This collection of snapshots was the perfect blend of festive cheer and natural cultural discovery of my Christmas trip to Yokohama and Beijing. The colossal clock face had frozen time in Yokohama, in a grand atrium where towering Christmas tree; and glittering lights mesmerized I.

Here, Beijing was a mix of tradition and modernity, from the stone sculptures of statues of the reclined figures to the special train interior, which seems to transport us back in time. One thing is glow of Maotai bottles, another is a shared meal, both brought a particularly local touch to the holidays (and a nice reminder of the power of the togetherness).

This Christmas journey was special from the art filled galleries to the street murals.

Two Cities, One Holiday Symphony

Holiday memories

Back when I was a child whether

Playing on golden,

Sandy beaches or hiding

In deep green forests.

Time seemed to have no meaning.

- Dominic Windram

The gap between language and perception