Mikel and David, a retired American couple, worked in the world of finance and subsequently have lived in Moscow, London, and Barcelona. However, it is Luxembourg that they chose as their retirement destination.
To them, Luxembourg feels like home right now, which is why they decided to stay. When talking to her American friends about the Grand Duchy, Mikel says that it "has the German efficiency and the French charm."
What better definition could one make of Luxembourg? Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, David Braaten painted a heartwarming portrait of his and his wife's quiet retirement life in Kirchberg.
"We've lived in a lot of different places, but Luxembourg is where I really feel like I am part of the community," admits Mikel, who is from Oklahoma and was a former accountant in public finance.
"The people are so respectful and tolerant"
The couple's globetrotting stems from David's work at Hines, a company specialising in property investment. After professional adventures in Moscow, London, and Barcelona, David was asked to develop the company in the Grand Duchy.
However, the financial crisis of 2008 forced the couple to relocate to Washington, DC - although not for long. They successfully moved back to Luxembourg in 2017.
"The people are so respectful and tolerant," says David, who admires the fact that more than half the residents of the capital are foreigners. Given the level of acceptance of other nationalities, you quickly feel connected to others, he adds.
Unfortunately, the pair were struck by tragedy when their only son Scott died of an accidental overdose in Dallas, Texas.
"We decided to repatriate his ashes to Merl cemetery, where we have a burial plot," Mikel explained. According to David, for the couple, there wasn't really any discussion. It was more a question of whether or not to have a cremation. "That's what he wanted, so that's what we did."
Mikel and David are thinking about a way of raising awareness of the risks associated with drugs, which they hope to work on in Luxembourg. In addition, Mikel is involved with the European Orchestra, which brings together amateur musicians, "My voluntary work with the Philharmonie has really strengthened and solidified our bond in Luxembourg."
"Today, I feel at home in Luxembourg. This is where I'm happiest, where I've built my community, the one that means the most to me. I don't know... It's a very intangible feeling."
