international
the
ISSN 2596-5220
HEALTHY WINTER FOODS
DENMARK - THE TALENT CAPITAL
NETWORK YOUR WAY INTO 2019
BUILD YOUR CAREER IN AARHUS
JANUARY 2019 - THE-INTL.COM
FROM CAPE TOWN TO COPENHAGEN:
FREE
PAPER
SUZAAN SAUERMAN'S LIFE ROOTED IN TECH
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
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HAPPY NEW YEAR!
THIS MONTH 'THE INTERNATIONAL' TURNS 1! AS WE CELEBRATE THIS MILESTONE, WE LOOK AHEAD TO AN EXCITING 2019 FULL OF OPPORTUNITY IN THIS PLACE WE HAVE COME TO CALL 'HOME'.
T TIME TO PACK
the Christmas decorations away - 2019 is here and we are raring to go! I can't believe that this time 1 year ago I started The International - it's been an amazing year and we are thrilled to have reached the first milestone! As a small celebration we are inviting you, our readers, to come and join us, meet members of the editorial team and more importantly other like-minded expats. We are hosting small cafe events in Copenhagen, Aarhus and Odense to say thank you for your support over the past year. So, come out and join us (see event details on page 7). As usual we have a packed issue starting off with events to see you into the New Year (pages 3-6), ranging from festivals to exhibitions - so don't let the winter weather keep you from getting out there! Our stunning cover and feature story this month is lifestyle and tech expert Suzaan Sauerman. This welltravelled, smart powerhouse shares her personal journey from Cape Town to Copenhagen, and her knowledge of the advancing tech world she's involved in (page 8). It has been The International's biggest motivation to grow throughout Denmark, and not limit ourselves to the capital alone. With that being said
I'm happy to introduce another two members to our team! Keeping the finger on the pulse of "It's all on in Aarhus", our newest team member is Barbara Balfour who has a long-standing career in television hosting,
producing, public speaking and print journalism. Barbara will be rooting out the exciting hotspots in Aarhus, so this is a must for those travelling to the city or who live there! Well-known blogger Daniela Trifiletti from the ever popular My Danish Family will be sharing her stories as an expat family expert. This issue she shares the story of why Danes insist on leaving their babies outside in the cold, and looks at the benefits motivating this (page 23). Another bit of exciting news is that The International is entering the "People's choice award" for a new venture by the city of Aarhus called GoGlocal! Their aim is to showcase the vibrant international community across the city, and how they are making a dent on the Danish business and cultural scene. Make sure you go and check it out and support this initiative (page 26). Plan to make 2019 your best year ever, and we will be right beside you cheering you all the way!
“Today I close the door to the past, open the door to the future, take a deep breath, step on through and start a new chapter in my life.” - Unknown
Love,
LYNDSAY JENSEN EDITOR & PARTNER WEBSITE: THE-INTL.COM
MEET THE TEAM EDITOR & PARTNER LYNDSAY JENSEN has twenty years' experience in the advertising and publishing industry, and holds degrees in Business and Desktop Publishing (print and repro). Born in the UK, and brought up in South Africa, she has the ability to understand different cultures, and is passionate about networking. She is a wife of twenty one years and mother to two boys aged 20 and 14. She loves travel, photography and art. lyndsay@the-intl.com
INTERN & PROOF READER LÉA SEVERINO is a Master's student in Film & Media Studies at the University of Copenhagen and an aspiring journalist. Passionate about literature and arts, she started writing culture-related articles for the newspaper of her home university in Switzerland, where she graduated with a Bachelor's in French and Cinema. lea@the-intl.com
SALES For advertising sales, please contact: sales@the-intl.com ADDRESS
The International ApS, Industrivej 14, 4683 Rønnede; +45 42676745
Provins-Trykkeriet ApS, Vordingborg
COVER PICTURE MANAGING DIRECTOR & PARTNER KENNETH MACALPINE is a Nordic Financial Manager in the Transport industry. His education is in Finance and he has a business degree obtained in the UK. Born in Norway he moved to Denmark at the age of 22. He is of Danish Scottish ancestry and lives in southern Denmark with his large multi-national family consisting of Danish, Irish and Brazilian heritage. He is always interested in new challenges and loves to live life to the fullest. kenneth@the-intl.com
SUB-EDITOR DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER is a print and digital writer, communicator and media production manager/ editor. He has several years’ experience in the media and publishing industry, and holds a Master’s degree in media and politics from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (South Africa). He is passionate about politics, publishing and people-empowerment. He is a husband of almost two years, and has a love affair with good food and wine. david@the-intl.com
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ADVERTISING SALES HEIDI GREVES is married, and a mother of six boys. She Moved back to Denmark five and a half years ago after 14 years in Kent, England. Born in Copenhagen to a British mother and a Danish father, Heidi has knowledge and language skills of both countries. She has experience in the tourism industry in Denmark, and sales experience in England. She loves to be creative with photography, art and baking, and loves to socialise. heidi@the-intl.com
DISTRIBUTION SATYA PRAPANCA is married, and moved to Denmark one and a half years ago from Indonesia. His previous work experience includes; subtitle translator, documentary films, photographer, and music curator in his spare time! Satya's passion is composing music with his guitar and laptop. He enjoys nothing more than taking in the beauty of Copenhagen while enjoy coffee/tea and cake at a local cafe.
Robin Skjoldborg
DISTRIBUTION
The International is available at a range of businesses, institutions, cafés and public libraries across Denmark
SUBSCRIPTIONS
For home or corporate delivery of the printed edition please contact: distribution@the-intl.com The International is published 12 times a year. This issue was published on December 27, 2018
CVR:
39118181
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WHAT'S ON
IN JANUARY CANDLES ARE BURNT, BELLIES ARE FULL, GIFTS ARE UNPACKED, PARTY IS OVER. AND THUS, WE MUST START ALL OVER AGAIN. TO WELCOME 2019 ON THE RIGHT FOOT, FORGET ALL YOUR GOOD RESOLUTIONS ABOUT DIETS AND SPORTS, AND RATHER EMBRACE ALL THE HYGGE DENMARK HAS TO OFFER THIS MONTH, FROM HOT CHOCOLATE SHARED WITH INTERNATIONAL FRIENDS, TO KNITTING, MUSIC FESTIVALS, OR WELL-HEATED THEATRES AND MUSEUMS. PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS
ESBJERG
5-12 JANUARY
6 JANUARY
6 JANUARY
DIE WIENER OPERETTE FESTIVAL
COZY KIDS SUNDAY AT TORVET ICE SKATING RINK
EPIPHANY AT GREVE MUSEUM
Sit back, and enjoy the New Year concert 2018 at Concert Hall Aarhus, and start the New Year in good company, with highly talented international singers, a large orchestra, choristers, and ballet dancers. Die Wiener Operette Festival is presenting this year's New Year concert. Nostalgia is on the bill when the renowned Vienna Festival Operette Orchestra performs all the great, popular melodies by Johann Strauss, the "Waltz King", with their visual and musical fireworks of singing, dancing and spectacular costumes.
After a long week of silence where the whole of Denmark was recovering from their raging ‘Tømmermænd’ (hangover) following New Year’s Eve, “New in Esbjerg” is inviting international children with their parents to reinvest the deserted city and meet at Denmark’s biggest outdoors ice skating rink to share a good time sliding on the ice, get to know each other, and finally drink a good cup of hot chocolate together. You can bring your own ice skates, or rent a pair for 30 DKK directly at the ice skating rink. “New in Esbjerg” will welcome you 12:30 and will later (at 14:00) take you to a cosy café in the city centre. Participation is free, but registration is required by writing an email to newcomer@esbjergkommune.dk.
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.MUSIKHUSETAARHUS.DK/NYTAARSKONCERTEN-2018
VISITESBJERG
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/ EVENTS/1001963719974889
MUSIKHUSET AARHUS
GREVE
VISITGREVE
VISITESBJERG
MUSIKHUSET AARHUS
AARHUS
TEXT LÉA SEVERINO
In many countries, people celebrate Epiphany (also known as Three Kings Day) in honour of the three Magi who, according to the legend, came from far away to bring gold, frankincense and myrrh to Baby Jesus. In some regions, this feast is so popular that it is almost more important than Christmas; it comes with songs, costumes, presents, candy and delicious cakes. As an international living in Denmark, you might wonder what kind of exciting tradition the Danes have concocted for you on January 6. Well, curiously, Three Kings Day (‘Helligtrekongersdag’) is not such a popular holiday in Denmark. Except from burning a big candle that looks like Poseidon’s trident – each branch representing one of the Kings – no extraordinary festivity is organised. But don’t panic, we have two good suggestions for you: First, you can visit the old and charming Greve Museum (around 25 kilometres away from Copenhagen) where a special Danish Epiphany visit will take place. The tour costs 40 DKK for adults (it is free for children under 18) and starts at 14:00. Second, feeling adventurous. You can invite your Danish friends or relatives and make them discover what Epiphany means in your country. They will thank you for brightening their dark and feastless January!
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.GREVEMUSEUM.DK/DIT-BESOEG/DETSKER/61-2019-HELLIGTREKONGERRUNDVISNING
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HUMLEBÆK
HILLERØD
UNSPLASH.COM
HEATHER GARTSIDE
LOUISIANA MUSEUM
COPENHAGEN
11 JANUARY
17 JAN – 28 APR
18-20 JANUARY
MIDDLE DISTANCE
DEA TRIER MØRCH AT LOUISIANA MUSEUM
SEWING AND KNITTING FAIR AT FREDERIKSBORGCENTRET
Dea Trier Mørch (1941-2001) was a Danish artist and writer who became well-known after the publication of her novel Vinterbørn (Winter’s Child) in 1976. Her book was translated in many languages and is today referred to as a European best-seller. It tells the story of her experience of becoming a mother, focusing on the intense weeks right before and after giving birth. The text comes with a series of linocut illustrations drawn and printed by the author. In these pictures are depicted ordinary scenes of the everyday life, in a very graphic and pure visual style. Depicting such scenes was quite avant-gardist at that time, since as noted in the exhibition’s catalogue, “While death is a widespread theme in visual art, the beginning of life is a subject which only attracted greater artistic attention with the advent of the feminism of the 70s”. By exhibiting around fifty of Dea Trier Mørch’s works on paper, Louisiana Museum thus invites you to share the perspective of a committed woman from the 70s, and thereby open a more general reflection on life, from birth to death.
As you’ve probably noticed, together with candles and design coffee mugs, woollen socks are an essential component of the Danish Hygge. Striped, flecked, plain or adorned with elaborate Nordic patterns, the woollen sock is an item anyone who pretends to ‘danishness’ must own. Though let’s be honest, who really wears such socks? They are more itchy than comfortable and often too thick to fit in a normal pair of shoes without getting blisters. Truth is, if Danes collect woollen socks it is because they cannot help knitting them! More than a hobby, knitting is the Danish Feng Shui, it keeps their stress away and their chakras aligned. Thus, to celebrate this uplifting (cre)activity, a big knitting and sewing fair will be held at Frederiksborg Centre Hillerød from January 18 to 20. Workshops, discussions and exhibitions will take place, while sewing tips and precious knitting secret recipes will be exchanged.
Embrace the darkness of January and visit the mindful and meditative exhibition of images which accompany the launch of Heather Gartside’s moody second novel, MIDDLE DISTANCE. Even better, join Heather for an evening of red wine and readings from the book, surrounded by her pictures and in the warmth and candleit glow of the Upper Canada Gallery in Frederiksberg. This small, but perfectly formed independent gallery is situated in the front room of the celebrated Canadian artist and poet, Heather Spears.
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.EVENTBRITE.COM/E/MIDDLEDISTANCE-IN-MIDWINTER-TICKETS-53559877034
YOU CAN BOOK YOUR TICKET FOR 80 DKK ONLINE HERE: WWW.FREDERIKSBORGCENTRET.DK/KALENDERE/SY-STRIKMERE/
UNSPLASH.COM
GYLDENDAL
HEATHER GARTSIDE
HEATHER GARTSIDE
VISIT LOUISIANA’S WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO: WWW.LOUISIANA.DK/EN/EXHIBITION/DEA-TRIER-M%C3%B8RCH
H i g h Acad em i c S t an d ar d s C h ri s t i an E t ho s C onv e n i en t l y l o c at ed i n H el l er u p
rygaards.com JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
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COPENHAGEN
AALBORG
NORTHERN WINTER BEAT
VISIT AARHUS
COPENHAGEN THEATRE CIRCLE
AARHUS
20 JANUARY
23 JAN – 2 FEB
24-26 JANUARY
HABENGUTMARKED AT GODSBANEN
“TREASURE ISLAND” AT KRUDTTØNDEN
NORTHERN WINTER BEAT FESTIVAL
Find a bargain among 65 private sellers at the Habengut market at Godsbanen. The rustic and atmospheric Godsbanen is the venue for the Habengut market where you will find all sorts of different findings - from clothing to interior decorations and much more. Come to the indoor market at Godsbanen and make a bargain.
Over the past eight years, it has become a tradition for the Copenhagen Theatre Circle (CTC) to welcome the New Year with a good amount of laughs and positive energy by presenting their annual British Pantomime show. Not to be mixed up with the silent ‘mime’ art, Pantomime is a type of musical comedy which reworks popular stories and fairy tales for audiences of all ages. The play CTC chose to present this year is an adaptation of ‘Treasure Island’ written by Ben Crocker. As its title suggests, peppy pirates, fountains of gold and tumultuous adventures will animate the stage, taking you on a farcical journey that will make you forget the darkness of the winter!
For the seventh consecutive year, Aalborg is hosting ‘Northern Winter Beat Festival’, an indoor festival taking place in different (well-heated!) venues spread around the city centre, such as 100Fryd, Huset, Skråen and Studenterhuset. With artists coming from all around the globe, including Scandinavia, Russia, Australia, to the United States, Switzerland and even Thailand, the lineup is one hundred percent eclectic and more than promising. Besides, the ‘Partout’ ticket, giving access to all concerts (more than fifteen) only costs 345 DKK! So run to your computer, type www. winterbeat.dk/en/ into your browser, check their programme, buy your golden ticket and look forward to the last weekend of January!
TICKETS COST FROM 80 TO 160 DKK AND CAN BE PURCHASED ONLINE HERE: WWW.CTCIRCLE.DK/WHATS-ON/ TREASURE-ISLAND/
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.WINTERBEAT.DK/EN/
KRUDTTØNDEN UNSPLASH.COM
LUBOMYR MELNYK
BLIXA BARGELD
VISIT AARHUS VISIT AARHUS
VISIT AARHUS
FOR MORE INFORMATION: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/EVENTS
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ODENSE
COPENHAGEN
BURO 24/7
MIGOGODENSE.DK
WINTER BATHING IN SKAGEN
SKAGEN
24-27 JANUARY
25-27 JANUARY
29 JAN – 1 FEB
WINTER BATHING FESTIVAL
OUTDOOR FAIR AT ODENSE CONGRESS CENTER
FASHION WEEK
Danes’ ancestors were strong, powerful and ferocious; they were merciless Vikings. How modern Danes love to remind themselves of this glorious past! This underlying pride led them to create a unique sport called ‘Vinterbad’, which simply means ‘Winter Bathing’ and is one of the most popular hobbies Danes do in the wintertime. So popular that to get membership from a Winter Bathing Club the waiting list can be years long (mostly in big cities such as Copenhagen). Although anybody can bath without being part of a club – luckily the sea is still a public natural resource free for everybody – memberships give access to very cosy saunas by the water, where modern Vikings run to after having taken a dip naked in the ice cold water (around two degrees on average). To celebrate vikingness and the beautiful North Sea, the northernmost town in Denmark, Skagen, is hosting the annual Winter Bathing Festival, between January 2427. Sadly, there won’t be a sauna big enough to welcome all bathers there, but anyway, if you wish to live the real Viking experience from deep inside, all you need is a good itchy towel made of thick wild boar hair. The rest is for the weak!
Lærke Andersen, Heliot Emil, Cecile Bahnsen, Martin Asbjørn, and all la crème de la crème of the Scandinavian Fashion industry will meet in the Danish capital between January 29 and February 1 on the occasion of the bi-annual Copenhagen Fashion Week, the largest fashion event in Scandinavia. While many VIP runway shows and events will be organised around the city, a more open programme will also be accessible for amateurs and NIPs (normally important persons). As these lines are being written this programme has not yet been revealed, but all the info will be easy to find online at www.copenhagenfashionweek.com.
To avoid letting the darkness, cold and boredom of January bring you down, and to enter the New Year with energy and motivation, a good suggestion is to start thinking about the trips you would like to do during the months to come, to start planning short weekend excursions (around beautiful Denmark for example!) that will give you something to look forward to. In this regard, a huge “Holiday-Leisure” fair will take place between January 25-27 at Odense Congress Center. Guide books, travel offers, presentations, camping vans, tents and all kind of outdoor or sporting equipment will be displayed to give people inspiration for their next holiday. The doors will be open from 10:00 to 17:00 (16:00 on Sunday) and it will cost from 20 to 100 DKK to enter. Note that a similar event, focused specifically on camping holidays will also take place at Bella Center in Copenhagen, from January 18 to 20. Entrance is free for students and children and costs 60 DKK for adults. Info here: www. bellafri.dk
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.ERIE-FRITID.DK
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VOGUE.COM
THE TOP OF DENMARK
DANSK MÜNSTERLÄNDER KLUB
VISIT DENMARK
MIGOGODENSE.DK
EVENING STANDARD
FOR MORE INFO: WWW.SKAGEN.DK/EVENTS/VINTERBADERFESTIVAL
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THE INTERNATIONAL 1 ST BIRTHDAY ROADTRIP! ■ COME AND SAY HI TO OUR EDITORIAL TEAM ■ MEET OTHER INTERNATIONALS & NETWORK ■ PICK UP A FREE COPY OF THE INTERNATIONAL
theamericanpieco.com
@socialbrew.cph
tirnanog.dk
ico.odense.dk
COPENHAGEN
COPENHAGEN
AARHUS
ODENSE
WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 18 17:00 - 19:00 WHERE: Social Brew, Helgolandsgade 10, 1653 Copenhagen *25% discount on the kaffebar and 15% on the merchandise (coffee bags, tea bags or equipment).
WHEN: FRIDAY, JANUARY 25 17:00 - 19:00 WHERE: The American Pie Co., Vesterbrogade 46, Copenhagen V *15% discount on food and drinks.
WHEN: TUESDAY, JANUARY 29 - 15:00 - 17:00 WHERE: Tir Na Nóg (The Merchant Room), Frederiksgade 40, 8000 Aarhus *Carlsberg pints are DKK 35 until 19:00.
WHEN: THURSDAY, JANUARY 31 - 17:00 - 19:00 WHERE: Café & Restaurant Kongens Have, Jernbanegade 21, 5000 Odense *20% discount on food and drinks.
GOODBYE SPROGCENTER HELLERUP! WE HAVE CHANGED OUR NAME AND WE HAVE EXPANDED WITH A NEW DEPARTMENT IN FREDERIKSBERG. THIS MEANS THAT YOU CAN CHOOSE TO LEARN DANISH IN HELLERUP, FREDERIKSBERG OR LYNGBY.
GIVE US A CALL AT 3946 3050 OR VISIT OUR WEBSITE WWW.SPEAKSPEAK.DK JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
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CHANGING THE NARRATIVE
TECH LIFESTYLE CONSULTANT, SUZAAN SAUERMAN, HAS SPENT MUCH OF HER LIFE LIVING IN SEVERAL GREAT CITIES AROUND THE WORLD; FROM CAPE TOWN TO LONDON AND NOW COPENHAGEN – WITH SEVERAL STOPS IN BETWEEN – SHE SAYS, “THE LONGER YOU ARE AWAY FROM HOME, THE EASIER IT IS TO BE AWAY FROM HOME”.
PHOTOGRAPHS ROBIN SKJOLDBORG / ROMY LARSEN / SUZAAN SAUERMAN
H
HAPPY TO NOW call Copenhagen home “for the foreseeable future”, Suzaan Sauerman helps people solve life’s problems through innovation and insight based around a vision that is, “obsessed with people - driven by need - shaped by marketing - enabled by tech.” The self-confessed tech punk who enjoys being on the destructive edge of change wants to do her bit - through her tech lifestyle consultancy - to advance the fitness, health, wearable and hearable technology world, working with both big and small brands on some trailblazing ideas. Sauerman first relocated to Denmark first in 2011 – as one does when they find themselves involved with a Danish love interest – and soon after was voted one of the top 100 in business leaders under 35 by Berlingske Business. Now, after 18 years in the corporate world, she has decided to start her own consultancy to focus on what frustrated her when she used to lead marketing and product organisations. “I specialise in helping brands and companies to create tech products, apps, services that solves problems in the real world,” she says. “I have had a great corporate career working for T-Mobile, Motorola, Jabra (GN) and more recently in San Francisco for Bowers & Wilkins – where I lived for a while from
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TEXT DAVID NOTHLING-DEMMER
2016 until May 2018. I have been very lucky to have some of the strongest mentors in tech who supported my career all the way and are still there for me today,” she explains of her career, adding that the world is screaming out for new ideas, new ways to solve problems, and technology that helps create a world with much less frustrations. Sauerman hopes to introduce these tech trends to new markets both in Denmark and around the world through her consultancy business. “Even though most of the brands I work with are currently based in the U.K. and U.S., I am starting to work on some exciting projects within the health tech space in Denmark. I have always believed that the two greatest equalisers in life are education and the internet. New technologies are transforming how we live, work and do business. The pace and scale of disruption are increasing. Keep learning and change before you have to. Embracing the philosophy or constant change is what I truly believe in, and I’m doing exactly that with some exciting brands within the wearable and hearable tech space. More recently, I have been advising femtech startups which really excites me,” says this trailblazing woman in tech. She is also an active keynote speaker on technology subjects and takes part in various cultural and technology panels across the world.
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"I SPECIALISE IN HELPING BRANDS AND COMPANIES TO CREATE TECH PRODUCTS, APPS, SERVICES THAT SOLVES PROBLEMS IN THE REAL WORLD." EXPAT LIVING A far cry from her humble beginnings growing up in Cape Town, the daughter of South African parents of German/French/British heritage and sister to two siblings, Sauerman says life happened at very slow pace, and felt a little isolated from the rest of the world. “We spend many holidays in other African countries and were always active and in nature. I never really enjoyed school – I found it very boring at times and I guess it also made my behaviour a little rebellious,” she smiles nodding to her rebellious tendencies for change she applies to her business today. After finishing her degree in Cape Town, she moved to London and lived there for almost 10 years. “I had a few short periods in between where I moved back to Johannesburg and Dubai, but had my permanent home in London until I decided to move to Copenhagen. I have been living away from home for a long period of time.” Moving to Copenhagen from her London base wasn’t such a drastic step as she says there isn’t huge differences between the two cultures – and weather! “At least I was also used to the colder climate already,” she laughs. “Comparing Copenhagen to London or San Francisco would be wrong as it feels more like a ‘big village’ rather than one of the capital cities of the world. I love the fact that I meet the same people
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
during morning runs, have my closest friend living 10 minutes’ walk away and feel like a real local when going out in town.” She does however admit to finding the social aspect to life in Denmark a bit difficult to hack at first. “Initially I found it hard to meet new people, I was living north of Copenhagen and I thought it was more limited in terms of social events. Since moving to Copenhagen, I find it much easier to meet new people. I always say that meeting Danes is like opening a ketch-up bottle the first time – when you meet them the first few times, not much comes out but after a few times meeting/shakes, everything comes out and you have a friend for life.” Sauerman adds that moving to a foreign country is always daunting, but that she has learnt as a foreigner, it is your duty to get out there and get to know people. “I guess I have lived away from home for so long that I actually feel a little without roots. Eventually where you live will feel like your real home,” she says. “As you get to know the Danes better, you understand all the small gestures that forms their society. If you really want to get to know a culture, it is through their humour and you can only really do that when you know the language.” she adds.
LIFE REIMAGINED I asked Sauerman for her advice to expats living in Denmark, on
11 how to best fit in or feel more at home. Her top three tips are: learning the language - best way is to start reading the paper every day (my favourite is Politiken) and/or watch Danish programmes with English subtitles. ‘It works’. Secondly join local social events in your neighbourhood, visit local art galleries and be open to go along to events that interest you - I also find that fitness bring people together, so joining a health or running club also helps to integrate a little faster. I always say, I’m the foreigner, so I have to make the effort. That’s true to anywhere you go in the world. And lastly, create a warm and cosy home environment - you will be spending a lot of time in-doors during the winter months, which are longer than summer. The 6-8 hours daylight can make you feel a little depressed, and January to March is usually the time I like to book lots of short holidays. If travelling is not an option, light those candles and get hygge indoors. I will never forget one of the very first winter evenings walking the streets of Copenhagen and seeing the candle light in all the windows – no curtains in front of windows. It made me realise that Danes are always pushing light out of their homes to lighten up the outside world. I actually find the wintery months rather romantic” Sauerman explains. Tech plays a big role in our lives, so how does Sauerman suggests expats new to Denmark embrace the use of technologies to help them better ease into life in Denmark? “There are great apps these days for everything from live translations, to scanning over some words and it gets translated immediately. Also make use of apps such as Instagram to follow brands or events you are interested in as you will get invited to experiences taking place around the country,” she says. For someone who has been an expat for over 18 years living in different countries around the world, Sauerman also finds that food and wine brings people together. “I am secretly a real foodie who simply spends my weekends finding the best spots to eat and visiting new amazing bakeries across the city” she says.
www.cis.dk
FIT TECH Sauerman focuses a lot of her spare time on keeping fit by running outdoors and belongs to a boutique health club, The Wolfpack Gym, where she rows every other day. She believes in the fit body, fit mind philosophy and maintains a very active lifestyle even when going on holiday. “I’ve always lived a really active lifestyle. Working out isn’t just a physical thing it’s mental too,” she adds. For avid readers of The International, you will have noticed that Sauerman features many health and fitness tech trends in her monthly blog. She explains that she has incorporated many of these into her daily life in Denmark, striving to stay fit and live a life ‘on the move’ – although now from the comfort of a new home base in Copenhagen. For Sauerman, cycling the streets of Denmark is quite liberating. “I love exploring the city on my bike over weekeneds. When I moved to Copenhagen, I couldn’t ride a bike. It was not really a way of transportation where I was living before. I miss the freedom of it when I travel for longer periods.” THE-INTL
Before long, you’ll belong Settling into a new country can be challenging – especially for the nonworking spouse. We know, from studies and from experience, that a successful posting depends on the happiness of the entire family – and our school is home to a very active, warm and welcoming community. Our PTA offers a wide range of opportunities: newcomers network, Spring Fair, Halloween, Yoga, Activities Fair, Wine and Cheese Evening, Dads’ Club and Ladies’ Night Out. Dedicated parents coach our sports teams, run our boy scouts and serve on the school Board. At CIS the whole family finds a place to grow roots and make friends. So to quote one of our parents: “I came for the job, but we stayed for the school.”
FOLLOW MORE OF SUZAAN’S JOURNEY, AND LIFE ON THE MOVE ON INSTAGRAM, @SUZAANSAUERMAN.
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TECH INNOVATIONS SHAPING OUR LIFESTYLE 2019 will be a thrilling year for all areas of lifestyle technology! Here’s some of the most exciting tech, selected especially because they solve real problems in our everyday lives. PHOTOGRAPHS VARIOUS
TEXT SUZAAN SAUERMAN
THE CONTACT LENSES THAT ADJUST TO LIGHT ACUVUE OASYS WITH TRANSITIONS Imagine never having to shield your eyes from blinding sunlight, or feel the strain of eight-plus hours under fluorescent bulbs. That’s the allure of Acuvue’s forthcoming line of light-sensitive, vision-correcting contact lenses (developed in partnership with Transitions Optical). Each contains a filter that senses the amount of light entering your eye and automatically darkens or lightens to maximise comfort. They will go on sale Spring 2019.
THE SENSORED SUIT THAT SCANS YOUR BODY SIZE ZOZOSUIT In the future, clothes will adapt to people - not the other way around. At least, that’s the promise of ZOZOSUIT, the flagship product from ZOZO, a Japanese retailer. The stretchy black bodysuits are covered in white dots, which enables consumers to make a “3-D scan” of their bodies in the comfort of their own home, via a companion mobile app. Users can then order custom-fit clothes, based on a set of super-specific measurements. Since its launch in Japan in April, ZOZO has shipped over 1 million ZOZOSUITs and now the brand is looking to expand its customisation technology into footwear. Order yours at www.zozo.com
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✱
EDITOR'S TOP PICK! THIS IS MY PERSONAL FAVOURITE LUMOS KICKSTART HELMET
BLANKETS THAT EASE ANXIETY GRAVITY The weighted blanket everyone on Instagram is going crazy for! Weighted blankets are engineered to be 7-12% of your body weight to relax the nervous system by simulating the feeling of being held or hugged. This increases serotonin and melatonin levels and decreases cortisol levels which improves your mood and promotes better sleep patterns. From DKK 1,700.
BIKE HELMET WITH HEADLIGHTS LUMOS KICKSTART HELMET Biking in the dark can be dangerous. Hence, the Lumos Kickstart Helmet has been equipped with LED lights which not only increase the cyclists’ visibility, but also blink to indicate if they are making a left or right turn. Riders can trigger the signal by clicking a wireless remote mounted to their handlebars or by syncing the helmet with their Apple Watch and making a traditional hand turn signal. Sold in Ap-
A SMARTER SPORTS BRA REEBOK PUREMOVE Sports bras are hard to get right, often trading substance for style or lack of support. Reebok’s PureMove, uses motion-sensing technology to adapt to a woman’s
ple stores. From DKK 1,400.
SUZAAN SAUERMAN LIFESTYLE TECH CONSULTANT Suzaan has spend the past 18 years working around the world for various technology brands, leading & transforming global marketing organisations, developing innovative product portfo-
THE SUITCASE YOU DON’T NEED TO UNPACK
movements in real time. When vigorous motion strains
A CARRY-ON CLOSET
the knit fabric of the bra, a
Unpacking and repacking is a hassle, especially if
gel-like thickening fluid ac-
you’re travelling for business. But what if you could
tivates and causes the gar-
bring your closet with you? That’s the idea behind
ment to constrict and of-
the Carry-on Closet from Solgaard Design. Outside,
fer extra support. Since its
it looks like a normal roll-aboard. But inside is a
launch in late 2018, it’s the
flexible set of shelves that keep clothes organised
brand’s most successful on-
and compressed during travel, in such a way that
line apparel launch of all
once travellers reach their destination, their out-
time. From DKK 400.
fits can be taken out ready to hang. From DKK 1,400.
lio’s, driving digital transformation and consumer driven product experiences. Today she is a consultant, advisor & investor in lifestyle consumer technology, helping va r iou s brands to cre ate people-centric experiences, instead of technology-centric. She is also a tech columnist & keynote speaker/ panelist. She has been travelling, working and living in most of the continents of the world, and is driven by curiosity. In her spare time she likes to keep fit by running, rowing, boxing. She has a passion for food & wine, and always scouting the best cup of coffee when travelling to new cities. Suzaan lives in Copenhagen, was born in South Africa and is a British citizen.
@suzaansauerman @suzaansauerman
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
14
SETTLING IN 101: THE DANISH RENTAL MARKET Whether it’s Odense, Aarhus, Esbjerg or Copenhagen you’ve settled into, the day-to-day challenges of an expat are relatively similar. Perhaps language barrier is a little more difficult in Jutland or the housing market is more affordable in Odense, but regardless where you’ve settled in, being an expat is, for lack of a better word, challenging. But I'm here to help!
I
IN 2008, MY husband and I moved from a tiny little 5th floor apartment, an “Andlesbolig” on Amager (with no shower or elevator) to a modern apartment in Islands Brygge. At the time I was just happy to have a shower in my apartment and an elevator in the building, so we signed our lease and moved in. Although we only lived there for one year, when we moved out, we were expected to have a professional company paint all the walls, ceilings and sand the floors even though there was no damage or signs of wear and tear. This cost us our entire deposit and then some. If I knew as much about the Danish Rental Act back then, as I do now, I would not have signed that lease contract... This is a mistake many expats make when entering the Danish rental market. Signing lease contracts, house rules and inventory reports, or any other Danish document for that matter, without knowing exactly what it is they are signing. Having a Danish friend, or a colleague translate your lease for you helps, but frankly it’s not enough Understanding the contract in its entirety is very important to ensure there are no “surprises” when you move out.
MOVE IN’S AND MOVE OUT’S At the move in meeting everybody’s happy. The owner has a new tenant and the tenant has a new home. Move out inspections on the other hand, are the complete opposite. As soon as money becomes involved, and it’s time to get your deposit returned, this when things get tricky and often end in disappointment. Owners just want their properties returned in the same condition as when you took it over. If there are damages, they expect you to fix them. Often ending in a ‘He says, she says’ situation. ‘Was that scratch on the floor when you moved in?’ All of this can
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM
TEXT LAURA WINTEMUTE
LAURA WINTEMUTE OWNER, HOMESTEAD Laura is Canadian. After years of living abroad and travelling the world, she moved to Denmark in 2007 and started her new life as an expat living in Denmark. Laura’s experience working in the Danish relocation industry, encapsulating
VINEGAR IS COMMONLY USED FOR LIMESCALE REMOVAL IN THE BATHROOMS. THIS WAS A SURPRISE TO ME WHEN I MOVED TO COPENHAGEN FROM IRELAND, WHERE VINEGAR IS TYPICALLY ONLY USED FOR MAKING CHIPS (FRENCH FRIES!) EVEN TASTIER. ALISON O’KEEFE, CHARLIESROOF.COM
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.
however be avoided with a detailed inspection report conducted at the move in, documenting the state of the property. Here are some of my top tips to consider when moving into your next rental property:
KEEP IT CLEAN: You know that annoying build-up of white film on your faucets, kettles and shower heads? It’s called Lime Scale or in Danish “Kalk”. Keep drying towels close by to wipe up water before it dries naturally around the sinks and use a simple Squeegee window wiper to remove the water from the bathroom walls after every shower. This will save the counter tops, tiles and grout from be-
“In House” consultations for Interna-
ing ruined. Which would cost you greatly when moving out.
tional employees are also one of Home-
READ THE FINE PRINT: Know what you're
consultations focusing on the individual
signing by having your documents translated by a professional company, like Homestead for example.
employee. Experts.
GET IT DOCUMENTED: Have a professional company conduct a detailed inspection report on your behalf when you move into your new property. It’s worth the money.
www.homesteaddenmark.com
Homestead’s Rental Property Awareness Seminar will be held on Wednesday January 9th. Check out our Website or Facebook page to learn more. THE-INTL
stead’s specialties. Customized, personal
Homestead. We are You’re Settling in
15
IT'S ALL ON IN AARHUS Take a trip to Aarhus in January. With a whole host of events for the entire family, there’s sure to be something to pique your interest. PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK PHOTO / VARIOUS
TEXT BARBARA BALFOUR
OPEN MIC COMEDY
HUNGRY DANE
Who couldn’t use a good laugh now and then? Check out the free open mic comedy club held every Sunday at 20:00 at Albert’s Cocktail Bar. The line-up is a mix of expats, local and visiting comedians and all shows are in English, hosted by English Stand Up Comedy Aarhus. Check out their Facebook page for exact dates in January. Come early to get a good seat! ■ STORE TORV 3, 8000 AARHUS ■ WWW.ALBERTSBAR.DK
AARHUS CENTRAL FOOD MARKET
Musikhuset is more than just a concert venue. Here are some of the free events you should consider attending this month: Start your New Year’s resolutions early. Until January 10, work off all that Christmas turkey and get your adrenalin pumping with a spin on the ice rink in front of Muskikhuset. For those of you who didn’t end up getting what you wanted from Santa this year, you might have better luck at the Flagstaff flea market held January 20 in the foyer of Musikhuset. There are great deals to be had on new, vintage and retro clothing, jewellery, toys and home décor. 2019 is the Year of the Pig! Soak in all the bright colours and festivities of the Chinese New Year, held on January 27 in Aarhus (but February 5 on the calendar).
On January 13 at 19:30, meet one of Denmark’s most recognised health and lifestyle coaches, Rikke Østergaard, who will enlighten us on his rules for a long and happy life. On January 20 at 19:30, learn how to use food as medicine with Danish writer and TV host Umahro Cadogan. Tickets cost DKK 299 and all talks are held in Danish. Buy your tickets at aarhuscentralfoodmarket.dk. ■ SANKT KNUDS TORV, 8000 AARHUS C ■ WWW.AARHUSCENTRALFOODMARKET.DK
■ THOMAS JENSENS ALLÉ 2, 8000 AARHUS ■ WWW.MUSIKHUSETAARHUS.DK
MUSIKHUSETAARHUS
FOODIE-BAR
TELEVISION HOST, PRODUCER, PUBLIC SPEAKER, AND INTERNATIONAL PRINT JOURNALIST.
MAKE THE MOST OF MUSIKHUSET
This mecca of food stalls, located less than a five-minute walk from the central train station, is a cheap and cheerful way to try many different delicacies without breaking the bank. This month, you can keep yourself warm with treats including: An exotic Israeli delicacy called Shakshuka, at the food vendor by the same name. A warm and creamy barley risotto with butternut squash, raw marinated red cabbage and duck confit from Ske & Skål. More than 20 different kinds of gin and tonic cocktails from Foodie-bar.
BARBARA BALFOUR
In addition to hosting a live talk show, she writes regularly for BBC World News, The Globe and Mail, and ELLE, to name a few. She has published two children’s books, cont r i bu te d to tou r i s m guidebooks on Iceland and Chile, and co-edited an anthology of essays on Canada-European Union relations. Her work has taken her to over 40 countries, but she currently calls Aarhus home. When she’s not curled up with a good book and a hazelnut hot chocolate, you might be able to find her spinning away on the dance floor of a salsa club, or nestled in a window seat on a plane, en route to some exotic new destination. www.barbarabalfour.com
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HEARTY WINTER SALADS It doesn’t have to be high summer to enjoy the bounty of a fresh salad, but produce selection can be limited at the markets in the wintertime. This time of year, I go for the “hearty crunch” factor: rugged salads I can really sink my teeth into with roots, nuts, dried fruits, and crunchy greens that can stand as a meal on their own. Add a creamy, smoky yoghurt dressing, and you’ll forget it’s (gasp)… healthy!
PHOTOGRAPHS ERIN CHAPMAN
TEXT ERIN CHAPMAN, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY
SMOKY WALDORF SALAD THIS IS A SMOKY TWIST ON THE INFAMOUS WALDORF SALAD. IT’S A GREAT CRUNCHY WINTER SALAD AS A HEARTY LUNCH, OR FOR DINNER AS A FRESH SIDE TO ROAST PORK OR CHICKEN. SERVES 4.
INGREDIENTS: 4 medium apples, cored and diced 2 tablespoons fresh squeezed lemon juice 1-2 stalks of celery, diced (1 cup) 75g walnuts, coarsely chopped (¾ cup) 60g raisins (½ cup)
DRESSING: 80g plain or greek yoghurt (1/3 cup) 50g BBQ sauce (¼ cup) 1 teaspoon honey ½ teaspoon chili powder Pinch of salt to taste
METHOD: In a large bowl, toss together the chopped apples and lemon juice. Add the celery, walnuts, and raisins. For the dressing, whisk together the ingredients in a small bowl until thoroughly combined and pour over the prepared salad ingredients. Gently stir until all ingredients are coated and combined. Refrigerate until serving.
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ERIN CHAPMAN CO-OWNER, THE AMERICAN PIE COMPANY With over 20 years’ experience in the advertising industry, working both in Denmark and USA, Erin has specialised in brand building and image development for lifestyle, food and fashion clientele at both national and international level. Erin attended DIS, Denmark’s
ROASTED BUTTERNUT SQUASH & BEET SALAD THIS COLOURFUL WINTER SALAD LAYERS AN ARRAY OF TEXTURES AND COLOURS, AND IS HEARTY ENOUGH TO STAND ALONE WHEN YOU’RE CRAVING A LIGHTER VEGETARIAN MEAL. SERVES 4.
INGREDIENTS: 1 butternut squash, peeled & halved with seeds removed 2 medium beets, peeled and sliced 2 tablespoon olive oil Salt & pepper 1 large bunch of dark greens like spinach or chard, loosely chopped (4 cups) ½ red onion, thinly sliced 2 cups large quality croutons* ½ cup pumpkin seeds Salt and ground black pepper to taste
DRESSING: 50ml olive oil 40ml balsamic vinagar 3 tablespoons plain or greek yoghurt 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup 1 tablespoon dijon mustard Pinch of salt to taste
METHOD: Preheat oven to 1800C. Peel and halve the butternut squash. Scoop out all the seeds and then cut into strips. Peel and halve the beets, and slice into thin pieces, about ½ inch thick. Drizzle the olive oil on a baking sheet, placing the squash and beet strips on the sheet in one layer, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Bake for 25-35 minutes, just until tender, or until beginning to brown. Remove from heat and let cool completely. Meanwhile, in a large bowl, toss together the greens, red onion and croutons. Set aside. Prepare the dressing by whisking all the Dressing ingredients in a small bowl until thoroughly combined. Evenly divide the salad mixture onto 4 salad plates and arrange roasted squash and beets over greens. Sprinkle with pumpkin seeds and drizzle with the dressing.
*TIP: YOU CAN MAKE YOUR OWN CROUTONS! SIM-
PLY CUT BREAD INTO CUBES. IN A LARGE BOWL WITH A LITTLE DRIZZLE OF OLIVE OIL, SALT, PEPPER, AND A DASH OF GARLIC OR ONION POWDER, AND TOSS TO COAT. SPREAD OUT ON A BAKING TRAY AND BAKE AT 1500C IN A PREHEATED OVEN FOR 20-25 MINUTES, OR UNTIL BROWNED AND CRISP. ALLOW TO COOL COMPLETELY, THEN ADD TO SALADS OR SOUPS.
Study Abroad programme in 1996 and made a connection with Copenhagen. She moved to Denmark permanently in 1998 with two suitcases and a pocketful of change. Working in the advertising industry she worked her way up as a senior creative, as well as a voiceover artist, and then began her own brand and design business in 2006. Merging her love for food and art direction, she began food styling and cookbook design for other authors, and then proceeded to continue with recipe development, publishing two cookbooks in Denmark. While living in Los Angeles, Erin worked with several US brands on image and recipe development and upon returning to Denmark, she partnered with Dorte Prip in 2015 to introduce The American Pie Company in Copenhagen. Erin is happily married to her Danish husband and is the mother of a sassyfive year old daughter who speaks fluent “Danglish”.
www.theamericanpieco.com
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STEP INTO THE NEW YEAR AT YOUR OWN PACE!
NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS… HOW MANY OF YOU MAKE THEM? NOW, HONESTLY, DO YOU STICK TO THEM OR TREAT THEM MORE AS A FUN TRADITION? FIND OUT HOW BEST TO MANAGE YOUR NEW YEAR EXPECTATIONS, ESPECIALLY IF EVERYTHING AROUND YOU IS NEW.
Q
PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCKPHOTO
TEXT KATHY BORYS SIDDIQUI
QUITE FRANKLY, I have never been a big fan of this tradition. Most of the time we make resolutions because we have the intention to follow through. However, often we are not realistic about our resolutions and that can result in disappointment. As expats, we deal with challenges in our global lives all year round and many of us have an abundance of to-do lists and now we will also add New Year’s resolutions? To me, resolutions are expectations under a different name. Usually, we make a list of resolutions - things we should finally get around to this year or what we feel is expected of us. How often do we really think about what achievement would make us truly happy, what would make our lives easier? My point is, less is more. Instead of making a list of goals choose one, you can always add another. Reflecting on the achievements of the previous year is a positive way to start. Success is a great motivator and sometimes even the smallest win can give us the staying power we have been lacking. My own experience has taught me to combine a challenge with a passion. If we are going after something that we enjoy, that we feel passionate about, we are more likely to succeed.
KATHY BORYS SIDDIQUI FOUNDER, ACTIVE ACTION
MANAGING EXPAT EXPECTATIONS! The Expat experience is a rollercoaster ride, full of ups and downs, twists and turns. Moreover, we tend to put a lot of expectations on ourselves right from the start of a relocation, and when things do not go according to plan - which they rarely do - we become disappointed. Brene Brown has a brilliant definition of disappointment, “Disappointment is unmet expectations, and the more significant the expectations, the more significant the disappointment.” (Rising Strong). What can we do about these expectations? Well, we can take a closer look at them, in order to see if they are realistic, what are we expecting, why and who is involved. One of the most important questions to ask ourselves when dealing with expectations is “Do we have control over this situation?” Very often, our expectations involve other people, unfamiliar places, culture codes we have not cracked yet… we can not control any of these aspects. Here is a personal example. I expected to find a job in Denmark without a problem and in no time. This was ten years ago on Funen. Now, looking back all I can say is that I had high, unrealistic expectations. I was stuck in my ways and simply needed to regain control of the situation. Once, I began thinking outside of the box and widened my search, opportunities surfaced.
" T H E E X PAT E X P E R I E N C E I S A R O L L E R CO A S T E R R I D E , F U L L O F U P S A N D D OW N S , T W I S T S A N D T U R N S . M O R E OV E R , W E T E N D TO P U T A LOT O F E X P E C TAT I O N S O N O U R S E LV E S R I G H T F R O M T H E S TA R T O F A R E LO C AT I O N A N D W H E N T H I N G S D O N OT G O A CCO R D I N G TO P L A N - W H I C H T H E Y R A R E LY D O W E B E CO M E D I S S A P O I N T E D. "
RESOLUTIONS, EXPECTATIONS AND OUR EXPAT EXPERIENCES Every expat story is unique. We can share experiences, give valuable tips and do a ton of research but in the end, we all go through periods of trial and error. We test ourselves, we see what works and what does not. Making mistakes, learning from them, becoming more resilient, finding our own way makes this expat journey interesting. Living abroad chang-
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
es you. We take in new cultures, languages, people, sights, sounds, everything that surrounds us. Just like a quilt, all these pieces come together to create a story. I started my expat journey with a suitcase which was filled to the brim with expectations. Over time, at my own pace, I have exchanged these expectations with experiences. THE-INTL
Kathy was born in Poznań, Poland and has lived in four countries and on two continents. Growing up as an immigrant and a cross cultural kid she was able to discover a multicultural world that shaped her into the person she is today. As an adult she experienced life as a re-pat as well as an expat and she is not a stranger to the challenges and opportunities that life abroad offers. Just when she least expected it, she met her Danish husband and once again packed her life in boxes and set off to live the happily-ever-after life in the land of the Vikings and Hygge. Over the span of 10 years she has lived on Fyn, in Jylland and currently in Nordsjælland. Kathy has a background in Cultural Studies and also a degree in American Studies. She has been able to combine her passion and profession as a Cultural Transition and Expat Spouse and Partner Specialist at Active Action. A firm believer that if you are lacking something - create it. She is the founder of two International Mom Groups in Denmark, a running enthusiast, active lifestyle advocate, wife and mom.
kbs@activeaction.dk www.activeaction.dk
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WONDERFUL COPENHAGEN
TY STANGE
MARTIN HEIBERG
PETER HOLLIDAY
CRACKING THE DANISH CULTURAL CODE – PART 3 Research done by Socap and World Value Surveys found that Danes are the most trusting people in the world. 3 out of 4 (78%) trust most others. But what exactly is social trust, and why is it so significant and pervasive in the Danish society? PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER / ISTOCK PHOTO
G
GERT TINGGAARD SVENDSEN, a Danish researcher on the notion of truth and a scholar from the University of Aarhus, explores social trust in Denmark in his insightful and accessible new book, Trust. The perspectives in this article draw heavily upon the positions presented in Trust. Svendsen defines social trust as a trust in people whom the person exhibiting trust does not know, or know of, directly. The strength of social trust lies in the relations between people and the institutions they constitute. Social trust reflects a positive perception of other people and confidence that others will interact and behave, as Svendsen puts it, decently. The smaller a perceived risk about another person, the more they will be willing to cooperate. Where does this wealth of trust, an incredible resource that makes the economy and society run so smoothly come from? There are many theories on the origins of trust, but Svendsen addresses the big three, namely, cultural heritage, the welfare state and political stability.
THE WELFARE STATE A welfare state with minimal corruption, which reliably provides goods through education, redistribution, and equality fosters trust: thus reducing social conflict.
DANIEL RASMUSSEN
This theory posits that the creation of trust is culturally determined and has occurred over time. Denmark’s longstanding culture of co-ops and associations that gained traction in the 1860s, can help explain the high level of trust experienced today. The co-ops grew from grass roots movements in rural areas, with many members belonging to several co-ops simultaneously. This led to open networks with shared interests that are dependent upon high levels of trust. The co-operative mindset spread to both the intellectual and political spheres. It also influenced efforts to educate the greater population at large; as well as spurring youth, community, and political organisa-
POLITICAL STABILITY
tions. The nature of such organisations, namely that they were volunteer driven and tightly knit, made corruption undesirable. This way of being and doing initiated a form of social trust. This form of social trust was inherited by subsequent generations up to our current time and is arguably one of the pillars on which the Nordic welfare state model was established.
DENMARK AS A CO-OP
Welfare states that have effective and noncorrupt public institutions give citizens a better understanding of the society, which further reinforces trust. This not only benefits the people of Denmark, but also attracts foreign investment. Predictability and stability without the specter of corruption allow and promote investment, ultimately contributing to the economic success of the country. All these factors have a direct relation to political stability.
TEXT THOMAS MULHERN
A third theory posits that high levels of social trust emerge from many years of relative political stability. Studies show that if people live with long periods of stable and transparent democratic institutions, with low levels of corruption, trust can grow. Does this mean that the Danish notion of trust is threatened in light of the recent banking scandals? This is debatable; but what we do know, is that the system does break down when too many people cheat, as they no longer have the same incentives to trust each other. This raises the question of what can be done to preserve social trust? More control, right? Not exactly. Svendsen argues that the more control citizens are subjected to, the more superfluous they will find their collective trust reserve. As Svendsen succinctly states, Control is good, but trust is cheaper. So why is social trust so significant and pervasive in Danish society? There is not one definitive answer, but in all likelihood, it is the result of a combination of historical, cultural, and political factors. But what relation does social trust play in terms of authentically integrating into Danish society? Appreciating and understanding that social trust lies in the relations between people and the institutions they are part of is essential. Ultimately, trust is the glue that underpins the cultural values that manifest themselves in terms of norms, symbols and practices. To authentically integrate one needs to appreciate trust and enter into the “circle of trust.” This means having a positive perception of others and confidence that people will adhere to the informal rules of the social contract that is trust. It works. Trust me! THE-INTL
THOMAS MULHERN MANAGING DIRECTOR, GLOBALLY LOCAL Thomas is the former International Department Head at Institut Sankt Joseph, where he led the first fully bilingual Danish/English educational program in Denmark. He is himself an expat, married to a Danish repat and father to a Danish/American. Thomas has experienced first-hand the barriers that make integration in Denmark so difficult, but has also learned the tools to breaking down these barriers and what it takes to integrate, and make Denmark a lasting home. Globally Local uses innovative services to internationalise organisations, and integrate expats and Danish repats.
www.globallylocal.dk
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A SURVIVAL GUIDE TO SUPERMARKET SHOPPING Grocery shopping in a country other than your own is a minefield, and even more so when you don’t speak the language.
W
PHOTOGRAPHS KERI BLOOMFIELD / UNSPLASH.COM
TEXT KERI BLOOMFIELD
WITH HERRINGS, MACKERELS and liver pate all lurking within the aisles of Danish supermarkets you’ll appreciate the stakes can be quite high when grocery shopping. One wrong move and you might just find yourself sucking the wrong end of a mackerel. Or at the very least, buying yoghurt when you actually wanted milk. I loved grocery shopping in my home country. The supermarkets had wide aisles with variety and produce brought from the paddock just the day before (and not wrapped in plastic). There were labels I could read, a cashier that talked to me and, on a good day, even someone to pack my groceries. I did not live in fear of being run over at the checkout when I failed to pay and pack fast enough or being unmercifully wedged in an aisle with a pram and shopping basket. So, it would be fair to say that grocery shopping in Denmark took me a while to get used to. If you’re new to the grocery shopping game in Denmark, then let me share my beginners’ survival guide.
#1 BE FAST Speed is everything. If you can’t pay, pack and move away from the checkout before the next customer needs to pack, then you’re likely to be on the receiving end of a disapproving look from others. A look you will also receive if you forget to put the grocery divider down after your groceries. A fellow expat described this as the 'Pay, pack and get the hell out' approach.
#2 BUY WHAT FITS IN YOUR BIKE BASKET In a lot of cases you’ll likely be visiting the supermarket on bike or foot so whatever you buy, you’ll be carrying it home. Therefore, choose wisely. As a rule of thumb, only buy what you can fit in a bicycle basket. If you’re lucky enough to live in a smaller city and have access to a car, then go wild.
#3 LIMITED VARIETY In terms of variety, expect none. The limited space, particularly in Copenhagen supermarkets, guarantees not only a high risk of being caught in a one-way traffic aisle jam but that you’ll also only ever find one or two brands of each product. The positive we can take from this is that you can now improve your PB (personal best time) while shopping by eliminating choices. For those looking out for a bit more variety, then hunt out some of the smaller independent international supermarkets (such as the Istanbul market in Copenhagen) that stock a wide range of products not easily found elsewhere and normally at much cheaper prices.
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KERI BLOOMFIELD WRITER & BLOGGER Keri Bloomfield is a connector, writer, event manager and blogger currently living in Copenhagen. Originally from New Zealand she was lured to Denmark by a Dane and has since been employed by her daughter (Bilingual Backpack Baby) as editor, writer, photographer and social media manager documenting some of their adventures living in Denmark. Whether you have children or not, her blog is a great source
#4 BE A REGULAR
of entertaining and accurate in-
Be a ‘regular’ at your supermarket. Shop in the same supermarket every time and you’ll quickly master their layout enabling you to more successfully navigate your way around the shop next time.
formation about finding your way in Denmark. Prior to life in Denmark, Keri
#5 SWIPE LEFT OR RIGHT When you get to the checkout you will see what is quite possibly one of Denmark’s finest inventions - the conveyor belt divider. After scanning your groceries, the cashier will swipe your groceries left or right for you to start packing them. This allows the cashier to start serving the next customer while you desperately try to pack your groceries from your side of the conveyor belt before customer number three enters the picture.
navigated a corporate life in New
#6 DO YOUR RESEARCH
is the co-organiser of ‘Post A Let-
Crucial for successful shopping is studying the small mountain of supermarket brochures that arrive in your letterbox each week. Additionally, they are also a very good way to find out what coloured napkins and candles you should be buying.
Zealand and England working in the field of event management and people management. She is now on her way to becoming bilingual (she hopes) and ter Copenhagen’. A monthly
SOME ADDITIONAL HELPFUL TIPS:
DANISH LIFE HACK – YOU CAN SIGN 'OFF' FROM RECEIVING ALL OR SOME OF THESE BROCHURES AT WWW.MINETILBUD.DK . POSTNORD ALSO OFFERS A SIMILAR SERVICE.
If you want to buy basic groceries cheap and
#7 CHECK YOUR RECEIPT After being lured to the appropriate store based on the promise of the specials in the brochures mentioned above, you then need to check that you are charged correctly. It is a regular occurrence at some supermarkets for ‘sale’ items to not be updated with the new price. We often have this surprise at our local supermarket. THE-INTL
event held in Copenhagen where attendees can write and post letters for free. You can read and follow Keri’s
don’t mind shopping in a slightly confusing
adventures in Copenhagen with
labyrinth, then Netto, Lidl, and Aldi are for you.
Otherwise Fakta and Rema 1000 will allow you
her Danish partner and daughter
a bit more space and variety.
If you fancy something a bit more leisurely with
a bit more space, then Kvickly, Føtex , Meny or
Super Brugsen.
If you're shopping to impress, then head to Irma.
and learn more about Post A Letter Copenhagen at the following:
www.bilingualbackpackbaby.com www.postalettercopenhagen.com
For the biggest head to Bilka. Most supermarkets also have an automated
machine for returning plastic bottles and cans
(for which you get a deposit back on)
Kids get a free bolle bun at Føtex If you want English Breakfast teabags, you’re
unlikely to find anything bigger than a 20 pack
at your local supermarket. But you can email me
for my secret bulk supplier.
All too much? Then shop online at
www.Nemlig.com or www.coop.dk.
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DENMARK EXCELS IN ATTRACTING FOREIGN TALENT Denmark is the highest-ranking Nordic country and the second-best country in the world for attracting and retaining talent. Claire Ross-Brown spoke with ISS Group VP Elsie Yiu who made the move to Denmark three years ago with both with her career and her family. PHOTOGRAPHS SIGNE A. H. ØLLGAARD - SAHØ FOTOGRAFI; WWW.SAHOFOTOGRAFI.DK / MAKE-UP - PHIE FRIIS
E Q
ELSIE AND I first met in 2015 just after she had moved to Denmark from Hong Kong with her husband and two daughters . With a business background as a barrister-at-law, she had started working at ISS Group and was still integrating both at work and personally, into the Danish culture. Now, after 3 years, she shares with me the challenges and highlights of her move to Denmark.
TELL ME ABOUT YOUR JOURNEY OVER THE PAST 3 YEARS. WHAT HAS SURPRISED YOU ALONG THE WAY?
I have to admit that I was apprehensive about moving. This is not the first time I have moved – I lived and studied in both the U.S. and then in the U.K. – but I had my career and my family in Hong Kong. I moved because my husband wanted to leave Asia. He is Danish, so I had been to Denmark lots of times, but I had never lived here. Everything seemed small, slow and very quiet. That quietness scared the living daylights out of me, especially coming from Hong Kong, which is the complete opposite. However, one of my friends in Hong Kong told me to see it as an opportunity to try something new, to make a new life and make a change. I love the air in Denmark, the clean water and hygge in the winter. And Danish design. It’s very easy for foreigners because mostly everyone speaks English. I also love the fact that you can swing by London for a weekend. Europe is a fantastic continent with so much culture to offer. However, I still can’t get used to the shops shutting by 17:30 even though my husband says it’s much better than it used to be. Then there is the weather, the dark winters - but in that respect I am very integrated. The Danes don’t seem particularly thrilled about that themselves.
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and have the obligation to see their tasks through. I love the fact that my boss delegates and trusts me to do my job. There is no “facetime” in Denmark, meaning the Danes trust people. They assume that if you say you are at home working, you actually are.
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IS THAT A WAY TO ATTRACT FOREIGN TALENT TO DENMARK?
I think it is in part. I do know some people who came here because work allows them to spend more time with their family. In some cases that makes up for the higher taxes and the lower salaries. But I don’t think it’s enough. You want to attract people who are talented and driven, and such people care less about the workload and more about opportunities. So it still comes down to creating the right opportunities. In the end, that’s what’s going to attract foreign talent. Not all foreign talent is married to a Dane!
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DO YOU THINK SUCH OPPORTUNITIES ARE AVAILABLE IN DENMARK?
I think so. One of the fantastic things about Denmark is that Danes are flexible, and so you can come here and change career. I was a litigator before, but I got two job offers as an in-house counsel by simply cold-calling people. I think just in the last three years, Danish businesses have become more open, more international. That is really the right direction to go because the world today is fiercely competitive and most markets are truly global.
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WHAT’S YOUR ADVICE TO FOREIGNERS WHO HAVE NEWLY RELOCATED TO DENMARK?
Simple. Don’t be afraid of changing tracks. There is so much to learn and discover in life. THE-INTL
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CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN BUSINESS ENTREPRENEUR AND EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF FINTECH COMPANY CASHWORKS Claire has over 26 years', experience working as both a business consultant and actress/singer. She has worked as a Headhunter in London city with Investment Banks, produced an album and invests in companies. Claire is a true Londoner, yet considers Denmark her home, where she lives with her family. She loves to run, box, snowboard and wakeboard. Her column
WHAT’S DIFFERENT AT WORK?
Two things, mainly. Everyone talks about the work-life balance of Denmark, and when I first came and saw the office empty by 17:00, except maybe the top management, I couldn’t believe my eyes. 17:00 was when I used to go down for an afternoon coffee in Hong Kong. And, the idea of working from home would never pass there either. But the funny thing is, it does work. People start earlier and don’t chit-chat at the office. They come to work and do their work effectively. Danes are also very democratic. They are given responsibility
TEXT CLAIRE ROSS-BROWN
"YOU WANT TO ATTRACT PEOPLE WHO ARE TALENTED AND DRIVEN AND SUCH PEOPLE CARE LESS ABOUT THE WORKLOAD AND MORE ABOUT OPPORTUNITIES."
in The International is about Entrepreneurship, interesting businesses and key business people, board member of www.boernogungeinoed.dk
www.cashworks.ch
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NAPPING OUTDOORS:
THE STORY OF NORDIC BABIES The winter is undoubtedly one of the hardest times for newcomers in Denmark. This is especially the case for parents with small children, who will need to find new ways to readapt their everyday routines to the Danish ways. Including putting their children and babies to sleep for their naps outdoors. PHOTOGRAPHS ISTOCK PHOTO / DANIELA TRIFILETTI
TEXT DANIELA TRIFILETTI
READY, SET AND BABY OUTSIDE
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IF YOU ARE in Denmark at this point of the year then you have most probably witnessed already the shocking practice of putting babies and small children to sleep outside. A cultural behaviour in the Nordic countries that has captured during recent years global attention as many have describe it as ‘crazy’, ‘dangerous’ and even ‘irresponsible’. However, putting children to sleep in temperatures as low as -100C, or even -150C in countries like Finland, is not a modern trend. Nordic families have done so for decades gaining as result a number of beneficial outcomes to both the children and all the family members. A recent academic study done, at the Institute of Health Sciences of the University of Oulu in Finland, concluded that the "family well-being was strengthened through outdoor sleeping of children, families were adapted to the northern winter environment, cultural knowledge was built, and a fit was found between families, cultural child care practice, and northern winter environment constituting a coherent whole". But this of course can sound too good and surreal for new coming parents who need to digest the idea of putting their beloved babies to sleep in freezing temperatures. Yet, today those who have taken the ‘risk’ can assure the benefits of doing so, without any theoretical support.
THE BASICS OF OUTDOORS SLEEPING Sundhedstyrelsen (The Danish Department of Health) recognises this practice and provides information about how to do so. However, considering that it depends entirely in each child’s case, family environment and general conditions it is challenging to make a guideline that fits all cases. Nevertheless, here are their main advises to consider when giving it a try: ■ Temperature must not go below -100C, and the location shall be sheltered from wind, rain and/or rime. ■ Only healthy children should sleep in the cold weather. ■ Insulation of the pram and dressing of the child shall be prioritised. ■ Supervision and security measures shall be taken.
It surely isn’t easy for international parents of small children to understand, accept and finally actively engage in the cultural practice of putting babies to sleep their naps outdoors. But given the right tools and information wouldn’t you give it a go? What if you were told that babies who sleep outdoors have longer and better naps, will fall asleep faster, stimulation will be promoted, their health improved and that you will gain a fluency in your everyday life in this country? Well, in case you and your family are ready for it, here is another set of things to have in mind for a successful outdoors sleeping: ■ Start as early as you can, the rhythm and practice in general will be easier for everyone, including parents, children and future caretakers. Remember all daycares in Denmark will put them to sleep outdoors so it is a good idea to adjust as quickly as possible. ■ Although sleeping outdoors can be done in various ways, it is a good idea to invest in a good sleep bag, barnevogn (pram), wool clothing and a baby alarm/monitor. ■ Prevent frostbites and temperature risks by using balms or water-free creams and checking regularly your sleeping baby.
DANIELA TRIFILETTI EXPAT FAMILY EXPERT BLOGGER AT MY DANISH FAMILY Originally from Bogotá, Colombia, Daniela came to Aarhus to complete her education in Journalism in 2013. Life, however, had better plans and shortly after she became the wife of a multicultural Dane and the mother of two multilingual children, thereby making Denmark her new home. Her passion for human and social relations, writing and cultural understanding shaped her everyday life as it is today. Be-
Last but not least, always remember that no mother or father intrinsically knows how to put their babies to sleep, including Nordic ones. It is a process that takes a lot of practice to master. THE-INTL
sides running her online community and
Sources: Children sleeping outdoors in winter. Marjo Tourula, Arja Isola, Juhani Hassi. Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 2007 The Cultural Meaning of Children Sleeping Outdoors in Finnish Winter. Marjo Tourula, Arja Isola, Juhani Hassi. Institute of Health Sciences, University of Oulu, Oulu, Finland 2013; Sundhedstyrelsen. Små børns udeophold i kulden. https://www.sst.dk
drinking coffee with new people.
blog at My Danish Family, she is an active member of large international communities in Denmark, engages actively in internationalisation initiatives and loves
www.mydanishfamily.dk
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BLOGGER COLUMN
SPEAKING DANISH AT WORK
Your company’s official language may be English, but chances are that you can also practice Danish. Make it your priority to speak more Danish at work this year. PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM TEXT BERANGER STARK MOREL
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A NEW YEAR always brings new challenges and projects. About two years ago, I decided that I would speak Danish a year later. This has been one of the longest projects I've taken on. Even though I speak Danish, I am still being challenged every day and aim at becoming a better speaker. I want to share with you my experience from speaking Danish at various workplaces in Denmark. Yes, you can definitely step your Danish level up and avail of your colleagues to improve!
THE BAR ENVIRONMENT When I decided to study Danish full time at school, I obviously needed a job to practice it. The bar is a great outlet to use your Danish skills. I remember starting on my first day and thinking if I should speak in Danish, or stick to English to be on the safe side. I decided to use English in the first month, but switch to Danish as soon as I would become more comfortable with the space, menu and drink list! Quickly enough I found myself speaking Danish to Danes. A bar attracts regulars, which is a fantastic opportunity to speak Danish. We had a lot more locals than tourists, this meant I really got to talk about various topics, such as culture, language, work and life. I had the chance to meet so many types of Danes from all over the country. This also helped me to better identify accents from Jutland, Zealand and even Bornholm! Though, I am still struggling to spot the accent from Fyn…
THE OFFICE ENVIRONMENT Throughout the past four years, I have also experienced office work. Unlike the bar environment where every conversation is very spontaneous and totally unexpected, the office talks seem to be a bit more predictable. You know who your Danish colleagues are, whether they speak slow or fast, articu-
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late or not, have a tough accent to understand or make an effort to be understood. There is less uncertainty in regards to what might come out of the conversations, compared to in a bar environment. Use moments like lunch breaks, Friday bars, e-mails, a quick ride in the lift or even a coffee break to test your Danish skills. We know that Danes really like to speak English, but they definitely love to speak Danish. Even if it is not a deep conversation, the simple fact to engage in Danish will show that you are trying. Ultimately this means, that you want to integrate further.
CHALLENGES & VICTORIES Let’s be honest, learning Danish is a real challenge but absolutely achievable. When I look back at the past four years, I found that when I met a Dane for the first time and engaged in English, our conversations stayed in English over time. It can be tough to switch to Danish full time. Not because you cannot do it, but because English was the language you both used when you met. Funny enough it is a bit the same with my wife. English is still predominant; however, we also mix Danish and French, which no longer affects the level of our conversations. Speaking Danish at work can be challenging because you come across specific vocabulary relating to your industry. There is also a difference between speaking Danish with colleagues and presenting a full on technical product over the phone. It is an ongoing challenge which we might all face at some stage. My professional Danish network has been very supportive all along, and still is. This is motivating and very rewarding as a learner. Do not give up! Let’s make 2019 a year where we all challenge ourselves with Danish and show our peers that we can do it. THE-INTL
BÉRANGER STARK MOREL SALES EXECUTIVE & BLOGGER Béranger is a French expat living in Copenhagen since 2014. He works in sales at Trustpilot. In his spare time, Béranger also manages a blog where he shares his tips and personal experience about the process of learning Danish in Denmark.
@learndanishblog www.learn-danish.com
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LIQUORICE:
FROM MEDICINE TO MEDDLING IN EVERYTHING Love it or hate it, this root has a fascinating five-thousand-year history.
PHOTOGRAPHS GINA LORUBBIO / ISTOCK PHOTO
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ANYTHING CAN BE liquorice-flavoured, or at least that’s how it seems in Denmark. Some combinations are so offthe-wall that I have to laugh at the effort to sneak the stuff into everything. While this may be delectable to native Danes who grew up on liquorice, it often makes foreigners cringe. Though our individual opinions of liquorice are unlikely to change, perhaps we can appreciate the history of this medicinal root-turnedconfection.
SWEET ROOTS As hard as it may be to imagine, the sticky gobs of black liquorice come from a plant. More specifically, they come from the root of a tall shrub with violet blue flowers, and it takes three to four years in the soil to ready the roots. The reason folks thought it worthwhile to pull from the ground is glycyrrhizin, the main compound in liquorice, which is fifty times sweeter than sucrose (sugar!). For this, the Ancient Greeks named the plant glycyrrhiza, or ‘sweet root.’
cess that intensifies the bitterness – and those blocks are what artisans transform into confections today. When liquorice arrived in Denmark, it was available only in pharmacies. That may have been where ammonium chloride was first paired with liquorice root extract, as the salty substance will clear your sinuses. Anyone who’s ever tried a Super Pirato and felt the fire build in the back of their throat and exit through their nose is intimately familiar with its effects. In Pontefract, England at the end of the 1800s, a pharmacist mixed sug-
LIQUORICE CURES ALL What do King Tut, Alexander the Great, Julius Caesar, and the Indian prophet Brahma all have in common? They used liquorice to cure their ails, from coughs and colds to ulcers and arthritis. It is said that in 2737 B.C. China, people began chewing the raw root for its sweetness and healthful properties. Over the centuries, they started drying the root and extracting its juice for better transport and shelf-life. They moulded the concentrated juice into blocks – a pro-
ar and other ingredients into the thick, black extract, and liquorice as a confection was born. The treat grew popular in Denmark in the 1930s, traveling away from its ‘roots’ as a medicine and toward a candy enjoyed for pure pleasure. Fast forward to 2007, and liquorice has swung fully to the other side with the launch of Johan Bülow’s luxury liquorice company called Lakrids. (You’ve likely seen the chocolate balls with liquorice centres in an array of colours and flavours; for
TEXT GINA LORUBBIO
New Year’s, they’re even coated in gold dust.) These creative new combinations gave license to other chefs and artisans to push the boundaries, and since then, they’ve added liquorice to the most unlikely of places.
DISGUSTING OR DELICIOUS? One of my Danish husband’s favourite pastimes while living in the U.S. was convincing friends to taste the liquorice rainbow, from the relatively benign Skipper’s Pipes, to the ammonium chloride-soaked Super Piratos. The tasters almost always recoiled in disgust; they’re not alone. At this very moment, there’s an exhibit in Malmö called the Disgusting Food Museum (runs through 27 January). Guess what’s included? Yep - liquorice. But so are pork, root beer, caviar, vegemite, and stinky cheese. It seems that the food culture you grow up in determines what you’ll regard as ‘normal.’ And here in Denmark, where the average person eats 4.5 pounds per year, that liquorice flavour is deemed delicious. Now when someone offers you a piece of liquorice candy – or, let’s be real, liquorice ice cream, liquorice chocolate, liquorice tea, etc. – you can do more than accept or decline; you can tell them the story of how it all began. THE-INTL
GINA LORUBBIO ARTIST & WRITER Gina is an artist and food tour guide in Copenhagen. Upon arrival from the U.S., she created an art series called ‘How to Fall in Love with Denmark through Food in 100 Days.’ This month’s art – a wreath of Danish Christmas food traditions – is available as cards and prints. Her site is full of other great gifts for the food-lovers in your life: www.AmericanHeirloom Project.com
@americanheirloom
Sources: Disgusting Food Museum - https://disgustingfoodmuseum.com/sweden/; Candy Bites: The Science of Sweets by Richard W. Hartel, AnnaKate Hartel; Den Store Danske: http://denstoredanske.dk/Mad_og_bolig/Gastronomi/ slik/Lakrids; Saveur: https://www.saveur.com/scandinavian-salt-licorice-salmiak
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JUTLAND
AARHUS GOES GO GLOCAL is a new initiative that aims to highlight Aarhus as an attractive career destination for internationals by showcasing the vibrant community of international players across the city. PHOTOGRAPHS INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY / ISTOCKPHOTO
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WE LIVE IN a truly globalised world where
THE STORIES BEHIND GO GLOCAL
all levels of our society are affected by our surroundings. Through a focus on internationalisation, we believe that globalisation can broaden and a create opportunities for individuals, business communities and whole countries. It’s all in our name: GO GLOCAL. It is the fusion of the global and the local. Our project sets out to highlight the importance of an international workforce within the local community and how creating a more culturally open-minded labor market can lead to the recruitment of a talented and diverse international workforce.
There is a talented and ambitious community of internationals in Denmark who deserve recognition for their work, creativity and initiatives. Our aim is to provide a glimpse of just some of these individuals who have chosen to make Aarhus their home. Across our social media channels, you can find a growing collection of portraits of the many internationals living or working in Aarhus. We
TEXT INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY
hope this will serve as inspiration for other internationals moving to Denmark and provide companies with a better understanding of their international employees. GO GLOCAL should not be limited to Aarhus – it can reach and inspire others throughout the country to acknowledge the absolute need to embrace internationalisation. Find inspiration at www.goglocal.dk. THE-INTL
GO GLOCAL INSPIRES TO TAKE ACTION GO GLOCAL covers several focus areas which all play a part in increasing internationalization in Aarhus. The project will culminate in a conference and Awards Ceremony at Aarhus City Hall on January 30, 2019, which will bring the Aarhus business community, citizens and government representatives together to share ideas and knowledge around globalisation. GO GLOCAL is for everyone - we are a platform for great initiatives to be shared, recognized and promoted. We believe that the successful initiatives from Aarhus-based companies, organisations and individuals should serve as inspiration for other regions in Denmark to go “glocal”, while encouraging the sharing of knowledge and experiences.
GOING GLOCAL IS A TEAM EFFORT Participation is the cornerstone of GO GLOCAL. We aim to acknowledge all the actors leading inspiring initiatives towards the internationalisation of Aarhus and support the goal of making our city an attractive career destination. To celebrate these excellent initiatives, we will grant two awards at the conference. The first winner will be chosen by a jury who will select a company or organisation that strives to integrate their international employees. The second will be a People’s Choice award voted by the community via an online poll where everyone has the chance to nominate themselves, a team or organisation who contributes to making international newcomers and citizens feel at home in Aarhus.
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INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY We offer a wide range of events, seminars and online activities that help internationals get settled in Denmark.
WE GO GLOCAL STORIES Learn about the challenges and advantages of moving to Denmark by reading stories from internationals living in Aarhus. Gain insight into their everyday life and their experiences settling in a new country. Follow GO GLOCAL on Instagram @goglocal.aarhus and Facebook @Go Glocal Aarhus.
THE GO GLOCAL AWARD An award given to a company or organization that contributes to the internationalization of Aarhus through strong initiatives that integrate their international employees and encourage other companies to get involved.
THE GO GLOCAL – PEOPLE’S CHOICE AWARD The award is given to an individual, team, company or organization that contributes to making internationals feel at home. Voted for via an online poll.
THE GO GLOCAL CONFERENCE – JANUARY 30 The two award winners will be announced as part of a conference program which gives new insights into the internationalization of Aarhus and the positive effects of international qualifications and recruitment.
Learn more at internationalcommunity.dk or follow us on Facebook @InternationalCommunityAarhus and Instagram @internationalcommunityaarhus. www.erhvervaarhus.dk www.international community.dk
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NEW YEAR. NEW NETWORK... Network your way into the New Year, here’s how...
PHOTOGRAPHS COPENHAGEN MEDIA CENTER / ISTOCK PHOTO
TEXT JASON HEPPENSTALL
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IT’S NOT OFTEN
that Denmark’s second city makes international waves, but Aarhus recently got noticed by the Wall Street Journal, which called it “Denmark’s New Wave”. Waxing lyrical about this “compact city of 340,000 [which] is surrounded by tracts of well-manicured crop rows, the umber soil sitting in stark contrast to the lush green wild lands and acres of vibrant yellow canola fields …” – it certainly sounded appealing. The real reason the WSJ’s interest was piqued was the fact that tech giants Apple, Facebook and Google are all setting up nearby, with each planning to build a data centre or two. Apple was particularly taken with the availability of green energy, acres of space and the amenities offered by Aarhus, with investors dreaming of turning the city into a new Scandinavian tech hub. Amid talk of creating 30,000 new hi-tech jobs, 3 million square feet (280,000m2) of new commercial developments in ‘sustainable and innovative agriculture’ and hundreds of new firms, it’s not hard to see why some are dreaming of moving to Jutland: Aarhus, it is hoped, with be a new hub In Europe’s hitech network.
NEW YEAR NETWORKING Speaking of networks, I was delighted to find out that my old boss from when I worked at a well-known travel firm in Copenhagen was now the head of a global network that might just be revolutionary in its reach. Jonatan Persson is a bit of an action man, and the former Olympic sailor and professional skier now sits at the head of the world’s largest network (probably…) of peers for executives and businesspeople. Headquartered in Svendborg, the Executives’ Global Network (EGN.com) is an ingenious concept that takes full advantage of the internet age. Professionals and managers who join up are assigned a peer group where they will find them-
JASON HEPPENSTALL CURRENCY ANALYST AND ECONOMICS WRITER, TORFX.
Jason spent almost 10 years living and working in Denmark as an English selves in the company of other people at the same professional level, and together they form a bond and help one another in their professional lives. These peerbuddies could be anywhere in the world, and the setting is totally confidential so they don’t need to fear their boss spying on them. The format has proved to be a success and EGN now has over 14,000 members in 15 countries, with regular seminars and meetups and all the other type of networking opportunities that appeal to go-getters. I got in touch with Jonatan and asked him if EGN was something that would appeal to expats living in Denmark – and his answer was an effusive “Yes”. “The feedback I get from the many international executives who join our English speaking peer groups with a mix of Danes and foreigners, is that they benefit largely in two ways: 1) they get a professional network immediately in their new home country which they can tap into for experience sharing, asking – and giving - good advice - and often also social con-
tact - and 2) they benefit from being part of a high level group of peers who work internationally, so they can improve their own and their companies’ performance.” I had heard that EGN had recently hooked up with Harvard Business School offering programmes in professional development, so asked Jonatan what other plans EGN had for the future and how easy it was for members in Denmark (or wherever) to plug into this peer-to-peer network. “We have expanded out of Denmark to 14 countries now, primarily in Europe, but also in South East Asia, South Africa and Australia and New Zealand, with over 14,000 members in total. We have built our own social media ‘digital universe’ where members can talk together. People appreciate being in a closed forum with no commercials and no disturbance – only real peer to peer advice and sharing.” So, there you have it, if you’re working in Denmark and want to get connected, egn.com should be your first port of call. THE-INTL
teacher and news editor. With a degree in economics and years of experience in writing for the The Express, Jason also has a thorough knowledge of expat life in Denmark, and can convincingly say rød grød med fløde to the satisfaction of the average Dane. He is married to a Copenhagener and they live together in Cornwall, UK, with their two children.
www. torfx.com
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NEW YEAR,
SAME YOU What if this year we all begin with the supposition that we are already enough? PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM
TEXT ED LEY
"life takes off when we decide who we are going to be and resolve to be that regardless of what we are doing."
ED LEY HEALTH COACH, CONSULTANT, WRITER AND SPEAKER. Ed owns a private health coaching and
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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS.
Each year so many of us resolve to dig deeper. “This will be my year” we say to ourselves. Sadly, according to a study from the University of Scranton only 8% of us will achieve our goals. Deep down few of us believe this year will be any different to last. I have no problem will goal setting and goal achieving. Given the right context and internal state, it can be an incredible tool but when we are trying to use the goal in order to change our internal state we are setting ourselves up to fail. That’s not what New Year’s resolutions are about though. Rather they are about making this year better than the last. They are about summoning the will power to finally have the life we want. Resolutions are standing outside of the arena of our everyday lives and commenting on what’s possible like the arm chair football coach. Once we step back into the arena the pressures of life are the same as they ever were. We are suddenly acutely aware of why we don’t already possess what we are trying to achieve.
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personal training studio in Hellerup alongside his wife Christina.
THE BEST THINGS IN LIFE Goal setting is fine of course, but it is predicated on the idea that what you are doing is what will make the difference, but the truth is; life is not about what you are doing but who you are being while you are doing it. Life takes off when we decide who we are going to be and resolve to be that regardless of what we are doing. This year, let’s resolve to stop chasing and decide who we are going to be. Let’s turn the focus from out there to in here (points at head). “Easier said than done” I hear you say, but here is the magic part. All the answers you seek are already in your head, they have been there all along. “The best things in life are free. The second-best things in life are very very expensive,” goes a famous saying by Coco Chanel. Fortunately, we are focusing on the best things in life here. It’s important to know what those things are to you.
WHAT DO YOU VALUE MOST? What is the why beneath your goal? Get a
pen and paper and write your answers down on paper. You should now understand how you want to feel – why you want to reach that goal. Now, decide what your life is going to be rich in and start giving it away. Want be fitter? - then cause another to be fitter. Want to be healthier - cause another to be healthier. Want to laugh more - cause others to laugh more. Whatever you want to experience cause another to experience it, whatever you want more of, give it away. The very act of sharing convinces your brain you have it to give away. What you teach you learn more deeply, what you cause another to experience you experience more deeply yourself. THE-INTL
ABSOULTE HEALTH NEW YEAR OFFER: 25 1-2-1 coaching sessions for only 1,000 DKK to the first 25 people to get in touch. Just text me on 5378 1246.
They use neuroscience techniques to help their clients build habits to move towards their goals in a way that works for them. To find out more visit our website.
www. absolute health.net
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B e s t BEAUTY BUYS NEW YEAR, NEW FOUNDATION Need a new foundation? Not sure which one to pick? No idea on which finish, tone or coverage? Today is your lucky day! We’ve compiled a range of some of the best foundations on the market.
BARBARA MENSAH Start the New Year by thinking about a good foundation perfect for you. My step by step guide will help you choose the most flawless foundation. Think Tone, Coverage, Finish and Shade.
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BEAUTY EDITOR & MAKEUP ARTIST
STEP 1 BE AWARE OF YOUR SKIN TYPE. THERE ARE FOUR MAIN TYPES: DRY, NORMAL, OILY AND COMBINATION. FOR OILY SKINS, I RECOMMEND POWDER, OIL-FREE OR MINERAL FOUNDATIONS. THE POWDERS WILL ABSORB OILS AND WILL LEAVE A SMOOTH MATTE FINISH. FOR DRY SKINS, HYDRATING POWDER, LIQUID OR STICK FOUNDATIONS ARE THE BEST, FOR THEIR CREAMY TEXTURE HELPS MOISTURISING THE SKIN. FOR ‘COMBINATION’ SKINS, AVOID FOUNDATION FORMULAS THAT ARE OIL-RICH OR CONTAIN EMOLLIENTS. YOU NEED A FOUNDATION THAT KEEPS EVERYTHING BALANCED, WITH MINIMAL OIL CONTENT AND CAPABLE OF KEEPING DRY PATCHES AT BAY. FINALLY, FOR SENSITIVE SKINS – IF YOU ARE STRUGGLING WITH ACNE, FOR INSTANCE – IT IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO AVOID INGREDIENTS THAT IRRITATE THE SKIN. FRAGRANCES, TALC AND ALCOHOL ARE THE BIGGEST CULPRITS!
STEP 2 WITH OR WITHOUT THE HELP OF A PROFESSIONAL, CHOOSE THREE SHADES THAT YOU THINK ARE CLOSEST TO YOUR SKIN TONE. MAKE A STRIPE DOWN YOUR CHEEK TOWARDS YOUR JAWLINE /NECK. WHICHEVER BLENDS IN SEAMLESSLY WITH YOUR NATURAL SKIN COLOUR IS THE ONE FOR YOU.
#1 NARS SHEER GLOW FOUNDATION, DKK 340 - SEPHORA.DK #2 GIORGIO ARMANI -LUMINOUS SILK FOUNDATION, DKK 420 - MAGASIN.DK
STEP 3 MAKE SURE TO CHECK ALL FOUNDATIONS YOU TEST ON YOUR FACE IN NATURAL DAYLIGHT. THE BRIGHT LIGHTS OF A BEAUTY DEPARTMENT CAN BE VERY DECEIVING. SO ONCE YOU HAVE THE FOUNDATION ON YOUR FACE, TAKE A QUICK WALK OUTSIDE, TAKE A MIRROR AND LOOK TO SEE IF IT HAS BLENDED IN WELL OR IF EVEN YOU CAN SEE A MAJOR COLOUR DIFFERENCE.
Barbara was born in England, London with her origins in Ghana. She has been a makeup artist for over 10 years. She moved to Copenhagen in 2017 with her Danish husband and son after living in Stockholm, Sweden. Barbara is currently working as a freelance makeup artist, and is travelling between the UK and Denmark for make-up bookings. You can follow Barbara’s life here in Denmark on YouTube – Barbara Mensah Vlogs. Facebook: www. facebook.com/ barbaramensahvlogs Instagram: @itsbarbaramensah Bookings: barbaramensahvlogs@gmail.com
STEP 4 FIND YOUR CORRECT SKIN UNDERTONE: COOL, WARM, OLIVE OR NEUTRAL.
STEP 5 CHOOSE YOUR FINISH. “FINISH” SIMPLY REFERS TO THE KIND OF SHEEN OR LACK THAT YOU WANT IN YOUR FOUNDATION. IT CAN BE MORE OR LESS DEWY, MATTE AND LUMINISING.
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NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: BRUSH YOUR PET’S TEETH!
On the first day of 2019, make your pet’s health a priority for the coming year. Brushing your pet’s teeth leads to improved health and happiness.
PHOTOGRAPHS UNSPLASH.COM
TEXT TAREK ABU SHAM
D
DENTAL DISEASE IS a common condition affecting pets, with more than 75 per cent of dogs and cats showing signs of periodontal disease by age three. Apart from bad breath, it is difficult to recognise the symptoms of dental disease. If left untreated, it can lead to irreversible problems within the oral cavity and even organ disease. Fortunately, dental disease is completely preventable and easy to manage by brushing your pet's teeth.
WHAT CAUSES DENTAL DISEASE? Every time your pet eats, a sticky film of food particles, bacteria, and saliva known as plaque forms over each tooth. Consistent exposure to plaque causes gum inflammation, known as gingivitis, as the immune system fights the bacteria within the plaque. Gradually, plaque creeps under the gum’s surface, forming a pocket of bacteria between the gum and the tooth root. This plaque can harden, and the pockets deepen, resulting in irreversible damage like gum recession, tooth decay, root abscesses, and eventually tooth loss.
TAREK ABU SHAM OWNER, THE PET-AGREES
Long-term gingivitis and gum recession allow nasty bacteria into the blood stream. These bacteria can travel to organs including the heart, kidneys, liver, lungs and brain, causing serious infection and organ dysfunction. Untreated periodontal disease can be extremely painful; however, pets will rarely show signs of oral pain. Your pet may be suffering from long-term, crippling dental pain in silence. Clean, healthy teeth will mean a pet with fresher breath!
WHY BRUSH YOUR PET'S TEETH?
WHEN TO BRUSH YOUR PET'S TEETH?
Fortunately, dental disease is completely preventable with toothbrushing. While dental diets, chews and toys promote good oral health, only toothbrushing completely removes plaque. If you're unsure if brushing your pet's teeth is worthwhile, remember: While the early stages of dental disease are reversible, if left untreated your pet may face gum recession, tooth decay, root exposure, abscesses and eventually tooth loss. Brushing your pet's teeth will save money on dental bills in the long run.
Train your pet to accept toothbrushing as early as possible. Young animals are much more receptive to having their mouths touched and starting early means toothbrushing will become just another part of their daily routine! However, if your pet is older or adopted, don't despair. It's never too late to start implementing an oral health routine- the training may just take longer. Have a chat with your veterinarian to assess your pet’s current dental health. Your veterinarian will demonstrate the best technique to brush your pet's
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM
teeth. The toothbrush size will depend on your pet, though many soft-bristle toothbrushes and finger brushes are available. Flavoured pet toothpastes designed to be swallowed are available at your local veterinary clinic. Brushing your pet's teeth will allow you to take a proactive role in keeping them healthy throughout their lifetime.
WE ARE HERE FOR YOU! The Pet-agrees is here to bring comfort to you and your pet. It’s not just about pet sitting when you are out of town. We understand that sometimes you have to put in long days at the office. Not only do we provide exercise and attention for your pet, but by choosing us you’ll have the advantage of having a veterinarian look after your pet. The Pet-agrees is owned by a trained veterinarian. THE-INTL
Tarek was born in Amman, Jordan and from an early age has had a love for animals. He met his spouse in Amman and then soon embarked on an expat lifestyle that took him to Dubai, Prague, and now Copenhagen. Originally a veterinarian, Tarek reinvented himself professionally and decided to launch his own company. With The Pet-agrees, Tarek has combined his veterinary experience with his entrepreneurial spirit. He cares for pets in the Copenhagen area, offering services including pet-sitting, walking, and more to come soon.
www.thepetagrees.com
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SUN, SEA AND SECRETS
The worst part about January in Denmark is the grey and cold – unless snow shows up! All the Christmas decorations are down and spring is still very far away. So if you dream about the sun, try these titles on for pure escapism.
SUSAN JESSEN SPIELE LIBRARIAN Susan is a librarian at Roskilde Library, and in charge of the English section. She does English events all year; everything from expat dinners and pub quizzes, to karaoke nights and book talks. She is also busy with Roskilde Horror, a club dedicated to scaring the town.
BEAUTIFUL, HAUNTING AND REAL SUMMERTIME BY VANESSA LAFAYE Florida, 1935, the residents of a small town are preparing for the 4th of July barbecue. Tensions simmer as the discovery of a badly beaten white woman sets black and white, disgruntled veterans and locals against one another, while the greatest hurricane is looming.
THE PAST NEVER DIES
TAUNT, HOT AND SEDUCTIVE
SECRETS OF THE TIDES BY HANNAH RICHELL
THE LEMON GROVE
The Tides are a family with dark secrets. Haunted by the events of one tragic day ten years ago, they each struggle. When the youngest daughter falls pregnant, she returns home to find out what really happened on the Dorset beach.
BY HELEN WALSH Married to her older husband for years Jenn enjoys a holiday in Majorca with him until her fifteen-year-old stepdaughter shows up with her new boyfriend. A s trong attraction turns into an obses sion and this Summer changes everything.
DID YOU KNOW?
WONDERFUL, BUT UNSETTLING
If you have an Eng-
THE MAGUS BY JOHN FOWLES
lish book club or you
Nicholas Urfe, a young Englishman teaching on a remote Greek island befriends a local millionaire. The friendship soon evolves into a deadly game, in which reality and fantasy are deliberately manipulated. Nicholas must fight not only for his sanity but for his very survival.
would like to start one, you can borrow a book club set with ten copies of each title. You can keep them for two months - the only condition is that you need to borrow and return all ten copies at the same time. Just ask at your local library!
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Wait, what!? You didn’t choose Studieskolen? Ask anyone - where do you get the best Danish classes? We know the answer. We have been teaching Danish to foreigners for more than 40 years with great results. If fast progression, outstanding teachers and the best study environment is what you are looking for - go for the best. Go for Studieskolen. Find our new courses on studieskolen.dk/dansk Follow us /studieskolen
JANUARY 2019 - WWW.THE-INTL.COM