I love reading Catriona’s blog about expat life, she also works as an editor, writes for a local magazine in Denmark and is one of my fellow anthology contributors to the newly released expat collaboration; Life on the Move. She’s outgoing, adventurous and I am greatly looking forward to adding her memoir to my bookshelf when it’s released! If the stars align, I’m hoping to maybe even catch her for a cuppa when I’m in Scotland next month.
Where were you born? I’m originally from Gourock, a small town most people haven’t heard of, literally tucked away in a corner of Scotland about 40 minutes west of Glasgow. Aberdeen is my home ‘base’ these days.
Where are you living? Currently in Esbjerg, Denmark. Another town most people haven’t heard of!
How long have you been there? One year.
How long do you expect to be there? Anticipating two more years.
Where else have you lived? France (twice), Uganda, and Congo.
What you love about where you are living? After a long spell of tropical living, a move to Denmark was exactly what I’d been hoping for! I’m loving the changing seasons and cosy Christmas, as well as a climate and many cultural habits that feel familiar to me.
What is the worst thing about where you live? Denmark is something of a monoculture. Traditions and habits are deeply-ingrained and very ardently adhered to. If you’re a foreigner who’s not inclined to conform, that can make things uncomfortable.
The hardest part of living where you live? There’s really nothing difficult, but the biggest inconvenience for me – no judgement please! – has been getting used to doing all my own housework again, after having full-time help in Congo. And as you would expect the Danes are very house-proud and set high standards!
What has surprised you most about where you live? Eating out – it’s not the best. Despite Denmark being the home of one of the world’s best restaurants, the New Nordic movement is mostly Copenhagen-focused. Over here, there’s less choice and innovation, and it’s very expensive. We do have a few favourites though – one of which is a street food hub, with food from everywhere else in the world!
Your biggest lesson learned? After ten years as an expat, I’ve finally learned how to find and follow my own purpose on our journey. To begin with I would try hard to fit in with the expectations and the opportunities that arose wherever we landed, but setting my own path has been liberating and fulfilling.
One reason you wouldn’t have missed living there for the world? I can’t think of one thing, but right now I’m relishing the opportunity to experience the Scandinavian lifestyle as well as to explore more of Europe from close at hand.
The best food? Kanelsnegle! You’ve not had a Danish pastry until you’ve had an actual Danish pastry!
The best sight? The flatness of Denmark took a bit of getting used to, but the unique landscape where the blue sky meets the green field right there on the horizon is very special.
Your biggest fear for the future? Interesting question! Honestly, our expat life has brought us nothing but privilege, as well as a certain degree of security. Our worst-case scenario would still have a soft landing. I am fearful for the most vulnerable in our increasingly disconnected and divisive world, the ones whose moves across the world are forced by conflict or oppression, and who face an inhospitable welcome with no option of going home.
Funniest incident? Back when we lived in Uganda, my husband’s prank-loving best friend was keen to send us a thoughtful Christmas present. What do you get for a family in Africa at Christmas? A goat, of course! He was lucky that it turned up at our door accompanied by a crate of beer… Someday I’ll write the story of how that poor goat spent his Christmas 2013.
What NOT to do in your location? Turn right when driving without looking over your shoulder. Cyclists have right of way everywhere.
The person who has inspired you most where you live and why? Our company has an amazing Relocation Adviser in the HR department. Although she’s an Esbjerg local, she’s previously been an expat herself, so she’s passionate about bringing new families in with a smooth landing. She works hard to give everyone opportunities to connect, and is always brimming with enthusiasm to champion the businesses and creative endeavours of expats here. Thanks, Mariann!
Best piece of advice you could give to newbie expats? Ditch the temporary mindset. It’s not just about investing in the furnishings that make you feel at home, it’s also about how you spend your time in each posting. If you take a less-than-ideal job, or cast around for whatever can fill your time because ‘it’s only for three years’, then life passes you by, in three-year increments. Find your own purpose, whether it’s work, family, or something else, that you can carry with you wherever you are.
Anything else you want to add? Speaking of purpose…I’m writing a memoir, focusing on a sense of place and home, with essays about places I’ve lived or visited. Please join my journey here to be the first to read exclusive extracts and essays!
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