Profile of Sofia

The unintended expatriate blogger who runs Mild Shore Vital

Sofia Santos - Founder of Mild Shore Vital Photo: Mild Shore Vital

Hello, I am Sofia

I work as a project manager. A parent. An expat residing in Lisbon, Portugal.

A few years back, I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term assignment gradually became a new chapter of life overseas.

How It Started

Moving to Portugal wasn't in our long-range plan. Like many international moves, it started as a job opportunity and quickly grew into something far bigger.

The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, routines, and expectations. Everyday tasks felt more complicated than they should.

City skyline in Lisbon, Portugal
Life in Lisbon has its surprises. Photo: Mild Shore Vital

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning through doing. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that suited us, met other families, and started to build something that felt steady.

Why I Built Mild Shore Vital

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

This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance drawn from real life in Portugal.

What This Site Is (And Isn't)

This site is:

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

This site isn't:

  • A tourism board resource
  • Paid-review platform
  • An ordinary travel blog

Moving forward

Our stay in Portugal continues, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll keep recording what we discover.

If you have inquiries about family life in Lisbon or anywhere in Portugal, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Sofia

Lisbon, Portugal