Browsing All Posts By

helen@bannigan.com

Umbrella movement
China

Hong Kong Universal Suffrage to Extradition Woes

By On July 2, 2019

  The Umbrella Revolution – or Occupy movement – unfolded shortly after our arrival in Hong Kong back in 2014, allowing all of us to get a fascinating glimpse into this fascinating… Read More

Elderly Chinese couple
Culture

Beware of Unintended Intruders

By On March 1, 2019

True story. I was at a resort in Thailand and needed to quickly run up to my room from the pool to get my water bottle. The door to my room was… Read More

home sweet home
Culture

Home sweet home – where the heck am I?

By On January 5, 2019

“ID please”… At my age, I don’t often hear that at the checkout counter.  Apparently, in the USA nowadays, you need to look under the age of 50 to be able to… Read More

brewing glass photo
Culture

Tipsy Taboos

By On December 17, 2018

My 15-year old son got this beer glass at a recent school Science field trip… to the Hong Kong “Back to School” craft beer brewery. I kid you not! They weren’t allowed to taste… Read More

fiji beach
Culture

Fiji

By On March 20, 2018

Our arrival in Fiji was like nothing I’ve ever experienced before: Sea plane arrival   For the rest, no comment required.        … Read More

morocco helen camelIMG_3817
Culture

Interview with an Expat, Helen Bannigan

By On January 27, 2018

v Where are you originally from and where are you living now? I’ve lived abroad now for close to 30 years, and am on my 6th country: After leaving my home country of… Read More

Guangzhou image
China

Memories of a first trip to China

By On December 1, 2017

China is a fascinating place and the people are full of intriguing paradoxes – delightfully friendly and respectful, wise and dignified in one moment, then spitting and burping and picking their nose the… Read More

Native American female pic
business

The Ten American Indian Commandments

By On October 9, 2017

Treat the earth and all that dwell therein with respect Remain close to the Great Spirit Show great respect for your fellow beings Work together for the benefit of all humankind Give assistance… Read More