Monday's Beautiful Memory
I have no idea when my obsession with elephants began? I find them to be the most marvelous creatures on our planet and just like most Indians I think they bring good luck, thus I have surrounded myself with elephant charms, statues, and photos. Recently, I read an enlightening NY Times article about them that I highly recommend reading. What elephants are capable of is almost unbelievable.
So, having said all that, can you imagine my excitement almost 2 years ago when I had the opportunity to ride one while I was in Thailand?
The drive fromBangkok
When we arrived at the Siam Elephant Sanctuary, which was 30 miles outside of Pattaya, I felt like I had arrived in heaven. There were elephants galore! Plus, it was comforting to know that they were being looked after well, in fact they treated with the utmost respect and adoration. Most of the elephants found within the Sanctuary were rescued from poachers or were found injured. I was a bit worried that I would be disappointed with the care that they were given, thankfully though there was no need to be worried. Immediately, we were encouraged to play with them.
My 1st encounter with one of my new friend's.
A friendly worker at the Sanctuary asked me to go stand beside a particular elephant in order to pose for a picture. He started to talk to the elephant in Thai and the next thing I knew the elephant had picked me up with its trunk and placed me in its tusks. What an unforgettable moment! I cannot comprehend how strong they are.
The picture that inspired my blog header.
Of course afterward I had to give it a big kiss!
I think it was love at 1st site?
Then it was time for my ride. My elephant's name was Lilly. She was so gentle and graceful. We rode around the Sanctuary for a couple of miles. The experience went by way too quickly, which happens with most extraordinary experiences. That is why I am always trying to perfect the art of living in the moment.
Me and Lilly at the end of our ride.
This was definitely a dream come true and something that I hope to repeat many more times in the future. Until then I will continue to collect my elephant paraphernalia, such as the Havaianas I bought a couple of days ago.
So, having said all that, can you imagine my excitement almost 2 years ago when I had the opportunity to ride one while I was in Thailand?
The drive from
When we arrived at the Siam Elephant Sanctuary, which was 30 miles outside of Pattaya, I felt like I had arrived in heaven. There were elephants galore! Plus, it was comforting to know that they were being looked after well, in fact they treated with the utmost respect and adoration. Most of the elephants found within the Sanctuary were rescued from poachers or were found injured. I was a bit worried that I would be disappointed with the care that they were given, thankfully though there was no need to be worried. Immediately, we were encouraged to play with them.
My 1st encounter with one of my new friend's.
A friendly worker at the Sanctuary asked me to go stand beside a particular elephant in order to pose for a picture. He started to talk to the elephant in Thai and the next thing I knew the elephant had picked me up with its trunk and placed me in its tusks. What an unforgettable moment! I cannot comprehend how strong they are.
The picture that inspired my blog header.
Then it was time for my ride. My elephant's name was Lilly. She was so gentle and graceful. We rode around the Sanctuary for a couple of miles. The experience went by way too quickly, which happens with most extraordinary experiences. That is why I am always trying to perfect the art of living in the moment.
Me and Lilly at the end of our ride.
This was definitely a dream come true and something that I hope to repeat many more times in the future. Until then I will continue to collect my elephant paraphernalia, such as the Havaianas I bought a couple of days ago.
Have you seen the movie Earth yet? A lot of awesome elephant footage!
Also, are you SO proud of me that I viewed all your great white photos...and alone at that? I about threw my computer across the room but still =) Saw a really cool segment with Anderson Cooper diving CAGELESS with great whites with the only guy in the world who actually swims with them (holding onto their fins and all!). It was insane.
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I did see it! My brother was my date. We both loved it, though the part where the elephant wandered off in the wrong direction broke my heart.
And YES, I am beyond proud of you for looking at my GW shark pics. I think you've gotten over your fear!!! We gotta go diving together sometime.
I've heard about that guy from a diver on one of my trips. He had gone diving with him without a cage with the GW sharks. I almost didn't believe him, but I guess he WAS telling the truth. I'll have to google it.
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Hi Andi, Thanks so much for your kind note on my blog! I adore elephants and riding one in Thailand is one of my favorite travel memories! Can't wait to read back through your blog archive for more of your adventures
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