The Elephants

Anyone who knows me knows that I'm totally not into the whole "outdoorsy" lifestyle.  But in Thailand, everything changes.  I couldn't wait to get out of the classroom and to the elephant park. 

We headed out to the Mae Taeng Elephant Park, which was outside the city.  Along the way, we were able to view the Thailand countryside, the army horses, and saw more of that Thailand entrepreneurial spirit.  Upon our arrival to the elephant park, we were greeted by the elephants and the nasty smell that comes with them...

Our first stop was the bamboo river rafting.  Oh how fun it was to ride and sing until we were told there was a small crocodile in the water.  WHAT?!?!?  Oh those Thai men are so hilarious...  Not.  All the joking aside, it was quite hilarious seeing all passengers on the boat shift quickly to the middle. 

After our ride down the river, and after some major turbulence since the water was 4 inches deep, we went back to the elephant park for a show.  Nothing like a little bit of elephant dancing, some soccer playing, and some elephant drawing.  Never did we think we would be outdrawn by an elephant - oh, and Ryan bought the painting drawn by elephant NT (the initials signed by the elephant).

Then the fun began.  We paired up and hopped on a elephant - I'll spare you the video because it's a bit nauseating.  But basically, riding an elephant is like riding a roller coaster, just even bumpier.  Up and down, side to side... a heck of a lot of fun!