Profile of Johanna
The accidental expatriate blogger behind Dawn Ridge Haven
Photo: Dawn Ridge Haven
Hello, I am Johanna
I work as a project manager. I am a parent and an expatriate residing in Berlin, Germany.
Several years ago 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 Germany wasn't in our long-range plan. As with many expat moves, it began as a job opportunity and soon grew into something far more significant.
The opening months were demanding — unfamiliar processes, routines, and expectations. Day-to-day chores seemed more tangled than necessary.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, doubt, and much learning through experience. Gradually routines took shape. We found places that suited us, connected with other families, and began creating something that felt stable.
Why I Built Dawn Ridge Haven
Much of the information online was either corporate relocation guidance or shallow tourist content. What was lacking was an honest, everyday family viewpoint.
This site aims to bridge that gap — practical advice grounded in real life in Germany.
What This Site Covers (And Excludes)
This site IS:
- Real-world experience from living in Germany
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever there is a meaningful change
This site ISN'T:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- Not a sponsored review platform
- Not a generic travel blog
Looking Ahead
Our time in Germany 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 Berlin or anywhere in Germany, please don't hesitate to contact me.
Best regards,
Johanna
Berlin, Germany