About Olivia
The accidental expatriate blogger behind PlainCloudMark
Photo: PlainCloudMark
Hello, I'm Olivia
I work as a project manager, a parent, and an expat based in Ottawa, Canada.
A number of years ago I moved here with my family, and what began as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.
How It Started
Relocating to Canada wasn't part of the long-term plan. Like many expat moves, it began as a work opportunity and quickly became something much bigger.
The initial months were demanding — adapting to new systems, routines, and expectations. Everyday chores felt more intricate than expected.
The Adjustment Period
There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But slowly, routines formed. We discovered places that worked for us, met other families, and started building something that felt stable.
Why I Built PlainCloudMark
Most information online was either corporate relocation advice or surface-level tourism material. What was missing was honest, day-to-day family perspective.
This site exists to close that gap — practical guidance based on real life in Canada.
What This Site Is (And Isn't)
This site is:
- Hands-on experience from living in Canada
- Centered on family life and daily realities
- Updated whenever there is a real change
This site isn’t:
- Not a tourism authority resource
- A sponsored review platform
- A generic travel blog
Looking Forward
Our time in Canada goes on, and so does the learning journey. As long as the information remains useful, I’ll continue documenting what we learn.
If you have questions about family life in Ottawa or anywhere in Canada, please don’t hesitate to contact us.
Best regards,
Olivia
Ottawa, Canada