About Mateo

The unintended expat who blogs for Mossy Window Vale

Mateo Garcia - Founder of Mossy Window Vale Photo: Mossy Window Vale

Hi there, I'm Mateo

Project manager. Parent. Expat living in Madrid, Spain.

Several years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new phase of life overseas.

How It Started

Relocating to Spain wasn't part of the long-range plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far more significant.

The first months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, fresh expectations. Day-to-day tasks seemed more complex than they should.

City skyline in Madrid, Spain
Life in Madrid keeps throwing surprises. Credit: Mossy Window Vale

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, unpredictability, and a lot of hands-on learning. But gradually, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and began building something that felt stable.

Why I Built Mossy Window Vale

Most information online was either corporate-level relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was an honest, day-to-day family perspective.

This site aims to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Spain.

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site is:

  • Hands-on experience from living in Spain
  • Centered on family life and day-to-day realities
  • Updated whenever something genuinely changes

This site isn't:

  • Not a tourism authority resource
  • A sponsored review platform
  • A general travel blog

Looking Forward

Our stay in Spain goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll continue recording what we uncover.

If you have any questions about family life in Madrid or anywhere in Spain, don’t hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Mateo

Madrid, Spain