Benjamin traveling with cousins to Hualien Taiwan

A "first" for the Herrera cousins and Benjamin. First time to Taiwan for all. First time to Asia for 2 of the 4. First time traveling together, wearing helmets in Taroko Gorge (except Benjamin who was 'too small' to be safely protected from falling rock?!).  First time on Taiwan's rail system (not bad, kind of old-dated ticketing and food services though). First time seeing and nearly falling through squat toilets for Mia, Marcus and Adam ("its just a hole in the train - gross - "I'll just pee, not poo"). First time eating yummy Mango shaved ice and seeing Asian hotel massive breakfast buffets with noodles. First time to the beach shores and clear water cliff. And in a private tour car. Fun was had by all, including the ball pit and playroom at the Hualien Arsma hotel.

End of Asia Living

Well after 5 years in Asia, it is time to move back. We had a great experience with several stories and interesting trips, and a new son of course!!! But the living standard and underlying culture of Hong Kong is ... simply not for us.


Will let you know where we end up... but it will be in North America!  Can't wait to have a dishwasher!

2015 back to work with a 6 month old

Its a bit premature for me to say that I am a working mother. It's my 5th day back at work and my baby is still jet lagged. Also we the whole family are still sick with a nasty flu virus and cough caught in Canada that Hong Kong doctors don't know how to treat!

First of all I really miss the day times with the baby as he is typically the happiest and most alert. Will try when in town to go home at lunch times. Secondly while work is busy it's also not my dream job. There are several moments where I wonder why I am at work instead of home. Finally after a month in Canada without any child care help (sporadically relatives and parents or in laws play with Benjamin); I can appreciate more the consistency of full time nanny. Just another set of dedicated hands to help at home or with the baby is invaluable to our sanity. I got absolutely no rest and nothing accomplished in one month in Toronto! Shit weather, too much baby gear and not much help. Oh well! It still ended up being a happy holiday in the final two weeks when Stephen arrived!

Props to all the working moms. I may join your ranks officially soon.