Great day today. We had a lovely breakfast compliments of the U Inchantree Hotel, on a patio overlooking the River Kwai. Our taxi arrived at 8:30am to take us to the Wangpo Elephant Camp. Driver thought we didnt know where we were going so he took us to the Mekong elephant camp and told us it was the same. We made him take us to the correct place because Wangpo is supposedly kinder to the animals, less touristy and I had read about the chance to bathe the elephants. On our way, we noticed a sign “Do Not Feed the Monkeys” so started to keep a sharp eye out for monkeys and found a bunch of them just off the side of a road. There was a booth selling food to ffed the monkeys. The driver bought corn on the cob and immediately began throwing it to the monkeys. We had some cheezies that we hand fed to them. Apparently no one obeys the signs. We then went on to the elephants where Rick and I rode one through some trees and into the river. We were on a large seat on her back while the mahout sat on her neck and steered. They called this a trek. As we were the only people riding at the time, the mahout let us take turns riding her bareback on her neck with our legs tucked in behind her ears. Her name is Tiku and she is 37 years old. Riding up front was very challenging when we went down short but steep hills. Then we stripped to swimming suits, got an elephant with no seat on her and climbed into the river with her. This one is called Miss Noi. Rick decided to take photos so I was sitting on her bareback while she sprayed me and then tossed me into the river several times. It was an awesome experience even though I hate to support elephant abuse. These elephants did not appear to be abused but Im sure they dont love their jobs.
We spent the rest of the day by the pool and then walked down to a small massage place where we got a one hour foot massage for 150 baht. About $5. Off to see the Tigers tomorrow.
No comments:
Post a Comment