Two days ago we went to the Baan Chang Elephant Park, which is an organization that buys abused and overworked elephants and trains them to trust people again. They had 19 elephants (with 2 babies!) and a growing plot of land for them to call home. Our guide explained to us what kinds of work elephants are often used for in Thailand, such a heavy lifting and hauling (some of the elephants had scars across their foreheads from chains they'd had to pull for years) or entertainment (one little female elephant wouldn't stop dancing, and they were pretty sure that had been what she'd been trained to do when she saw crowds at a circus). It was pretty sad, but they had a lot of success stories which was nice. We helped feed the elephants, then learned how to be mahouts (elephant trainers) AKA we learned how to ride the elephants with real mahouts walking beside us doing all the hard work. We then went down to a lake and bathed the elephants. It was a seven hour day which cost a lot of money, but it was definitely worth it. Seeing the elephants play with the real mahouts was amazing, and they obviously all really loved each other.
Oh, but before that we had an amazing breakfast at a local fruit smoothie stand. YUM.
Elephants get fruit too.
Did I mention the full denim uniforms?
Some of the property.
Jungle ride. Our sassy, tight-clothed, paan-chewing, fabulous-haired mahout.
Bath time!
This looks and sounds wonderful! And your mahoot really does have fabulous hair.
ReplyDeleteYou totally suit the elephant park look, and so does Simon. You look so adorable and relaxed! I wish I was there. Love that you fed some elephants some fruits.
ReplyDeleteHi Simon and Phoebe, Wow! what great pictures! and a once in a life time opportunity. It is so worth every penny to do something like that. Very meaningful. Is it true an elephant never forgets? We are wondering if they seem intelligent? You should play your accordion for them with those big ears...but then that poor female will start dancing again. Maybe she will sing like Stella. We talk about you a lot and wonder what you are up to. We hope we can have a presentation of your whole trip. The workshop is set up to finish off the bottle organ. I will have the space completely clean to start, so you won't have to ( Rachael wrote that). Camille's musical was a big success. We think she is truly the best actress there. She also mentioned that she might be in an R & B band where they want her to be a singer. We really love when you put pics up on this blog and we love you both. Before you know it, you'll be home so Keep having a great adventure. All our love Dad and Rach
ReplyDeleteHello Phoebes and Simon...What a fabulous album of memories. The places you have visited look amazing. The snow has finally left our yard and the sun has been shining the last few days. Thought about you at Easter and watched the video of all of the kids at the lake searching for Easter eggs! Looking forward to a slideshow and for you two to make some of the food you have had the pleasure of eating. We miss you!!! Lots of love...The Palmer's xoxoxox
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