Profile of Ava

The inadvertent expat blogger behind KorenMekZanNav

Ava Mitchell - Founder of KorenMekZanNav Photo: KorenMekZanNav

Hi there, I'm Ava

I'm a project manager, a parent, and an expat living in Santa Monica, United States.

A few years ago, I moved here with my family. What started as a temporary assignment gradually became a new chapter of life abroad.

How It Began

Moving to United States wasn't part of the long-range plan. Like many expat relocations, it started as a work opportunity and soon grew into something far bigger.

The initial months were demanding — unfamiliar systems, new routines, and rising expectations. Daily tasks felt more complex than they needed to be.

City skyline in Santa Monica, United States
Life in Santa Monica brings its share of surprises. Photo: KorenMekZanNav

The Adjustment Period

There was culture shock, uncertainty, and a lot of learning by doing. But gradually, routines took shape. We found places that fit us, connected with other families, and began building something that felt stable.

Why I Built KorenMekZanNav

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

This site exists to fill that gap — practical guidance grounded in real life in United States.

What This Site Covers (And What It Does Not)

This site is:

  • Practical knowledge from living in United States
  • Centered on family life and daily realities
  • Updated when something truly changes

This site isn't:

  • Not a tourism authority resource
  • Not a sponsored review platform
  • Not a generic travel blog

Future Outlook

Our time in United States 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 Santa Monica or anywhere in United States, don't hesitate to get in touch.

Best regards,

Ava

Santa Monica, United States