On 11 April we said farewell to Taiwan. It’s now been over a month since we left and I try not to give myself too much time to think about it otherwise I get quite sad. We spent 5 years in Taiwan, that’s half of the time Luke and I have been together. We accomplished so much during our time there- learning Chinese, starting a family as well as making some of the best friendships we’ve ever had. Looking back we both agree we would do it all over again in a heartbeat. Taiwan and the Taiwanese people have been so wonderful to us. It will always feel like home to us.
The month leading up to our departure was full-on. Moving countries is a huge deal – there’s a lot of coordination involved, paperwork and then packing. Thankfully Luke’s office helped us with most of the administration. Here’s a glimpse at what our last month was like.
The boys had their last day of school and said goodbye to their teachers.
The boys and I did a lot of our favourite things one last time like eating shaved ice (sadly mangos were not yet in season).
One last MRT ride.
Last haircuts at the best place to have kids haircut. 
We had a fun (but sad) last play with friends.
We said goodbye to our car.
Had one last lunch with Luke’s wonderful office staff.
Attended two of Luke’s farewells. (Toby decided to make quite a statement at the one with Luke’s business contacts by wearing pink sunglasses and talking on a princess cellphone the whole time).
We had our dear friends over for dinner and reminisced on all the fun we’ve had. 
We had one heck of a farewell party with our friends.
And said a teary goodbye to our dear friend and babysitter.
Two days later the movers came and we watched as our lives got packed up and ready to be sent to America.
And then it was over. We said ‘bye bye’ to our building staff and walked out of the place we’ve called home one last time. 
We stayed in a hotel the night before flying out. 
We ate Din Tai Fung one last time.
And then just like that we were on our way. 
We transited through Hong Kong on our way to New Zealand.
Miraculously both boys slept soundly on the HK-AKL leg.
Before long we were back in Wellington where we started this 5 year adventure.
Without a doubt this was the hardest goodbye we’ve ever had to say. Taiwan, 謝謝。
Five years in Taiwan 