Bye Bye 2022! A Look Back at the Year 💫

It's New Years Eve here in England, so I wanted to take a look back at the past year. It was certainly a mix of highs and lows. Unfortunately I felt pretty crappy for most of it because of my stupid thyroid, and wasn't able to accomplish very much of what I had planned to do this year, but that doesn't mean that it was a complete write off! Let's look at all the great things that happened☺️

>> Maro got a new buddy 🐾

This was certainly my highlight of the year. Maro means the world to me, and it was such a big decision to get another cat because we didn't know how he would react to a new buddy. Would he enjoy the company? Would he be angry that he has to share his home with an annoying kitten? Probably both😂 

But thankfully he loves his little brother and I really think he's much happier now. Tuna is the giant ball of energy and entertainment that Maro was missing from his life I think😂 He certainly keeps him busy. 

They're either wrestling or chasing each other around for half the day, and the other half they lounge around, usually super close to each other - it's pretty cute💖 

Tuna is such a curious, friendly cat and I'm so glad he's part of our family now.

>> Neko Neko Inn was opened! 🏠❤️

When I stayed at a fun cat-themed AirBnb in Tokyo just a few years ago I certainly was not imagining I would be buying a house together with the owner within the next couple years, haha. How wild is that. 

It really goes to show you how little choices you make can have such a huge impact on your life. Ushka has turned into one of my absolute best friends, I'm so lucky to know her. She's such a cool person. 

We have a lot of fun running Neko Neko Post together, so we decided to take a risk on an abandoned house in Shibuya that needed a little love. 

BEFORE

AFTER

The renovation process was a blast, I loooove home makeover projects so the whole process has just been so much fun for me. We learned a lot, and if we were to do it again in the future I think there are a few things we would do differently. 

Renovation playlist: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UgvtJnDBkjs&list=PLT5W7CXHO8LewVy1fjw0nPP61P1dZ4kXd 

But overall Neko Neko Inn is pretty darn cute, and we've had the loveliest guests from all over the world stay with us! I love reading the notes everyone leaves in the guestbook, and finding the secret cat gachas they leave hidden around the house 👀 

We're currently on the hunt for another abandoned house in the countryside that needs a new chance at life, so that could be on the cards for 2023🏠✨

>> Got to experience some brand new areas of Japan 🇯🇵

Checked Kanazawa ✅ 

Sado Island ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XxNoehMu95w 

Shirakawago ✅ 

Osorezan ✅ https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1mow94az_6E 

& Nakasendo Trail ✅ (video coming soon) 

off the list this year! There really aren't many more places I've yet to see in Japan. Coming up in 2023 are hopefully Okinawa & Nagasaki! 

And finally... 

>> Shared my relationship with the internet 👨

After long consideration Chris and I decided to tell everyone we're dating earlier this year. 

Neither of us expected the reaction of everyone to be so positive so we're both just so grateful that everyone (almost everyone😂) has been so supportive and awesome! 

He's such a big part of my life so it's been really nice to involve him in more videos, and be able to share our adventures on my channel. 

His ~online persona~ isn't to everyone's taste so some people think he's a dick haha. But I can assure you he's one of the nicest, most supportive people I know and I'm pretty lucky to have him☺️ He helps me so much behind the scenes making content and looking after the boys when I'm travelling for work - now if we could just teach him to cook🤔

Even if 2022 wasn't the best year, I hope you can find some things to look back on positively from it and above everything just be proud that you made it through in one piece 💪  

Thank you all so so much for the support throughout the year, all these adventures around Japan wouldn’t be possible without you.

Here's to many more experiences, lessons and fun adventures in 2023! Happy New Year 🎉❤️