Profile of Maria

The unintentional expatriate blogger behind Timber Grove Core

Maria Garcia - Founder of Timber Grove Core Photo: Timber Grove Core

Hi there, I am Maria

I work as a project manager, I'm a parent, and I'm an expatriate living in Madrid, Spain.

Several years ago I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term contract gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Started

Moving to Spain wasn’t part of the long-term plan. Like many expat relocations, it began as a work opportunity and soon grew into something much larger.

The initial months were demanding — new systems, new routines, new expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they needed to be.

City skyline in Madrid, Spain
Life in Madrid has its surprises. Photo: Timber Grove Core

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning on the job. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that worked for us, met other families, and began building something that felt secure.

Why I Built Timber Grove Core

Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or surface-level tourism content. What was missing was a candid, everyday family viewpoint.

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

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site is:

  • Practical insights from living in Spain
  • Centered on family life and everyday realities
  • Updated whenever something truly changes

This site is not:

  • Not a tourism authority resource
  • Not a sponsored review platform
  • Not a generic travel blog

Looking Ahead

Our time in Spain goes on, and so 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 Madrid or anywhere in Spain, please don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Maria

Madrid, Spain