I need to think more before I speak.

—

The lovely buddhist novice monks.

The lovely fellow volunteers.

The Thai people.

The Thai culture.

How can I leave this place in two days? omgosh. :(

Shopping in Thailand

Such an amazing experience haggling and getting amazing prices for stuff. Things I bought today:

• Hipster Thai Handmade Jacket
• 3 sets of female pants for family gifts
• 2 Thai Silk Thais
• Buddha lamp
• Set of Thai Lights
• Cute ass apron

All for 40 US Dollars. Amazing.

Elephant Camp | Thailand

This morning when all of us woke up, we were so excited to go elephant trekking at the camp that many of our peer volunteers worked at. A haven, really, for the creatures that roam both jungles of Asia and safaris of Africa. When we got to the camp, seeing the graceful mammals was amazing - I couldn’t remember the last time I saw an elephant in real lifez It was such an extraordinary site.

When Corinna and I were helped onto an elephant I found it odd that we were placed in baskets because the Friends For Asia (organization I’m here with) said that their camp didn’t use baskets for visitors because it constrained many vital back muscles of the elephant. I figured it was safe for us - trust me, we were the safest living things within a mile radius for sure. We were escorted by mahouts, tribal people who were each assigned an elephant. After the elephants started walking into the river I became ecstatic. My enthusiasm died almost instantaneously, however, within seconds of the ride.

Each mahout was equipped with a weapon to “control” (as the tour guide said) the elephants. It was disgusting and appalling. The sound that the pointed metal object made against the skin of the elephant made me want to jump off of the elephant and shut down this establishment they called an “elephant camp.” Camp has such a positive connotation - deceiving all of the foreigners who spent very little money, in my opinion, to watch these tortured animals play pranks, paint pictures and kick soccer balls.

To no avail, we were informed that we were in fact at the wrong camp. I can’t believe I aided, with 1,000 Baht (Thai money), the mistreatment of these wonderful animals. It’s utterly disgusting to watch these amazing, beautiful creatures chained up and hurt so badly to give a 10 minute show that foreigners gawk at. If you ask me, I don’t care how much the owners of this place “need money,” I’d do whatever I can to close each and everyone of these in Thailand.

Honestly if not the worst, visiting this prison was one of the most terrible experiences of my life.