Day 125

I am in love... it is official, and with a whole species! Elephants are even more fabulous than I previously thought, and I want one in the garden! They eat 250kg a day though (the trees wouldn't last long against that!), so the concept of clearing up the s**t is slightly terrifying...

I had another great weekend, spurred on by the thought that it is my last one on my own! Saturday was an embarrasingly lazy day, with some shopping (not all for me!), some beach time, and generally making the most of the beautiful weather. Sunday was almost the complete opposite (aside from enjoying the weather!), with a very early start to go to Pala-U waterfall, which is about an hour and a half outside Hua Hin, in a large national jungle park bordering Myanmar (Burma).

Our first stop was at a pinapple plantation, followed by the entrance to the jungle itself - where we were served fresh coconut milk and warned about malaria! About 20mins later we arrived at the waterfall itself - wow! It is a 16 step waterfall, and is so tall it is actually impossible to see the whole thing at once! We only climbed to step 5, as it is too dangerous to go higher in the rainy season. The big open pool was worth the trek, and the swimming was fabulous. Having said that there were close to 1000 fish in the water, and it took a lot of courage to get in!! Strangely the king scorpion didn't scare me as much....

Our final stop was to finish the trek on elephant back; which was fantastic, and the extra height makes the views brilliant!

Back in the hospital today for my penultimate day, but I sneaked away early for the highlight of my time in Hua Hin - swimming with and washing elephants! Just a brilliant brilliant brilliant experience, with lots of time riding bare-back in a bikini, and about an hour playing in the water.... it is fantastic to interact with the elephants at that level - they love the water and I was riding a baby (about 15yrs) who was really playful and affectionate. The experience of a lifetime :)

Last day in the hospital tomorrow, and then off to Bangkok on Wednesday.

I hope you have all had a brilliant bank-holiday weekend, and enjoyed some summer weather!

See you soon (5 sleeps!)

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