Interview with Belgium Rob Krueger who lives in Copenhagen

Paula: Rob, can you tell us a little bit about you?

Rob: I am 39, Belgian, Finance Responsible based here in Copenhagen in a French company distributing Champagne and Spirits in the Nordic countries

Paula: When and what brought you to Denmark?

Rob: I always wanted anyway to experience life out of Belgium for at least a few years. I never thought it would be in Denmark. I guess I had more sunny or warm countries in the back of my mind...but when the first real international working opportunity came up in the beginning of 2009 I thought "Denmark, here I am!"

Paula: Do you enjoy living in Denmark?

Rob: I actually do and a lot more than I expected. There is a general relaxed feeling you have by working in Copenhagen, the bikes, the water closeby, ...I had a great summer here. Maybe also because I was not expecting so much it turned out to be a really good surprise. Danish also have the same sense of humor than the Belgian people. Just like in other small countries, the Danish people are not arrogant at all.

Paula: What do you do currently in Denmark?

Rob: I work here most of the time I'm afraid.

Paula: Do you have hobbies there?

Rob: I will try to get my hobbies back in my life in 2010. Mostly I like sports like Tennis. Anybody playing exactly as bad as I do?

Paula: What do you miss most about your home country?

Rob: I hate the parking problems in Copenhagen so I'd say I miss the free city parking spots we have in Brussels! I already had 4 tickets for wrong parking here in CPH...and no way you can negotiate your way out of it. It costs me a fortune and makes me really mad!

Paula: Do you find Denmark to be a welcoming country towards immigrants of your home country?

Rob: If you are coming in the right conditions, it is really not a problem. But I am lucky on that side. I have to say though that I had to go through a lot of formalities. There is a lot of administration when you want to come over here...But everybody speaks perfectly English here...even the darkest public administration employee. And once you get to know the way Danish people are functioning...it is really a pleasure.

Paula: Do you plan in staying in Denmark?

Rob: No idea but I guess it will be more linked to my professional future than to anything else. Do you like Danish food? What is your favorite? I hope I will not offend anybody but I am not a big fan of Danish food. I was expecting it to be more let's say ..."healthy"! Smorrebro is so...fat. Sorry.

Paula: What is your advice for people planning to move to Denmark?

Rob: Get used to come to the office with your bicycle. Sell your car.