About Maria
The unintentional expat blogger behind Plain Forest Beam
Photo: Plain Forest Beam
Hello, I'm Maria
Project manager, parent, and expat living in Lisbon, Portugal.
A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Began
Moving to Portugal wasn't part of the ultimate plan. Like many international relocations, it started with a job opportunity and quickly grew into something far bigger.
The initial months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday chores felt tougher than they ought to be.
The Adjustment Period
There was cultural adjustment, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. Yet gradually, routines took shape. We found places that fit us, met other families, and began building something that felt steady.
Why I Created Plain Forest Beam
Most online information was either corporate relocation guidance or surface-level travel content. What was missing was an honest, everyday family viewpoint.
This site exists to fill that gap — practical advice grounded in real life in Portugal.
What this site stands for (and what it 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 a tourism authority resource
- A platform for sponsored reviews
- Just another generic travel blog
Looking Forward
Our stay in Portugal goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue recording what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal, please feel free to get in touch.
Cheers,
Maria
Lisbon, Portugal