Crazy Couchsurfers in Chiang Mai

“A journey is best measured in friends, rather than miles.” 

–Tim Cahill

At this point, we have been to 5 out of the 7 countries that form part of our Asian trip. In every country we visit, nay in every city, we've met more than our share of awesome people - backpackers, couchsurfers, locals. If Tim's words hold true, then we have accumulated enough friendship miles to do a round-the-world trip....twice.

In no other place in Asia did we meet as many friends as we have than in this little town in Northern Thailand called Chiang Mai. This was mostly because of the crazy Couchsurfers that inhabit it. You can't get any more crazy than this.

What is Couchsurfing?

If you haven't heard of it yet, shame on you! Couchsurfing is just the most wonderful thing to happen to the backpacking world since...well, backpacks. It's world-wide network connecting travelers with the local community, who offer free accommodation, advice or even just a cup of coffee. Although some backpackers have used Couchsurfing as a way to save money, it offers more than that. The local Couchsurfers give a traveler a glimpse of how it is like to live in that city, they show you where the cheapest food stalls are, where to get cheap drinks and share secrets about their city. So you see, it's much more than a free place to crash.

Meet the Couchsurfers of Chiang Mai

 Mug Shot

Top Left-hand Corner: Freddy (full-time resident whose couch is always open, world record is 12), Chichi (noob Couchsurfer), Harry (Illegal jenga player), Susan (talented artist/backpacker), Chris (happened to crash our party and stayed a week longer in Chiang Mai as a result), Lanners (training for Muay Thai), Dave (Chiang Mai resident at the time), Mike (American Pinoy training for Muay Thai), Mel (lovely German working in Chiang Mai just until the wanderlust hits again).

It's like this everyday in Chiang Mai!

Early breakfast with Ralph and Anthony before exploring Chiang Mai.

We were lucky enough to have 2 couchsurfing hosts while we were in Chiang Mai. Even luckier that both our hosts were Filipinos. Ralph has been living in Chiang Mai for more than 2 years working for a UK-based company. Grace of http://grasya.com is also living in Chiang Mai and works for an NGO company. They've shown us unsurpassed Filipino hospitality. Salamat!

Tha Pae Gate

Photo by bluemonkey

Chiang Mai is composed of the Old City and the New one. The Old City lies in the heart of the it all surrounded by a moat on all sides. It's like a castle really but without the castle (Huh?). There are 4 gates to get inside the Old City. Never mind the 3 other gates because the only gate we remember is Tha Pae Gate. This is where the magic happens!

Everyone's here!

Most nights, everyone would gather at Tha Pae gate to meet other Couchsurfers/travellers, consume ridiculous amounts of Sang Som (Thai Whiskey), talk, dance (sometimes) and generally just have a great time.

See How We Jump

One sunny weekend, the local Couchsurfers headed by Freddy, organized an impromptu trip to one of the waterfalls around Chiang Mai. We biked, we walked a little, we swam but most importantly, we jumped!

Dave goes first

You know I couldn't resist jumping off things...even if it scares the hell out of me.

Harry makes it look so cool.

Then, someone else joined the fun. She was too bored with the jumping so my Sole Sister did something else entirely. It's called Slip n' Slide.

Jenga to Death

When i first met these crazies, I didn't know that we have something in common other than traveling and itchy soles. They were as addicted to the game of Jenga as I was. We played inside a coffee shop, disturbing all those who were peacefully sipping their coffees on that rainy afternoon....

We played while drinking Sang Som buckets at Tha Pae gate....

Even when surrounded by the beauty and serenity of Huay Thong Lake, we played Jenga.

Illegal Jenga Move

Being hardcore Jenga players, we strictly follow the International Rule Book of Master Jenga Players. Harry didn't seem to understand this rule though. He went all ninja on us and attempted this daring manuever. You decide if we shall let him live or not.

Sing Your Lil Backpacker Heart Out!

When we're not busy honing our jenga skills, having fun at Tha Pae gate or jumping in waterfalls, there's only one thing to do. SING! These crazy couchsurfers from all over the world can challenge any Filipino dropping 5 PHP coins in those videoke machines we love so much. A self-respecting Filipino would not sulk in a corner and let someone else beat them in what is unofficially known as the Official Filipino Sport. Nope, you just can't do that. So, this Filipina represented!

Have you met any crazy couchsurfers lately? I can't wait to hear your stories.

Successfully initiated into the Couchsurfing world,
Sole Sister Chichi

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