Before my travels to Thailand I stumbled upon http://loveinfinitely.org when researching Elephant Nature Park. I wrote to the main heart behind Love Infinitely, Brenda, with a jillion questions about volunteering at ENP. She was beyond helpful and then some, which finalized one of my best decisions to visit Elephant Nature Park in July 2013.
Upon my return I thanked Brenda and she in turn asked me to write about my time spent with my great loves, the elephants. I am over the moon excited to announce my first ever writing debut outside of my own little blog ramblings! Please give it a read at: http://loveinfinitely.org/heaven-is-a-place-called-elephant-nature-park/
Showing posts with label Elephant Nature Park. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Elephant Nature Park. Show all posts
Thursday, January 16, 2014
Tuesday, July 16, 2013
Sunday: saying goodbye to Elephant Nature Park
Sunday was our last day at the park, such a bittersweet feeling. So many awesome people in one place, doing extraordinary things.
We had one last chore and that was our choice between poo duty and food prep. I chose poo duty of course! Such satisfaction can be found in shoveling massive piles of dung! Only 6 of us chose this job out of 19. And we conquered that poo! As the beloved Janie put it in her posh British accent, "shit excellence". We finished faster than on the days we had the full 8-19 people. We were drenched in sweat by the end. The heat had picked up a bit on Saturday and Sunday as well.
After poo it was time to pack up our things to check out of our rooms by 11, then lunch at 11:30. You could feel the melancholy in the air.
The last morning of seeing the girls wander out to forage for the day. (Taken from our breaky table)
Hoping it flew free after. My heart has grown for even the unlovely animals this trip. Taking a new stance on not killing bugs! (Unless they're threatening)
The van took me to my hotel, called Baan Sa La Guesthouse. It was off of Th Nimmenheimen which is known for shopping. After dropping my gargantuan bag, I headed out to see the area despite my exhaustion. The feeling of being back in civilization was amazing! Although I was quite relaxed this last week, it was nice to have access to things and see people.
The books talk about how great the street is for shopping, but you must have loads of moola to do so(which the book failed to mention) Every store is very boutique-ish and not of this bargain hunting girls liking! $80 for a dress you can get for less than $20 in the markets. Needless to say, I didn't shop much.
This trip has shown me several things to be grateful for that I often take for granted. I am compiling a list for later, but I never thought 7-11 would be on that list! They are on every block! On this posh little street I walked by two that maybe had 10 shops between them. But this I am thankful for, yet ashamed to say how often I have frequented 7-11 this trip. My bargain shopping was completed at 7-11 before heading back to my room to rest up a little before meeting the group for our last time together.
A good sized group of 11-12 of us met at the Park's office to then head out to grab a drink. We ended up across the street at the "Rooftop Bar", which was amazing! Never have I seen anything quite like it. America needs to step up their drinking establishments.
We wandered through some mighty low hallways (that even had me ducking a few times) that were brightly painted to be highlighted by the black lights. It felt very secretive. We reached a staircase where we left our shoes at the bottom and then teetered up the teensy yet steep stairs barefooted. The bar and the DJ were immediately at the top of the stairs and the actual bar room was up another few stairs (about my height). All around the room there were tiny tables and cushions for our bums. We found a spot against the wall and posted up. The floor felt a bit questionable, especially for so many people in a small spot. Opposite of the wall was the open aired street side. When we arrived it was raining, but eventually the roof was opened about a third of the way. I am sitting on the floor of a bar under the stairs in Thailand! This can't be real life!
We were perched just behind this sign. (From the bar)
The ambience and the seating made for such a great last time together. Slowly we all parted ways and I was reunited with my beloved tuk tuk rides! I had missed them. To my room, after yet another 7-11 stop, for some much needed sleep!
As seen walking "home". This is everywhere and it makes me think of home in America.
My cute lil room. Oh to have air conditioning again!
Monday, July 15, 2013
Saturday: last full day at Elephant Nature Park
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.
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