Our last full day at the park. Out group had poo duty, followed by both groups doing the mud pit.
The road leading out of the park and to our room. The volunteer coordinators sleep in the building to the left, which also houses our meeting point.
View out my bedroom window, love these corkscrew vines.
Bella, our porch pooch. The girls named her Todd before we were informed HER name is Bella.
Mud pit time! I was a party pooper and sat this out. Just wasn't feelin up to par and played photographer instead. Everyone had a blast. The goal was to empty to water that was in there and then replace it via fire hose. Apparently the girls don't like the water being dirty. A bit silly if you ask me!
Mae Jokia (blind in both eyes) and I while everyone got muddy. These two girls had jut finished a bath in the river, watching these massive giants bathe is beyond cute!
Can, our volunteer coordinator writing in Thai for me. Future project!
Endless puppy love! His smile speaks volumes.
These skies never grow old.
I call this elephant in the room.
Back row: Krystol, Barbara, Tom, Stephan, Grant, Sophie, AJ, Chirstie, Sarah, Janie, Natalie. Front row: Ann, Edward, Hannah, myself, Josie, Sally, James. Can't express what am awesome group this was!
Mae Ja Ping scratching on the nearest tree.
She always had a flower in her ear. The hole was from a hook in her logging days.
"Always have to steal my kisses from you" (Ben Harper song) this was a stolen kiss too!
Can looking quite the diva after mocking my glasses.
After our group shot we ventured on an ele walk to see Navaan. This was a stolen cuddle moment en route.
These feet.
Malai Tong. She stepped on a land mine in her logging days, approximately 2002.
Malai Tong walking. She stops and swings her foot, Can told me this was for balance.
Jungle sky
Navaan and his mom.
Navaan family bath time in the river.
Bathing was the most joyful thing to watch. The girls will lay down fully in the river.
Chang Yim, meaning smiling elephant (right side) is a 4 year old male who is not allowed near others as he is quite the trouble maker/bully. He had celebrated his fourth birthday the day before this. He was on the lose here, complete with 30'+ chain attached to his ankle. The park plans to have a larger piece of property to let him roam freely one day. He must be chained as he has caused injury before. He was on quite the run from his mahout.
After watching Navaan, his mom and nannies bathe, we headed out to tube again. Today was such a relaxing float down the river with many laughs. I learned the Australian word "niggle" today which is another word for nag.
We returned to shower then head to our special dinner. It was a traditional northern Thai dinner which usually takes place on the floor. They had everything placed on low tables so no one would step over the food. If food is stepped over, it is considered no good any more.
The old people's table, front and center. Ann, myself and AJ.
The feast, pumpkin, mango salad, stuffed banana leaves, fried "things" as Can put it (some sort of veggie), curried veggies, pumpkin, mushrooms, tofu...so much to eat!
These little gifts contained sticky rice which you ball up with your hands and dip into the sauces.
The first dance. These little girls were adorable! Performed by local school children.
Petals tossed
This young girl was so beautiful.
These two managed a whole song without the candles extinguishing.
Ko pun ka (thank you if you are female)
A firefly! I will never not find these amusing.
I will miss this place.
Thanks so much, Jen! I love you so much for the gift you have given us all. I am so proud and thankful that you are my niece. Thanks for taking me along on your adventure to Thailand, but most of all....thank you for the elephants! Love you madly! Jules ♥
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