About Marie

An unplanned expatriate blogger behind UrbanLeafCinder

Marie Schmidt - Founder of UrbanLeafCinder Photo: UrbanLeafCinder

Hello, I am Marie

I work as a project manager. A parent. An expat currently living in Berlin, Germany.

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 Started

Moving to Germany wasn't in the long-range plan. As with many expat relocations, it started as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far greater.

The initial months were intense—new processes, new routines, new expectations. Daily tasks seemed more challenging than they ought to be.

City skyline in Berlin, Germany
Life in Berlin has its surprises. Photo: UrbanLeafCinder

The Adjustment Period

Culture shock, uncertainty, and plenty of hands-on learning were part of it. Gradually routines took shape. We found places that suited us, connected with other families, and began creating something that felt steady.

Why I Built UrbanLeafCinder

Most information online was either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourism content. What was missing was an honest, everyday family viewpoint.

This site aims to bridge that gap—practical guidance based on real life in Germany.

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

This site is:

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

This site isn't:

  • An official tourism-board resource
  • Sponsored review site
  • A generic travel blog

Looking Forward

Our stay in Germany goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as this information remains useful, I will 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.

Best regards,

Marie

Berlin, Germany