The memorial to the former President of the Republic of China is octagonal in shape. The number 8 is traditionally associated in Asia with abundance and good fortune.

It is hard to photograph the tallest building in the world from the ground. Here is my best effort. This is Taipei 101, named for the number of floors above ground. It was recently overtaken in height by the Burj Dubai in the United Arab Emirates upon completion of the Burj’s 141st floor. Taipei 101 retains the title of “world’s tallest building”, however, as international architectural standards define a “building” as a completed structure capable of being occupied. Completion of the Burj has been stalled by the economic downturn.

Pictured here in the National Concert Hall located in the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Park.

My first day of meetings were fruitful. We are here visiting our manufacturing partners to learn about their design capabilities. We wrap things up by late afternoon and I get a chance to do some photography before meeting again for an extended dinner. This is my favorite photo from the day. You must click on it for a full res view to appreciate all the patterns.

Not being the least bit sleepy given the time difference, I decided to go for what turned into a one hour walk in the middle of the night. Not much of interest happening at this time but I did happen upon this interesting tree illuminated by a sodium street lamp.

At each of the last two airports along the way I meet up with several Sonos colleagues and by the time we reach our first hotel there are four of us. The journey that started pre-dawn on Monday in Boston ends here on Tuesday evening.

This morning, I began a 9-day business trip to Asia. I flew from Boston to Chicago (pictured here on approach), Chicago to Tokyo, and Tokyo to Taipei. Total travel time with layovers and car service was more than 24 hours. Combine that with a 15-hour time difference (almost a perfect day for night swap), and you get one very tired camper.

Meet Twitch (current provisional name), a Russian miniature hamster, the newest member of the Calabria menagerie. Maya used her own money to purchase this little guy along with his food, bedding, water bottle, food dish, exercise wheel, and tiny house. She has read several books on hamster care and impressed the sales clerk with her knowledge.

Jeanine’s sister Susan has been with us since Friday having driven down from Burlington. VT. Jeanine hogged her for the whole weekend so we will need to make arrangements for another visit soon. None of us have seen her new condo so I think a trip north is in order. It was great that Jeanine got to spend time with someone from her side of the family over the holiday. Her nephew, Luke, was originally planning to visit as well but those plans did not materialize.

My sister Mayela is 6 years my junior making her something like 45 years old. Most women half her age would love to be in this kind of shape. Does she work out at the gym? Is she a slave to aerobics? Her only form of exercise is swimming, walking her dogs, and the occasional game of tennis.

There was a time when I considered it my responsibility to look out for my baby sister. Now she is the first person I would turn to for help if I found myself in a dark alley with a motorcycle gang.

I spent a few hours at the Concord Public Library today, loading up on reading material from my upcoming trip to Taiwan and China. I leave on Monday for a nine-day tour of duty to visit Sonos contract manufacturing facilities. Our library is very photogenic, exuding charm and character from every nook and cranny.

It should be noted with some amount of concern that Calabria children require almost no encouragement to begin howling like a pack of hungry wolves. My favorite picture of the holiday gathering is this small grouping of carnivors.

My father and mother were proud to be surrounded by all their children and grandchildren.

Rarely have we had an opportunity to photograph all nine cousins together.