations between employers and labour unions.

Even though around 67 % of Danish workers are union members, strikes are uncommon, because both sides seem to feel a duty to reach an agreement that will benefit society at large. THE-INTL

ness executive. He spent ten years with KPMG, thirty years with British Chambers of Commerce (while also running his own companies). 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 44 years and has held over 100 official anti-Brexit speeches since 2016. He both speaks and writes Danish without difficulty. oxford-business.com

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

16

RELAX, REFLECT, RECHARGE SUMMER OPTIONS FOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT SKYLER BENTLEY HALL

S

SUMMER HOLIDAY (SOMMERFERIE) is an ideal time for high school students to explore creative and enriching pursuits.

Whether choosing to enrol in a summer course, volunteer, gain work experience, or enjoy much-needed downtime, the focus should be on organising a personalised and meaningful break.

PROGRAMMES IN DENMARK Educational Consultant Christiane Louise Conradt-Eberlin of Schooling Denmark supports international families with school selections and highlights a few academically scoped Englishspeaking programmes for teens in Denmark.  VIA Summer School - Students living in Viborg (16+) can explore creative programmes such as Comic Creation, Classical Drawing, Animation, or 2D TV Animation.  Herlufsholm Kostskole - Foreign and Danish teenagers living abroad (13-15) can enjoy the Danish language and culture activities at a local boarding school. Students participate in creative courses, sports, and social excursions.  Ranumefterskole - Team-building activities for youth (14-17) include: cheerleading, creative, adventure, sailing, scuba diving, dance, cross-fitters and e-sport camps.

❝The basic elements within the Danish educational model are founded in building the interpersonal skills within - how to cooperate, how to build identity, and how to become a good citizen.❞ - CHRISTIANE

SERVICE-ORIENTED PROJECTS Copenhagen International School’s Secondary School Counsellor, Amanda Lopez, explains that as part of the IBDP, students work on creativity, activity, and service projects over the summer between Grade 11-12. When travel was more widely available, CIS students would often go to their home country to complete service projects or participate in school-based initiatives like Team Peru and Project Wallacea.

❝Now we are seeing students participate in local initiatives such as beach cleanups, trash collecting, volunteering for community members, or pursuing online initiatives like Translators without Borders.❞

VIRTUAL OPTIONS With limited travel this year, students may consider virtual courses through EdX, FutureLearn or Coursera. These Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) are a cost-effective and COVID-friendly way to get a taste of university life while studying with professors and like-minded students. My clients have been inspired by new academic pathways studying Cryptography, Robotics, and Microeconomics. Students may also explore virtual college tours, fairs, and open days to learn more about university life.

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

SKYLER BENTLEY HALL STUDYING ABROAD If interested in opportunities beyond Denmark, studying abroad may still be a feasible option. Frederiksberg resident, Katharina from Ny Hollænderskolen, is optimistic about travelling to Scotland for English and Theatre studies at International Summer School for Teens (ISSFT).

❝Scottish culture seems very intriguing. The old castles, green landscapes, and Loch Ness monster. I would love to make new friends, meet people with different backgrounds and become more fluent in English. Summer school is a good mixture of learning and having the time of my life.❞ ISSFT welcomes ambitious Scandinavian and internationals (1217 years) interested in Environmental Sustainability, Journalism, Law, English, and Global Entrepreneurship. Their campus overlooks Stirling Castle, where Margaret of Denmark, Queen of Scotland by marriage of King James III, lived with her children until 1486. While partnering with ISSFT to offer career and university prep courses, I was pleasantly surprised to gain insight into the bonds between Denmark and Scotland. Through the NordicBaltic Policy, Scotland aims to strengthen relations with Nordic and Baltic regions through policy exchange, emphasising environmental goals.

❝Students from Denmark and other Scandinavian countries make an excellent contribution to our community. They are passionate environmentalists, and a few have been topranked golfers. Students come with an open mind and immerse themselves fully in our global programme, which focuses on fun, friendship, and adventure. We are proud of the historical and cultural links between Denmark and Scotland.❞ - CAREY-JEAN ROWE, DIRECTOR, ISSFT Whether choosing a virtual, local or study abroad experience this summer, the utmost priority should be finding a good balance while building in time to relax, reflect and recharge.THE-INTL

EDUCATIONAL CONSULTANT Skyler is originally from Canada, and after living in Switzerland for several years, she transitioned to Denmark with her husband and son all proud Canadians. Skyler has worked in the education sector for three decades and found her true passion for supporting students with their educational journey. As the Founder of Bentley Hall Educational Consulting, she advises on career and university options globally. Skyler enjoys spending time with family, exploring new cultures, and embracing the hygge lifestyle in beautiful Denmark. bentleyhall.ca instagram.com/skylerbent leyhall/ facebook.com/skyler.bent leyhall

17

HELPING OUR LEARNERS

TO SLEEP BETTER HOW NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL (NIS) IS SUPPORTING LEARNERS AND THEIR PARENTS.

PHOTOGRAPHS NORTH ZEALAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT SHANI BISHOP & MICHELLE ANIERE-BENTSEN

M

MICHELLE ANIERE-BENTSEN, the

A WELCOMING ROOM FOR LEARNERS - PIC: MICHELLE ANIERE-BENTSEN

social and emotional counsellor at NIS, offers online sessions with learners and parents at the school, while face to face meetings are not possible. Learners at the school or their parents can contact Michelle for help and advice at any time. Conversations focus mainly on 5 categories: responsible decision making, self-awareness, self-management, relationship awareness and social awareness.

Areas that are going well as well as areas of focus are highlighted, and an action plan is then made collaboratively. During these sessions, sleep is a significant issue for many young people during this time.

BENEFITS OF GOOD SLEEP FOR LEARNERS

#5 SCREENS Turn off screens one hour before bed. The blue light disturbs your natural sleep rhythm.

#6 CREATE A CALM BEDROOM ENVIRONMENT Use apps to drift off. Try sleep stories with children on the Calm app (free).

#7 MIND RUNNING AWAY WITH YOU? Writing down your thoughts before bed can help.

#1 SET A SCHEDULE Going to bed most nights at the same time creates a pattern and a routine. Your body works best with regular patterns of sleep. Weekends are difficult as we tend to want to snooze more but try to stick to the pattern as much as possible (especially if you are trying to repair your sleeping patterns).

#2 THE BEDROOM If possible, save the bedroom for bedtime so as not to confuse your system. If you have no option due to limited space, then it is a good idea to change the lightning, so it is bright and airy during the day and has dimmed lighting in the evening because your internal clock is regulated by light. During the dark Danish winters, use lamps in the morning to brighten the room. During the last year of COVID, it has become a habit for some to work from bed!

It is definitely best to create a separate space for work.

#3 EXERCISE Daily exercise has across the board benefits to general wellbeing. It helps you get a really good night’s sleep.

Make a manageable exercise routine (Try Mapmyrun, Couchto5km or 7minworkout) and remember to save time to wind down before bedtime.

HOW MUCH SLEEP SHOULD CHILDREN GET? You can check to see if your children (and you!) are getting enough sleep from the table below. This table from the National Sleep Foundation (www.sleepfoundation.org) recommends appropriate sleep durations for different age ranges. THE-INTL

AGE RECOMMENDED MAY BE APPROPRIATE School-aged children 6-13 years 9 to 11 hours 7 to 8 hours 12 hours Teenagers 14-17 years 8 to 10 hours 7 hours 11 hours Young adults 18-25 years 7 to 9 hours 6 hours 10 to 11 hours Adults 26-64 years 7 to 9 hours 6 hours 10 hours

ENROLLING NOW FOR AUGUST 2021 We are opening a new year 7 (11-12 years) and year 4 (8-9 years) class due to increased demand. We also have some spaces in other classes for August 2021. See the website for more details and apply through ngg.openapply.com

#4 FOOD AND LIQUID INTAKE Caffeine in sodas and coffee keeps you awake, so limit them or drink them early in the day.

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

THE DOOR IS ALWAYS OPEN - PIC: MICHELLE ANIERE-BENTSEN

We all know that sleep is essential for good health. Getting regular good quality sleep will naturally improve functioning for children in all areas; mentally, physically and emotionally. We all know that our emotions tend to run away with themselves when we are tired. It also keeps the bugs away as it improves the immune system, boosts metabolism, keeps hormones balanced, and improves brain function. This all helps with responsible decision making.

Michelle has put together her tips for a good night’s sleep for young people. Some are recommendations from trusted sources, and others are simply things she has found to work for herself and learners at the school!

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SHINE A LIGHT FOR DENMARK´S LIBERATION

H

PHOTOGRAPHS THE MUSEUM OF DANISH RESISTANCE 1940-1945 / ISTOCK

HAVE YOU EVER wondered why most families have candles glowing in the window on the evening of 4th May every year? It is more than just hygge.

END OF GERMAN OCCUPATION It was 4th May 1945, and Danes celebrated after hearing a message on the radio heralding the liberation of Demark from German occupation. This meant that they no longer had to use heavy black curtains to keep the light from escaping their houses. People flocked into the streets, waving the Danish flag (Dannebrog) and burned their black curtains, and many lit candles in their windows that same evening.

During the occupation, it was forbidden to have light streaming through the windows after dark, as the Germans were trying to stop the British from using this for navigation. Streetlights were also subdued, and stones on the roads were painted white. Some also painted the backs of their bikes white to be seen on the dimly lit roads.

LIBERATION DAY On the 5th of May 1945, the Germans surrendered officially at 8 am. From that day on, every year, the Danish flag (Dannebrog) is raised on official buildings (from 8 am, it is raised at half-mast until noon on 9th April) to mark the beginning of the German occupation. Many Danish families also raise the flags at their houses as a sign of respect.

THE OCCUPATION 9th April 1940, Germany occupied Denmark. The Danish government and King functioned relatively normal in a de facto protectorate until 29th August 1943, when Germany placed Denmark under direct military occupation.

RESISTANCE GROUPS Several resistance groups were established during the occupation. Resistance fighters were ordinary people who fought against the Germans and for the freedom of Denmark. Some worked on illegal pub-

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

lications as the Germans censured everything during that time. They produced and distributed illegal material exposing goings-on in Christiansborg (Danish parliament) and news from the frontline. Other groups worked on sabotaging factories that Germans had a vested interest in and freeing Danes captured by the Germans.

A couple of the sabotage groups were relatively well-known. One of them was BOPA (Borgerlige Partisaner), who had their own factory producing machine guns and imported explosive from Berlin. Another group Hvidstengruppen https://www.visitranders.dk/randers/oplevelser/hvidstengruppen was active around Hvidsten Kro between Mariager and Randers between March 1943 - March 1944.

HVIDSTENGRUPPEN Hvidstengruppen was established by the owner of Hvidsten Kro, Maruis Fiil. They gathered weapons thrown out of planes with parachutes by Danish resistance members. They then distributed the weapons to activists who carried out missions all over Jutland. Unfortunately, the group was apprehended by Gestapo (the secret German police), and eight of their members were prosecuted. That made a significant impression on the people of Denmark.

A movie called This Life, which was

TEXT JOSEPHINE WAN

based on the activities of Hvidstengruppen, was released in 2012. It received positive reviews, and 250,000 people flocked to see it in the first two weeks of opening at the box office.

HVIDSTEN KRO Hvidsten Kro has been in existence for more than 200 years. The fifth generation of the family now owns it, and it is a preserved property. The Kro was made famous by the Hvidstengruppen and activities that were carried out during the war.

The owner of Hvidsten Kro, Marius Fiil, his son and his son-in-law were among those eight Hvidstengruppen members that were prosecuted.

Many people visit Hvidsten Kro because of its history. If you have not been there before, maybe you can plan a visit this summer, as most of us will probably stay in Denmark again this year. THE-INTL

JOSEPHINE WAN B2B SALES COORDINATOR Born and raised in international Hong Kong, Josephine developed her interests in languages and culture from an early age. She speaks Cantonese, Mandarin, English, German and Danish, and she has travelled to over 20 countries.

REMEMBER (HUSK): JOIN THE DAN-

Living in Denmark since 1999,

ISH COMMUNITY BY MARKING LIBER-

she’s been a Danish citizen for

ATION DAY AND LIGHT A CANDLE THAT

10 years and speaks fluent

SHINES BRIGHT ON THIS HISTORIC DAY.

Danish, and considers herself

SHARE YOUR PICS WITH US @THEIN-

fully integrated. However, she

TERNATIONALDENMARK

still remembers the challenges when she first moved here: the language barrier, who to ask for help and advice, etc.

She hopes to contribute and share useful insights and positive experiences with other internationals through her articles. https://www.facebook. com/trainofthoughtBYjose phinewan @my_train_of_thought_ by_jj https://dk.linkedin.com/in jjyanyanwan

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JUTL AND

FINDING YOUR FEET DURING A PANDEMIC AARHUS AND EASTERN JUTLAND IS HOME TO MANY INTERNATIONALLY-MINDED COMPANIES AND ORGANISATIONS CONTRIBUTING TO THIS AREA'S INTERNATIONALISATION. THIS MONTH INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY GIVES THE FLOOR TO MUSICIAN STEPHEN WHALE.

PHOTOGRAPHS MATTHEW GIOBBI / ISTOCK

TEXT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY

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2020 WAS A year of much change owing to the pandemic, of course.

But for me, personally, the previous year was also the year my wife and I decided to move to Aarhus. She was fortunate to be offered a long-term job at Aarhus University, and I decided to accompany her. We arrived in Aarhus in January 2020, before COVID-19 was an issue, with high hopes and great expectations for this great leap of ours.

"MY ADVICE TO OTHER INTERNATIONALS AND ACCOMPANYING SPOUSES, EXERCISE PATIENCE." - STEPHEN WHALE

LIFE OF AN ACCOMPANYING SPOUSE Pulling up stakes and moving to a new country is a big decision, but we’re both glad we did it. Although the pandemic struck immediately after our arrival and not having any concrete plans concerning my job situation, it’s been a good move. I have come to the understanding that most accompanying spouses are women, in Denmark at least. Being a ‘minority’ among accompanying spouses has not been a problem for me as Denmark is a very progressive country regarding gender roles. A reasonable amount of attention is given to male spouses and accompanying spouses in general, and I feel at ease and very welcome here.

GET OUT THERE AND MAKE YOUR MARK It’s essential to make an effort when moving to a new country with a different culture than where you’ve come from. For me personally, I am pretty accustomed to settling down in a new place. Originally from Australia and having lived and worked in New York City and Helsinki, I firmly believe it is worthwhile to join a club or an association, engage in some activities with others, and learn the language to feel more integrated and welcome.

As for the latter, doing Danish classes is very useful for understanding the Danish culture, personalities and traditions. Danish classes have practical benefits as well. Even though plenty of information and advice is available regarding housing, finances, employment etc., in English, there is often more details in Dan-

ish. Danish classes can also be a great way to meet other internationals. They can bond over common challenges of learning the language, and you can meet people from a large variety of cultures and professional backgrounds. Although my language classes have been almost all online due to the pandemic, I have got to know various internationals with different backgrounds.

MUSIC - MY PASSION AND WORK My profession is teaching music – more specifically, I teach piano. However, at the beginning of my job search in Aarhus, no vacancies as a piano teacher were available. This meant that I had to be creative by reaching out on Facebook to post private piano lessons. Shortly afterwards, I got my first students, and after some time, I was offered a part-time job as a piano teacher at an international school in the Aarhus Region – an offer I jumped at.

Besides teaching the piano, I also play music professionally. Being a musician, there were good chances for me to network and make myself known to people since Aarhus is well-known for its great culture and music life. Making a name for yourself in the music business is demanding and requires a strong network. Unfortunately, networking was quite challenging because I had not met many Danish musicians before coming to Denmark.

However, after some time trying to get to know people in the music business, a cellist contacted me last summer.

The result was that we performed three concerts together in late November and early December, just before the second lockdown came into effect. Recently an established clarinettist, who is from New Zealand but has lived in Denmark for seven years, contacted me about starting a floating chamber music ensemble to perform concerts in Aalborg, Aarhus and other parts of Jutland. My struggle with teaching and performing just goes to show that patience is rewarded eventually. My advice to other internationals and accompanying spouses - exercise patience. THE-INTL

INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY OF AARHUS We of fe r a w ide ra ng e of events, seminars and online activities that help internationals get settled in Denmark.

Learn more on our website or follow us on: www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.internationalcommu nity.dk @internationalcommunity Aarhus @internationalcommunity aarhus

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ENGAGING ACTIVE MINDS OVER SUMMER THE DAYS ARE GETTING LONGER, TEMPERATURES ARE RISING SLOWLY, AND THE ACADEMIC CALENDAR YEAR IS EVAPORATING AS THE WEEKS FLY BY.

T

PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL

TEXT MONIKA PEDERSEN

THERE IS NO need to despair, for there is a phenomenal opportunity to extend the school year, pursue learning, and have fun at Copenhagen International School, CIS, for they are holding Summer School.

SUMMER LEARNING CIS leads the charge here in Denmark by providing a variety of extra-curricular and enrichment opportunities at the end of June and the start of July. The aim is to provide young people with the chance to learn new skills, make some new friends, and expand their horizons.

This is highly popular in many international schools, and back in the US, there is a massive culture of summer camps, summer schools, and enrichment programmes.

TO ENSURE YOUR CHILD HAS AN ENJOYABLE AND ENRICHING EXPERIENCE WITH PLENTY OF OPPORTUNITIES, CIS HAS GREAT CAMPS TO OFFER STUDENTS OVER THE SUMMER:

ACTIVITY CAMP (AGE 4-7) This is a unique experience where students can partake in stimulating experiences that appeal to various skill sets. The offerings include arts and crafts, music, cookery, sports, design and building, and sports. The diversity of the programme allows students to develop their skills and competencies in several areas. Though not part of a strictly academic curriculum, which is not the goal for this age range or the programme, these activities provide a child with invaluable life skills! In addition, Covid 19 restrictions permitting, students will be able to take a weekly day trip to explore the local environment.

ROCKET LAB CAMP (AGE 8-12)

ENGLISH CAMP (AGE 12-17)

For the more mechanically inclined child, Rocket Lab is the ticket, as this is the ultimate experience for science buffs! The weeks will be filled with opportunities to explore the world of Science, scientific theories, and the possibility of devising experiments to test out the theories. Don’t miss the chance to develop the ‘Einstein’ in you!

The ability to master English is fundamental and underpins the understanding and, consequently, access content in all subjects. The teaching is delivered through the lens of having fun with language and bringing it to life. This is not a textbook situation but an active language application class. The course is available for one or two weeks, and the work covered is stand-alone, so students can sign up for the week that suits them best.

ENGLISH CAMP (AGE 8-12)

ART CAMP (AGE 8-12) For a chance to develop your child's artistic talents, Art Camp is the perfect place. This is a fantastic chance to learn and sharpen artistic skills in many areas, including drawing, design, prints making, sculpting and more. The proposed list of art forms is endless, and the programme welcomes emerging artists to more experienced ones, so there is a spot for everyone!

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

Should your child need a little help with the English Language, then the course of intensive English for nonnative speakers is a valuable chance to receive individual support and enjoy small group activities. The course provides students with grammar, writing skill development, and oral practice in an emotionally safe environment. This class should not be missed. As a former EAL summer school teacher, I can personally vouch for the tremendous impact and development in confidence such a course can make.

Summer school is all about self-fulfilment, risk-taking, extending friendship groups and building on or acquiring new skills through the guidance of qualified educators, many of whom are teachers at CIS. The groupings are small to allow for individualized teaching and attention. The school day is more relaxed with a start time of 9:00 and finishes at 15:00, so students can still have an entire evening to enjoy their other activities and family time. Be rest assured that summer school is a fantastic opportunity for your child. Don’t hesitate, call today and reserve your place. THE-INTL FOR FURTHER DETAILS CONTACT ALEXANDER ACHIAM BY EMAIL ALEXANDER.ACHIAM@CIS.DK OR +45 3946 3300 - EXT 346.

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COLLECTIVE IDEAS CAN

CHANGE OUR FUTURE CONFERENCE ON THE FUTURE OF EUROPE – A CHANCE IN A CENTURY

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE

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THE DREAM TO unite Europe is as old as Europe itself. Through various ways, many have attempted precisely that. However, the "many" rarely reflected the majority.

The discussions about Europe have long been the fine salons and tea houses domain, where rulers, politicians, accomplished thinkers and business leaders would debate and decide on our shared future. Even the European Union has started as a topdown, elite-driven project.

Why did I use "has started" instead of "is"? Because the European project gave life to the European citizens, which took ownership of the European Union. Today's Union is rapidly developing, with the interest of the citizen at its core. You don't believe me? Check out the Conference on the Future of Europe, which is the largest democratic exercise globally (and the first of its kind), where all citizens of Europe will contribute to a collective future.

The next step in the evolution of the European Union will not only be driven by fancy people in fancy places - it will be driven by us (regardless of background) that want to shape the expected future.

"Look, mom, we just passed the border… and there was no one to check us!"

I still remember my first contact with the idea of Europe vividly. It wasn't when I applied to study abroad or even when I got accepted. Instead, it was when my family and I crossed border after border, without any guards present, on our way to the university in Denmark. The idea of no borders planted a seed in my head. Who knew it would blossom into a strong desire for federalism and love for the European project just a few years later?

I was not born European and had minimal contact with the European values in post-communist Romania. However, after years of nurturing, the European project made me into a European citizen. I am just one of the many millions that have wit-

NARCIS GEORGE MATACHE POLITICIAN Born in 1990 in a village in the north-east of Romania, Narcis made Aalborg his new home since 2009. Smitten by the Danish model, he decided to nessed this transformation. The project of our founding fathers intended to end the war in Europe and bring prosperity. It did that and a bit more. It created us, the European citizens.

Are all the European citizens, fancy people meeting in fancy places? No, we are not.

We represent all walks of life, and since our creation, we have pushed the European Union to become more citizen-needs centred and more democratic. In that way, you can say that the Conference on the Future of Europe is the epitome of our influence. A chance for more courageous moves towards further integration.

Can we, everyday people, be braver than the elites in the construction of the European Union? Yes. Why you wonder? Because we don't get bogged down in complicated ideals. What is the Union, after all? A tool to make our lives better.

HOW CAN YOU CONTRIBUTE? The Conference on the future of Europe

"EUROPE WILL NOT BE MADE ALL AT ONCE, OR ACCORDING TO A SINGLE PLAN. IT WILL BE BUILT THROUGH CONCRETE ACHIEVEMENTS WHICH FIRST CREATE A DE FACTO SOLIDARITY." - ROBERT SCHUMAN -

get involved in the local community leading to him becoming a strong voice on the topic of usage of the local political rights by the internationals. In 2017, he became the first non-

will run up until spring 2022, when the Conference's conclusions will become guidelines for the Union's development. It will contain the future that the majority wants, whatever that might be. You can choose to participate in the Conference or let others decide your future for you.

If you want to contribute, you can easily do that. Access the hub of the Conference, which is a multilingual digital platform https://futureu.europa.eu and submit your ideas, hold discussions with others, find events related to the Conference or even guidelines on how to organise your own events. 2021 is all about Europe. The best way to mark Europe Day (9th May) is to participate in the Conference. THE-INTL

Danish citizen to run for regional elections and to represent Denmark in the Council of Europe. He holds or held leadership positions in European Youth Denmark, Europabevægelsen, Socialdemokratiet Nørresundby, DSU Aalborg, and Frit Forum International. www.facebook.com/Narcis George.Matache/ https://www.linkedin.com/ in/narcisgmatache/

LAST WEEK IN

DENMARK

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22

VISITING THE DANISH

ISLAND OF FUR

LOCATED IN THE SOUTHERN PART OF THE LIMFJORD IN THE AREA OF CENTRAL DENMARK REGION, THE ISLAND OF FUR OFFERS A QUIET ESCAPE FOR NATURE LOVERS LOOKING FOR BEAUTIFUL VIEWS, CRAFT BEERS, FOSSIL HUNTING AND MORE. PHOTOGRAPHS VISITDENMARK

TEXT KELLY KRISTENSEN

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WITH THE COUNTRY slowly coming out of its second lockdown, it is hard to say what summer travel will look like this year.

Many people may be looking to create yet another staycation in Denmark, and the natural areas will be where many choose to plan their trips. While deciding on which areas to explore this summer, you should consider leaving a spot on your bucket list for the island of Fur. Well-known for its magnificent cliffs, Fur is easily accessible. With only one way to get to the island, travellers to Fur will start their trip at the town of Salling and take the 4-minute ferry over the Limfjord. This ferry runs 24 hours a day, and no reservation is required. They take passengers and vehicles on a first-come-firstserved basis, so if you miss one ferry, you only have about a 10-minute wait until the next one.

Fur is also a perfect place for those new to exploring nature, experienced hikers or those wanting a great place for a weekend bike trip. With well-marked trails all throughout its area of 22 square kilometres, Fur is easy to explore. You can get a detailed trail map at naturstyrelsen.dk (in Danish) to help you plan your course of action.

KELLY KRISTENSEN WRITER AND BLOGGER Kelly is an American teacher turned marketer living in rural

" WITH WELL-MARKED TRAILS ALL THROUGHOUT ITS AREA OF 22 SQUARE KILOMETRES, FUR IS EASY TO EXPLORE." Next are the notable areas of Store Knudshoved and the Knudeklinterne. Here, you will find viewing platforms made of steel that allow you a nice view of the Limfjord as well as the rainbow layers of the rocks.

FUR ØL NATURAL WONDERS OF FUR Once on Fur, travel along the western coast of the island. For the best views of the cliffs, you will want to park at the first parking lot near the coast just south of the entrance to the Fur Bryghus and walk northwards.

The first of the cliffs is called Lille Knudshoved, Fur’s westernmost point. The views along this path and from the top of the cliffs are like no other in Denmark, and on clear days, you can see the other cliffs as they reach out for over 600 meters.

At this point in time, you are just a short walk from the Fur Bryghus, which is a great place to try some craft beers (øl) and get lunch in their restaurant. This is a popular place, so you will want to make a reservation before you travel to Fur. Travelling with kids? Fur Bryghus also has a terrific playground your kids are sure to enjoy.

OTHER GREAT DISCOVERIES There are also many other places worth exploring on Fur. First, the impressive Bispehuen stone looks just like the cliffs of Fur

but is located inland in Fur’s largest raw material areas. The nearby area called Den Rødsten is a rock made of meltaway sand and gravel where legends says a dragon lives. You can also visit the beach at Østklinten on the northern side of the island for a day of fun in the sun.

THE FUR MUSEUM AND FOSSIL HUNTING If you travel to Fur during the summer months, you will want to visit the Fur Museum. Here, learn more about the island’s history as well as see their fascinating fossil collection. You can even go on a fossil hunt to discover life from over 50 million years ago.

WHERE TO STAY ON FUR If you are looking for a place to stay on your visit to the island, Fur Camping campground and Fur Færgekro are great options. Both places have restaurants that serve a variety of food options, and you can also find cafés in the harbour town nearby, an art gallery or quaint shop. THE-INTL

Jutland. She is the creator of the blog and YouTube channel My New Danish Life, where she reveals her experience and tips for exploring and integrating into Denmark as part of an international family. Absorbing her inspiration and happiness in Denmark’s natural places, she is often found in the nearby woods around Viborg, Denmark, where she lives with her husband and two sons, ages 10 and 8. mynewdanishlife.com facebook.com/Mynewdan ishlife/ instagram.com/my_new_ danish_life/ youtube.com/mynewdan ishlife

LEFT TO RIGHT: DESTINATION LIMFJORDEN; SKIVEEGNENS ERHVERVS OG TURISTCENTER; SKIVEEGNENS ERHVERVS OG TURISTCENTER

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23

SK I N M I N I MA LI SM I S A LL YOU NEED FOR M AY It brings me a lot of joy to introduce you all to this trend for our May issue. The less is more concept is all that is needed for skin minimalism. For the past 20 years, heavy, thick and contoured makeup looks have been at the forefront of almost all trends and looks for beauty.

It's now time for simple, dewy, light looks that allow your natural skin texture to shine through. Foundations, powders and concealers should match your skin tone perfectly. This is undoubtedly the trend our skins have been waiting for.

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BARBARA MENSAH BEAUTY EDITOR &

1. Giorgio Armani - Luminous Silk Foundation www.matas.dk

MAKEUP ARTIST Barbara was born in England,

2. Charlotte Tilbury - Mini Airbrush Flawless Finish Setting Powder Sephora - DK

London and relocated to Copenhagen, Denmark in 2017.

She has been a professional International Makeup Art-

The same concept of minimalism is happening in skincare products. Instead of using several products on your skin as a routine, opt for easy, short and effective products that still have quality and effective results.

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ist for 11 years and a professional Lash Stylist for 3 years.

After moving to Copenhagen, Denmark, Barbara became the owner of Barbara Mensah Beauty Studio. Her stylish, cosy and chic studio provides a welcoming, comfortable space

1. Bare Minerals - Complexion

for clients to spend their time

Rescue Defense

getting glammed and pam-

www.zalando.dk

pered for those special mo2. Bobbi Brown -Vitamin Enriched Face Base www.magasin.dk 3. Body Shop - Camomile Cleansing Butter

ments and occasions.

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All bookings for Lash Extension and Makeup can be made via her social media or tel: +45 53564504

Body Shop - DK 4. Elemis Superfood Facial Oil www.boozt.com

The aim and reason behind this trend have obviously been because of the pandemic, which has given people a chance to self reflect and to really look skin deep within themselves. Mostly realising that we no longer have to hide our imperfections or freckles, or even an uneven skin. What's not to love about this skin minimalism.

barbaramensah barbaramensah barbaramensah

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

24

3 PLACES TO PADDLE A CANOE

AROUND DENMARK IT’S AN IDYLLIC DAY OUT IN DENMARK PADDLING YOUR OWN CANOE WITH YOUR PEOPLE.

PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN GUSTAFSON / ISTOCK

TEXT ERIN GUSTAFSON

C

COME MAY, AS the days grow warmer and the light stays on longer, you should consider spending an afternoon on the water. Picture this. Sunlight dapples the canopy of green trees overhead as baby ducks and coots scoot after their mamas near shore. The forest floor breathes lush and verdant, littered with tiny white wildflowers. The hint of late May lilac lingers, just as the hyldeblomst (elderflower) begin to fragrance the air. There are many spots across the country where you can rent a boat for exploring some of Denmark’s serene green spaces.

ERIN GUSTAFSON

MEANDER THE MØLLEÅ HISTORIC MILLSTREAM NEAR KONGENS LYNGBY Just thirty minutes outside the capital Copenhagen, you can slip along the Mølleå, or mill stream, that connects the Furesø to Lyngby Sø and Bagsværd Sø. (Sø = lake in Danish, so you know.) This historic millstream was originally cut to connect the region’s lakes and assist mills and factories along the way. On the brilliant blue Lyngby lake, watch as dragonflies flit from lily pad to lily pad as you carefully paddle a path in between. Some lucky paddlers will see the yellow lotus-like flowers in bloom, grown-up straight from the deep.

Those who feel ever so adventurous and really plan ahead can follow the canal all the way out to the Øresund sea. Past Lyngby Sø, the Mølleå winds under freeways and through little local villages before depositing you and your canoe out to the ocean, in between Taarbæk and Skodsborg. If you’re so keen, plan on at least a twoday journey and plot a camping spot overnight. But for a simple afternoon, you can just float and putter between Lyngby Sø and back.

Frederiksdal Canoe & Kayak Center - kanokajakcenter.dk Nybrovej 520, 2800 Lyngby Nybro Boat & Canoe Rental - nybrokano.dk Nybrovej v / ishuset 384, 2800 Lyngby

NORTHWEST JUTLAND Near the top of Denmark, you can arrange ahead to paddle from the tiny village of Uggerby out to the beach near Tversted Strand. Order a custom picnic basket to enjoy on the sand. A one-way tour takes about an hour and a half, you must just coordinate the canoe’s collection at the end if you don’t feel like paddling back. It sounds like a dreamy way to get to the wide windswept beaches of the North Sea. Kiosk on site for eats and treats before you start. There are many

LEFT TO RIGHT: ISTOCK; ISTOCK ; ERIN GUSTAFSON; ISTOCK

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

WRITER & BLOGGER

other green and forested water routes you can reach from here for those not interested in sand on your feet.

Uggerby Kanofart - uggerby-kanofart.dk Skagen Landevej 849, 9800 Hjørring

SILKEBORG LAKES REGION AND THE GUDENÅ In the middle of Jutland, the Silkeborg region is renowned for its lovely lakes and local streams. Beginning in Silkeborg Harbor, several routes lead you into Silkeborg Lake and then along the Gudenå river. Check their website for inspiration and plan your trip times online.

Silkeborg Kanocenter - silkeborgkanocenter.dk Østergade 36, 8600 Silkeborg

GOOD TO KNOW: Most canoes can hold three adults with one in the middle - or two adults and two small children under 11 years old. Life jackets and paddles are available at each site. Remember to pack out what you bring for your picnic and tread lightly in these scenic natural spaces. This list nowhere near exhaustive, so if these spots aren’t convenient – just do a quick search for “kanoudlejning” or canoe rentals near you. Best to call or book ahead or plan on arriving early to ensure a vessel for your day out on the water around Denmark. Especially when the Danish sun is shining. THE-INTL

Erin is a travel writer and culture hound exploring a life across borders in Copenhagen, Denmark. She is the creator-in-chief at Oregon Girl Around the World, a blog that focuses on sustainable travel for the whole family.

With a background in graphic design, photography and art history, Erin has a creative way of seeing a destination and believes that travel choices can have positive impacts for both the traveller and the communities visited. A local in Denmark since 2014, Erin has embraced the green city of Copenhagen and loves to share her insider tips. oregangirlaroundtheworld. com oregongirlaroundtheworld/ oregongirl_aroundtheworld

25

WHAT IS FELINE

CALICIVIRUS PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK / UNSPLASH.COM

F

FELINE CALICIVIRUS IS

a viral infection that tends to occur at animal shelters or large-scale cat breeders. The virus may contribute to oral diseases, such as severe oral infections and pain and respiratory problems.

The feline calicivirus can cause ulcerations within your cat's mouth or on the nose. You may notice your cat salivating or having trouble chewing, even dropping food when they try to pick up kibble from their bowl.

Active infections may result in eye or nasal discharge, complete with conjunctivitis and sneezing. Some may develop thicker mucoid discharge, especially if they develop a secondary bacterial infection on top of the virus.

There are many different strains of this virus, and you may see a variety of different symptoms, including lethargy, fever, or jaundice. Unfortunately, one strain is especially prone to causing widespread disease and happens to be highly infectious and fatal, according to VCA Animal Hospitals, so prompt treatment is needed.

Feline calicivirus is most prevalent in kittens, although any cat can develop it, and it is spread mostly through secretions, such as from the eyes and nose. It can even survive on surfaces for days. After becoming infected, cats can exhibit signs of illness for weeks, and they are infectious during that whole time (with some remaining infectious for an extended period).

Your veterinarian may diagnose your cat with feline calicivirus just based upon symptoms, particularly if they have respiratory signs and oral ulcerations, and may collect samples from your cat's conjunctiva or the back of their throat and submit it to a lab for testing.

TREATMENT FOR FELINE CALICIVIRUS Your veterinarian may make a variety of

recommendations for treating your cat with calicivirus. Because many of these cats have painful mouths or trouble smelling, they often don't want to eat. You may need to try high-calorie foods, such

TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM

prescribe eye medications to reduce inflammation or infection, from anti-viral drops to antibiotic ointments.

Steam up the bathroom by running a hot shower and bring your cat in the room for a few minutes to help reduce airway congestion. Wiping your cat's eyes and nose with a clean, damp cloth can also reduce local irritation.

VACCINATING FOR FELINE CALICIVIRUS AND PREVENTING INFECTION

"WIPING YOUR CAT'S EYES AND NOSE WITH A CLEAN, DAMP CLOTH CAN ALSO REDUCE LOCAL IRRITATION." as Hill's a/d, or even baby food carefully heated up. Your cat may need fluids given intravenously or under the skin to help them stay hydrated.

Certain anti-inflammatory medications may be needed, such as Onsior or meloxicam, particularly if your cat is running a high fever or develops lameness from the virus.

Your veterinarian probably won't prescribe antibiotics unless they see signs associated with a bacterial infection complicating the viral infection. In many cats with conjunctivitis, your veterinarian may

Cats benefit from the FVRCP vaccine that protects against a complex of viruses. Kittens and unvaccinated cats need to appropriately boost the first year, then following a recommended schedule, most commonly either yearly or every three years.

If one cat in the household is sick, thoroughly disinfect household surfaces, dishes, bedding, and toys. Keep sick cats isolated until they are cleared by a veterinarian, and wash your hands between handling pets to minimize the risk of transmission.

Any cat can develop feline calicivirus, and some strains are exceptionally infectious. You can reduce the risk for your cat by having them vaccinated.

If you notice that your cat isn't feeling well, contact your veterinarian for an exam and follow treatment recommendations to help reduce the duration of illness. THE-INTL

TAREK ABU SHAM CEO & FOUNDER OF MYPETERINARIAN Tarek was born in Amman, Jordan and from an early age has had a love for animals.

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

W it h M Y P E T E R I NA R I A N , Tarek has combined his veterinary experience with his entrepreneurial spirit. MyPeterinarian cares for pets in the Copenhagen area, offering pet sitting, walking, veterinary services and more to come soon. www.mypeterinarian.com

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

26

CHOOSING THE RIGHT SCHOOL EXPLORING SPECIAL NEEDS EDUCATION AND OPTIONS

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT MARTINA POPADAKOVA / SARA R. NEWELL

A

AS A PARENT of a child with special needs, you will be faced with making decisions regarding how your child's special education needs can be met. This article explores special education in mainstream schools (Folkeskole), what you should expect, and what you should consider when deciding which options are best for your child.

In most cases, children are integrated into mainstream schools. Children whose special educational needs require assistance at least 9 hours per week should be eligible for special education support in a mainstream school. Special education services are provided by the municipality and can be provided in many different ways. Ideally, they should be offered in a way that meets your child's needs.

In most cases, children with special education needs remain in a mainstream school and receive special education and extra assistance. However, not all students benefit from remaining in a mainstream school and may need other unique education options.

stream school, it is up to the school principal to involve PPR. PPR conducts an assessment of your child's educational needs and decides which special education option should be offered to your child. PPR must consult with parents before making an official decision. Parents' wishes must be clearly stated in the official decision, and parents must give their consent that their child may receive special education assistance.

Most often, an attempt will be made to include your child in the mainstream school. Children with special needs should be offered support in terms of differentiated teaching and supplemental education or social training in teams, with the support of the school. Teachers should be qualified to teach all children, including those with disabilities, since approximately 10 percent of children require some sort of special education assistance. The extent to which these general guidelines are followed, as well as the quality of special education options, will typically vary from school to school and from municipality to municipality.

ELEMENTS OF SPECIAL EDUCATION

COMPLAINTS ABOUT EDUCATIONAL DECISIONS

Special education is part of the special pedagogical assistance in mainstream primary and lower secondary schools and should include:  Special educational counselling for parents, teachers, or others whose efforts have a significant impact on the child's development  Special teaching materials and technical aids, which are necessary to provide education to the child  Education in primary and lower secondary school subjects, which are carried out according to the child's abilities and special education needs  Education and assistance should help the child to develop strategies for compensating for their disabilities  Personal assistance related to practical difficulties during school.

As previously mentioned, decisions regarding which school your child can enrol in must be made in consultation with you as a parent. If your child has significant special learning deficits which cannot be met in a mainstream school, it may be best for them to attend a school more appropriate for their specific special education needs.

The municipality you reside in has the overall authority to decide whether your child can enrol in a special education school instead of a mainstream school. If you disagree with the municipality's decision, you must submit a written complaint to the municipality no later than 4 weeks after you have received an official decision. You must receive an official decision in writing to file a complaint. If you file a complaint, you must do so through the municipality, and we strongly advise that you do so in writing.

If the municipality maintains their original decision, you can appeal to the Special Education Appeals Board (Klagenævnet for Specialundervisning).

More in-depth information about filing a complaint, and the appeals process, will follow in upcoming issues. THE-INTL

SPECIAL EDUCATION ASSISTANCE

ASSESSING YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS FOR SPECIAL EDUCATION Pedagogical Psychological Services (Pædagogisk Psykol-

PPR CONDUCTS AN ASSESSMENT OF YOUR CHILD'S EDUCATIONAL NEEDS AND DECIDES WHICH SPECIAL EDUCATION OPTION SHOULD BE OFFERED TO YOUR CHILD. ogisk Rådgivning) assesses whether your child meets requirements for special education and extra assistance.

You usually can contact PPR for information about clarifying which school will meet your child's educational needs, as well as information and advice on your options when choosing a school. If your child is already attending a main-

MARTINA POPADAKOVA is Slovak by blood and a Global Citizen by heart. She has completed an MSc in International Security & Law at the University of Southern Denmark in 2018. Over the last 2 years, she has worked as a facilitator and project coordinator in various NGOs. She is multifaceted and committed with an unwavering passion for human rights. Martina is a creator of Empowerment Journey. www.empowerment-journey.com / www.linkedin.com/in/martina-popadakova / www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1107008696 / @martinapopadakova

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

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

27

THE ROCKY PATH OF THE

INTERNATIONAL JOB SEEKER A BUMPY PATH FILLED WITH FEELINGS OF REJECTION AND BLOWS TO ONE'S SELF-ESTEEM AND ALSO, VICTORIES AND FINDING MEANING.

PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM

TEXT AINA MASOOD

A

AS YOU CAN read in my bio, I am a psychotherapist and have started my own business in Denmark, called “R.A.I.N.”. Like most internationals, when I moved to Denmark, I left behind a career, lifestyle, and much more. I remember the moment I decided to reject my offer as a lecturer at an esteemed university in my country to come and be here with my husband. By then, I already had a taste of financial independence and work that brought me joy and meaning. I was confident in my abilities and did not think it would be challenging to make my way into the Danish job market. I was aware that it would be difficult initially, and I was ready for the challenges, but I was convinced that I will be able to land a job in the first 6 months.

Needless to say, things did not go as planned. As time went by, I started ques-

AINA MASOOD PSYCHOLOGIST

trapped in a cycle of shame and self-blame, which might look like this:

"WE ARE SO MUCH MORE THAN OUR JOBS. PERHAPS THIS I S W H AT W E N E E D T O K E E P R E M I N D I N G O U R S E LV E S O F THROUGHOUT THE JOURNEY OF JOB SEEKING." tioning my worth as a professional. With every rejection email, my self-confidence shattered a little more. The biggest hit to my identity came when I learned that I couldn’t call myself a psychologist until I had the license to practice in Denmark, and this can take anywhere from 6 months to 2 years.

Like many internationals, I was hesitant to go all-in because I did not know how long I would be in Denmark. At this point, I needed to learn to accept the uncertainty.

All these hurdles pushed me to ask questions like, “Am I worthy only if I have a job?” / “Does my life have meaning only if I have a tangible salary to prove it?” / “Does my esteem depend only on a job title?”

The answer to all these questions I was asking was no. We are so much more than our jobs. Perhaps this is what we need to keep reminding ourselves of throughout the journey of job seeking.

I have been through the painful process of reinventing myself, and I understand what some of you might be going through right now. Continual rejection is debilitating for self-esteem. It makes us feel

During a job search, it is normal to tie your confidence to your job title. It is heartbreaking to receive rejection emails. It feels like constant blows to your self-esteem, and one might question their qualifications and skills. The thought of not being good enough feeds into the feelings of shame and self-blame, which in turn make you demotivated, uninspired, and hesitant to be proactive. There are ways you can break this cycle. It’s not easy, but if you are mindful of what triggers you and what you need to fill your cup with self-love, you can learn to deal with this.

Before Denmark, I knew myself only as a psychologist. Now, I am a writer, a psychotherapist, company owner, photographer, and so much more. I have found ways around this, and I am here to help you do the same.

1. BE MINDFUL: Be aware of how you talk to yourself. Ask yourself if you would talk to a friend in the same way? If not, how

would you help a friend if they were in your position and show yourself the same compassion?

2. CREATE A SOCIAL NETWORK: Have a group of friends you can be authentic with and discuss your feelings. It could also be one person and not necessarily a group.

3. LEARN TO MAINTAIN BOUNDARIES: During job seeking, it is easy to have your personal, work, and social boundaries blurred.

You might find yourself working all the time and not taking any breaks or rejuvenating yourself.

4. STRUCTURE AND ORGANISE: To cater to the problem mentioned above, make sure to plan your weekdays. Don’t put off job search-related tasks until the weekend.

Make plans for 9-16 work hours, and the rest of the time, work on yourself.

5. INCORPORATE HEALTHY HABITS: Exercise, nurture a hobby, volunteer, do things that bring you joy.

6. TURN JOB SEEKING INTO A PROJECT:

Name your job search - turn it into an adventure.

7. REMAIN IN TOUCH WITH NATURE AND SELF-REFLECT: Remind yourself why you

are doing what you are doing. Sit back and reflect on what you are doing right and what’s missing.

8. LOOK FOR WAYS TO BRING VALUE AND MEANING INTO YOUR LIFE: Sometimes, it

happens by bringing value and meaning into other peoples’ lives.

Remember: You are more than a job title.

You are more than a label. You are more than your profession. You are more than the money you earn. THE-INTL

Aina is the founder and CEO of R.A.I.N (Recognise, Accept, Investigate, Nurture), a company that helps universities and organisations take care of their colleagues and employees' mental health. Aina has completed her master's in clinical psychology from Pakistan. She has lived in the USA for 6 months and has been in Denmark for over a year. Passionate about mental health and destigmatising mental health problems, she is working towards helping individuals and organisations be healthier, happier, and more productive. She accomplishes this by working with clients via Skype, conducting workshops/webinars with various organisations, and through research and writing. She is a professional photographer and uses her pictures to reflect on her daily life and shares them on her blog. A psychologist, writer, speaker, mental health advocate, photographer, explorer, volunteer, and a wife, Aina is making her way through the world and narrating the story of her life. https://www.linkedin.com/ in/ainamasood/ https://www.instagram. com/ayena_reflections/

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

28

FOOD ART

‘CAKE POPS’

Everything you love about cake rolled into an irresistible single-serving treat!

These pops consist of crumbled cake mixed with buttercream and dipped in white chocolate.

Top with your favourite sprinkles for a festive, party-perfect dessert!

PHOTOGRAPHS CLAIRE BOGUSZ

TEXT CLAIRE BOGUSZ

CAKE POPS (MAKES APPROXIMATELY 24 POPS)

INGREDIENTS FOR CAKE: 113 g butter, room temperature 200 g sugar 3 eggs, room temperature 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar (vanilje aroma or vanilje sukker) 204 g flour (hvedemel) ½ tsp salt ½ tsp baking soda 120 g sour cream (crème fraiche)

CLAIRE BOGUSZ BAKER AND BLOGGER

INGREDIENTS FOR FROSTING: 100 g butter, room temperature 210 g icing sugar (flormelis) 1 tsp vanilla extract or vanilla sugar (vanilje aroma or vanilje sukker)

Claire grew up moving around frequently, never imagining she’d have the opportunity to experience raising her own

INGREDIENTS FOR COATING: 567 g white chocolate, finely chopped 1 tsp oil (solsikkeolie) Sprinkles in a small bowl METHOD FOR CAKE: #1 Preheat oven to 1770C. Grease springform pan and line with

parchment paper. #2 Whisk flour, baking soda, and salt together in a medium bowl.

Set aside. #3 Using an electric mixer, cream butter and sugar together until light

and fluffy, about 3 minutes. #4 Add eggs one at a time, mix, and scrape down the sides of the bowl. #5 Add vanilla and mix. #6 Add in your flour mixture and sour cream alternatively in three parts,

mixing well until all the mixture is fully incorporated and there are no

large lumps. #7 Put batter into prepared pan and bake for 30-36 minutes or

until a toothpick inserted in the centre comes out clean. If the top

of the cake starts browning too quickly, loosely cover the top with

a piece of foil for the remainder of baking time. #8 Remove from oven and allow the cake to cool completely on

wire rack.

METHOD FOR FROSTING: #1 With an electric mixer, beat butter on medium speed until creamy,

about 2 minutes. Add icing sugar and vanilla and continue to

beat for 3 minutes.

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

children as expats one day. In 2018, her husband’s job relocated the family from the USA to Copenhagen. Living in the capital city, they’ve loved biking, travelling, and the abili#2

#3

Crumble cooled cake into the bowl on top of frosting. Turn mixer on low and beat frosting and cake crumbles together until combined.

Scoop one tablespoon of moist cake mixture and roll into a ball. Place balls on a lined baking sheet and put in the refrigerator for 2 hours or freezer for 1 hour.

ty to immerse their three children in a foreign language.

Donuts to Danish was born out of Claire’s passion for creating art and her love of baking. She finds great joy in help-

METHOD FOR COATING: #1 Using a double boiler (pot with water set to boil and fitted with a glass

bowl on top), melt chopped white chocolate. Stir continuously

until chocolate is fully melted. You can add a teaspoon of oil to help

reach desired consistency. #2 Work with one cake ball at a time (keep remaining cake balls cold to

help retain shape when dipping). Dip the tip of the lollipop stick into

white chocolate and insert the stick into the bottom of the cake ball.

Holding onto the stick, dip ball into white chocolate and coat evenly.

Let excess melted chocolate drip off the ball before dipping into

sprinkles. Stick the end of the cake pop into Styrofoam block (or card

board box fitted with small holes) so that cake pop can stand upright

to fully set. Repeat with the remaining cake balls. The coating will set

within an hour. Store cake pops in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

ing others celebrate special moments with custom-made cakes and cookies. For order inquiries, email claire@donutstodanish.com www.donutstodanish.com @donutstodanish

29

THE DANISH RENTAL MARKET REGARDLESS IF IT’S A HOUSE OR AN APARTMENT YOU ARE SEARCHING FOR, OR IF YOUR PREFERRED LOCATION IS HORSENS OR COPENHAGEN CITY CENTRE, THE DANISH RENTAL MARKET IS A CHALLENGING ONE, EVEN FOR DANES.

PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK

TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE

T

THE LABYRINTH OF limited property options, high monthly rents, property sizes and a fast-moving market all make this experience quite possibly the most challenging aspect of your relocation to Denmark. Rental contracts, house rules, tenant and landlord responsibilities, move-in inspections, termination clauses, deposits, sign up for utilities… the list goes on, and all in Danish!

PRIVATE OR PUBLIC WEBSITES Numerous websites are advertising rental properties, both private and public. Public websites referring to certified and authorised rental property agencies. Private referring to those which you must pay to be a member. I do recommend going through a certified rental agency. This way, you ensure the landlords have already been screened. Plus, it’s the agency that does the lease, move-in, inspection etc. They act as an unbiased third party, and you are not charged a penny.

LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD

FURNISHED OR UNFURNISHED There are always exceptions, but typically furnished properties are fully equipped, even down to crockery, cutlery, and linen - all you need to move in with is your toothbrush! Unfurnished properties are like empty shells with no lights, wardrobes or curtains.

However, they do include most appliances like a fridge, stove, dishwasher, and sometimes washer and dryer. Strangely enough, the price is more or less the same, if not more for unfurnished.

RENTAL COSTS Three months of deposit and your first month upfront are the norms, but it is also common for landlords to request 1-3 months “pre-paid rent”. This would be used for your last three months during your termination period, but now it’s seven months rent upfront, just to move in!

Utility costs are not included in the base rent. Instead, these are averaged at 1500-2500 DKK per month, depending on the size of the property. A move-in inspection report overrides anything stated in your lease contract.

In Denmark, landlords expect UTILITY COSTS ARE you to take care of their property NOT INCLUDED IN and expect their properties to be THE BASE RENT. returned in the same condition you received. That’s what’s stated in the Rental Act. It also states that it is illegal for the owner to receive their property back in a better state than when first taken over. No matter if your property is taken “as seen” (som beset) or if it is “newly refurbished” (Nyidstandsat), you can expect to have to pay something when moving out. Very rarely is “wear and tear” taken into consideration.

If the owner is not providing a move-in inspection report, you can conduct (or hire a professional and have them conduct) a move-in inspection on your behalf. The better the move-in day is documented, the more smooth your move out will go. There should be no questions if there is new damage or if it was there on the move-in day.

DIPLOMATIC CLAUSE If you are here on a residence work permit (opholdstilladse), it is recommended to request a termination clause in your lease called the “Diplomatic Clause”. This clause will allow you to terminate the lease with three months’ notice from day one. Typically you are locked for the first 12 months. This clause can only be used if you have to leave the country or lose your job. Not all landlords will accept this, but it’s worth asking. Negotiating monthly costs or contractual content is not culturally typical, but I’ve always said: “the worst they can say is No”. THE-INTL

Laura is Canadian. After years of living abroad and travelling the world, she moved to Denmark in 2007 and started her new life as an expat living in Denmark.

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

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

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

Homestead. We Are Your Settling in Experts. homesteaddenmark.com

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

30

A NEW BEGINNING... OLD MEMORIES

SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskil-

The past is a tricky thing; it pops up sometimes when we least expect it. In May, when the world seems new, I am often reminded of things past. Thankfully, not in the way that these protagonists are! Enjoy.

de Library, and in charge of the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke

A CREEPY CRIME STORY

VINTAGE TUDOR – WITH GHOSTS

A STUNNINGLY GOOD DEBUT

BOOKS, LIBRARIES AND HEROICS

THE NOTHING MAN CATHERINE RYAN HOWARD

THE BURNING GIRLS

BY C J TUDOR

GIRL A

BY ABIGAIL DEAN

A reverend is sent to a

Lex Gracie doesn't

THE PARIS LIBRARY

BY JANET SKESLIEN CHARLES

remote village after an

want to think about

A young woman start-

growing up in her par-

ing work in the Amer-

ents' House of Horrors.

ican Library in 1939

Or her identity as Girl

and a teenager in Mon-

A, the girl who escaped

tana in 1983 have more

and freed her siblings.

in common than they

But when her mother

know. Odile had eve-

dies in prison, she can't

rything she wished

run from her past any

for, then the Germans

longer.

invaded Paris and

Eve was the only member of her family to survive serial attacker, the Nothing Man. Now an adult, she is obsessed with identifying the killer and has written

incident at her former parish. The fresh start she and her daughter hope for will not happen in a place where

a true-crime memoir.

the past refuses to stay

But the Nothing Man

buried – whether it hap-

has just started read-

pened 500 or 30 years

ing the book.

ago.

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

changed everything.

DID YOU KNOW?

Finally, the world is opening up again, and so are the public libraries. All it takes for you to visit and hang out at your local library is a negative test or a corona passport and ID; children under 15 are exempt. Same for events from the 6th of May, so check out the library’s website. Vi ses!

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

31

Guide to vaccination against COVID-19

If you are offered vaccination at a vaccination centre, you will usually be notified via e-Boks or by regular mail

If you are offered vaccination at your workplace, you will be notified via your employer

You book an appointment at www.vacciner.dk

You agree the specific time for your vaccination with your workplace

1st VACCINATION

2nd VACCINATION 3-4 weeks, possibly up to 6 weeks, after the 1st vaccination

You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site

Contact your doctor if you experience side effects

You wait at least 15 minutes at the vaccination site

The vaccine becomes effective The full effect of the vaccine is expected 7 days after the 2nd dose if you are vaccinated with Comirnaty® and 14 days after the 2nd dose if you are vaccinated with COVID-19 Vaccine Moderna®.

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM

32

cphstage.com #cphstage

WELCOME TO THE BIGGEST THEATRE EVENT OF THE YEAR! CPH STAGE is proud to present the 8th edition of the festival with more than 100 plays, performances and events all over Copenhagen and Frederiksberg.

More than 30 performances will be accessible to a non-Danish speaking audience and you will find both Danish and international productions in the program.

SUN & SEA Foto: Andrej Vasilenko

Visit cphstage.com for tickets & info.

MAY 2021 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM