2014 was our 2nd full year of Early Retirement and International Intrigue
We began the year by slipping into Cuba, experiencing a country lost in time. And none too soon. Based on recent statements by President Obama, the Cold War may finally gasp its last breath. Cuba will never be the same
Back in the modern world, we jetted across the Pacific on a secret mission that would change our lives forever. Thanks to the miracle of modern medicine and In-vitro Fertilization (IVF), we were able to create a little human boy, due April 15th, 2015 (Ironic, no?) Going to Taiwan for Medical Tourism saved us 80% off US prices
Our intentions were to undergo IVF treatment, travel throughout SE Asia, then head to Europe for a Destination Birth. But even with infinite flexibility, things didn’t go as planned. A little scare and a brief period of Doctor mandated bed rest convinced us to stay in Taiwan throughout the pregnancy. We explored a bit, visiting Taroko Gorge and the islands of Penghu, and I road a bike 900 km all the way around Taiwan
In Taipei, we found some great accommodations and spent our day hours pursuing artistic endeavors. Winnie studied water painting, oil painting, calligraphy, and the flute. I am 3.5 semesters into an intensive Chinese language program, and continue to play guitar daily.
Me: “How about we buy a boat and sail around the world?”
Winnie: “OK. But I’ve never been on a boat before, and I don’t know how to swim.”
This was a bit baffling, as I had been sailing regularly since moving to Seattle in 2000, and started swimming before I could walk.
Me: “Would you be interested in trying a short sailing trip to see if you like it?”
Winnie: “Yeah, that sounds fun!”
A few months and an Introduction to Sailing class later, we were flying to the British Virgin Islands to pick up our charter boat for 2 weeks of cruising.
It’s that time of year again, when the stars align and wonderful things happen. No, not the holidays. Tax time!
That’s right, before the end of the year we need to implement all of those tax minimization strategies that allow us to defer, minimize, and eliminate taxes
I just completed this process for the year, effectively completing our 2014 taxes.
Total time? 7 minutes
I have tax time down to an art. Here is how I did it
In the fertile waters off the southwestern coast of Taiwan is a small island chain known as Penghu. During the summer, the people of Taipei flock to the sandy beaches to ride banana boats and jet skis, and in the winter windsurfers descend upon the islands in chase of the next great gust
During the remainder of the year, there is nothing but fishing and relaxing. And us
Taking advantage of the low season and a break from school, we headed to the islands to eat fresh seafood, read some books, and explore the unique geography
