Snowflakes and Family Memories. Our Journey to Japan.

Hi everyone! My name is Rashid, or you can call me Ashyd, and I’d love to share a story from the heart about my family and our love for traveling together, especially traveling in Japan.

My family and I have always cherished traveling together, not for work, not for obligations, but to truly enjoy each other’s company and create memories that will last a lifetime. There’s something magical about exploring new places as a family, sharing laughter over small discoveries, and seeing the world through our children’s eyes. Every trip becomes more than just a vacation; it becomes an adventure, a collection of moments that we carry with us forever. From wandering through bustling streets filled with unfamiliar sights and smells to quietly observing breathtaking landscapes or tasting foods we’ve never had before, these experiences teach our children about curiosity, empathy, and the simple joy of being together.

I remember one 2023 winter evening, we reached Sapporo from Tokyo and saw our very first snow together as a family. Our children ran ahead, catching snowflakes on their tongues, laughing as their footprints marked the fresh snow. We stopped to toss snow gently at each other, and we proceeded to our Airbnb. We bought hot chocolate and coffee from the convenience store and shared stories by the warm glow of our living room lights. That simple evening reminded us that the most meaningful moments aren’t always grand adventures; they are the small experiences that bring us closer together as a family. Moments like these are priceless, moments that no toy, no gadget, and no amount of money could ever replace.

This December, we hope to embark on a dream journey to Japan again, a country that has fascinated our family for years. Japan is a place where ancient traditions meet modern innovation, where bustling neon cities sit alongside serene temples and tranquil gardens. Our children, like many kids their age, are drawn to Japan for its unique culture, its delicious food, and, of course, anime and Pokémon. But for us, this trip isn’t just about sightseeing or following trends; it’s about giving our children an experience that will shape their memories forever. It is about spending quality time together, celebrating life, and nurturing the bonds that make our family strong. And this trip is extra special because it coincides with Arwyn’s birthday, our youngest child. There’s nothing we would love more than to celebrate this milestone surrounded by the wonder and excitement of a place that has always captured our hearts.

Living in Singapore is a privilege in many ways, but it comes with its challenges. Housing costs are high, school fees add up quickly, MRT fares and daily transport expenses increase constantly, and even groceries can feel surprisingly expensive. On top of that, medical bills, utility bills, and the small surprises life throws at you every month can make saving for extra experiences a real challenge. While we work hard to provide for our family and give our children the best, putting aside enough for a special trip like this requires careful planning, effort, and sometimes sacrifice. Even with these challenges, we try to prioritize moments together, because we know that family memories are priceless.

Watching our children experience new things, explore new surroundings, and embrace the unexpected is a joy beyond words. I can still picture my children Arwyn and Larah’s excitement the first time they saw a colorful festival in a neighboring town. They couldn’t stop pointing at every little detail, asking questions, and imagining stories behind each decoration. These are the moments that will shape their perspective of the world, instill a sense of wonder, and strengthen the love and connection within our family. We want our children to grow up with the understanding that the world is vast, full of beauty and diversity, and that family is the greatest adventure of all.

As we imagine walking through the vibrant streets of Tokyo, exploring ancient shrines in Kyoto, tasting foods we have only seen in pictures, and sharing stories with our children as they learn about a culture so different from their own, we know these moments will be a journey they will never forget. It is a journey that will teach them about curiosity, resilience, and the beauty of shared experiences. It is a journey that will remind us, as parents, that the greatest gift we can offer our children is time, attention, and memories that will last forever.

We are looking forward to this trip again, and we hope that sharing our story inspires others to cherish their own family moments, explore the world together, and celebrate the magic in everyday experiences.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read our story. We truly appreciate your attention, your kindness, and your willingness to share in our journey, even if just through these words. It means a lot to us that our experiences, our dreams, and our love for family have resonated with you. From our hearts to yours, thank you for being part of this little piece of our family’s story.