When we left off in Thailand, I had just visited the first three temples of my Southeast Asian adventure. I was visiting Wat Chedi Luang, a large domed temple originally built in 1391 (See Part 1 here).
After that, it was getting dark and I was worn thin. The flying, time changes, and walk through the walled city had finally caught up to me, and I just needed some time to recuperate. So I headed back to the hostel, showered, and passed out.
The next day was my first booked excursion. I was picked at my hostel up early in the
morning by one of those little 10-person vans that already had a few people on it. We drove to a meeting spot, where we switched to a jeep fit for a safari. The back was open, with a metal and fabric awning protecting us from any rain. We drove in that for what felt like forever, around winding roads, up narrow passageways, and through what can only be described as jungle until we reached our destination.
The best way to describe this place is tranquil. Everything about it evoked peace. Carved out from the surrounding trees, with streams and rock beds running throughout, this was truly a sanctuary. And it was for the elephants.
The Elephant Sanctuary
This particular sanctuary was focused on education. Once we got off, got settled, and got our proper attire, we learned about why the sanctuary was needed, and exactly the right ways to be up close and personal with the elephants (hint: riding on their backs isn't it). First, we met with the babies. Each group was assigned a guide who was responsible for setting up with the elephant, ensuring we were doing things correctly, and who was more than willing to take pictures for us.
After meeting with the baby elephants, we were brought to the part of the sanctuary where the adult elephants were, and each member of our small group was given time with their own elephant.
Finally, we returned to our starting point in front of the elephant paddock, where we all participated in making a traditional lunch.
Reflecting on this enriching encounter, the sanctuary not only provided an oasis of tranquility but also left an indelible mark as a haven for the well-being and conservation of these incredible creatures.
Kalare Night Bazaar
My group was the sanctuary was a good one, so after we'd been dropped back off at our respective locations and gotten cleaned up, we met up again to explore the Kalare Night Bazaar together. Traveling by myself, on only my second day of my trip, this was the perfect way to tiptoe out of my comfort zone. Not only was I making friends, if only temporary, travel friends, but I was out at night and didn't have to be alone.
I stopped at a restaurant for dinner on the way and had my first experience with mango sticky rice. It was so good! Highly recommend. It cost me around 60THB for the entire meal--$1.69 in USD.
At the bazaar, there were all kinds of shops, music, and artisans. It was large, but still small enough to not be overwhelming.
Look out for part 3 (or, my Day 3) coming soon to learn about my motorbike trek up a mountainside and a temple made of gold.
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