Illinfant (Thailand day 5)


6:30 my alarm goes off forcing me out of my slumber. I slept like a baby. The sounds of nature putting me to sleep and knocking me out cold from the hours of 9pm to now. I’m excited for the day! I get to finally see an elephant. I shower, change into my bathing suit and head out for breakfast. But first, quick photo shoot of the morning outside my villa. 

I walk down the hallway to the dining area. Fog is still kissing the now shallow waters of the river. Honestly I can stay here a few days longer. The lack of technology, drama, and hectic noise of life is leaving me relieved and rejuvenated. There’s freshly squeezed orange juice and warm croissants being served at the entry...hmm I wonder what’s for breakfast. I take a seat. After a few moments I’m served tea and then brought my main plate. To my disappointment it’s fried egg, ham, and potatoe. Nothing appetizing to me at all, but I’ll stock up on croissants and eat this pineapple (before you say it no, no haven’t learned my lesson) 
15 minutes into breakfast and I can see through the huts that the elephant is being brought down. I’m excited but a bit apprehensive due to the fact that the handler is riding her. That’s torture isn’t it? I make my way down to the riverside to get a closer look. To be honest something doesn’t feel right and I’m heavily conflicted. I get closer to her in hopes of petting or at least seeing some admirable expression of happiness in her stance. The handler gives me a pile of pineapple and watermelon skins to feed her (btw I don’t know the elephants gender this is an assumption) 
She grabs the fruit out of my hand humbly and enjoys her snack. After a few moments I walk away. There was nothing, all of the beautiful photos of elephants being cheerful, playing, giving kisses, hugs or basking in the sun this one moved like a broken toy, a robot, a vessel. The lack of cheer combined with the rope around her neck I was done for. I felt so bad, she’s being helped captive and here I am feeding her god damn fruit remains. I’m horrible. 

I head back to my room to gather my belongings and have one more dip the river. My boat back leaves at 10 and I’ll then have to start my journey back to Bangkok.
I successfully check out, get to the train station and spend the remainder of my day in and out of sleep on the train. Today wasn’t as satisfying as I had planned.

Side note: After some research a ways into the jungle from the resort there is an elephant CAMP, meaning they are being trained for entertainment, starved, beaten, and forced to breed. I unknowingly invested my money into an establishment that is an active participant of animal cruelty, I truly do regret this. However I’ve been doing my research on elephant sanctuaries in which I will visit and be more educated on how to participate in the protection of these beautiful creatures. I will be sure to gather as much information as I can and also document my experience further for you all.    

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