Profile of Lucia
An accidental expat blogger behind LivingBeyond Borders
Photo credit: LivingBeyond Borders
Hello, I'm Lucia
Project manager. Parent. Expat based in Lisbon, Portugal.
A few years back, I moved here with my family. What started as a temporary assignment gradually opened a new chapter living abroad.
How It Started
Moving to Portugal wasn't part of our long-range plan. Like many expat transitions, it began as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far larger.
The initial months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Routine tasks tended to feel more complicated than expected.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that suited us, connected with other families, and began building something that felt secure.
Why I Built LivingBeyond Borders
Most information online was either corporate-level relocation guidance or surface tourism content. What was missing was honest, everyday family perspective.
This site exists to fill that gap — practical guidance grounded in real life in Portugal.
What This Site Does (And Doesn't)
This site is:
- Real-world experience from living in Portugal
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever something truly changes
This site isn't:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- A funded review platform
- A standard travel diary
Forward Planning
Our time in Portugal carries on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue recording what we find.
If you have questions about family life in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal, don't hesitate to contact me.
Cheers,
Lucia
Lisbon, Portugal