About Maria

The inadvertent expat blogger behind Forge Harbor Path

Maria Garcia - Founder of Forge Harbor Path Photo: Forge Harbor Path

Hi, I'm Maria

I work as a project manager. I am a parent. I’m an expat living in Madrid, Spain.

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 Began

Moving to Spain wasn’t part of the long-range plan. Like many international assignments, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far more significant.

The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, fresh expectations. Routine tasks felt tougher than expected.

City skyline in Madrid, Spain
Life in Madrid brings its surprises. Photo: Forge Harbor Path

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that worked for us, connected with other families, and began building something that felt stable.

Why I Built Forge Harbor Path

Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or surface-level tourist content. What was missing was an honest, everyday family perspective.

This site aims to fill that gap — practical pointers drawn from real life in Spain.

What This Site Is About (And What It Isn't)

This site IS:

  • Hands-on experience from living in Spain
  • Centered on family life and everyday realities
  • Updated whenever something truly changes

This site ISN'T:

  • Not a tourism board resource
  • A sponsored review platform
  • A generic travel diary

Future Outlook

Our time in Spain carries on, and so does the learning process. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep documenting what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Madrid or anywhere in Spain, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Maria

Madrid, Spain