And perhaps you remember that they have a deep felt love for bluegrassy tunes.
And if you're real close to them, you may know that they've been wanting to make a stop motion video for some time now.
And, if you're not too critical of things that don't really go together and relatively unimpressive video editing skills, it's possible you'll enjoy the following video which is a B-Boy Stop Motion set to the tune of John Hartford's Indian War Whoop [Instrumental] from the Oh Brother Where art Thou? Soundtrack
From the archives of long-lost photos and video footage The Harrington Times brings you a small, yet insightful glimpse of a Korean Middle School Talent Festival. Of particular highlight is the group of Harmonica playing young lads who will truly wow you, if you don't have time for the full video at least skip ahead to hear their impressive skills (6:18 with bonus footage at 8:50)!
Saturday the 28th of January, 2012 will always standout as one of the Harrington's most memorable travel moments. Soon the date will be forgotten. Soon the taste of morning donuts and milk tea will fade. Soon the peace amongst chaos which was found on the grounds of the Chiang Kai Shek Memorial and 2-28 Peace Park will be replaced by the peace of a new solitary moment. Soon the day of January 28th will fade into conversations of piecing things together in an unorganized fashion, whereas the evening of January 28th will hold together tightly and remain real and vivid.
Following a rather peaceful day, as mentioned above, wandering and lounging about the grounds of two significant Memorial Parks in Taipei the Harrington's began a trek to nearby land which would prove magical and majestic, if not slightly overpopulated.
Walking to the Taipei Main Station and then looking for signage to point them in the direction of the slow/local train the duo were soon boarding a train toward Ruifang where they would then change trains and head to Pingxi where they anticipated seeing an extravagant display of sky lanterns. What the Harrington's couldn't have anticipated fully however, was the sheer amount of people whom they would join in this adventure. Shoulder to shoulder the Harrington's kept their footing on the platform and pondered the possibility that all those desiring to board the train would in fact be able to do so.
After waiting longer than should have been allowable, the couple miraculous made their way into an over occupied train car, which was no small feat! Being some of the last on the train, Melissa found herself being grabbed by a small Taiwanese woman and pulled onto the car while Mike found himself being pushed and commanded to push to ensure the doors could close behind him. With an hour or so of daylight left the Harrington's made their way to Pingxi attempting to look out the windows between the hundreds of faces, bodies, bags, arms, etc that were likely to block their view.
Finally, the train arrived at it's destination however, rather than feeling as if the crowd were able to fully disperse into the small city streets the Harrington's simply found themselves hemmed in on all sides. No matter, within minutes the Harrington's and other festival goers were greeted by the magical rising and floating of orange lit sky lanterns, each carrying it's own set of hopes, dreams and wishes. The evening was spent weaving in and out of crowds, making way to main staging ground and eventually backtracking so that the Harrington's could wait 2-3 hours before boarding a train (luckily they had a chance to snack on some ox tongue) and another 1-2 hours before arriving in Taipei and in their warm beds.
While vacations always hold the goal of offering plentiful rest and relaxation, there is also a certain expectation that vacationers will explore and make the most of the opportunities before them to see and do new things. This morning, the couple, rather unintentionally, took to the rest and relaxation aspect of travel and remained in bed longer than planned, but without regret.
Once they had successfully dragged themselves out of bed it was off to grab a late breakfast of Taiwan style green onion pancakes before hopping on the red line toward Tanshui. Located on the northeastern coast of Taiwan, Tanshui is easily accessible by the Taipei metro and offered the Harrington's their first glimpse of blue skies amongst the hordes of vacationing Taiwanese.
A day in Tanshui for the Harrington's began by sitting at the Pier, sipping milk tea and people watching. Taiwan conitnued to be a place of great diversity and in that way, completely refreshing from what seems to be the conformist ways of South Korea. Along with people watching, the couple was thrilled to point out the variety dogs and the unique outfits (or hairstyles) each showcased. In general, in the experience of the Harrington's, many Koreans are a bit timid/frightened of dogs especially anything bigger than a Maltese, therefore seeing golden retrievers, large poodles and all variety of medium and small breed dogs was absolutely refreshing and fantastic. People watching also revealed one of Tanshui's more popular tourist activities, biking along the pier and harbor up to the wharf, having spotted a tandem bike, it didn't take long for the Harrington's to decide that their first tandem bike experience should be only minutes away.
With that, the couple set off to find a bike rental and begin an hour of pedaling and exploring, parting waves of people and enjoying the blue skies of the day. If you've always sat around thinking about what it might be like to ride back seat on a tandem through a small, yet touristy, northern city of Taiwan, you've lucked out as we at THT have exclusive footage of just that experience!
Safely and successfully making their way back to the rental center the couple was soon facing yet another misadventure...Mike's raincoat (which was holding the hotel key) were no longer in the basket and had likely fallen out at some point during the bike ride. So, although the couple had just biked the pier to the wharf they took to back-tracking their path in search of these personal affects to no avail. Throwing in the towel the couple grabbed a snack from the blocks most popular bread (with cheese stuffed inside) and milk tea shop. Wanting just a bit more of a snack the couple made their way through crowded side streets and enjoyed an Indian Lamb Curry wrap before finally boarding the subway and returning to their hotel in Taipei.
Worn out from a day of sun, biking and losing raincoats and hotel keys (which cost about $15US to replace as the hotel needed to replace the entire lock) the couple settled in for a healthy dose of reading and TV watching before motivating themselves to head out for a dinner of all you can eat Chinese hot pot. After two hours of filling themselves with an assortment of meats and vegetables boiled in one of two (lemongrass and chicken) soup broths, the couple made their way back to paradise for a good nights rest.
Desperate for a sense of security in the form of hotel accomodation, Mike Harrington awoke on the morning of Thursday, January 26th and made his way to a cyber cafe to book 3 nights accomodation through Agoda. With only a few roadblocks, the Harrington's soon had accomodations at Paradise Hotel in the Ximending district of Taipei, near where they began their trip five days ago.
Since the rain had yet to cease pouring from the sky and hotel check-in was not until 3:00 pm, the couple opted to meander the impressive series of three underground shopping areas linking the central stations of Taipei's metro system. The duo was impressed by the variety of shops and styles available to the Taiwanese customers and compared the claw machine shops, anime shops, rubix cube shops, hippie-style cloth shops, shoes, gadgets, cutesy clothes, etc. shops of Taiwan to the sock shops, cell phone and clothing shops that most often and abundantly compose the Korean underground shopping experience.
Additionally, the couple enjoyed spotting an area devoted to the practice and perfection of pop dance cheoreography as well as the infamous b-boying hip-hop moves, an area lined with mirrors and slowly filling with dancers of all types. Fortunately, the dancers were not to be confined to this mirrored wonderland and the couple soon stumbled upon two Taiwanese rockin' out to a non-controller based video game of fashionable dance moves.
Finally, the hour came and the couple could relocate to the Paradise Hotel. As for the name of the hotel, the only thing that was similar to paradise was the moisture and lack of ventelation lead to an impressive amount of mold which is likely to occur in, say, a Rainforest or Tropical Paradise. Not to mention the exotic view of crumbling buildings set next to the scaffolding of new life, Paradise was perhaps a far cry. Regardless, having a place to sleep indeed instilled a sense of paradise for the couple and so their arrival coincided with a bit of reading, rest and relaxation.
After a bit of a snooze the couple once again considered the rain factor and decided it'd be a great night to grab some quick grub from the street food vendors and head to the "Living Mall" in hopes of seeing Sherlock Holmes 2. While out on the streets the duo snacked on a sad (but tasty) fried pork cutlet, sausage on a stick, Taiwanese green onion pancak and grilled green onions wrapped in thin slices of chicken or pork.
Satisfied, the couple made their way to the giant globe of a building described as the "Living Mall". En route, they spotted a foreigner bar named 'Hell's Kitchen' which was advertising their Happy Hour specials. Drawn by a good deal and cold beer the couple entered the Irish pub for a Carlsberg and live tennis on the tele. Drinks finished the couple continued on their way to the 'Living Mall' where they took a few photos, watched a family set off some fireworks and eventually sat down to an action packed Sherlock Holmes. In this way, another rainy day came to an end, leaving the Harrington's refreshed and geared up for the nexts days adventures (or misadventures as it were).
Rain unabating, the Harrington's opted to board a train and ride along the eastern coast of Taiwan. Initially, the couple planned to stop in a small sea-side town for a night before continuing a little farther south to the town of Hualien which serves as the primary jumping off point for the infamous Toroko Gorge National Park. However, as the ride continued and the rain persisted, the couple decided to go straight on to Hualien so as to get into the Gorge sooner and/or adjust plans as necessary.
Adjusting their ticket fare and being lead to open seats a few cars down by a caring Taiwanese train employee the Harrington's arrived in Hualien in the early afternoon of Wednesday, January 25. Promptly, the couple entered the visitor's center where they were greeted by a crew of friendly and English-proficient employees who set to work helping the duo find reasonably priced accommodation and offer suggestions as to what to do in town. With what seemed to be a decent room option at 1200 TWD (~$40US) the couple made their way to the Catholic Church/hotel. Unfortunately during the ten minute taxi ride and the Catholic Church's recognition that foreigners were in need of a room the room miraculously went up to 1800 TWD (~$60US). A bit peeved and increasingly aware of the sheer amount of people who would also be attempting to visit Toroko Gorge in the coming days the Harrington's left the Catholic Church in search of any other options available in the city.
A dozen and a half hotels later with one offer of a room for 3500 TWD (~$120US) in an all too shady looking hotel building the couple made the executive decision to grab a bowl of beef noodles before re-boarding a train and returning to Taipei, which was rumored to be 'empty' due to the Chinese New Year.
The train ride provided adequate time to continue on with their reading so the couple set to work reading their Kindles while sitting on the floor. As the train began to pull out however, the couple was encouraged to take some unoccupied seats (their original tickets were standing room only) in a train car filled with Koreans. Back in the city of Taipei the couple expected to find a hotel at a reasonable rate without too much hassle. A dozen hotels later they waited 20 minutes for a hotel room to be properly cleaned and were finally dozing off to sleep in a room with no windows but lovely white sheets and towels, warmth and a roof over their heads, and for that, they were grateful.
Following traditional markets and ice-bars, the Harrington's made their way to the Hanbat Stadium to cheer on Daejeon's most impressive sports team, the Samsung Blue Fangs. With all-star beast of a Canadian Gavin on the team Samsung Blue Fangs consistently put on an amazing show of athleticism and competition. Mike and Melissa were excited to show off their 'home-town pride' and introduce the rest of the family to an experience which is unique to the world of Korean sporting events.
Arriving about half an hour early the Harrington's watched the girls team finish out their game before being instructed in a wide variety of cheers which would soon be used to bring the Samsung Blue Fangs to a victory. Elaborate cheers and accompanying actions were a constant as the Harrington's watched volley after volley, spike after spike and serve after serve. The best break from these routines came from the Blue Fangs mascots who pulled off a stunning combination of K-pop style dance routine, gymnastics and break-dancing. All in a night's work for the Samsung Blue Fangs team and supportive mascots.
Getting There: Hanbat Stadium is nearest to Subway station Jugan-no. Exit 3 perhaps (which ever takes you opposite of the Flying Pan and past Angels-in-Us Coffee/The Mill). From here it's about a 10-15 minute walk, or numerous buses head in that general direction or for base taxi fare you can request Hanbat Stadium (stadium = 경기장 = gyeong-gi-jang)
For Melissa Harrington, this years Winter Camp was professionally encouraging. Nearing the end of the MAED program she began in October of 2010, Melissa was able to see a number of things she'd learned over the course of the year take shape and create a positive learning environment for students, not to mention having a phenomenal group of 5th and 6th graders.
Highlights from Samcheon Winter Camp 2011:
Hidden Talents (splits and yo-yo tricks)
Daily tasks undertaken with committment (vocabulary rating and dictionary making)
Our friend 'Joe'
Laughing snails, crying bears, jumping rabbits, kicking dogs and so much more
Mixed-up People (students who are tall like giraffes, can sing like IU, and are scary like dragons)
On December 24th, Mike and Melissa Made their way to Incheon International Airport to welcome in the Harrington clan. After boarding the Airport bound bus from Dunsan bus terminal in Daejeon the couple made their way to Incheon Airport Guesthouse to add a touch of Christmas joy to their large, bunk-filled room. This however did not occur until after sitting down at a Thai restaurant for a quick dish of Pad Thai down the street from the Guesthouse (and E-Mart subsequently). With the room ready for Christmas Eve arrival and shenanigans the couple made their way to the airport to greet the Mom, Dad and Sisters X2.
Arriving at the airport Mike was rejected from exiting the back doors of the free shuttle bus and was seconds away from being hauled off. Fortunately, a little shuffling of Koreans later and Mike and Melissa were entering the airport to wait, at Gate B, for the Harrington's arrival. Unfortunately Gate B failed the Harrington's. See for yourself.
Finally, with the whole family united and in the same space, the Harringtons in their full force headed back to Incheon Airport Guesthouse via the free airport shuttle. Once everyone settled into the room it was time for the Christmas Eve gift and rest before the big day of a Kristmas in Korea.
Prior to dating, Mike and Melissa with the majority of HR Camp Summer Staff of 2006, made their way to infamous Nowoodstock Bluegrass Festival of Ten Sleep, WY. Mike and his family were well familiar with the event at the time, but little did anyone foresee that this moment would set a pattern for years to come that would be shared with many but rarely lacking Mike and Melissa. From 2006 – 2009, the couple faithfully made the trek to Ten Sleep where they crashed at the Harrington family cabin when there were no longer performances to enjoy. In 2010 the couple was unable to attend as their World Tour led them to San Francisco in preparation for teaching in South Korea. So, in 2011, when it became clear that a return to Nowoodstock was possible and not only would Jalan Crossland be performing, but additionally Dan Walker, the couple did all they could to once again enjoy this summertime tradition. So with good company, chilled beers, Indian tacos, cool grass and warm sunshine; the couple settled in for an afternoon of delightful sounds and memories, before crashing at the beloved Ten Sleep cabin.
On Friday morning the Harrington’s enjoyed a tasty treat available from the one and only Brass Plum in Worland, WY – cinnamon twists. Sugary and buttery these delectable delights are highly desirable amongst the residents of the Harrington household and for good reason. Having a fresh and sweet start, Mike and Melissa loaded up the little gold car (which was graciously lent by Nate and Lisa) and made their way to a family lunch date with John, Susan, Ryan and Rachel in Cody, WY.
Filled with the deliciousness that is Mexican cuisine, the Harrington duo hit the road once again and found themselves in Red Lodge Montana for the second-round of family reunions. With an impressive showing, the Rigg Family spent the weekend of August 12-14 hittin’ up the local Red Lodge Ales brewery, swingin’ some clubs on the golf course, shootin’ hoops, bumpin’ passes in the sand, scavenger huntin’, chattin’ and simply enjoyin’ one another’s company.
The well organized and executed event offered all ages of Rigg family members a chance to relax, rest, dine, play, catch-up and enjoy the love that is available only amongst family. Aside from the aforementioned activities which are easy enough to picture on one’s own, the majority of the crew also enjoyed a not so ordinary event in the little ole town of Bearcreek, Montana: Pig Races.
Throughout the summer months, residents and tourists of the Red Lodge area can make a quick little jaunt down the road and take their chances bettin’ on the pigs. The evening provided a number of laughs as well as a few wins and losses amongst the Rigg family before the whole crew made their way back to cabin accommodation for a final nights rest.
The morning was saved for good-byes and breakfast at the Regis before our favorite duo made their way back across that good ole Wyoming border for one of their most beloved Washakie County summer traditions.
A few days back, the Harrington Times presented a list of reasons that Melissa Teacher will be missing her co-workers and students at Bongam Elementary school. Having presented her final lessons to the students of Seongchon via a Dear Diary activity and summer camp activities ranging from a lesson on animals, hobbies and ice cream sundaes, the end has finally arrived. Before moving into a middle school setting, Melissa Teacher has taken another moment to jot down some favorite memories and lessons from her year at Seongchon Elementary School:
Paris Baguette Hamburgers with primary co-teacher Miyeong.
Readers of The Harrington Times, particularly those who were with Melissa Harrington on the night of the infamous 'all-night No-Rae Bang' might realize this series was mostly a reflection of Melissa's top no-rae bang pics and may or may not represent very well the pics and favorite songs of all no-rae bang contenders. This is most likely true in addressing the number 1(and 1.5) songs from last weeks Friday Night No-Rae. Having desired nothing more than singing two particular songs at a no-rae bang for nearly 6 months, Melissa Harrington begged the writers of THT to post the following two videos as her (hopefully others) favorite no-rae bang moments of March 4, 2011 so in at # 1.5 is Journey's (or Glee's, because the no-rae bang crew sounded that good) Don't Stop Believin' followed (or preceeded...) by #1 as Ace of Base'sThe Sign.
Getting down to wire, this evening, exactly one week after the famed night at the No-Rae Bang, we bring you the #2 pick from the No-Rae Bang; Sweet Caroline by Neil Diamond...or the cast of Glee, you choose.
Without hesitation and due to the 'warm-fuzzy' memories this song induces in the heart and soul of one Melissa Harrington comes #3: Puff the Magic Dragon by Peter, Paul & Mary. A song made popular in the heart of young Melissa because of her father on stage performances and occassionaly invitations to have his daughters to join him in a song about a Dragon and a little Boy.
If you want to truly understand the joy that is our #4 you must join the Harrington's and their friend Jennifer Mullen in attending an actual No-Rae Bang event. Coming in at #4, we bring you Roxanne
Meeting us at the half-way point is a classic Karaoke song and, truth be known - the first ever Karaoke song Melissa Harrington sung (while sipping wine at a sweet little pub in Spain with some of the most fantastic companions imaginable). So, coming in at #5 is Gloria Gaynor with I will Survive.
In addition to No-rae bang song #5 we at The Harrington Times bring you an additional song that made it's appearance on Friday night. This song served no purpose other than to remind Mrs. Harrington of the University of Wyoming's Male A Cappella group: Happy Jacks. The following video is the group Mrs. Harrington imagined as her and good friend Jen botched their way through Baltimore's Tarzan Boy.
Taking up two positions on this top 10 list is TLC, this time with their ever popular song Waterfalls. In the shuffling process of large room to small room that occured on Friday night, Melissa Harrington and friends enjoyed the benefits of an increased song selection, making this TLC hit and the other an option which had never before been available. We at The Harrington Times hope the following video and lyrics strike a warm and fuzzy cord with readers at home as it surely did for Mrs. Harrington.
Rolling in at #7 is non-other than Dr. Dre feat. Eminem and Hittman with Forgot about Dre This spit fire rap comes in at number 7 simply because the shock present on one no-rae-bang-er's face as Melissa Harrington kept pace with the lyrics with surprising accuracy. Little did friends of the Harrington's in South Korea realize the Melissa's ability to recall songs from her freshman year and work-it out just as if she were young and 15 once again.
