Kelsey's Elephant Show

For those of you who know me at all, you know that I love elephants. In fact, I went into University still undecided if I wanted to be a teacher or a zoologist who saves the elephants. For some unknown reason I chose junior high kids, but that is a different adventure altogether. While in Lampang we took a day trip to the Elephant Conservation Centre, this post is my recipe for how to experience elephants while in Thailand.
Step 1: Start the day off with a good breakfast of fruit and yogourt. Look very excited!

Step 2: Take your husband along to be your camera man. Not required to have broken sunglasses, but it does add a little spice.

Also useful as your scooter driver and for emotional support if needed.

Step 4: Add elephants, the more the better.


Step 5: Sit back and enjoy the show. Or stand and gape in awe, your choice.
Thai elephants were used mostly in the timber trade and so they were trained to stack, move and load logs. Elephants are no longer used in this industry in Thailand, but many of the skills are still taught.
Many other skills are taught as well.
The mahout is the elephants' trainer. The two are partnered together for life in most cases. It is amazing to watch the bond between them and to see ALL the tricks they can do together (many more than shown here) Included as well could be playing musical instruments, raising the flag, walking on logs, etc, etc, etc.
For added enjoyment touch elephants as much as possible!!!!!!!!!!!!
Step 6: Eat lunch. Grass or sugar cane, as in picture above.
Step 7: Take your elephants for a bath.
Mix well.
Step 8: Hold tails while crossing the path.
Step 9: Take Phang Wandee for a cruise.
Step 10: Go to elephant dung paper factory. Very interesting!
Step 11: Buy elephant souvenirs.
Step 12: Go back to your cozy Riverside terrace (Guest house) and sit back. Replace ashtray with pizza and enjoy.

Ahhhhh, simmered to perfection!
K