Denmark 101 with Alex Berger

The meal was amazing. The portions were bottomless. You're ready to go home but feel guilty about wasting food. You're also feeling a bit lazy - why cook tomorrow morning? So, you ask for a doggy bag. What's a doggy bag? It's a to-go bag for your leftovers and while it may eventually find its way to a canine friend, the food you save and take home is usually reserved for human consumption as delicious leftovers. At least, that's how we do it in the US. But, what about Denmark? If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

They may be delicious and a simple candy, but that does not mean they're not noteworthy and are without controversy. Tune into this episode of Denmark 101 for a look at one of Denmark's most iconic candied treats! **I opted for the American black licorice spelling, but yes, I'm aware you probably prefer "Liquorice"** If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

WTH is Snaps? Is it the same as Akvavit? Do you spell it snapps, schnaps, akvavit, or aquavit? In this episode of Denmark 101 I take a shot at explaining how Danish snaps is made and its cultural significance in preparation for next week's julefrokost video. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

For my 50th Denmark 101 episode it's time to circle back around to the topic of Danes and Nudity, this time, let's focus in on beaches, breasts, and general nudity. Is it legal? Is it true that Europeans run around beaches naked? Are the men naked? Do people still go topless? Tune in and find out in this episode of Denmark 101 - and just a reminder for those watching, idiotic or disrespectful comments will be treated with disrespect or re-located to where they belong; the trash. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

There are few things more Danish than the Bodega. Far from a local corner shop which might share the same name in other countries, a Bodega is the name for the traditional Danish corner bar. They're small, they're gritty, they're a bit rough, and they're overflowing with charm. In Today's Denmark 101 episode I dive into what a Bodega is, why they're an important part of Danish culture and some of the more subtle observations I've come to learn from my time in Denmark. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Root Beer. As an American it's a classic cornerstone of American culture. Even though it's not as popular these days, it's still the definition of iconic for many Americans right there next to a Hamburger shop or Drive in Movie. For Danes though? Whew. Not so much. So, which side of the Root Beer divide do you fall on? Team Root Beer or Team Toothpaste? If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

Without fail one of the things most non-Nordics find captivating about the Nordic countries are their liberal approach to sex and the stunning beauty of their populations. It doesn't take long looking for information about Denmark before the beauty of Danish men and women comes up. In the last few years there have even been some very widely viewed TV commercials which tackled the topic, such as Speis' "Do it for Denmark" campaign. But, one thing that doesn't get mentioned much, despite Danes reputation as some of the most shameless and sexually well-rounded folks out there, is condoms and condom use. Though not a core part of this channel, I'm a huge advocate of safe sex, and of sex education. As part of that, one element of Danish culture that is quite disappointing, especially among my generation, is an overall casual approach to using condoms and practicing safe sex. Here's a look at some of the stats (source: http://sti.bmj.com/content/early/2015/01/21/sextrans-2014-051814.full ) "Results Response rate was 20.4%. Condoms were used at sexual debut by 69.9% of women and 62.3% of men, while 14.3% of women and 15.1% of men used no contraceptives at sexual debut. Half of the respondents used condom alone at the latest sexual encounter with a steady partner (women 51.8%, men 55.2%), while 10% used no contraceptives. Having a sexual encounter with a casual partner decreased the likelihood of using condoms (women 43.7%, men 49.5%) and increased the likelihood of using no contraceptives (women 14.8%, men 20.9%). Data on sexual behaviour characteristics showed only minor changes when weighted for non-response. Conclusions The findings call for interventions addressing the use of appropriate contraception at sexual debut and at last sexual encounter; this seems particularly important when the sexual partner is a casual partner." While this episode doesn't focus on the specifics of Condom usage. One thing I found quite interesting when first arriving in Denmark was how and where one goes about locating, shopping for, and purchasing condoms. After all, you see massive variations from country to country in the availability, range of options available, and approach to condom usage and it is, for many, an important consideration. So - to the Danes watching, I suppose my question for you in this episode is, where do YOU buy your condoms? If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

When I graduated from Arizona State with my Bachelors there were three separate ceremonies all of which required I purchase and wear a maroon robe. I was initially skeptical of it all, choosing to only attend one, and thinking it was overhyped, a bit tacky, and ridiculous. But, later, I came to realize it offered a sense of closure and bookmarked the end of one chapter and the start of another. So, when it arrived in Copenhagen ready to attend the University of Copenhagen for my Master's nearly 4 years later, I expected that when I graduated from the 2 year program I'd have a similar ritual and experience - after all the University dates back to 1479 - only with more "old world" pomp and ceremony than we'd had back in Arizona. That's not quite what I got.... If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

This is the final part in my sub-series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. Searching for a job in Denmark was something that ended up being deeply educational, humbling, and challenging. In this episode I explore what I learned during the process, advice I wish I'd known at the start, and some of the tangible first-steps I suggest for job seekers gearing up and hunting for work here in Denmark. The advice is tailored to internationals seeking work in Denmark but will be relevant for both Danes, Nordics and non-Nordic internationals alike. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

This kicks off a series of videos looking at lessons learned during my time looking for work in Denmark and shares lessons garnered from helping friends go through the same process. This episode is dedicated to ties, neck ties more specifically. Sound like a strangely specific topic to focus on? Watch and see why I've decided it deserves its own episode including the significance of neck ties during the job search process and when deciding what to wear for public speaking gigs and fancy restaurants. If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

The Danish tax system is relatively simple (for a tax system). However, it's still quite different than what most of us are used to in our home countries. In this Denmark 101 I discuss what people get wrong about tiered tax systems, discuss how the Danish tax system works, and hit upon how much simpler and more streamlined the process has been living and paying tax here in Denmark compared to doing the same in the US. A great guide to how tax brackets work: https://www.thesimpledollar.com/dont-fear-the-higher-tax-bracket-or-why-a-reader-needs-more-cowbell/ Tax Rates (confusing): http://www.skat.dk/SKAT.aspx?oId=7988 Wikipedia about Taxation in DK: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taxation_in_Denmark If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger

You've asked repeatedly for a video covering biking rules, norms, and suggestions for Copenhagen (and the rest of Denmark). After debating recording a traditional Denmark 101 video it struck me that it would be far better to go out and recruit some locals to tell you a bit about their approach to biking in Copenhagen, the rules...norms...and then to offer up some great (and some really bad) advice. In this Denmark 101 video I'm joined by Tuni a German-Vietnamese international student alongside Thomas and Lith who are Danes originally from Sjaelland and Fyn who now live in Copenhagen. I love how during our chat we managed a mixture of rule/law-abiding bike wisdom, combined with a few insights into how your average Dane in transit may see and approach their daily commute. Obviously, you should check the letter of the law and this video is far from actual legal advice, but hopefully it prepares you for a day spent exploring Denmark's highly trafficked bike lanes and bicycle super highways! Stay tuned for future updates or catch up on past episodes here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLYhfDSDaZurBoamfv4_5QM3CXWGC8il2S You can check out Tuni's fantastic blog about Copenhagen here: http://metropolife.net/ If you're Danish hopefully you'll find this series interesting, a bit informative, and not too outlandishly offensive. If you're a foreigner coming to Denmark, I hope this helps you build upon observations and insights the rest of us had to find out the hard way. Topics that will be covered include the Danish approach to nudity, how to make Danish friends, how to meet Danes, Danish manners, and even a look at Janteloven. Stay tuned for future updates - this is just the beginning! Explore the stories behind this podcast at http://virtualwayfarer.com. Where you can find me: BLOG - http://www.virtualwayfarer.com FACEBOOK- http://www.facebook.com/virtualwayfarer INSTAGRAM - http://instagram.com/virtualwayfarer TWITTER - http://twitter.com/AlexBerger