-Where were you born?

I was born in Brooklyn, New York, USA.

-In which country and city are you living now?

Copenhagen, Denmark is the place I now call home!

- Are you living alone or with your family?

I live on my own with my 9-year-old son.

-How long have you been living in Denmark?

I have now lived in Copenhagen for ten years!

-What is your age?

I am 36 years old...

-When did you come up with the idea of living in Denmark?

I've always wanted to live abroad - especially since I've been doing it since childhood.

-Was it hard to get a visa or a working permit?

It was not difficult for me at the time - but there are more restrictions now.

-Was it difficult for you to get medical insurance before you went there or when you first arrived?

No, it wasn't - it took a minute, but I got it. In Denmark the health insurance is nationalized, so it came hand in hand with getting permission to live here.

-How do you make your living in Denmark? Do you have any type of income generated?

I work in Administration. I got my job here on my own - and have now been here for 5 years.

-Do you speak Danish and do you think it's important to speak the local language?

I do speak Danish, and the quality of my life has improved drastically since I've been able to understand much of what happens around me. I would like to improve my Danish, though...the other day I was interviewed on the radio and was horrified at how difficult it was for me to express myself!

-Do you miss home and family sometimes?

I miss New York and my old life for sure - but it is the past and I really try to focus on the here and now. I like to go out to dinner and catch up with people, to read, write and generally, be calm and relaxed. 

-Do you have other plans for the future?

I would like to continue traveling and writing for as long as I can.

-What about housing, have you bought, or are you renting a home? How much do you pay for it?

I rent a beautiful apartment - it's about 1000 US dollars a month. The salaries here are generally higher than, say, in the States, although you pay more taxes. But not much more, and we get more from the State here.

-What is the cost of living in Denmark?

Expensive! But again, salaries are generally higher. 

-What do you think about the Danes?

I think Danish people are mostly like every one else. If I'm really tired and sad though, I can definitely find the reserved tendencies frustrating. I have found that for the most part, you get back what you put out. 

-What are the positive and negative aspects of living in Denmark?

The positive is the social welfare system and that it allows family to really come first. Danes really do put spending time with their loved ones up front.

The negative thing is that it is not as culturally diverse as to what I'm used to. 

-Do you have any tips for our readers about living in Denmark?

Be open and enjoy the experience.

-Do you have any favorite Web sites or blogs about Denmark?

I've been chronicling my life both here and in the past on www.blackgirlonmars.blogspot.com. Home is where the memory of self dwells - and in that case, I have a lot of homes!

Thanks to Darren Davies for the Copenhagen pictures used in this interview.