Elephant Riding

Many of you know that I am no fan of animals. What most of you don't know, however, is that since I arrived in New Zealand last May, I have been slowly coming around to liking them (particularly sheep dogs). Now on this particular trip that I'm on there are included activities (like boat rides, temple visits) and then there are optional activities, such as the cooking class I did in Thailand. On our last day in Luang Prabang, elephant riding was the choice that everyone in the group made. I wasn't particularly keen, but I also didn't want to be the odd one out, so I decided to sign up as well.

I am SO HAPPY that I decided to do it. I had such a good time, and I would recommend this place to anyone coming to Southeast Asia. When we got there, we changed into this ridiculously hideous denim outfits to wear while we bathed the elephants. We then climbed up a ladder to get onto the elephants, which were being "driven" by Laos elephant trainers. We then rode the elephants into the lake, which was quite a thrill given they were so much higher up than I expected. They also had a lot spikier hair than I expected. Once the trainer (who was also on the back of the elephant with me) got the elephant to lie down, we cupped the water and then threw it (gently) onto the animals. There was a big group of us, so there were lots of elephants all clumped together in the water, which also meant there was lots of elephant poo floating around. That was by far the grossest experience, but seeing the faces on people in my group as it came close was priceless. After about 15 min of washing them we rode the elephants out of the water (while my trainer acted slightly innappropriate and would not stop telling me how beautiful I was...oh Laos men!) and changed into our dry clothes.

We then got on the back of the elephants, which were now equipeed with benches on their back (I'm sure they were not comfortable for the elephants) and Lynda, Rob and I all squished onto the bench while the trainer sat on the elephants next. We had a really fun ride across the lake and through the jungle to the other camp. Because it was so uncomfortable to have 3 of squished on there, Rob drove for about 3/4 of the time, which was really funny to see him trying to shout Laos orders at the elephants and then also to have our Laos trainer trying to help and laughing at us.

We finished around lunch, and then got a ride back in the van to our hotel. That night we went back the night markets, and I was in such a good mood from the elephants that I bought a silver bangle bracelet with elephants on it, which I am still wearing right now.