Wednesday, 22 July 2015
LOL
In Thai the number "5" is pronounced "haa", so if you are texting a friend and want to laugh you simply type "555". :-D
Tuesday, 21 July 2015
Thai 101
 |
| Top: My Thai attempt |
This afternoon we had another Thai lesson. We were shown the basic steps in a traditional dance in preparation for the upcoming holiday. We also had a chance to ask for any phrases we found we needed so far in our placements. "Stop" seemed to be the most popular request. ;)
We then moved on to our first lesson of written Thai language. The Thai language has 44 consonants and about 32 vowel sounds with 4 tones... I'd like my students to think about that the next time they fuss about learning 6 syllable types!
After being introduced to the alphabet we were instructed to write our names in Thai as best we could. That's a pretty tricky task! I made my best guess. Orasa wrote our names on the white board so we could see how our attempts faired.
Because of the extensive alphabet there can be more than one way to write a name phonetically. Orasa showed me the two ways to write "Nadia". I think I did pretty good for my first Thai writing!
Later on in the evening Allison and I walked over to Big C which is probably the Thai equivalent to Walmart. I found a Thai beginner's handwriting workbook so I grabbed that up. I was excited about my find. Big C also has some Thai composition notebooks which I plan to purchase before I leave for my students at home. My sister had suggested I use the website 'Go Fund Me' to raise money for this trip and if I had listened I probably could have kept it active for school related purchases! She's such a smarty pants, I should have listened.
In any event, at least we have our Thai handwriting book to enhance our study of the Thai culture!
We then moved on to our first lesson of written Thai language. The Thai language has 44 consonants and about 32 vowel sounds with 4 tones... I'd like my students to think about that the next time they fuss about learning 6 syllable types!
After being introduced to the alphabet we were instructed to write our names in Thai as best we could. That's a pretty tricky task! I made my best guess. Orasa wrote our names on the white board so we could see how our attempts faired.
Because of the extensive alphabet there can be more than one way to write a name phonetically. Orasa showed me the two ways to write "Nadia". I think I did pretty good for my first Thai writing!
Later on in the evening Allison and I walked over to Big C which is probably the Thai equivalent to Walmart. I found a Thai beginner's handwriting workbook so I grabbed that up. I was excited about my find. Big C also has some Thai composition notebooks which I plan to purchase before I leave for my students at home. My sister had suggested I use the website 'Go Fund Me' to raise money for this trip and if I had listened I probably could have kept it active for school related purchases! She's such a smarty pants, I should have listened.
In any event, at least we have our Thai handwriting book to enhance our study of the Thai culture!
 |
| My name in Thai and mew Thai handwriting book |
Days of the Week * snap, snap*
Today the students worked on the Days of the Week. In Thailand each day is assigned a specific colour. This is helpful for the students because they can relate the colours to the name of the day in Thai.
I wish I had my laminator so I could make a material for this. I've asked if I can go to the teachers' store or if it is only for Thai teachers, hopefully I'll find out soon.
The Thai education system is based on a lot of rote learning. I've slowly been adding a few of my preferred methods during my teaching, including asking the children "what is this?" after we've reviewed the names of a topic in English. It's part of the Montessori three-part lesson.
Joy knew the Days of the Week song to the tune of the Addams Family so we taught the children how it goes. Music is so universal. It was great to hear the children humming and singing quietly to themselves as they worked on writing the names of the days in English.
I had noticed that the children enjoy singing and the teachers encourage English songs. I explained to Joy that my sister's birthday was the next day and asked if the children knew the birthday song, which they do. When the children had finished their work I asked them to sing the birthday song so I could record them. They love a camera (my spirit children). The students were happy to fulfil my request and I knew my sister would appreciate the birthday wishes.
You can add this to my tally of successful days.
I wish I had my laminator so I could make a material for this. I've asked if I can go to the teachers' store or if it is only for Thai teachers, hopefully I'll find out soon.
The Thai education system is based on a lot of rote learning. I've slowly been adding a few of my preferred methods during my teaching, including asking the children "what is this?" after we've reviewed the names of a topic in English. It's part of the Montessori three-part lesson.
Joy knew the Days of the Week song to the tune of the Addams Family so we taught the children how it goes. Music is so universal. It was great to hear the children humming and singing quietly to themselves as they worked on writing the names of the days in English.
I had noticed that the children enjoy singing and the teachers encourage English songs. I explained to Joy that my sister's birthday was the next day and asked if the children knew the birthday song, which they do. When the children had finished their work I asked them to sing the birthday song so I could record them. They love a camera (my spirit children). The students were happy to fulfil my request and I knew my sister would appreciate the birthday wishes.
You can add this to my tally of successful days.
Monday, 20 July 2015
Rest in Peace
This afternoon we had the privilege of listening to the Venerable Phra Shakyavongsvisuddhi (Anil Sakya) speak at Wat Bovoranives Vihara, a Royal Monastery. The well known monk, who is a descendant of Buddha, told us the impressive history of the monastery which dates back to the reign of King Rama III. The crown prince, and future King Rama IV, was a monk during that time. He was well educated having studied Latin, English and astronomy with missionaries and sailors. As the abbot of Wat Bovoranives he became friends with the Royal Catholic Archdiocese of Bangkok and allowed the Christian missionaries to use the temple.
After the death of King Rama III, Prince Mongkut then called Vajirañāno Bhikkhu, disrobed to take his place as King Rama IV. This was a very important time during Thai history because of the threat of colonisation. Fun fact: Thailand was never colonised.
After the death of King Rama III, Prince Mongkut then called Vajirañāno Bhikkhu, disrobed to take his place as King Rama IV. This was a very important time during Thai history because of the threat of colonisation. Fun fact: Thailand was never colonised.
The history lesson was followed by a Q and A session which was equally informative. I regretted not having brought a pencil to take notes! Like I told you already, I can be such a nerd.
You can imagine that the questions ranged and I can assure you that the answers were very detailed. One of the points that Anil Sakya touched on was the importance of living in the moment. Buddhists do not focus on the past or future because it can cause suffering. As an example he said that the Western way to say R.I.P. is too late. Instead of waiting until someone is dead to say rest in peace we should all be aiming to rest in peace during every moment. How beautiful would life be if our main focus was peace in each moment? He went on to say that it doesn't mean you can't think about the future, but we shouldn't put too much thought into it and hold on to our plans for the future. I like that. It reminded me of my Grandma always telling me to never make plans without adding "God spares life" to your thought. Obviously that is a Christian view on a similar idea.
Here are a few points I found interesting during our session:
Seek to be the knower.
Monks are not there to tell you what to do or convert you. Buddhists do not believe in a higher deity. They tell you the teachings of Buddha and it's up to you to learn from that. There are 84,000 teachings in 45 volumes all about improving your life to be a quality human being, changing your life to be more beneficial, helpful, happy and compassionate. It's not only about learning the teachings but practising them in your life. Practising will allow you to know the results of living this way rather than relying on the monk's words.
Compassion for its own sake.
Who you are is defined by another human being - "I" is only relevant when there is a "you, he, she, they". Compassion is accepting your influence on others.
Many times people give with the intention of being noticed or appreciated for their deeds. We should aim to be compassionate only to help others, not to feel good about ourselves.
Buddhists monks don't pray.
You can imagine that the questions ranged and I can assure you that the answers were very detailed. One of the points that Anil Sakya touched on was the importance of living in the moment. Buddhists do not focus on the past or future because it can cause suffering. As an example he said that the Western way to say R.I.P. is too late. Instead of waiting until someone is dead to say rest in peace we should all be aiming to rest in peace during every moment. How beautiful would life be if our main focus was peace in each moment? He went on to say that it doesn't mean you can't think about the future, but we shouldn't put too much thought into it and hold on to our plans for the future. I like that. It reminded me of my Grandma always telling me to never make plans without adding "God spares life" to your thought. Obviously that is a Christian view on a similar idea.
Here are a few points I found interesting during our session:
Seek to be the knower.
Monks are not there to tell you what to do or convert you. Buddhists do not believe in a higher deity. They tell you the teachings of Buddha and it's up to you to learn from that. There are 84,000 teachings in 45 volumes all about improving your life to be a quality human being, changing your life to be more beneficial, helpful, happy and compassionate. It's not only about learning the teachings but practising them in your life. Practising will allow you to know the results of living this way rather than relying on the monk's words.
Compassion for its own sake.
Who you are is defined by another human being - "I" is only relevant when there is a "you, he, she, they". Compassion is accepting your influence on others.
Many times people give with the intention of being noticed or appreciated for their deeds. We should aim to be compassionate only to help others, not to feel good about ourselves.
Buddhists monks don't pray.
They chant and recite the teachings of Buddha to use as guidance. The Buddha statue is not a sacred object for them in the sense they are not praying to it but more along the lines of viewing it as a mirror. Buddhists meditation is quite different from the Western idea of meditation. Buddhists use meditation to reflect on life and make sure you take the steps to correct the things you are doing wrong. It's all about cause and effect.
The four noble truths of Buddhism:
Realisation that life includes suffering,
Attachment is the cause of suffering,
Ceasing suffering can be attained and
the Eightfold Path to cessation of suffering.
All males in Thailand will become a monk at some point during their life.
The four noble truths of Buddhism:
Realisation that life includes suffering,
Attachment is the cause of suffering,
Ceasing suffering can be attained and
the Eightfold Path to cessation of suffering.
All males in Thailand will become a monk at some point during their life.
By law, you are entitled to four months of paid leave to study as a monk. You can go in and out of your time as a monk. Some people will do a month or so before disrobing. In order to get married a man must have completed his four months of Buddhist learning so that he is prepared to care for another life.
Interesting note: I read a passage about the life of Buddha to a grade 6 class last week which provided an excellent schema for this evening's talk. Isn't it fantastic how reading can be so helpful?
Fun fact: Female monks do exist and they are called nunks. Their robes are slightly different to accommodate for necessary undergarments.
Interesting note: I read a passage about the life of Buddha to a grade 6 class last week which provided an excellent schema for this evening's talk. Isn't it fantastic how reading can be so helpful?
Fun fact: Female monks do exist and they are called nunks. Their robes are slightly different to accommodate for necessary undergarments.
I am thankful that we had this opportunity to hear Anil Sakya speak. I think I could have spent the entire day listening to him. He travels often, teaching at Oxford and Santa Clara, speaking at events such as the World Economic Forum and addressing the UN headquarters in New York. As I previously mentioned it was truly a privilege to have the chance to listen to him today.
Sunday, 19 July 2015
Not All Who Wander Are Lost
Today I slept in and took some time to relax. The group had planned to head out early to see a certain temple but I had decided last night that I was not going to go with them.
There were a few reasons for my choice. The first and a very important fact for you to remember my dear reader is that I am NOT a morning person. Waking up early is never my first option. Another reason was that I wanted to spend some time alone. I chose to come on this trip on my own and even though I suggested to a few friends that they accompany me, I'm actually quite okay with traveling solo.
I think that traveling alone gives you time to think, reflect and get to know yourself a little better each time. You might think that sounds silly and that's okay. My guess is that if you do, you might be one of my students reading this blog. Don't you worry, my little love bug. You'll get it when you're older.
Now off I go to wander the streets of Chiang Mai!
There were a few reasons for my choice. The first and a very important fact for you to remember my dear reader is that I am NOT a morning person. Waking up early is never my first option. Another reason was that I wanted to spend some time alone. I chose to come on this trip on my own and even though I suggested to a few friends that they accompany me, I'm actually quite okay with traveling solo.
I think that traveling alone gives you time to think, reflect and get to know yourself a little better each time. You might think that sounds silly and that's okay. My guess is that if you do, you might be one of my students reading this blog. Don't you worry, my little love bug. You'll get it when you're older.
Now off I go to wander the streets of Chiang Mai!
Saturday, 18 July 2015
Best Day Ever cont.
Chai Lai Café had something for everyone; Sam had his favourite dish, French fries. Ada and Amanda had Thai dishes, Ryan had a drink and Heather and I went with dessert. After lunch we were told the local group had not informed Chai Lai that they had planned a tour with the elephants so we would have to wait for our turn. We were bummed to find out that the elephants were shared between both companies knowing that the other group uses harnesses. One of the partners of Chai Lai explained to us that the elephants are shared but they all sleep freely under the pavilions at Chai Lai. The local, family-run elephant business doesn't see the harnesses as bad things because elephants are so strong but both groups treat the elephants well. It put a slight downer on the feeling of the day but after getting to know everyone at Chai Lai all morning I decided that I would still ride the elephants. My hope is that as more tourists use companies like Chai Lai that provide only bareback rides, other companies will see that you do not need to provide a harness for tourist rides. I'm sure it will take a while but fingers crossed. Heather, Amanda and I went to feed the elephants while we waited.
When the elephants came back they removed their harnesses so we could head out on our bareback ride. Ada decided she was too sad about the fact the elephants are harnessed and she did not want to ride so she stayed at the café. I respect her choice and conviction but because I had good feeling about the practices at Chai Lai I went ahead with the ride.
Four of us headed out to meet our elephants. I had the largest elephant in the herd who is actually the mama of the cute baby elephant. Heather had the older, bigger sister of the baby. Our elephants wandered away to munch on the vegetation while Amanda and Sam got on their elephants. The atmosphere is very laid back at Chai Lai (so much so that I hadn't actually paid for any of my food yet). The mahouts were a little too calm with the fact our elephants were doing their own thing for my comfort! Heather and I had no idea if this grassy patch was even on the right route! Reader, I'm not sure if you've ever ridden an elephant. If you have, you may know the nerve wrecking feeling that you might fall off as your elephant heads down a steep, muddy hill. If you haven't... think about how it would feel not knowing if you're about to fall off an animal that's almost as tall as a small building and not knowing where you'll land in relation to its very large and powerful feet. I think you get the picture.
Anyways, it turns out our elephants were right which I should have known. They probably walk this same route every time and an elephant never forgets. It also turns out that we had the hungriest elephants. Thanks to the 'stop and snack' philosophy of our elephants, Amanda and Sam overtook us in no time. My mama elephant wouldn't go too far ahead of her baby, Tom Po. If Tom Po stopped for a snack we waited. Such dedicated parenting.
Despite their bulky build, elephants are amazingly graceful creatures. At one point I witnessed Heather's elephant walk up a muddy bank by balancing on tree roots! Tom Po hasn't quite mastered the art of gracefulness. One of the mahouts had to help her up the bank with a push! It was funny to watch. Tom Po often sat on her bottom to scoot down small hills as if they were slides.
As we approached the river I realised what was about to happen. I can't speak Thai mahout orders but I understood - they told the elephants to sit! I tried my best to stay dry and I actually did a pretty good job. Perhaps it was too good of a job because my mahout came over and splashed me until I looked like I had fallen in the water. Oh well, so much for the dry part of the day. After the elephants had cooled off we rode them back up to the pavilion. Our songtaew driver was waiting; my time with the elephants was up. We cleaned up and checked our bills before heading back to the city. The internet was down for the moment so Chai Lai couldn't process payment with cards but the lady gave our driver a list of who owed what and instructions to stop at a bank atm. That worked out fine. As the mountains faded from our view, we talked about our day and looked at each other's photos.
All in all, I could not think of a better way to spend my day in Chiang Mai. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity to get to know the gentle giants I have always loved from afar. After today, elephants will forever hold a bigger place in my heart.
When the elephants came back they removed their harnesses so we could head out on our bareback ride. Ada decided she was too sad about the fact the elephants are harnessed and she did not want to ride so she stayed at the café. I respect her choice and conviction but because I had good feeling about the practices at Chai Lai I went ahead with the ride.
Four of us headed out to meet our elephants. I had the largest elephant in the herd who is actually the mama of the cute baby elephant. Heather had the older, bigger sister of the baby. Our elephants wandered away to munch on the vegetation while Amanda and Sam got on their elephants. The atmosphere is very laid back at Chai Lai (so much so that I hadn't actually paid for any of my food yet). The mahouts were a little too calm with the fact our elephants were doing their own thing for my comfort! Heather and I had no idea if this grassy patch was even on the right route! Reader, I'm not sure if you've ever ridden an elephant. If you have, you may know the nerve wrecking feeling that you might fall off as your elephant heads down a steep, muddy hill. If you haven't... think about how it would feel not knowing if you're about to fall off an animal that's almost as tall as a small building and not knowing where you'll land in relation to its very large and powerful feet. I think you get the picture.
Anyways, it turns out our elephants were right which I should have known. They probably walk this same route every time and an elephant never forgets. It also turns out that we had the hungriest elephants. Thanks to the 'stop and snack' philosophy of our elephants, Amanda and Sam overtook us in no time. My mama elephant wouldn't go too far ahead of her baby, Tom Po. If Tom Po stopped for a snack we waited. Such dedicated parenting.
Despite their bulky build, elephants are amazingly graceful creatures. At one point I witnessed Heather's elephant walk up a muddy bank by balancing on tree roots! Tom Po hasn't quite mastered the art of gracefulness. One of the mahouts had to help her up the bank with a push! It was funny to watch. Tom Po often sat on her bottom to scoot down small hills as if they were slides.
As we approached the river I realised what was about to happen. I can't speak Thai mahout orders but I understood - they told the elephants to sit! I tried my best to stay dry and I actually did a pretty good job. Perhaps it was too good of a job because my mahout came over and splashed me until I looked like I had fallen in the water. Oh well, so much for the dry part of the day. After the elephants had cooled off we rode them back up to the pavilion. Our songtaew driver was waiting; my time with the elephants was up. We cleaned up and checked our bills before heading back to the city. The internet was down for the moment so Chai Lai couldn't process payment with cards but the lady gave our driver a list of who owed what and instructions to stop at a bank atm. That worked out fine. As the mountains faded from our view, we talked about our day and looked at each other's photos.
All in all, I could not think of a better way to spend my day in Chiang Mai. I am truly grateful to have had this opportunity to get to know the gentle giants I have always loved from afar. After today, elephants will forever hold a bigger place in my heart.
Best. Day. EVER!
Peaceful, playful pachyderms
This morning we woke up nice and early to prepare for a full day of mountain adventure. Rachel had suggested a place she visited with the previous set of volunteers called Chai Lai Orchid. I couldn't find it online at first, but when I did I was pretty sure this was the type of elephant experience I was looking for in Chiang Mai. We had chosen the adventure package which included bathing the elephants, a hike through the mountains to see waterfalls, bamboo river raft ride and bareback elephant riding.
Chai Lai is a socially conscious organisation that provides a safe-house, free education and paid vocational training for ethnic minority women at risk of trafficking. After our hour ride from the city in a very hip and entertaining songtaew, we were a bit skeptical upon our arrival. We could see elephants with harnesses on their backs- definitely not the humane riding we had signed up for! We found out that was not affiliated with Chai Lai.
The day was going to start with a hike. The group opted for the short hike which would last approximately 3 hours. I decided to sit it out and hang back at the café where I had prime view of the river and passing elephants.
I had a coconut waffle with honey after the group left for their hike. My waitress' name was Ben and I later found out she was not from Thailand but spending two months working there. She had spent six years in school learning Thai and English so that she could teach others. She was so polite and soft spoken and even though there was a bit of a language barrier I could tell she was a kind and gentle person.
After I finished my delicious waffle I met Alexa, the owner of Chai Lai, who was in the café with some of the other fluent English speaking staff. Unfortunately I did not get the name of the lady who assisted me but let's just say that everyone was friendly and welcoming. This worked out to my advantage because I was going to be there for a while! I read the binder with details about Chai Lai and learned that they share the property with a local elephant camp and hope to show them by leading with example how elephant tourism can be both gainful and still humane for the elephants. That explained the passing groups of elephants with harnesses. I asked if there was anything elephant related I could do while waiting for the group that would still allow me to be ready to go when the group finished their hike. The answer: yes!
Ben would take me to feed the elephants and then I'd have a short wait before being able to bathe an elephant. Winner, winner chicken dinner!🎉 If you know me, you know I'm borderline obsessed with elephants so anything ellie-related over hiking is a no brainer.
Ben and I talked as we crossed the bridge and that's when I found out more about her. I wanted to make sure I heard her name correctly so I asked her in Thai and then told her my name. She asked if I spoke Thai but unfortunately I have yet to improve my skills beyond basic phrases. Ben wanted to know why I did not do the trek through the jungle with my friends. I explained that I liked elephants, showing her the elephant charm on my wrist. Turns out Ben likes elephants too. I was pleased to see that the elephants were not harnessed or set up to do any form of tricks. If you ever go to see elephants and are promised a show of any sort whether it's painting or playing football, I sincerely hope you walk away my dear Reader. But I digress, I proceeded to feed a bag full of bananas to these beautiful creatures. The baby elephant was the cutest; I wanted to keep her.
After the feeding we went back to the café where I had an orange juice while waiting for my ride. Ben had taken a few photos of me feeding the elephants. I decided not to post anything online since my phone battery has been so temperamental out here. I needed to save power for more photos.
A short time later I was introduced to Bae, the mahout who would take me to bathe the elephant. As we walked over the bridge I learned that Bae was from Myanmar and has been in Thailand for eight years. I told him I'm from Bermuda and I've been here one week. When we got down by the river, I could see another mahout coming with the perfect size elephant- not huge and not small enough that I wouldn't want to ride it. This mahout's name was Muk and he is from Thailand. The elephant was a four year old female named Duong Dee, which sounds very close to Do-dee. Duong Dee and I then became friends as I bathed her. Muk told me how to wash her- you have to scrub using a brush in order for her to feel it on her thick skin. I had a feeling my arms might be aching the next day! Elephants also like to have sand scrubbed on them. I felt like a spa masseuse giving a fancy body scrub except for the fact I was thigh deep in a murky river and my client was a playful pachyderm! Much like most four year olds, Duong Dee loves to play. With some verbal encouragement followed by pieces of fruit from Muk, she enjoyed splashing me and giving me kisses. The fact that Muk was using the positive reinforcement of treats rather than a bull hook to have Duong Dee follow commands made me even happier with my choice of Chai Lai - it's once thing to read that they encourage responsible elephant care but it's better to see it in person.
After Duong Dee was bathed and I was soaking wet, Muk told me to get on Duong Dee for a ride. Getting on the back I could handle. Getting on the head and sliding back, which Muk demonstrated so gracefully, was not easy for me. I fell a few times! Elephant kisses make murky river falls all better though!
I rode Duong Dee downriver for a bit and then back. We played in the water some more before I headed back to the café. Full of excitement, I posted a photo of me bathing Duong Dee on social media. Shortly after I got back I was informed that the group was finished their hike and ready to go on the bamboo raft. I rode in the back of a pickup truck to meet the group.
Ada, Heather and Sam had gone on the first raft which left Amanda and Ryan waiting for me. We hopped on and our guide expertly manoeuvred us down the river. It was a nice ride with a few fast currents along the way.
Our ride finished back at the café where Muk met us to bathe Duong Dee. What can I say she loves bath time! I think she enjoyed it even more with more people to splash and play with! After everyone else had a turn riding Duong Dee, Muk let me ride her back to the café. We went to have lunch and Duong Dee entertained herself on the river bank.
Chai Lai is a socially conscious organisation that provides a safe-house, free education and paid vocational training for ethnic minority women at risk of trafficking. After our hour ride from the city in a very hip and entertaining songtaew, we were a bit skeptical upon our arrival. We could see elephants with harnesses on their backs- definitely not the humane riding we had signed up for! We found out that was not affiliated with Chai Lai.
The day was going to start with a hike. The group opted for the short hike which would last approximately 3 hours. I decided to sit it out and hang back at the café where I had prime view of the river and passing elephants.
I had a coconut waffle with honey after the group left for their hike. My waitress' name was Ben and I later found out she was not from Thailand but spending two months working there. She had spent six years in school learning Thai and English so that she could teach others. She was so polite and soft spoken and even though there was a bit of a language barrier I could tell she was a kind and gentle person.
After I finished my delicious waffle I met Alexa, the owner of Chai Lai, who was in the café with some of the other fluent English speaking staff. Unfortunately I did not get the name of the lady who assisted me but let's just say that everyone was friendly and welcoming. This worked out to my advantage because I was going to be there for a while! I read the binder with details about Chai Lai and learned that they share the property with a local elephant camp and hope to show them by leading with example how elephant tourism can be both gainful and still humane for the elephants. That explained the passing groups of elephants with harnesses. I asked if there was anything elephant related I could do while waiting for the group that would still allow me to be ready to go when the group finished their hike. The answer: yes!
Ben would take me to feed the elephants and then I'd have a short wait before being able to bathe an elephant. Winner, winner chicken dinner!🎉 If you know me, you know I'm borderline obsessed with elephants so anything ellie-related over hiking is a no brainer.
Ben and I talked as we crossed the bridge and that's when I found out more about her. I wanted to make sure I heard her name correctly so I asked her in Thai and then told her my name. She asked if I spoke Thai but unfortunately I have yet to improve my skills beyond basic phrases. Ben wanted to know why I did not do the trek through the jungle with my friends. I explained that I liked elephants, showing her the elephant charm on my wrist. Turns out Ben likes elephants too. I was pleased to see that the elephants were not harnessed or set up to do any form of tricks. If you ever go to see elephants and are promised a show of any sort whether it's painting or playing football, I sincerely hope you walk away my dear Reader. But I digress, I proceeded to feed a bag full of bananas to these beautiful creatures. The baby elephant was the cutest; I wanted to keep her.
After the feeding we went back to the café where I had an orange juice while waiting for my ride. Ben had taken a few photos of me feeding the elephants. I decided not to post anything online since my phone battery has been so temperamental out here. I needed to save power for more photos.
A short time later I was introduced to Bae, the mahout who would take me to bathe the elephant. As we walked over the bridge I learned that Bae was from Myanmar and has been in Thailand for eight years. I told him I'm from Bermuda and I've been here one week. When we got down by the river, I could see another mahout coming with the perfect size elephant- not huge and not small enough that I wouldn't want to ride it. This mahout's name was Muk and he is from Thailand. The elephant was a four year old female named Duong Dee, which sounds very close to Do-dee. Duong Dee and I then became friends as I bathed her. Muk told me how to wash her- you have to scrub using a brush in order for her to feel it on her thick skin. I had a feeling my arms might be aching the next day! Elephants also like to have sand scrubbed on them. I felt like a spa masseuse giving a fancy body scrub except for the fact I was thigh deep in a murky river and my client was a playful pachyderm! Much like most four year olds, Duong Dee loves to play. With some verbal encouragement followed by pieces of fruit from Muk, she enjoyed splashing me and giving me kisses. The fact that Muk was using the positive reinforcement of treats rather than a bull hook to have Duong Dee follow commands made me even happier with my choice of Chai Lai - it's once thing to read that they encourage responsible elephant care but it's better to see it in person.
After Duong Dee was bathed and I was soaking wet, Muk told me to get on Duong Dee for a ride. Getting on the back I could handle. Getting on the head and sliding back, which Muk demonstrated so gracefully, was not easy for me. I fell a few times! Elephant kisses make murky river falls all better though!
I rode Duong Dee downriver for a bit and then back. We played in the water some more before I headed back to the café. Full of excitement, I posted a photo of me bathing Duong Dee on social media. Shortly after I got back I was informed that the group was finished their hike and ready to go on the bamboo raft. I rode in the back of a pickup truck to meet the group.
Ada, Heather and Sam had gone on the first raft which left Amanda and Ryan waiting for me. We hopped on and our guide expertly manoeuvred us down the river. It was a nice ride with a few fast currents along the way.
Our ride finished back at the café where Muk met us to bathe Duong Dee. What can I say she loves bath time! I think she enjoyed it even more with more people to splash and play with! After everyone else had a turn riding Duong Dee, Muk let me ride her back to the café. We went to have lunch and Duong Dee entertained herself on the river bank.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)