Browsing All Posts By

helen@bannigan.com

birds language
Language

What Languages Sound Like

By On March 20, 2014

Ever notice how animals “speak” different languages according to what country they live in? So a bird says “tweet tweet” in most English speaking countries, but if he moves to – say… Read More

holi-celebration-band-celebration-holi-india-culture
Culture

Hindu Festival of Colors

By On March 16, 2014

The lovely Holi Hundu Festival of Colors is a magnificent rainbow-like celebration, with origins that date back to legends of perceived beauty, and the color of our skin.… Read More

saudades alone
Portugal

Saudades

By On March 16, 2014

Language is such a fascinating tool. I love how some words have no translation in other languages. Take “saudade”, for example. One of my favorite words in the Portuguese language, that epitomizes… Read More

Chinese Guy on local bike
China

Cultural Curiosities of China

By On March 5, 2014

I just got back from my first business trip to Panyu, Guangzhou China, after preparing for weeks interviewing dozens of people about business practices, and communications styles, and researching the history and… Read More

peaceful parenting
Culture

Peaceful Parenting Abroad

By On February 16, 2014

I recently had the honor of being a guest on VividLife Radio’s “Peaceful Parenting” show with Genevieve Kohn. We chatted about the challenges of raising children outside of our original culture, what… Read More

sunset chuk yeung road
Expat Life

Reflections on Hong Kong – part III

By On February 5, 2014

After almost 25 years living in Europe, we recently made the jump to Asia and have set up our homestead in Hong Kong. This is the third of a 3-part series on… Read More

gorgeous HK view
Expat Life

Reflections on Hong Kong – part II

By On February 5, 2014

After almost 25 years living in Europe, we recently made the jump to Asia and have set up our homestead in Hong Kong. This is the second of a 3-part series on… Read More

peak vshaped view
Expat Life

Reflections on Hong Kong – part I

By On February 5, 2014

After almost 25 years living in Europe, we recently made the jump to Asia and have set up our homestead in Hong Kong. This is the first of a 3-part series on… Read More