Profile of Maria
An accidental expat blogger behind Tidy Harbor Leaf
Photo: Tidy Harbor Leaf
Hello, I'm Maria
I work as a project manager. I am a parent and an expatriate living in Lisbon, Portugal.
A few years back I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life overseas.
How It All Began
Moving to Portugal wasn’t in the plans for the long haul. Like many expat relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far greater.
The first few months were overwhelming — new processes, new routines, new expectations. Everyday chores felt more tangled than they needed to be.
The Adaptation Phase
There was culture shock, doubt, and plenty of hands-on learning. Yet gradually habits took shape. We found places that fit us, connected with other families, and began building something that felt steady.
Why I Built Tidy Harbor Leaf
Most online guidance fell into either corporate relocation advice or shallow tourism material. What was missing was a candid, everyday family viewpoint.
This site aims to close that gap — practical advice drawn from real life in Portugal.
What This Site Covers (And Doesn't)
This site is:
- Hands-on experience from living in Portugal
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever there is a real change
This site isn't:
- Not an official tourism authority resource
- A sponsored review platform
- A generic travel blog
Looking Forward
Our time in Portugal continues, and so does the learning process. As long as this information remains useful, I will keep recording what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal, please feel free to contact me.
Best regards,
Maria
Lisbon, Portugal