A Year Ago Today: The 27th of June

A year ago today, the Harrington's embarked on a trip that they had counted down for a number of days, weeks, months and quite possibly years. At the close of May, the couple had moved out of their unforgettable 519 home and began working the Summer High School Institute to gather up a last bit of cash prior to taking off for a bit of a World Tour: Guatemala, South Africa and Thailand being the main stops but Qatar, Malaysia, Japan and a quick San Fran trip all made their way into the mix as well. The tour would end soon as the Harrington's were in South Korea in order to teach English for a year (or more).

Now a year has passed. There are many things which are deserving of pause and reflection. However, one thing has been with-held from The Harrington Time readers until this very day. A sort of reward for those who saw the Harrington's off, supported their journey and has remained loyal to tuning in. This one thing also, simply put, got lost in the files and, is ultimately a bit of a disappointment. Yet, let us not give up and lose heart, because while it may not be all that it could have been, it is still a shining example of who the Harrington's are and who they carry with them (specifically Chris Livingston and the HSI crews of 2009 and 2010).

The following is what began as a worthy attempt to recreate the joy that is Where the Hell is Matt? and ended up as a few random shots of the Livingston style Gogo-Dance!

Enjoy!

Looking Back: Sepak Takraw 25th Annual Kings Cup, Thailand

Using 'Blogger' as our platform, here at The Harrington Times, we can check up on statistics such as which posts recieve the most hits in a given day, week, month or over all time. The story with the third most views at THT is a story brought to readers in September of 2010; 25th Annual King's Cup: Sepak Takraw. It was, by far, one of the more amazing and enjoyable moments of the Harrington's time in Thailand during the hot and humid month of August. We expect, with the popularity of the original story, this video will come as a welcome addition to the Harrington's coverage of the King's Cup in Chiang Mai, Thailand.

Looking Back: Here, There, Everywhere - Thailand

During the hot, muggy, humid, miserable season that is Thailand in August, the Harrington's managed to have a number of purely Thai Experiences. From avoiding the scams of Bangkok, to wandering the ruins of Ayutthaya, listening to K-Pop in Lampang, hunkering down in Chiang Mai and even a little rest and relaxation on the coast in Songkhla, the Harrington's had an eventful and memorable 2 weeks in Thailand during their World Tour 2010. Of note, was the numerous and various modes of transportation the couple enjoyed while touring Thailand, from ferries, planes and trains, to tuk-tuks and elephants, the couple experienced the widest array of transportation while in Thailand and managed to put some of those experiences together in a video compilation. Enjoy the many modes of transport as experienced by the Harrington's in Thailand.

Looking Back:Joy and Beauty in Khyaelitsha

Upon arriving in South Korea we at The Harrington Times worked hard to cover all the bases regarding stories from the Harrington's recent world travels while offering up-to-the-minute reports on their Korean lifestyle. In September and October we presented some 'Looking Back' stories regarding summer 2010 travels. Unfortunately, with the zeal and attention that the Harrington's give toward living their lives to the utmost, many of these 'Looking Back' posts featured home videos captured by the Harrington's during their travels. Well, with a bit of extra time on our hands and a browsing through the YouTube archives of the Harrington's we at THT realize we've left bits and pieces of the summer adventures out of our faithful reporting. So it is, we return to the series 'Looking Back' and hope to fill in the missing pieces and images over the next few weeks or months to properly document the life and times of the Harringtons.

You may recal that the primary reason the Harrington's traveled during the summer of 2010 was spurred by their desire to attend the World Cup in South Africa. Having enjoyed their game and a few sights in and around Cape Town, the couple made their way into a Township for their last night in South Africa. Each township experience the couple had while in South Africa was beautiful and powerful. Two such moments, from one special day, were caught on camera.

During the tour and their night in Khayelitsha the Harrington's had the great pleasure of listening to this group of kiddos sing and learn with great joy and enthusiasm.



The Harrington's also had the opportunity to meet this woman, who goes by the name Beauty. She willingly and humbly shared her story with the Harrington's: her story of AIDS, abandonment, dreams and hopes. She shared her struggles and her joys. She shared her heart. Her story is one the Harrington's were honored to hear and hope to remember for all time. Here, we offer our readers a chance at hearing that same story, from the mouth of Beauty herself.

Stay tuned for additional long over due articles regarding the Harrington's summer travels as well as regular updates regarding life in Korea.

A Year in Review: Top 10 (approximately) Photos of 2010

As part of the You Capture challenges which Mike and Melissa Harrington recently begun accepting and attempting, participants were encouraged to choose their Top 10 photos from the year 2010. Considering the amount of adventure, travel, joy, and first-time-wonderful experiences the Harrington's were fortunate enough to experience during 2010, finding 10 favorites was a bit of a daunting task, however rewarding in the process of reliving great moments the couple shared together and with friends during a very spectacular year. So here, in no particular order, are some of the Harrington's favorite photos of 2010:



The Harrington's love EACH and EVERY moment they get to see this precious face.



Nature's Valley Hike: Garden Route, South Africa - July 2010




Favorite wildlife shots from touring South Africa



Wine Cellar: Wine Tasting South Africa - July 2010



View from Table Mountain: South Africa 2010




Tombstone in Christian Graveyard: Penang, Malaysia - August 2010



Traffic Lights: Penang, Malaysia - August 2010




Dragonfly: Gubongsan, Daejeon, South Korea - September 2010




Backstage Mask Dance Festival: Andong, South Korea - October 2010

Finding Fall: Daejeon, South Korea - November 2010



Stairway Graffiti: Seoul, South Korea - November 2010




Geryeongsan National Park: Daejeon, South Korea - December 2010



Looking Back: Enjoyable Moments on the V&A Waterfront

While wondering around Cape Town mid-July, the Harrington's found themselves, more than once enjoying the sights and sounds of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront. The waterfront was constantly buzzing with people, performers and boats coming and going. Shops lined the walks offering a mix of Africa-themed goods, World-Cup souveniers, various culinary options and general run of the mill goods expected from a shopping center.

Looking Back: 2010 FIFA World Cup

Some would say Mr. Harrington is a huge bum for not writing about the World Cup sooner. Others would say he just doesn't have the words to express how awesome the World Cup in South Africa was. Still others would say, "C'mon, dude, stop yapping and get on with it!". All of the above statements have truth to them. Well, Mr. Harrington is finally succombing to the promptings of his lovely bride, overcoming his own laziness, and actually writing about the World Cup now. Soon, it will all be a fond, slightly distant memory.

Even though the Harrington's only attended one game, they were in South Africa for over a week of the World Cup festivities... and the atmosphere was sizzling. Especially after having witnessed the original campions (Uruguay) defeat the last remaining African team (Ghana) in a shoot out. Mr. Harrington could rant and rave about this match, and how Uruguays forward Louis Suarez's purposeful goal tending prevented Ghana from winning the match at the end of overtime, but he will try to restrain himself. Let it be known, however, that Louis Suarez is on Mr. Harrington's "Most Despised" list...and this less for the split second last ditch effort handball to save a goal (which any soccer fan would say was a necessary act), and more for the celebration that followed when Ghana missed the ensuing penalty kick, ensuring a penalty shoot out, which Ghana eventually lost. If Ghana had won that match, they Harrington's most likely would have been able to witness an African team playing on African soil, in the most advanced match ever for an African nation at the World Cup. However, Suarez spoiled that dream. Whew, that was a mouthful.

Anyways, a few days after this match. The Harrington's had the pleasure of attending the 3rd/4th place match (Germany vs. Uruguay) with their good friends, and recently married, Mallory and Abram Heller. After a day of festivities at the fan park, across the street from their couchsurfer's place, they all headed to the stadium a little early with the hopes of finding other friends, Ryan and Andrew. They went to the gate they had planned to meet at, waited a while looking for Ryan and Andrew, and eventually went back to their gate and walked into the stadium after pausing to buy a Germany jersey, and t-shirt. It turns out, Ryan and Andrew had seen us, but were inside the gates already.

The walk into the stadium got consistently louder as the thousands of vuvuzelas erupted all around them. The Harrington's ticket said Level 2, row 10, so they assumed they were in the upper deck. They were VERY pleasantly surprised when after showing the security guard their ticket, they were pointed down...towards the field. They ended up only 10 rows back from the field, right on the corner! Absolutely fabulous seats! With the great seats, came an excellent game...possibly one of the best of the entire cup. Germany beat Uruguay 3-2, but not before Uruguay's star player, Diego Forlan, narrowly missed a free kick at the very end of the game. Kudos to Germany for sticking it to Uruguay. Mr. Harrington, along with a large percentage of the game's attendants, booed everytime Suarez touched the ball. Just the name brings a snarl to his face now, and hearing it is like hearing a swear word. If Mr. Harrington ever accuses someone of being a Suarez...know that it is NOT a compliment.

The following day, the Harrington's again attended the fan fest near their couchsurfer's place to witness, on the big screen, Spain's first ever World Cup championships. The team the Harrington's had predicted to win from the beginning had done it. Thanks to a lovely volley by Iniesta, and some brilliant saves by Casillas. Viva la Espana!

The Harrington's experience at this World Cup, tho short, has rooted in them the desire to attend future World Cup's, for a longer period of time. Without a doubt, if anyone ever has the opportunity to attend one, do so! It's simply amazing.

2014 World Cup is in Brazil
2018 World Cup will be in Europe
2022 World Cup might be in the USA. Go to www. gousabid.com to learn more about the USA bid.

Looking Back: Home Videos from South Africa - Part Two

Readers may remember the following articles:
Walking with the Wild Cats
One Stop, Two Great Escapes and
A Rainy Day Tour of the Cape Peninsula
The following videos capture a few moments from each of those articles as well as the Harrington's boat ride out to Seal Island near Mossel Bay, South Africa.

Looking Back: Home Videos from South Africa - Part One

Early in July, the Harrington's enjoyed a day of adventure with numerous wild animals from Cheetahs to Monkeys and Birds to Elephants. Readers may remember our articles -- Walking with the Wild Cats and One Stop, Two Great Escapes; the following home videos re-capture these two stories, we our readers will enjoy!

Looking Back: Home Videos from Guatemala

At the end of June, the Harrington's had the honor of meeting their sponsor child, Doris and her family in Guatemala City, Guatemala. You can read the full account of that meeting here:
The Harrington's Get a Close Look at the Work of World Vision

Because the couple continued their travels after Guatemala it has taken us at The Harrington Times some time and patience to get access to these videos straight from the field, offering readers a deeper look into the summer experiences of Mike and Melissa Harrington. Keep you eyes here for the latest home videos and recent stories of the couples first month in South Korea.

Countdown To Korea -- 4 Days in San Fran, CA

As readers know, the Harrington's spent more than four days in the San Francisco Bay area, however the last four held a few highlights and a special visit from some Laramie friends. Had it not been for these friends, the Heimbuck's, Mike and Melissa Harrington likely would have stayed inside, caught up on their blogging and played an unprecedented amount of Bejeweled Blitz. Rather, the Heirmbucks, who weren't "over" traveling and exploring, led the Harrington's on the following adventures of which Mike Harrington captured some absolutely fabulous photos.

An afternoon in Japantown for the annual street festival. Complete with Sushi, Bubble Tea, Old Ladies Dancing up a Storm and Adorable Children.
A path often walked by the touring crew when returning to their home-for-the-week kindly lent by the Rigg-Hillard family.

Sea Lions of Pier 39

Melissa Harrington's most common travel interaction (second only to ordering tea) is purchasing a pair of earrings from a street vendor.
Near a famous book store and watering hole of the beatniks.
Taking time to stop and smell the roses in Golden Gate Park.
The other lovely couple which accompanied the Harrington's on their final "American" days: Karl and Kendra Heimbuck.
The Harrrington's last supper (American/Mexican supper). As in, the last time they'll have delicious and authentic Mexican food in a year as well as the last time they'll eat a supper in America in a year.

Sunday August 8th - #2 and a Few Days After

Having spent their first Sunday the 8th in Japan the Harrington's found themselves also arriving in San Francisco on Sunday the 8th (crazy how time zones work). The second time around the Harrington's were surprisingly well adjusted and energized (much in part to their pleasant business class flight). Melissa's second cousing picked the couple up at the airport then took them to her home where she would become an outstanding, generous and welcoming host and hostess. Kevin and Jerri McVicker made sure the Harrington's were well fed, freshly showered, comfortable and a number of other kindnesses were extended throughout their stay as readers will soon come to see.

Shortly after arriving and having a quick sandwich Melissa Harrington and Jerri were off to Ross where Mrs. Harrington would spend some time picking out a few professional pieces for herself and the husband. These pieces will soon serve as the fabric of the Harrington's 'new life' teching in South Korea's Public Schools. The pieces were also put to use the following day when the couple made their way into the city for a visit to the Korean Consulate to apply for a work Visa. Much to everyones delight, the trip was quick and painless and allowed the trio to explore Chinatown, enjoy a lunch of DimSum, a tea tating and the many sights and sounds.

The couples days spent with Jerri continued in much the same relaxed and easy-flowing manner as they had begun. The couple enjoyed delicious Mexican dishes, burgers (even once from In-N-Out), glasses of Wine (wine-tasting), frozen yogurt, home-cooked meals and morning cups of tea. The Harrington's also enjoyed an afternoon walk in a gorgeous area of California even spotting a small herd of deer. As is true with all good things - the Harrington's time with Jerri and Kevin came to an end. Once again, the Harrington's packed up their belongings - old and new, and made their way back to the Korean Consulate for their Visas prior to being dropped off at the home of Mike's cousins' house where the would eat pizza, track down a key and finally enter since his counsins were on an adventure of their own!

5 Hours in Japan

The Harrington's had the good (or bad - depending on how you look at it) fortune of a long layover in Osaka, Japan. Excited for the opportunity to get a small taste of one more Asian nation, the couple ventured a ways out from the airport and enjoyed the quaint, quiet streets of Japan on a Sunday afternoon. First things first, the Harrington's made their way to what appeared to be a cafe. Needing some breakfast yet having absolutely zero Japanese language skills, the couple took a seat, smiled, pointed and whatdoyaknow - breakfast arrived. However, breakfast wasn't necessarily what they imagine breakfast to be, a small hot dog on a roll, eggs, and potato salad sat on Mike's plate while Melissa had much the same minus the hotdog, replaced with toast. The couple enjoyed breakfast as well as the many well-meaning Japanese women who wanted to have long and fast conversations with this clearly foreign couple...smile and nod, then walk out the door.

Not having too much information on the area, the Harrington's made their way along the streets hoping to run into a castle they had seen marked on their map. As the approached the moat they were delighted by a couple joyful Japanese children catching cicadas - a lot of ruckus as well as entertainment.

The couple then toured a castle enjoying the sights of the city and seeing some traditional armor and swords. From castle tours to shopping malls the Harrington's were on a mission to find some sushi or some ice cream. Ice cream won and the Harrington's sat for a few moments enjoying their ice cream cones rather than discovering why there was a large grill as the center of the table they were seated at. With an upcoming flight it was time for the Harrington's to make their way back to the airport.
Returning to the airport proved a bit of an adventure as all ATM's rejected the Harrington's debit card and banks and money exchanges were closed. A few prayers later and the kindness of a Japanese stranger had their American money exchanged and their bodies boarding a train airport-bound. Good fortune continued following the Harrington's when they volunteered to give up their seat on their United Flight. Simply by volunteering they were given a pass to enjoy the Airport Lounge (complimentary wi-fi, drinks, snacks and gifts!) When asking further questions about their need to stay behind the Harrington's discovered that not all passengers had arrived on time and because they had so kindly volunteered to stay behind, they could now enjoy Business Class seats for their upcoming 12 hour flight -- not a bad deal!

Visiting a World Heritage Site: Penang Island, Malaysia

Penang Island off the peninsular Malaysia is a piece of land filled with great history and rich experiences. The Island served as an early mixing pot for various cultures and peoples as the Spice Trade and other trade routes were established. Just two days walking the streets of Georgetown, the Harrington's were able to identify influences of: the United Kingdom, China, India, Christians, Muslims, and Buddhists. Buildings showcased a wide variety of architecture, many places of worship had been established and the food (oh! the food! so Amazing, it will earn it's own article) was delicious and of many influences.

For the Harrington's one day was filled with checking out the sights and flavors of Penang while the following was focused on getting from Penang Island to Kuala Lumput in order to catch a flight and begin a long trek back to the USA to apply for work visas. Their day of exploration led them first to a lovely old Christian Cemetary where they enjoyed reading the headstones, standing under the shade of large trees and taking a few photos. With no particular place to go, the Harrington's continued on their way stopping for water and Coke at a large park near the Beach and an old Fort. Enjoying the opportunity to watch Malaysian children play in the park as well as a group of young boys playing with tops (and managing some AMAZING tricks) - Mike and Melissa Harrington eventually made thier way into the grounds of the old Fort Cornwallis. Mike read signs and learned some details about the area whereas Melissa simply looked around and took a few photos.

While in Georgetown, Penang the couple also enjoyed a couple movie outings: Inception and Salt. Even when in a foreign and exciting land - a good dose of your native language and air-conditioning on a hot evening is a welcome luxury.

Fame, Fortune and a Touch of Pure Thailand

If the Harrington's have learned anything of great value throughout their travels it is this: If Lonely Planet gives a destination about one or less pages of information - it will be worth the time and effort to go there. For the Harrington's Songkhla, Thailand was just the spot to stop over for a day, experience a less 'popular' southern region of Thailand and create some of their most fond Thai Memories - much as they had in the northern city of Lampang.

With just over a day to explore the Harrington's began by setting up shop in the Romantic Guesthouse where they would enjoy sleeping in a bed that seemed as though it were stuffed with newspapers but was under the management of a few extremely sweet Thai women. With their belongings stowed away, it was time to explore and discover. Stomachs growling the couple made their way to a market, saw some food that look tasty, pointed and smiled then sat down with their extremely cheap and delicious meal. Leaving the market, the two opted to purchase some lychee. The price read 20 Baht (the equivelent of about 60 cents) however the couple didn't know what they would get for 20 Baht --they soon discovered, a mere 20 Baht could purchase 1 kg of fresh spiky pink and green lychee fruit.

Lychee in hand, the Harrington's made their way toward the beach and experimented with various ways to eat their recent fruit purchase. They opted for peeling, sticking the whole thing in the mouth, then removing the pit. The afternoon brought the Harrington's to Songkhla's famous Mermaid Statue where they took some shots and were even asked by some Malaysian tourists to pose in a picture with them -- sure, why not!?!
Following the Mermaid adventure and few minutes of fame on the beach the Harrington's decided a day at the Aquarium was just what they needed. Upon arrival, they discovered tickets for foreigners were 3X the price as for locals, however, considering that made tickets a mere $9 they went for it. At the Aquarium, they enjoyed watching the feeding show where Manta Rays and small Sharks did "tricks" for bits of fish. The rest of the time was passed 'finding nemo' and any other fish friends. And, as one would expect, the Harrington's again were recognized for their dashingly good and famous looks and asked to pose in yet another photo.

With two out of a half-dozen of Songkhla's top attractions checked off the list, it was now time for the Harrington's to make their way to the Dragon's Head Statue. The tail and body of this Dragon are spread throughout the city, however the head is the most fascinating and enjoyable to photograph. The day finally began to cool and the Harrington's slowly made their way back to their Guesthouse making a few stops to watch various people play soccer and a group of students practice a special song and dance number. Their only regret was not having more time to spend in Songkhla.

A Vacation Highlight in Lampang, Thailand

Prior to their arrival in Chiang Mai, the Harrington's had a pleasant, one day stop over in Lampang, Thailand. The city exuded a perfectly quaint, undiscovered Thai vibe that the Harrington's enjoyed immensely and were discouraged they had only one day in this lovely city.

The day of their arrival and departure, turned out to be a holiday. Therefore many businesses were closed down but many students were out and about in a park and provided the Harrington couple some of their fondest Thai Memories. Wondering about the city, the couple spotted numerous groups of school-aged children practicing various dances in a city park. Hot and sticky, the couple sat in the shade and enjoyed watching the many performances and practices.

For any readers who would like a small taste of the couples experience, simply watch this popular K-Pop (that's Korean Pop) music video - this was one of the songs the students were practicing and performing to. Not to mention, the type of music the Harrington's now get to enjoy on a fairly regular basis living in the Republic of Korea\
Aside from the entertainment, the Harrington's were also excited to be approaced by a group of young Thai girls eager to practice thier English. Being a group of girls they were more inclined to talk with Melissa and offered many suggestions for what to do in the area as well as offer Fish-Flavored Taro snacks that weren't as bad as they may sound. The moment was purely Asian and left the couple with warm feelings towards their soon-to-be Asian life.

25th Annual King's Cup: Sepak Takraw

One of the Harrington's favorite days in Chiang Mai was a day spent at the 25th Annual King's Cup: Sepak Takraw Tournament. Sepak Takraw is also known as Thai Football and probably by a few other names throughout Asia. Regardless of what you call it, the sport is absolutely impressive. Matches seem to combine the grace and fluidity of dance, the flexibility and ease of martial arts and the concept of volleyball plus soccer.

Each team consists of three players. One serves the small woven synthetic (traditionally bamboo) ball over the net where a series of blocks, passes and an eventual flip kick send the ball to the other side. For an entire day the Harrington's sat in amazement and admiration at the athleticism of these men and women who so impressively play Sepak Takraw.

Japanese Mens' Team going up for the block

Flip Kicks!

Chiang Mai Adventure Day

Assuming they ought to do at least one thing that tourists normally do while in Northern Thailand, the Harrington's found themselves signing up for a Chiang Mai Adventure Program. A one-day event that would include visiting an Orchid Farm, riding an Elephant, hiking to a waterfall, 'white-water' rafting and concluding with a small tour into a more traditionally styled village of Northern Thailand. Waking up on Adventure Day the Harrington's could hear the constant falling of monsoon rains outside their windows. The two put on "water-resistant" clothing and waited to see if they day would in fact continue as they had planned. Considering the frequency of rain in a nation such as Thailand, the Harrington's were not surprised to find out that, indeed, they would continue with the day as planned.

So, with six other adventursome souls, the Harrington's loaded into a red tuk-tuk and made a quick stop at an Orchid Farm which allowed for some beautiful sights and a bit of inspiration. Following the orchids, the Adventure crew was taken a little ways into the jungle where they were introduced to their large gray mammal friends, the elephants. Having spent some time with elephants in Africa, Mike and Melissa Harrington were not sure how to interpret the conditions under which these elephants were kept. Heavy chains held the elephants to trees and weighed heavily around their necks, the couple know that elephants have thick skin, but felt slightly unsure about climbing on board. Nonetheless, they hopped on and enjoyed or, shall we say experienced a VERY wet ride atop an elephant on some very slippery jungle slopes. The jungle views were amazing and provided the Harrington's much visual enjoyment.

Following the elephant ride, all adventuresome souls sat down for a filling dish of fried rice before continuing up (or down) the road for an enjoyable early afternoon hike. The trail was nothing short of sopping wet and a little slick complete with thin Bamboo bridges, but the sights along the way and the waterfall at the end were most enjoyable. Having now seen water falling and a small stream, it was time for the adventurers to try out their hand at white water (or more accurately, brown water) rafting. Slightly nervous and unsure of their actual rafting capabilities the Harrington's loaded into a raft with two girls from the Netherlands and a Thai river guide and enjoyed a small bit of rafting through some of the lucious and beautiful Thai Jungle.

As the day came to an end, the group was about adventured out so they were taken to a nearby village which was meant to showcase the traditional style of living in Korea. Unfortunately, this part of the tour felt mostly like an uncomfortable entrance to peoples lives whose stories we could not hear and whose daily routine we could not comprehend. A few ladies, dressed traditionally tried selling the group of foreigners their various goods before we all parted and ended our day of adventure. Overall, the Harrington's would describe the day as, worth the experience, however not necessary to repeat anytime soon.

Chiang Mai, Thailand -- Home for a Week

Thanks to the extreme kindness and hospitality of a CouchSurfing couple in Chiang Mai, Thailand, Mike and Melissa Harrington enjoyed a full week exploring this northern Thai city.
When in Thailand, particularly during the summer months which are best described as hot and sticky, much like a sauna; a typical day should consist of visiting one or two Wats (temples), drinking a minimum of two Thai Teas, finding a restaurant with air conditioning and Chicken Pad Thai or Bananas in Coconut Milk and chowing down on any random fruits you can manage (except of course Durian). This, anyway, is the way the Harrington's chose to live out life most days in Thailand.

Having spent so many days "in flight" and "in transit" throughout the summer the days the couple was eager to take the days slowly. Everyday had only one or two big items on the agenda accompanied always by the drinking of many cold beverages, most often Thai Tea. After the jam packed schedule of South Africa and the constant harassing of Bangkok Scammers, the couple welcomed these days of 'livin' easy' with open arms.

A few highlights from this week in Chiang Mai that can't quite fill an entire article include:

• Being asked if they were German. The couple is unsure what kind of reputation the Germans have as travelers, but are pretty sure it's better than the repuation of American travelers.
• Purchasing artwork from a street vendor who was eager to practice her English and recommend a Wat to visit.
• Looking out on Chiang Mai from the cities most popular Wat Don Suthup.
• Drinking Thai Tea daily
• Recieving Thai Massages at a spa that hires women from the local Women's Prison so that they can look forward to a life of dignity rather than landing back in prison.
• Discovering the perfect deliciousness of Bananas in Coconut Milk.
• Sleeping in an airconditioned room free of charge every night.
• Sunday Walking Street and the variety of vendors and goods being sold.