Day 8 – Elephants and Tigers Everywhere!!

We started our day at 9:00 am and traveled a short distance to go see the Thai Elephants.  Susan could hardly contain herself.  The closer we got the more excited she became.    We arrived at the Maesa Elephant Camp and hurried to the outdoor arena, where there were approximately 20 elephants, they came in all sizes, some with tusks some without.  They are amazing creatures and as we watched the performance it was evident they train them very early.  You could tell the relationship between the trainer and his elephant was very special by the way the elephants would pet on their trainers like a security blanket.  The trainers would give a touch or verbal command and the elephants would perform accordingly.  Afterwards we were able to get up close and personal with the elephants.  We fed, petted and hugged on the elephants.  It was amazing.  After we left there, we went to see the tigers at Tiger Kingdom.  There we could choose what size tiger we wanted to love on and pet.  We all chose the baby’s, just because they’re so cute and the big ones could eat you.  We had to wash our hands and take off our shoes before entering the habitat.  It was great; Susan of course wanted to take one home.  Afterwards, we went around the rest of the habitat and watched other people play, pet and lie down with the bigger tigers.  There was one Lion in the whole place and he was tuckered out, along with everything hanging out, you’ll see in the pictures.  We left there and had some lunch at an outdoor café called Tawan Rim Khong (Sunset by the River), where we met Lee, his wife Srimavakul and his son Win for noodle soup, it was fantabulous.  We then shopped at Lee’s cousin’s jewelry store bought some beautiful 24 carat Gold and went to the factory where they make umbrellas before heading to the temple where Lee’s son Win was going to have his head shaved to become a Monk, in preparation for his ceremony the next day.  All that were present, would cut a little of Win’s hair to help him prepare for his journey, then the elder Monk would shave his head.  Win put on a white robe and had to stay in the temple to prepare and pray before his ceremony.  We got to share in that moment and were very honored to be included.  We had dinner at The Good View Bar and Restaurant with a beautiful view of the river.  The food and wine was terrific as we got to know Lee better and his brother-in-law Chuck.  After dinner, we went night shopping at the street market to see what bargains we could haggle.  It was a long day, there are a ton of pictures for this day,  Sanoog (Enjoy)!!

 

 

Drinks and Food while in Chiang Mai