2 Days Elephant Training

It was a really good experience but I did expect a lot more, we had a lot of 'relaxation time' in between activities, which was basically sitting on a wooden bench and waiting for something, we were never told what, trying to avoid mosquito bites.

But the time we were with the Elephants was good, they are incredible animals, and so bloody big!!

We started by feeding them lots of bananas and learning the few commands they know for getting on and off, go, stop, back, turn, and of course treat :) they were masters at that one!!

We then went for a tiny ride in a circle trying out our commands, but to be honest the elephants knew the route better than us anyway. It was nice though, as we were riding bare back rather than on a seat and the Elephants seem to like it better too. Although in the afternoon we went on a 30minute walk and I was on the baby, a seven year old, but between his back and my bum there wasn't much padding... It hurt a lot. He also didn't quite get the commands bless him, so the guide had to walk in front with a banana so he followed that.

We took them into the river to walk but mine decided he wanted to play, so he laid down unexpectedly, luckily I managed to get my money belt off and hold it above my head quick enough as it had my phone in it pheww, that was too close!!! A bit further up the river we bathed them, throwing water over them whilst they splashed us back and brushing the mud off of them.

I always get put with the naughty little school kid... My elephant kept picking up mud in its trunk and throwing it over me!!

We then cooked Thai green curry for about 40 people.

The next day we had to cut the grass for the elephants food... Dad someone let me loose with a Machete!!! The cutting the grass was the easiest and safest bit, carrying it back however was evil, I'm covered in paper cut-like cuts all over my arms and neck which burn like crazy when you put on mosi spray!

In the afternoon we bathed the elephants again, this time I was on a bigger, chunkier and older elephant, so less pain and followed instructions well :) I think we bonded :D

The last thing we did was make medicine for the elephants, to help with their bowel movements, it was an interesting mix of stuff covered in bananas... I wouldn't like to eat it!!