Profile of Lena
The inadvertent expat blogger behind Coastal Spark Lab
Photo: Coastal Spark Lab
Hello there — I'm Lena
I work as a project manager. I am a parent, and I live as an expat in Berlin, Germany.
A couple of years ago I moved here with my family. What started as a short-term contract gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Started
Moving to Germany wasn't part of the long-term plan. Like many expat relocations, it began as a job opportunity and quickly grew into something far larger.
The first months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new habits, new expectations. Everyday tasks seemed more complex than they should.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, doubt, and lots of learning as you go. But gradually, routines formed. We found places that suited us, met other families, and started building something that felt solid.
Why I Built Coastal Spark Lab
Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was missing was an honest, everyday family perspective.
This site exists to fill that gap — practical guidance drawn from real life in Germany.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site IS:
- Hands-on insights from living in Germany
- Centered on family life and daily real-life experiences
- Updated whenever there is a meaningful change
This site ISN'T:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- A sponsored review platform
- A generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our time in Germany goes on, as does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue documenting what we discover.
If you have questions about family life in Berlin or anywhere in Germany, don't hesitate to get in touch.
Warm regards,
Lena
Berlin, Germany