where in the world is steph.... Tell me, what is it you plan to do with your one wild and precious life? -- Mary Oliver

I haven't been out of Chiang Mai since August when I went to Chiang Rai. I had a day off, and decided not only was it time to get out, but it was time to see my favorite pachyderm.

So at 8 am with a van full of various tourists I was off to a market. When we arrived we encountered a pile of bananas, watermelon and various other fruits and vegetables that seemed endless. We loaded up one truck, passing various bags upon bags from one person to the next. After the first truck was full, we left as another van had arrived.

After an hour and a half van ride, we turned onto a dirt road. Bumping along I enjoyed looking at the vegetation and people passing by. We rounded a corner, descending slightly into a valley, and I could see them. Large, dark grey masses in the center of a bright green field. We had finally arrived at Elephant Nature Park.

I spent the day learning about the elephants in the park, the history of elephant husbandry in Thailand, the legal status of elephants, population decline, and enough sad facts and figures to make just anyone an activist. Many of the elephants had very sad histories full of abuse and health problems.

The best part of the day was feeding and bathing the elephants. That's when we really got to interact with them. They are amazing animals, and it was humbling to spend just a few minutes with them. I of course took too many photos, though when I came back and looked through them, wished I had taken more. By the end of the day I felt that I was starting to see some of their personalities take shape and start to tell a few of them apart.

I was sad to leave the park, and hope to be able to go again for an extended period of time. I came home exhausted. It had been a long, hot day; but it was quite possibly my best day in Thailand so far.