2022, December. Macau was yet again on lockdown for the nth time as COVID-19 ran rampant in the city. It was the worst, most depressing, and agonizing holiday season we’ve ever experienced.

Pierre and I were vicariously living through YouTube content creators who were out traveling the world, living their best lives outside, while we were stuck behind the walls of our little native city. I made a mental note that once Macau opens up and we’re able to travel freely again, I will make it a point to experience a white Christmas to fill the void I was feeling at the time, to make up for the lack of festive celebrations away from this gloomy old town.

Fast forward a year later, Pierre and I did just that. I booked an all-inclusive, fully paid Winter holiday in the snowy mountains of Japan, and I couldn’t be any happier. It’s one of the best holidays I’ve ever experienced!