2011: I was in Chiang Mai following a painful and shocking breakup in Bali. Well come to think of it, it was actually more funny than painful, considering the reason behind the breakup.
Anyway.
I joined a package tour to go to the Tiger Kingdom, orchid farm, and visit the hill tribes.
Part of the package was an ox-cart ride.
Then we watched an elephant show where the big creatures showed off their special skills and talents.
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| His bakasana is much better than mine |
And then we got on the backs of the elephant in a special carriage. Each elephant carried two persons. I shared with a guy from Switzerland.
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| Mounting the elephant |
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| That's us on the last elephant! |
It was precarious to be so high up there on the elephant, as it ambled slowly and carelessly up and down the hills, sometimes almost losing their balance in the slippery mud. It could have ended badly.
Of course, at that time, I was too ignorant to be aware of the cruelty involved in this activity. The animals had to work long hours everyday, carrying loads that were far too heavy for their backs. The baby elephants were often separated from their mothers, and they were caned into submission. It was also rumored that the tigers at the Tiger Kingdom were drugged to allow tourists to take selfies with them.
