PROLOGUE I've been pining for Harbin for the past 2 years. As a Southeast Asian, the thought of seeing that much snow and experiencing "freezer-like" weather is quite...alluring! So when a friend suggested the idea of quick get-away to Harbin, I gave it some serious thought. It would cost me a lot for a weekend but then again, Harbin is one of those destinations you only need to see once (although, now, I'm thinking, I could go back). So...think, think, think. After much prodding and an enthusiastic push from my father, the genetic source of my wanderlust, I decided to go for it. I could wear everything I own just to survive the cold and money spent traveling is money well-spent! The day after I paid for my ticket and tour, it started snowing in Shanghai.
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