The life of an expatriate

Finn and his wife Jane invited us to dinner Tuesday evening. We went to a lovely French restaurant, which was located in the nearby area. The conversation was informal but it still gave us an impression of what it actually takes for a Danish expatriate and his or her family to go abroad. We’ve faced/heard about some of the challenges regarding the adjustments to a radical new environment.

We were amazed by the amount of social events and close relationships they had managed to establish in such a short period of time. As Jane said: ”I have never been so busy before, even though I’m not working”. Of course over interpreted but giving you an understanding that it is not necessarily lonesome to go abroad. If one actively takes contact and involves in the many different social activities for expatriates, the social network will increase and you will not feel on your own in no man’s land. A fine example of this is that suddenly the live music starts at the restaurant. After a while our hosts realize that the pianist is a close friend of theirs. The pianist is an expatriate from Australia working in the oil industry and at the same time a skilled pianist who, once in a while, is playing for fun at the French restaurant.

After the main dish we were ready for dessert and just as the waiter came to fill up our glasses, we told him we would like to order some desserts. This is where you, as a Dane, would expect him to bring the menu or take the orders right away. What happened was that he went away without doing anything but waiting. Apparently he wasn’t the one to take orders, just to fill up glasses etc. He didn’t even inform the waiter who was allowed to take orders – he just waited in the corner. It took us a couple of minutes before we got to speak with the appropriate waiter, and ordered our desserts (or at least the ones which was actually available). Even with the minor misunderstandings it was a great dinner with tasty food.

Small talking with the pianist we comprehended how strong the bond is among the expatriates, which is also emphasized by their (the different expatriates we have talked to) eager to help and inform foreigners and other firms trying to establish themselves in the Philippines about societal problems and challenges.

In relation to the societal problems it can be mentioned that the boundary between rich and poor is enormous. Of course Manila and the Philippines in general is not a unique case in that matter. But what makes Manila a bit special is the segregation. Makati, which is the business area where we stay, can be considered more or less a huge island in the city wiped for poverty, dirt and beggars. There is security everywhere so you can walk around on your own everywhere anytime a day. This is a total different story when it comes to the squatters outside the business areas, where gangs and criminals are fostered by the dozens because of poverty and lack of jobs.

We ended the dinner at our hosts place on the 23^rd floor enjoying a drink on their balcony where you could, which we did, sit for hours and enjoy the magnificent view of the skyscrapers and the city.

A most sincerely thanks from the four of us to Finn and Jane (if they read this) for an incredible evening, which we really appreciate.