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.

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.

An Experience in Photos: Ayutthaya, Thailand

Bangkok: The City of Scam

Late July, the Harrington's continued their ticket around the world and flew from Cape Town, South Africa to Bangkok, Thailand. Having purchased tickets months prior to having confirmed positions in South Korea, the couple banked on Bangkok being the perfect stop over and jumping off point for whichever lucky Asian nation would get to welcome them as teachers. This then, is how the couple ended up in Bangkok, a city they knew little about but would soon form a strong opinion toward.

The first hardship the couple faced upon arriving in Thailand was the swealtering heat and humidity combination. Having just flown in from South Africa's cool winter months, monsoon season in Thailand felt nothing short of unbearable. Hoping to be spontaneous, the couple had few things planned for their weeks in Thailand. A few hours in Bangkok and a quick read through the guidebook revealed that leaving the city as quickly as possible would be in their best interest. Now, at this point, it is important to state that Bangkok is worth a visit and could be a fully enjoyable tourist destination for a day or so, however, there are some things a visitor must be aware of to make the trip enjoyable. Bangkok, became to the Harringtons, the City of Scams. The Lonely Planet Guidebook was a great resource in letting the Harrington's in on some of Bangkok's dirty little secrets and walking the streets of Bangkok brought such secrets to life.

So, should you travel to Bangkok, here are some things to be cognisent of in light of scams and scam artists:

• In general, Thai people do not commonly approach foreigners. Therefore, when a Thai man is approaching you with impeccable English, be leary.
• Sometimes an approaching Thai will be in a tuk-tuk or have a tuk-tuk driver and vehicle within in shouting distance, again be cautious - the team probably does not have your best interest in mind.
• If a Thai man is well dressed and begins chatting with you, finding out where you are from and claiming to have family there, he is lying.
• If a Thai man tells you there is a holiday or your destination is closed today, he is most likely lying. En Route to the Train Station, the Harrington's received two stories from two different scam-artists. The first claimed that the train station didn't sell tickets to foreigners but don't worry, his agency did! Minutes later, another man claimed that because it was Saturday, the train station was likely not open, how about the couple go to his tour agency. These are lies and those telling the lies should be ignored, walked away from, and given the evil eye if necessary.
• Only use a tuk-tuk if you've hailed the driver, negotiated a price and clarified that there will be no stops.
• Metered taxis are best. Don't allow a taxi driver to offer you a "flat rate with only one stop"
  - it will end in bad news for you.

By now, most readers are probably wondering what is the scam here, what happens if you give in to these friendly offers. More often than not what occurs is tourists are taken to numerous "gem stores" where they are shown beautiful gems for good prices. Tourists are told of the success that could be theirs if they purchase large amounts of gems and resell them in their home country. Of course, the gems are fakes and worth hardly anything so tourists return home to be more than disappointed by their purchases.

For these reasons, the persistent, friendly-well-dressed Thai men, the Harrington's wanted out of Bangkok.