Sometimes, the most memorable moments in travel aren’t the skyscrapers, beaches, or museums we visit—they’re the stories that touch our hearts.


Meet Punch, the baby Japanese macaque from Ichikawa City Zoo in Japan. His story has gone viral, capturing millions of hearts online, and for good reason. 🐵💛

From Abandonment to Comfort

Punch’s journey began with hardship. Abandoned by his mother at a young age, he faced loneliness in a world where connection is everything. But the caretakers at Ichikawa City Zoo didn’t leave him to fend for himself. They gave him a plush orangutan toy, a small comfort that would become his lifeline.

Now, social media is filled with videos of Punch clutching his plush companion, using it as a source of comfort and courage as he navigates the world around him. The images are simple yet profound: a tiny monkey, once alone, now finding solace and slowly socialising with other monkeys.

Lessons for Those Living Abroad

Punch’s story resonates beyond the zoo. Living abroad comes with its own challenges, feelings of loneliness, isolation, and the struggle to adapt to a new culture. There are moments when you feel abandoned, out of place, or unsure of where you fit.

Like Punch, we all need something that gives us comfort. A hobby, a memory, a friend, or even a small daily ritual. It might feel silly at first, but these little things help us slowly connect, heal, and find our place in a new environment.

Connection matters: Seek out people or communities that make you feel understood.

Small comforts are powerful: Even something as simple as a routine or a small token can help you navigate unfamiliar spaces.

Growth takes time: Just as Punch is slowly socialising with other monkeys, adjusting to life abroad is a process.

Why Stories Like Punch’s Matter

While we travel to discover new destinations, stories like Punch’s remind us to notice humanity and empathy everywhere. Compassion transcends borders, and seeing someone or something find comfort in adversity reminds us that we’re not alone in our struggles.

Travel isn’t just about sightseeing; it’s about witnessing life, learning from resilience, and celebrating little victories, whether in a foreign city, a quiet café, or a zoo halfway across the world.

Punch’s Takeaway

Punch reminds us that even in moments of loneliness, comfort, connection, and patience can guide us through. Whether it’s navigating life in a new country or adjusting to unfamiliar challenges, small steps and small comforts matter more than we often realise.

So the next time you feel overwhelmed by life abroad or any tough chapter, think of Punch clutching his plush toy, taking it one day at a time.