If a lot of stray dogs are in the streets in the Philippines, one of the funny road signs in Thailand is somehow saying beware of crossing elephants.
image taken from pbase.com
The usual price for a 30 minute elephant trekking is 800THB (25 USD) each. But because we have friends who knew of tour companies that give discounts, we were able to get a discounted price of 400THB (12.5 USD). Pick up was at 2 pm at the hotel where Stephen stayed.
Upon arrival, the staff handed us stickers to put on our shirts. This enabled them to know what program we paid for. Immediately we were led to a little hut with a platform that allowed us to step on to the back of these elephants.
We were like happy little kids when we started to step and sit on top of the huge creature. The sun was unforgiving as it was early in the afternoon. Only later on that we realized we can borrow an umbrella that was tucked under our chair.
Our happiness was short lived. We observed that the elephants were not treated right. Our guide had this wooden pole with a sharp metal hook that he used to prick the elepant to walk in the proper direction. We were also not able to properly converse with the driver too because he only speaks a little bit of English.
Some tourists ahead of us bought bananas for 100THB (3 USD). We also bought a bunch of bananas to feed our elephant. Just a simple gesture to somehow make him happy after carrying our combined weight.
There was a young elephant chained to a tree.
The road our elephant trekked on was not paved and the ride was very bumpy. I used to think that 30 minutes was a very short time but when I was on top of the elephant, it somehow seemed forever considering the small steps he is making to move his big body. I found it funny when he was walking along a steep elevated path. It was like riding on a very slow ferris wheel. Except it was very wobbly.
When Stephen alighted from his seat, he gave a small tip for the driver. The driver ordered the elephant to take it through its snout and give to the driver. It was fascinating that the elephant did not mistakenly eat the bill.
Next up was the elephant show. It featured a younger elephant showing off how he is able to do 3 steps on a stairs and balance himself. He also played a tune or two on the harmonica.The trainer asked who would like to be massaged by an elephant. Supportive friends that we are, we volunteered for Stephen. He lied prone position on a mattress and was covered with a blanket before the feet of the elephant touched his back.
We asked him how it was. He mentioned that it was only a light touch because the trainer controlled the elephant's foot. Well I can imagine how he could be crushed if it was not!
Part of the package was to view an orchid garden that we were not able to do so because we were tired and it was hot. So we just sat down in the restaurant that they pointed to and ate what they served us -- fruits in season (still part of the fee).
After this, we were asked to board the car and was dropped back to the hotel. While on the road, we talked about how we somehow felt guilty for supporting this kind of attraction buy buying a package. We talked about how our animal lover friends may find us disgusting. I would not say it was a bad tour, but we were just disappointed on how the elephants were treated. Who knows what these people do to these animals when tourists are not around. I understand those people are just making a living but I still hope they treat them with kindness. Kamille has read somewhere that there was this tourist attraction where people can try feeding elephants, bathing them and caring for them. That sounds more like fun. Hopefully people will advocate this kind of business more.
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