Wee Little Boy

Haring the trail for Kaohsiung Hash's 51st

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 25 Oct 2026 00:00:00 GMT

51st Anniversary of Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers @kaohsiunghash in 2024. You’ve got to celebrate in style. 🇹🇼💜

What an honour to set and hare my first trail for the anniversary.

The pressure was on. Weeks of preparation, exploring Pingtung County before work and on weekends. Walking through betelnut trees, public parks, deserted paths, open fields and long grass where snakes live 🐍, places I’d never stepped foot on before. Trying to piece a trail together, practising the route, remembering where to place the chalk markings. Getting lost more than once along the way.

On the anniversary weekend, everyone took the train from Kaohsiung to Pingtung to begin. And before it even started, I accidentally crossed out the T’s at the beginning. You’re meant to leave them as a start mark. Technical catch. Great spot! @dominc563129 Slightly gutted. 😅

But the trail needed to be run and it was a rewarding feeling to see everyone set off on something built through exploration, getting lost and a lot of walking around in the heat.

Three trails on the day, runners, walkers and strollers. Embracing Taiwan’s nature together. 🌿

Here’s to many more.

On On 💜

📸 See all 20 photos on Instagram

Have you eaten yet?

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sat, 19 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Have you eaten yet? 🇱🇦🇹🇭
Gin Khao Rue Yang / Gin Khao Laeo Bor. In Laos and Thailand it’s how you say hello. Not “how are you?” but “have you eaten yet?”

This one’s from Laos. But the phrase carries across the whole region and it never gets old.

It’s small talk that actually means something. Care dressed up as conversation. It says we see you, we’re thinking about you, your basic needs matter to us.

We could all learn from that.

กินข้าวหรือยัง?

💜

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram

Pakse morning market

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Fri, 18 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Pakse morning market. 🇱🇦☀️
The people at these markets, so kind, so warm, so full of stories. I’ll take a morning market full of life and soul over a chain restaurant every single time.

There’s something about sitting with the locals, hearing their stories, sharing a meal to start the day. It reminds you what connection actually looks like.

Then the food arrives. 😋
Gaeng Galee, seafood curry. Tam Mak Hoong, papaya salad. Pad Krapow Moo Sap with an egg on top, minced pork with rice.

Keep life simple. Keep connection real. 🌏

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram

Why education always matters

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Tue, 15 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Teaching in Taiwan was one of the privileges of my life. 🇹🇼📚 In a world where education too often serves an unfair system, where material deprivation and background mean some people start miles ahead of others, prioritising critical thinking over exam results felt necessary.

Because when the system is built around results alone, it creates pressure. And pressure creates vulnerability. And vulnerability, without the right support, can break people before they’ve even had a chance.

We covered Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr., Malala Yousafzai, Anne Frank, the rainforests. And watching students discuss these topics with genuine passion, that was something else.

As Malala said, one pen, one book and one teacher can change the world. Never take that for granted. Some people go where the money is. And money can create inequality. But education? Education can change the world.

That’s why education always matters. 💜

The Air Run: Avengers Assemble

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 07 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

The Air Run 2025 🌍🇹🇼🏃
Every hash group coming together for one massive run near Taichung. Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers representing the whole of southern Taiwan, what a privilege. I was so proud to be part of such a great team!

5 different nationalities in our team with their own stories on the same trail.

It felt like Avengers Assemble.
We took the train there and back. The whole day was full of adventure before we even started running. Taiwan’s green beauty everywhere you looked.

It was also an honour to have my Thai friend join us. Their first trip abroad, first destination Taiwan, first hash run. Couldn’t have picked a better introduction to the world.

Great to share the trail with the King and Queen of the Mountains, Dominic and Vita!

We had Angel and Jeff, absolute travel explorers and athletes. In fact, everyone out there was a serious athlete. And of course, Edward and Alex, who were brilliant at stopping us from getting lost.

After the run came the stage. Each group had to perform their own entertainment. When it was our turn we followed Queena’s

Zumba style dance. I’ll be honest, that was not my finest moment.

But that’s hashing. You go off into the mountains with a team of people from all over the world, you get lost together, you dance badly together, and somehow it all works.

Unity in the unknown. 💜
On On 🏃

Alone on a Bangkok rooftop

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 31 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Last year, on my last week before moving back to the UK, I found myself alone on a random rooftop in Bangkok looking out over the city.

Reflecting on life. Thinking, what on earth happens next? Over the past couple of years I’d been surrounded by hundreds of people. New friends, new places, new everything. And then all of a sudden you’re on your own, having to say goodbye to everything at once. That feeling is hard to describe.

A few months later I returned to Bangkok wearing my Villa top. Soon after, Villa went and won the Europa League in Istanbul and brought the trophy to Bangkok on their preseason tour.

I wish they were playing Buriram United, imagine that! Then we lost most of our star players at once.

Players you’d supported for years. Gone. That’s exactly how I felt a year ago.

Saying goodbye to everything at once. But here we are. Still standing. Still showing up.

A crossover episode: two hash runs, half a world apart

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 12 Aug 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Is this a crossover episode?! 🌍🏃
Two Hash runs in the same week, 20 hours and half a world apart.
From the lit up streets of Wufu and under a bridge bar of Kaohsiung @kaohsiunghash to Gloucester Docks and

Alney Island. Flower and Power Alex haring on the other side of the globe, I love it First time in 53 years with two hares with same name I’ve heard!

Amazing to connect the adventure from near and far, especially with a guest from Braunschweig Hash House Harriers @braunschweig_h3 us on their holiday. And if that wasn’t enough pressure, Tilly aka Slammer was reviewing the trail.

Famous for providing the best hockey teas in the world at

Lansdown Hockey Club @lansdownhockey, legendary pies, and once even a Thai green curry. Nothing beats those teas. The pressure was definitely on!

Both trails had their fair share of ups and downs but that’s life. Getting lost on a trail just teaches us how to navigate life when things don’t go to plan. We keep pushing and grateful for the turnout.

Massive thank you to Oliver’s Bar @olivers.gloucesterdocks for sponsoring the event. Supporting independent local places near and far is what this is all about every single week.

Everyone who turns up is invited to the pub after!

I’ve learnt it doesn’t matter where you are, you can always be connected. Whether it’s haring in the same week, hashing, hockey, or even the food, it always stays with us.

On On 💜

When the spark came back

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sat, 11 Jul 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Reunited with Flower Alex in Holland 2 months ago. 🇳🇱 Reflecting on the good times, and honestly, I’d been feeling drained the past few months. The spark felt gone. Hard to top what we had.

Then one night, a bar with an atmosphere you could feel from the street. Turned out we’d walked into the domestic volleyball league champions celebrating their national title. Congratulations!

We ended up lifting the trophy (even tho we didn’t win it lol). 🏆 It reminded us we’ve had nights like this before too.

Then, over the next few weeks following that night in the bar, celebrating with a team that wasn’t even ours, the momentum completely shifted:

🐉 Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers won the Dragon Boat Race 💜🩵 Villa won the Europa League
🏎️ Lewis Hamilton won in Spain for Ferrari ⛰️ Half Everest Challenge completed, raising nearly £3,000 for mental health 🧠

The perfect reminder of exactly what we needed for the weeks ahead.
What a 2 months it’s been! What’s next? 👀

The Half Everest Challenge

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 14 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Half Everest Challenge training for Snowdon - 2 weeks to go and we’re clocking up the hours.

Training in every condition - sun, rain, wind, even hail. Getting out there, feeling the nature, clearing the mind.

If you can, sponsor us to support mental health. Let’s keep pushing

June 19

Half Everest Challenge Training 🔥⛰️

June 21

Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers @kaohsiunghash just won the 2026 Dragon Boat Race

So so proud, GET IN THERE!!

Rumour has it they were the only team using wooden paddles

It’s already come home 🇹🇼🏆
Happy Dragon Boat Festival everyone 🐉🛶

June 23

Ready to feel the burn this weekend 🔥⛰️
Snowdon x4. 4,340m. The Half Everest Challenge.

Thank you to everyone who has donated so far! 💜 If you’d like to support, fundraiser link in bio.

June 25

Got to keep pushing. 🔥⛰️

July 1

On Saturday we completed the Half Everest Challenge. 4.35 ascents of Snowdon, 4,723m of elevation gain. Started at 2:20am, finished at 11:30pm. 21 hours on the mountain.

We may have accidentally exceeded the target 😂 At the halfway point I was in so much pain and decided to skip the break to push up the 3rd ascent, making sure I wasn’t lagging behind. The last 4th ascent was pure adrenaline.

We’ve raised nearly £3,000 supporting mental health. 🧠 This one was personal. I definitely felt the loss of connections due to distance over the past 12 months. And the last time I was in the UK, I remember running a loneliness and mental health campaign wearing a pink hoodie at university, feeling the stigma at the time. The fight has run deep.

But this challenge gave us the opportunity to remember who we are.

Expressing your emotions isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower. And no one should have to climb alone.

It still feels surreal.

Thank you to everyone who donated, who hiked, who showed up. Thank you to Chris Garrard for organising something so ambitious for such an important cause.

Onwards and Upwards. (Literally.) 🚀🧠💜

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram, part 2, part 3

From Nong Khiaw to Snowdon

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 07 Jun 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hiked up to the highest viewpoint in Nong Khiaw. 80 to 90% of the elevation of Snowdon.

The perfect place to look back at the adventure and journey we’d been on. Turns out this was manifested into the Half Everest Challenge. Credit to my friend Chris for coming up with this idea and getting a team of people on a mountain.

I had no idea standing on this viewpoint that I’d be doing this four months later.

The adventure always continues.

27th June. Four ascents of Snowdon. Up and down, four times. 3,508m. The Half Everest Challenge. An anticipated 20 hours of hiking. All in one day.

Around 20 of us taking on the mountain together to raise money for a mental health campaign.
Let’s go. 🔥⛰️
https://www.justgiving.com/page/4x-snowdon-climb

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram

Big Brother Mouse, Luang Prabang

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 31 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Big Brother Mouse, Luang Prabang, is a must do volunteering experience.

Back in 2024 my friend Jocelyn @heehaw716 put me onto this amazing literacy project for Laos locals and students. I went alone, met Leefong and James, and left on such a high. These students were driven and humble and it hit me how much we take education for granted. We are lucky to have access to education.

Two years later we had to go back. This time we met Dawn. 17 years old, looking after eight younger boys on his own, the youngest only 10. He has been showing up here three evenings a week for two years to practice his English conversation. No big deal made of it, he turns up every time. We was genuinely humbled sitting with him.

I also met Yeng and Sing, both at university, both dreaming of studying abroad one day. We are still in touch with Dawn and Yeng which says it all really.
Colin and Ian run it and you can tell they really care. The moment you walk in you feel welcomed. Afterwards we all went for a meal with the other volunteers and it was a brilliant way to end the evening, everyone sharing their stories. One of the most rewarding experiences of my life. In 2024 the students stories about their villages planted a seed and inspired us to eventually get on the Nam Ou river. By 2026 we had lived it out.

If you are ever in Luang Prabang, do pop by the Big Brother Mouse.

From the back of the pack to the podium

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 03 May 2026 00:00:00 GMT

From the back of the pack to the podium and it never would have happened alone. When I first joined Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers I was struggling at the back, adapting to the heat, and getting lost on the trail. Accidentally, of course. The encouragement through the down downs, the nature trails and the side alleys of the city at night, that’s what changed it.

A group of us, Queena, Dominic, Vita, Claudia and Nelson, started entering half and full marathons together. It’s an individual sport but it never felt that way. Seeing each other progress and get to the podiums was more fun and more rewarding than doing it alone.

And when I see someone new at the back struggling in the heat, I’ll never use that as an opportunity to boost an ego. I want them to do well. We know how hard it is to start. That’s why it’s extra special when we celebrate together.

That’s what it’s all about 🤝

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram

I'd found my people. Again.

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Tue, 21 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

I’d built a life in Buriram. Then I left it all behind and moved to Kaohsiung alone 🇹🇼 New city, no friends, starting from nothing.

On my birthday back in November 2023 I walked into a random bar on my own. It was the bartender’s birthday too.

Twelve months later, everything had changed. So proud to be part of a wonderful community.

I’d found my people. Again.

be in the unknown 🌍

An Aviator special: hashing in the UK

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Fri, 03 Apr 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Cheltenham & Cotswold Hash — such a rewarding experience setting the trail together

First day back in the UK and 60+ turned out for an Aviator special Great energy from the start, even had our own Red Arrows show Thank you to everyone who came along!

Nice to link it back to Kaohsiung too 🇹🇼 (#29runs). Super grateful to have done hash runs in Laos, Taiwan, and the UK — 3 weeks in a row. Amazing to see communities come together across the world

On On 💜

Fantastic people make a place feel like home

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 22 Mar 2026 00:00:00 GMT

I left to live in Thailand and Taiwan for two and a half years. This trip reminded me of everything built between 21 and 25.

Real connections across Southeast and East Asia, and it was special to catch up with everyone after the Nam Ou adventure in Laos. That’s what makes it all so meaningful.

We’ll be back. ❤️
Fantastic people make a place feel like home.

Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sat, 14 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

From Muang Khua to Nong Khiaw
80+ km
Countless lessons

As far as we know, the first on record to packraft the Nam Ou River end to end.

It felt surreal reaching areas and communities that remain largely untouched. A real joy and privilege to meet the villagers and witness daily life.

Never give up on yourself. Always. 💜

Three days down the Nam Ou

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Thu, 12 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

For the past 3 days, we’ve been kayaking down the Nam Ou River in northern Laos.

There isn’t much information about settlements along this stretch, so we’ve just been figuring it out as we go. No clear plan. Just moving forward and trusting that we’ll find what we need.

On the first night, we reached a small village of around 52 people. They welcomed us without hesitation and kindly offered us a place to sleep and breakfast the next morning. Just genuine hospitality.

Moments like that remind you what’s important in life. Community. Sharing. Taking care of people simply because they’re there in front of you.

Pure human kindness.

The second night was very different. An abandoned settlement with deserted buildings. Just us, a small campfire, cattle and oxen nearby, the river flowing beside us, and sleeping in our bivi bags in an open shelter under the night sky.

Now we’re in Muang Ngoi, resting and reflecting, preparing for the next stop.

Nearly 70 km covered so far. Not chasing anything. Just letting this journey bring unknown discoveries, and so far it’s been special.

Grateful for the people. Grateful for perspective. Grateful we said yes.

Still going, always. 💜🇱🇦🫂

First shared on Instagram. The trip became Namou, and we’re going back in 2027.

Into the unknown on the Nam Ou

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 08 Feb 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Training is done. Now it’s time to step into the unknown.

As far as we can tell, no one has ever packrafted the Nam Ou end to end. We don’t know what’s waiting for us each day. Where we’ll eat. Where we’ll sleep. Or what the river will feel like once we’re fully committed to it.

What we do know is this. The challenge won’t be whitewater. The Nam Ou has been reshaped by a cascade of seven dams, turning what was once a flowing river into seven long, quiet lakes. This journey won’t be about rapids. It will be about patience, endurance, and learning to move with the wind rather than against a current.

Out here, some settlements don’t exist on maps. Information is limited, plans are loose, and we will likely be completely offline for long stretches. Each evening brings the same quiet question. Where will we sleep tonight? There’s a real possibility that some nights, if we can’t find shelter, we’ll be sleeping outside in our bivi bags, wherever the river allows us to stop.

There’s something humbling about travelling like this. No certainty. No guarantees. Just trust. In the river. In the kindness of people we might meet. And in our ability to adapt when things don’t go as expected.
This isn’t about proving anything. It’s about listening. To the land. To the water. And to ourselves. Whatever happens next, the river will decide the pace. And we’re ready to follow.

See you on the other side.

One of the most defining years yet

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 31 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

One of the most defining years yet. So many changes, so many emotions. It’s been a year of movement, people coming and going, places changing, chapters opening and closing. Coming back to the UK after being away since 2022 really highlighted the contrast. Living across Thailand, Taiwan, and now the UK taught me a lot about adapting. Leaving an incredible community in Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and going through a tough breakup while I was in Thailand made everything harder to process. At times, I lost myself. I stayed loyal through distance and change, and when that chapter ended, it hurt, especially considering how special it began in Buriram.

There were real highs too. I loved the Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers running weekend away, the Purple Party bingo fundraiser, getting my first half-marathon podium, and finishing my first full marathon. I’m now nearly two weeks sober, having defeated Christmas, and learning to protect myself better and practise more self-love.

Endings don’t define the whole story. As 2025 moves toward 2026, I’m grateful for the lessons, the people, and the chance to begin again. Motivated to keep showing up for vulnerable people. New opportunities are ahead.

Taking my landlord to court

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 07 Dec 2025 00:00:00 GMT

In 2021 during university, my landlord took me to court after refusing to give me control of the heating. I represented myself and won a rent reduction.

Students unfortunately get taken advantage of too easily, and someone has to push back so the next person doesn’t go through the same thing.

What I love looking back is the Banksy nurse artwork behind me, a reminder of resilience and the hard work people like my Mum carried through the pandemic.

Integrity means taking the hardest path, the one requiring effort, fight, and resilience, and staying true to yourself through all of it.

Do you want to bet against us?

Pink: vulnerability is a strength

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Thu, 27 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Last year was something special. I originally left the UK in 2022 to heal and go on an adventure, and somehow it led to everyone from the Kaohsiung, Taiwan community and my friends from the Buriram, Thailand community coming together in one night to support Reggie.

Seeing everyone wear pink meant even more. I wore pink during the Student Union elections in 2022 to show that vulnerability is a strength, not a weakness. To watch two different communities across the world embrace that same meaning showed so much unity and heart. It was a mix of cultures coming together in the most powerful way - it felt real, alive, and healing for all of us.

Now I’m back in the UK with a mission to turn what I’ve learned into purpose and build something even bigger than before.

Rethinking fashion with Batch

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Great evening at the @1clubofficial event in London with @batch.ldn

Loved hearing how they’re rethinking fashion by avoiding excess stock. Thank you for sharing your journey @samuelmatanle

One thing that really stuck with me: every second, a full truckload of clothes is sent to landfill. Hearing that in the room hit differently.
Refreshing to be around people pushing for better, more responsible ways of producing clothing. It was also great to connect with others who care about the same direction.

Get your paddle in the water!

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Wee Little Boy, get your paddle in the water!!! 🛶💦 As LA screamed at me during training, this was serious business!

What an experience Dragon Boat racing was on the

Love River in Kaohsiung with the Kaohsiung House Harriers team @kaohsiunghash A tricky start saw us come 3rd out of 4 in the first heat, meaning we needed another shot to reach the final.

In the semis, we came 2nd out of 3 teams and later found out we had made it to the final! Throughout the week, our rhythm and teamwork kept improving, the beat of the drum, the roar of “ROW!”, and me desperately trying to get my paddle deeper in the water

Until the day of the final, we gave it our everything, rowing like our lives depended on it. The team that had comfortably beaten us earlier, we beat them this time! As we neared the finish, our boat shifted direction at the flag, and Rob pulled off the catch of the century, staying on the boat while just brushing the water!

There was a bit of controversy after (we were moved down to 3rd), but we all knew we had crossed comfortably in 2nd. It felt harsh to punish Rob’s skill after that incredible catch!
The progress we made felt incredible, and standing on that podium was the best feeling And to top it off, 10,000 NTD and a medal for Kaohsiung House Harriers!

Celebrating in Uncle Bob’s @unclebobs_kaohsiung and The Oxford @oxfordpubkaohsiung was amazing, and also the Oxford team took 1st place in their race category! I was so happy for them, it was the perfect end to an unforgettable week with a great bunch of people.

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram

Never really alone: first nights in Korea

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 10 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

On my very first night in Korea, I wandered into a restaurant looking like a lost boy again. The locals kindly recommended me food, and before I knew it, I was sat with them drinking soju, laughing, and chatting.

On another night back at the hostel, it was a different group of friends. We ended up strolling into the convenience store to grab some food, and it felt so nice not to be alone. Sitting down to eat together in the hostel lounge area was so simple but honestly so wholesome.

I spent time exploring the Hanok village - full of history, colourful majestic art painted across the walls, and markets bursting with snacks. I tried the delicious sticky noodles and sweet treats, stepped into an authentic tea shop, and saw some incredible temples. I even gave the

Squid Game cookie challenge a go… and somehow survived

That’s the art of solo travelling: you’re never really alone. From late-night soju to colourful temples, Korea reminded me that the food, the people, and the little random adventures are what make the memories last forever, always.

A full-circle moment in Mae Hong Son

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 01 Sep 2025 00:00:00 GMT

✨ A Full-Circle Moment ✨
When I was literally a wee little boy, I remember seeing a photo of my mum and her friend Tracey with the Long Neck Karen tribe. They always spoke with such fond memories about meeting a woman from the village.

Fast forward to April 2023, when we travelled to Pai, I had one mission: to find the mysterious lady from that photo. She wasn’t there, but we met her best friend Mahsae, who told us the woman’s name was Maja and that she now lived in Mae Hong Son.

Months later, before leaving Thailand for my next adventure, I knew I had to try one last time. So, we set off on a 7-hour night bus from Chiang Mai to Mae Hong Son. When we arrived, we tried the local northern Thai dishes: raw laab, rich hung lay curry, and the classic khao soi. Each dish was bursting with flavour, although I was hurting a little from the raw laab (but that’s a story for another time!). Still, it was the perfect welcome before the day ahead.

The next morning, the journey to meet Maja felt truly magical. As we drove through the lush green mountains, low clouds drifted across the hills, painting a mystical backdrop for what was about to be a full-circle moment.

And then there she was, Maja, the same woman from my mum’s photo all those years ago. She even remembered my mum and Tracey, which felt surreal considering how many tourists must pass through. Now, she has a family of her own, and it was such a special moment, one of those rare times when life comes full circle. I even bought a scarf that Maja had made, as a gift for my mum and Tracey, which felt like completing the circle in the most meaningful way.

While it was incredible to meet her, I’m also mindful of the importance of ensuring that the Long Neck Karen tribe are able to keep their resources, preserve their traditions, and not lose the authenticity that makes their culture so unique.

I’ll never forget that day. It was the perfect chapter to close before beginning the next adventure.

Donating clothes in Kaohsiung

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 18 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

✨ If you’re in Kaohsiung and ever want to donate clothes, the Eden Social Welfare Foundation is a great place to go!

📍 10F., No.150, Jiuru 2nd Rd., Sanmin District, Kaohsiung City (807)
807高雄市三民區九如二路150號10樓

➡️ Tip: When you’re on the main road, walk around to the side of the building to find the lifts, head up to the 10th floor (the sign will guide you).

👕 It’s a meaningful way to give back, and you’ll also get a lovely skyline view while you’re there! 🌆

Phuang's graduation

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 13 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

It was a real pleasure to attend my friend and teacher

Phuang’s university graduation ceremony,
congratulations! She also helped me learn to teach, and I’m so grateful for her support.

In Thailand, graduation takes place a year after finishing, and honestly, it’s worth the wait and preparation. The atmosphere was full of joy, vibrant energy, and genuine happiness.

One of my favourite parts was seeing the freshers (first-year students) gather in circles, dancing and chanting to celebrate the graduates, such a unique and uplifting tradition.
There was wonderful Esan dancing and music throughout the day, and the colours surrounding the university were incredible, full of life and meaning.

Walking to the university felt like heading to a football match! The streets were packed, the excitement was electric, and the whole crowd was glowing with pride. I had goosebumps more than once. You could feel happiness in the air.

I honestly wish my graduation had felt like this.

Flower Alex's party

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Unseen footage from Flower Alex’s party! 🌸 Says a lot when that many people show up on a cold, windy night, he really is the heart of the community

🎶 Tequila Fruit with their excellent music 🎤 The unmistakable Paulantor vocals
🚗 Uber rating comparisons (not sponsored — but we do need to know who’s been kind to the locals). Sadly… my score dropped, thanks to my 姐姐 Appreciate it

A chaotic night with music, mischief, and the kind of community that turns even the coldest night into something unforgettable.

Stay tuned for Part 2 👀

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram, part 2

Setting the trail in Zhiben

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 27 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Kaohsiung Hash House Harriers - weekend scouting trip in Zhiben

A couple of days spent rummaging through long grass, creating the trail, and being surrounded by Taiwan’s wild beauty. Snakes, spiders, butterflies, deer - you name it!

The local food in the area? Absolutely delicious. Fresh, simple, and exactly what you need after a day in the mountains.
It was a great team effort too - figuring out the route together, sharing ideas, and trying not to fall asleep on the car journey

There’s something special about creating a trail others will run or walk - being part of the journey before it even starts.

加油!

Big Mountain Festival, Khao Yai

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Big Mountain Festival 2022 – Khao Yai, Thailand

After a full day of teaching, we jumped on a 4-hour train to Pak Chong, arriving around midnight to find no car taxis, just motorbike taxis. So we hopped on with our backpacks and rode through quiet country roads to a small campsite in the garden of a Thai style home.

After a rocky night’s sleep, we woke to the buzz of something building. A street of market stalls had popped up out of nowhere, even in the countryside, Thailand didn’t miss a beat. From grilled chicken to mango sticky rice, the food hit the spot.

After breakfast, we grabbed another motorbike taxi to the festival entrance. A quick COVID test later, we stepped into one of the best festival set-ups I’ve ever seen - music stages, glowing lights, food markets, all surrounded by lush green mountains. It was surreal.

The heat in the day was intense, but when night fell, the lights came on and the whole place transformed. It felt like music and nature heaven.

I was so grateful to experience a big local Thai festival - a chance to learn and connect.

We saw rapper Milli perform Mirror Mirror on the Wall, and the crowd went wild for boy band Paper Planes singing Pretend - a catchy song about trying to act that everything is okay. Back then it didn’t feel relatable… but growing up changes that.
The Esan music stage was full of vibrant dancing, pure energy, and a crowd that felt like family.

It was a reminder that joy doesn’t need words, and the best memories are often the most unexpected.

After 1,007 days away

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 00:00:00 GMT

After 1007 days away, I’m heading back to the UK.

We explored, we connected, we got lost and we found something real in the chaos of life. You need a bit of mess.

I’ll always be grateful to the people who showed me around the hidden gems, shared their culture, and taught me new ways of seeing the world.
Community means healing and I saw that clearly in the togetherness of the Buriram, Thailand and Kaohsiung, Taiwan communities.

You need the lows to feel the highest joys - that’s part of the adventure. I’ve learned that happiness doesn’t come from power or status. It comes from being real, eccentric, honest and unapologetically yourself.

Thank you to everyone who made this dream real and authentic.

Expressing your emotions isn’t a weakness. It’s a superpower.

Part 2

Part 2 - The Journey continues

I said, “You need a bit of mess” and fittingly, the first post cut off early
Here’s the rest of the story.

Thank you again to everyone who made this experience so real and authentic.

Expressing your emotions isn’t a weakness, it’s a superpower.

Missing Part 1? It’s on my profile.

▶️ Watch the video on Instagram, part 2

Party Bingo: The Purple Edition

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Fri, 30 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

At Party Bingo: The Purple Edition, we raised around 10,500 NTD — bringing the total across both events to

33,600 NTD + for Reggie @reggierooo (including 23,100 NTD last time)!

Your kindness, generosity, and energy made the night unforgettable — we got Wufu Road buzzing with purple and positivity.

This is what community looks like: fun, unity, and heart.

Thank you to everyone who showed up, supported, and made a difference.

Let’s keep the spirit alive. 🇹🇼❤️

A family for life in Kaohsiung

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 12 May 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Thank you so much to everyone for making my time in Kaohsiung so wholesome. We’ve built such a special community where everyone can truly be themselves, and I’ll never forget the kindness I’ve been shown. Now, I have a family for life — and in today’s world, that’s something truly rare.

Coming from a tough university experience in the UK, it means even more to feel the euphoric sides of life. I loved waking up to an adventure every day, sharing it with the best people, and exploring the beautiful nature around us.

Taiwan will always hold a special place in my heart. I’ll carry the hope of seeing you all again one day.

Here’s just a small snippet from the many amazing moments.

心有灵犀,一点通 💜
We Are Seasoned Souls ❤️🇹🇼

A sea of pink and 23,100 NTD for Reggie

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Thu, 03 Apr 2025 00:00:00 GMT

A sea of pink, a game of party bingo, and a night filled with laughter, generosity, and community, all to support a great cause. 🩷

The energy was electric, and every win was contributed to raising funds for charity. By the end of the night, we had raised an incredible 23,100 NTD for Reggie! 🎉❤️

We carried a charity box the entire night, and still felt completely safe. That’s what makes this community so special. It’s built on trust, loyalty, integrity, and honesty, always. Moments like this are magical! 🎩🪄

Standout moments of the night

👗 Dominic providing the magic as the best-dressed in a stunning outfit.
💪 James’ press-ups were nothing short of impressive.
🎤 Mick’s live-action singing performance.
🎶 Ronan owned the karaoke stage (up the Buriram!).
🤝 Getting Fusioned: chaos as always!
🤔 The great debate: was Power Alex, the Tingnator or Queena doing star jumps or jumping jacks? We may never know!
🚗 Another heated debate: did Queena steal my Uber or not?! The mystery still continues… 👀😂

A huge thank you to the Kings, Queens, Princesses and Princes for taking care of everyone that night! 👑

This one was for you, Reggie. ❤️🇹🇼

First shared on Instagram.

The half marathon that became a full one

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Last weekend, we set out for a 21km half marathon in Su’ao, Yilan in the beautiful lush mountains alongside the coast in the fresh morning air. 🇹🇼❤️

At 5 AM, we were up and ready to go. Everything was going to plan… until it wasn’t.

Somewhere along the course, the path split into two: 21km one way, 42km the other. My overloaded brain sent me straight onto the full marathon route. What was I thinking?! 😳

Running downhill to the coastline, I thought, this must be the final stretch! So I ran faster until the path looped back up the mountain. That’s when it hit me.

At first, I felt frustrated for messing up my race. Then came the guilt, knowing I’d be an inconvenience to my friends, who had been nothing but supportive.

I stood there, exhausted, staring at the mountain ahead. Then, the sweet breeze hit me. This was a reminder.

No turning back now.

No matter how much life knocks us down, we pick ourselves up. Again and again.

Life will throw unexpected challenges at you when you least expect them. You don’t choose when challenges come, but you do choose how you respond.

Despite everything, I had an amazing weekend with my friends, and I’m grateful for the effort they put into organising this trip.

First shared on Instagram.

Loy Krathong: a spiritual reset

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Sun, 23 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Before Loy Krathong, I explored a local night market, tasting incredible street food and soaking in the lively atmosphere. But the real magic began when night fell.

The river shimmered with flickering candle-lit krathongs—made from either banana leaves or eco-friendly bread—floating gently downstream.

What I love about Loy Krathong is its deep meaning—a festival of forgiveness and renewal, where people ask for blessings from Pra Mae Kong Kha (the Goddess of Water), reflect on the past, and embrace new beginnings.

After facing challenges in the past, this moment felt like a spiritual reset—as if Thailand itself was telling me:
“It’s time to move forward.”

I love how this tradition reminds us that while we can’t erase the past, we can choose how we carry it forward and embrace what’s ahead.

Grateful to have experienced Loy Krathong right at the beginning of this adventure.

Khap chaa chaa: my first class as a teacher

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Mon, 17 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

On the way to school, I quickly realised walking wasn’t an option. The heat and stray dogs made sure of that.

So, I ordered a Grab motorbike and made sure to say khap chaa chaa ขับชา้ ๆ (drive slowly in Thai) before every ride. Why? Because I had already been in a motorbike crash before as a passenger, and let’s just say… I wasn’t in a rush to relive that experience. Some drivers were incredibly kind. Others? Well, they turned my commute into an action scene—weaving between trucks, speeding past cars, and making me grip the seat thinking, “Ahhhh!”

And if I thought the motorbike ride was nerve-wracking, I had no idea what to expect for my first class. Not as a student this time—but as a teacher!

Thankfully, the Head Teacher and the Teaching Assistants were lifesavers—helping with class management and offering coaching tips. Their guidance helped me gain confidence in teaching.

Later on, my friend saw a picture of me in a shirt and tie and laughed:
“You look like you’re trying to dress up as an adult.”

To be honest? It kind of felt that way.

This was just the beginning of my teaching journey in

Thailand. Thank you to @thefewerthings and @bfitsthailand for providing this opportunity.

Dek Lek: my first week in Buriram

chris@sailchecker.com (Chris) — Tue, 11 Feb 2025 00:00:00 GMT

On my first weekend in Buriram, my friend took me out to experience the nightlife. Thank you, Eric, for showing me around—it was a special night!

Inside the club, I met someone new who turned to me and asked:
“Are you a high school student? Where are your parents?”

And just like that, I earned my first nickname in Thailand:
“Dek Lek” (เด็กเล็ก, small child in Thai).

By 5 AM, we were sitting with locals, trying Som Tam with Pla Ra, fermented fish (ส้มตําปลาร้า) for the first time. The flavours hit hard—fiery, sour, salty, and overwhelmingly delicious. The locals were heartwarming in making a lost boy feel at home.
A few days later, I went to buy bedding and a pillow—but on my way back, a stray dog ran up, grabbed my pillow, and sank its teeth into it.

There I was, tired, standing in the street, watching a dog bite at my pillow.

That first week caught me with surprise, but it taught me one thing:
Embrace the unexpected, and put yourself out there into the unknown.