I think today has been thus far the highlight of my trip, however each time I get to a new place I think the same thing!
Apologies for not writing more on this blog, but time just keeps slipping away and there is so much to do!
But today was a special day….definitely an experience of a lifetime – today I got to play with elephants.
I’m currently in the rainforests of Thailand, at a majestic place called Elephant Hills – a nature tour and luxury tented jungle camp in the Khao Sok National Park in Southern Thailand – which combines the camp idea of African national parks with the Thai tropical forest environment.
Now for those who know me, I am not a camper. I appreciate a hot shower, electricity and a toilet that flushes. But this camp has all of that. It is rustic, but as you can see from the pics below, has all the amenities a city girl needs. No air con, but a very strong fan which blows my hair so I feel like I’m in a TV commercial!
Glamping, that’s how I roll.
Cozy and comfortable!
Indoor/outdoor shower!
The resort is stunning within the mountains of Thailand
After checking in we went off to see the elephants – not to ride them of course as that is considered animal cruelty, but to feed, wash and interact with them. I wasn’t expecting to be able to get so close to these beautiful beasts. But close we got! Most of these elephants are domesticated, meaning that they were used for hard labor in the past, but when those practices were banned, these elephants were left to fend on their own, which is difficult for an animal that is used to someone taking care of them. And for an animal that eats close to 600 pounds of food a day, that can be a challenge. At Elephant Hills, they have a home where they can live in their natural habitat, but still be taken care of.
First they decided to have a bath! Elephants can only sweat between their toes so they get super hot!
I see you in the bathtub!
Bathroom with a view – just like mine!
Then we got to wash all the mud off of them – and I thought my beauty routine was long!
Once they got all cleaned up it was time for some posing!
Their skin is super rough – it’s almost an inch thick!
And finally time to feed them – pineapples, bananas and sugar cane is the preferred diet. I’ve never seen such demanding eaters! One of them even grabbed my arm with his trunk as I walked away!
We then said goodbye to these gentle creatures. But not before I got the obligatory selfie!
Elephant selfie! Smile!
On the bus back to our campsite, I couldn’t help but reflect on what an amazing experience I had today. I knew this trip was going to be amazing, but I had no idea just how many different mind blowing things I would experience.
Before I left on this trip I kept second guessing myself thinking – what on earth are you doing. Now I keep asking myself – what else on this earth can I do.
