Meet Anna

The accidental expatriate blogger behind Lily Root Orchard

Anna Schmidt - Founder of Lily Root Orchard Photo credit: Lily Root Orchard

Hello, I am Anna

Project manager. Parent. Expat living in Berlin, Germany.

A few years ago, I moved here with my family. What began as a short-term 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 international assignments, it started as a job chance and soon grew into something far greater.

The opening months were demanding — unfamiliar processes, new routines, fresh expectations. Daily tasks seemed more complicated than expected.

City skyline in Berlin, Germany
Life in Berlin is full of surprises. Image: Lily Root Orchard

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, doubt, and plenty of hands-on learning. Yet gradually, routines came together. We found spots that suited us, connected with other families, and began crafting something that felt steady.

Why I Built Lily Root Orchard

Most online guidance came from corporate relocation advice or merely superficial travel material. What was lacking was an honest, everyday family viewpoint.

This site aims to bridge that gap—down-to-earth guidance drawn from real life in Germany.

What This Site Represents (And What It Does Not)

This site stands for:

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

This site is not:

  • An official tourism resource
  • A sponsored review platform
  • An ordinary travel blog

What lies ahead

Our stay in Germany goes on, and the learning journey continues. As long as the information remains helpful, I’ll continue to document what we discover.

If you have questions about family life in Berlin or anywhere in Germany, don't hesitate to contact me.

Best regards,

Anna

Berlin, Germany