We take a short ride through the narrow valley of the Mae Sa River which has attracted orchid farms, elephant rescue camps and resorts with impressive gardens. As the national animal of Thailand, the elephant has a special place in Thai lore. Elephants were once numerous, till the 1950s ranging over extensive forest habitats that covered much of Northern Thailand. In former times, the animals they were the equivalent of an off-road vehicle and a ten-wheel truck.
The a white elephant the symbol of kingship required such elaborate care that a gift of one from a king was enough to bring ruination to an over-ambitious courtier; hence the English expression a white elephant. Ironically, ordinary elephants have become white elephants to poor mahouts who are no longer able to find work for their animals logging in the hills and have to abandon them. The abandoned beasts were unable to find sufficient open land and have been destroying crops. As a result they are hunted and shot. The conservation center gives the elephants a place to safely live. Each elephant lives with the same person who feeds, bathes and cares for them. Every elephant lives out their life on the farm. We learn about some of the many traditional roles the elephant has played in Thailand since the days of old Siam. We go on elephant ride through the preserves. Its a bit like a Disney experience but considering the alternatives it is a good thing.
We also visit an orchid farm this morning and get to see how they are cultivated. There are many on display and we get to look around and try for the perfect orchid picture. Its back to town for a lunch at a local restaurant where we have a whole crispy fish and morning glory salad. We get some down time before our last night on the town. We walk to the night market and bargain for some souvenirs. We have a wonderful dinner at an Italian restaurant near our hotel Da Antonio where we have the only salmon we have seen since leaving home.
While sipping my coffee this morning , I have re-read all of your commentary. I have only one word: INCREDIBLE! And along with that, I have many thoughts. What you two have experienced is fabulously surreal...., and mind-boggling. These are places that live only in my mind and your words/photos have brought so many images to the foreground. I'm thrilled that you had a wonderful experience; Thanks so much for sharing! PS: Somehow - I'm seeing that my commentary is coming up from "C'est La Linda". HA! That is a blog I started years ago when living in Knoxville. I haven't accessed it for way too long - I forgot the password and can't access the site - with no way to change my password and open! Enjoy being home. Head pats to Maggie and hugs to you two!
ReplyDeleteThanks for your wonderful words C'est La Linda! It was indeed an incredible trip. We met many wonderful people and have have so many memories. Hope all is going well with your house in Maine. Looking forward to seeing it in real life.
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