Denmark 🇩🇰

Louise, 38

Born in Nakskov, Lolland, Denmark and lived in Copenhagen for 11 years.

Came to Australia in February 2015

How did we meet?

Louise and I met in the "Danish Club Sydney" Facebook group. It's honestly quite surprising and perplexing that I don't know any Danes here considering I spent an entire year in Copenhagen on exchange!

What is your occupation?

I have a Bachelor of Natural Resources and Nature Management from the University of Copenhagen and a Masters of Urban Planning and Environment from RMIT.

My partner and I have our own urban and environment planning and project management consultancy, Claron Consulting. We have clients all over NSW, QLD and Victoria and specialise in waste and resource recovery facilities.

Why did you come to Australia?

Well, it was primarily to do with finishing my Master. I’ve been to Australia before immigrating here, and that was primarily for a high school rotary exchange. Ever since going to Uluru, Tassie, Fraser Island, I’ve dreamt of coming back and living here for a longer period.

What do you like about Sydney?

It is very multicultural here compared to Denmark, which is very homogenous. I love diversity and generally, I do feel very welcome. I feel like it’s a place for everyone and It helps that most Australians are immigrants or descendants of immigrants.

I feel like you’re always close to nature in Sydney regardless of where you live, like the harbour, national parks, beaches etc.

I like the mild winters because you don’t have to layer up like back in Denmark.

What don’t you like about Sydney?

I don’t like the hot summers because they exacerbate my migraines.

As a Dane and as an urban planner, I don’t like the dominance of cars on Sydney’s roads. Not only that, but car drivers here act and feel like they have the sole right to the roads, to the detriment of other road users like cyclists.

Don’t forget: the cyclist is still a person and could very well be your friend or a family member. Don’t treat them as an enemy!

Cafes close at bloody 5 pm! You can’t even get a hot chocolate after 5 pm, what’s up with that?

There’s a lot of focus on Australian-made products but there should be more focus on organic foods and produce. I miss having a big and reasonably-priced range of organic produce to choose from, like in Denmark.

What would you like to say to Sydneysiders?

Explore your city because there are so many beautiful places to see within close proximity of each other!

What languages do you speak?

English, Danish (native)

Teach us one word/phrase from your native language.

Hygge- being content and being surrounded by things and people you love.

It must include candlelights!

One example would be watching Danish/Scandinavian noir dramas with my cat, my partner, a cup of tea and candlelight while it’s raining outside.

What is one thing you want us to know about your native country?

If you visit, visit in spring or summer (May - September) never go in November - February, at least not if you want to meet Danish people and make Danish friends.

We are hibernating and not approachable (unless we already know you) until spring arrives. Sad but true. Besides that, it is also the most stunning time of year to visit! And yes, we do cycle everywhere and without helmets and lycra!

Who is the most famous person in your native country?

Crown Princess Mary. She’s a modern fairytale; She met her Prince (of Denmark) in a Sydney pub during the 2000 Olympics and they’ve been together ever since.

What is the best dish in your native country?

Roast pork sandwich- Flæskestegssandwich.

Until coming to Australia, I’ve never actually made a roast pork sandwich. But now, we make it to spoil ourselves or for special occasions. I also add coriander as my own little special ingredient.

Disclaimer: All posts are personal opinions and perspectives of the interviewees and are not a perfect representation of the whole country/experience.