Today was so incredible it is hard to put into words. Before I lay my head down tonight I have to try though. We started our day with an hour van ride with a great couple from Paris that were on their honeymoon. We were all on our way an hour outside of Chiang Mai to a more remote area where 11 elephants awaited us at Woody's Elephant Home (www.woodyelephanttraining.com). We spent the morning learning commands, feeding, cleaning up after them and sadly hearing how there is not much "wild" left for these beautiful creatures in Thailand. After lunch we rode them bareback into the jungle, two to an elephant. There was the "Elephant Dream Team" made up of AG and Nina riding Mabel. And the "Pachyderm Princesses", Celeste and me on Nyong Mai. We also bathed and played with them in the river. In Celeste's words it was, "My favorite experience of our trip". We took over 600 pictures. More later.

We came back to the BaanBooLoo. On your last night they prepare a traditional Thai bbq for you. We were beat, so it was extra special not to have to deal with dinner. On, our host, prepared a feast! We had curry, bbq-ed pork, fish and shrimp, stir-fry vegetables and a Thai omelette. I think there may have been more. Nina was almost asleep on the table so she and I decided to head back to our room. On and Adisak, the other owner, said, "Before bed we have one more treat for you". They took us to an open area across the road where we lit our own wishing lantern. We held onto the sides while lifting it above our heads. First they told us to think of things that we wish for our family. Then we were to think of something from our past that we wanted to let go of. We released the lantern. On and Adisak told us how lucky we were because our latern didn't wobble. It floated straight and far. Good luck for us. It was such an amazing surprise and special gift. I was moved to tears and it was without a doubt my favorite moment of the trip.

Off to bed with total gratitude for how wonderful this big world is.

Amy