A Hoot and a holla'

#17
Wed., Sept. 17 4:45 PM

I’m in the bus again on the way to Chiang Rai. Today was awesome. We opted for the optional tour to take a boat down the Kok River to another elephant farm, but this time we rode the elephants. Our elephant’s name was Deedoh and was large. The experience was amazing. We stayed in the area for some time and fed the elephants and watched them bathe in the river. I think Thai people love their elephants similar to how we Americans love our dogs. After the elephant ride, Patty had us dropped off at a local “mall’ called the C Market where we ate in the food court for less than a dollar a plate!

Our dude, Deedoh:
(picture coming soon)

This little guy gave a hoot and a holla' because he wanted some food. I loved when he would put his trunk in his mouth, like he was sucking his "thumb."

#18 - The Hill Tribe Community

We’re returning from visiting the Hill Tribe Community, which is a center that houses three local tribes. The community was created a) to help the tribes make money, b) provide education to their children, and c) so that tourist can get a glimpse at each tribes’ culture and provide more support by purchasing their hand-made products.

It felt awkward walking around the community and snapping pictures of tribe people. It felt no different than snapping pictures of animals in a zoo only the subjects of the pictures were humans. Patty mentioned that our visit to their community and purchase of handmade products helps them be self sufficient so that made most of us feel a better about the experience. It was cool to see their culture and traditions still alive and kicking. For the Karen Tribe (also known as the ‘long necks). Patty noted that it is not safe for their people to leave the community. At one point, 12 of them were kidnapped and exploited for a profit-making venture. While we were there the children were learning how to speak English, and reciting the days of the week.