Tom: Waking up today i was excited to go elephant riding. It sounded really cool and we got it for cheap so it seemed like a good day ahead.

So we walked up to the hotel and getting up there the elephants were allowed to roam amongst the actual entrance to the hotel. It was very strange. Just think about a big building and then elephants in front of it in England - it caught us by surprise.

So the guy brought us to a tower thing and we had to climb up there to get onto the elephant.Brett especially was very uncomfortable as we went on a basket and had to sit on the left side which tilted sideways and frightened him. Then the elephant went walking and we were moving from side to side.

We both didn't like it. Brett for the lack of comfort and me for ethical reasons. I find no enjoyment in an animal being forced to ride somewhere, as it is kicked and stuff.

We both laughed when the elephant rebelled, rearing back and turning round to go back to where we come from. Needless to say we got off and asked for our money back, after stroking the elephants.

Later on in the day we decided to go swimming in the river. On the side of the river, local boys were already swimming. As we arrived they started to scream Hello and Sabaidee, and to each other falang falang! (foreigner foreigner!) The next minute they were jumping on Brett, and playing with him. They got him under the water and as he rose out of the water, they did a back flip with the momentum. It was good fun.

Brett: In the evening we played cards and cooked dinner again, one of the best guest houses we've stayed in so far!