Jan. 1, 2007 - Chiang Khong
Dec. 31st we got 3 others to join us and share the taxi ride to the elephant training camp outside of Chiang Dao. Chiang Dao is a gorgeous nature area, but hasn't had many tourists yet and therefore finding a taxi is really difficult. Malee, the owner of the guest house, has to organize it all.
The elephants were great. We first fed them, being careful to feed them whole or at least 1/2 bunches as a time for fear that they lose patience as the sign said. Then watched them bathe and they litterally roll over on their backs and play. And afterward watched the show which had them transporting large teak logs. Initially the Chiang Dao region had been a teak lumber area utilizing the elephant for transportation. As teak grew endangered suddenly there were a lot of unemployed elephants. Some people in the group felt conflicted about riding them, but we all agreed that watching them do what they were initially trained to do and support them that way was beneficial. There were also some tribal people and kids and Liz bought a very colorful hat.
After the show, we headed back to Malees and had a wonderful 1.5-2 hour massage outside. It was heaven. The New Year's celebration was fun as well. Excellent BBQ, mashed potatoes (Jeff's fav), and games (stomp on each others baloons that are tied to their feet [Jeff really got into it]). Afterward we had a big bonfire and watched fire works from the more expensive lodge next door.
This morning we got off to an early start. Rose at 5:45, took the taxi into town with 3 others and Malee accompanied us. We went to a market to have coffee and then caught a 2.5 hour bus ride to Thaton where we hired a private boat to take us 3 hours to Chiang Rai and then caught another bus 2.5 hours to Chiang Khong. Needless to say we are pretty tired, and maybe a little stupid as we just signed up for a Laos boat ride and handed over our passports to some guy with a lot of money. He promises to get us the Laotian visa, but right next to Laos and the Burmese borders we are a little nervous. :-)
Tomorrow promises to be another full and noisy day as we've opted to go on the fast boat to Luang Prabang. We've heard helmets are mandatory and that the fast boat is going to be discontinued this year (though our guide assures us that it will take at least a couple of weeks into 2007 for the new law to come into effect) as it's dangerous and is harmful to the 300 kg catfish.
We're tired. Happy New Year! Good night - much love - Liz, Jeff and Richard
The elephants were great. We first fed them, being careful to feed them whole or at least 1/2 bunches as a time for fear that they lose patience as the sign said. Then watched them bathe and they litterally roll over on their backs and play. And afterward watched the show which had them transporting large teak logs. Initially the Chiang Dao region had been a teak lumber area utilizing the elephant for transportation. As teak grew endangered suddenly there were a lot of unemployed elephants. Some people in the group felt conflicted about riding them, but we all agreed that watching them do what they were initially trained to do and support them that way was beneficial. There were also some tribal people and kids and Liz bought a very colorful hat.
After the show, we headed back to Malees and had a wonderful 1.5-2 hour massage outside. It was heaven. The New Year's celebration was fun as well. Excellent BBQ, mashed potatoes (Jeff's fav), and games (stomp on each others baloons that are tied to their feet [Jeff really got into it]). Afterward we had a big bonfire and watched fire works from the more expensive lodge next door.
This morning we got off to an early start. Rose at 5:45, took the taxi into town with 3 others and Malee accompanied us. We went to a market to have coffee and then caught a 2.5 hour bus ride to Thaton where we hired a private boat to take us 3 hours to Chiang Rai and then caught another bus 2.5 hours to Chiang Khong. Needless to say we are pretty tired, and maybe a little stupid as we just signed up for a Laos boat ride and handed over our passports to some guy with a lot of money. He promises to get us the Laotian visa, but right next to Laos and the Burmese borders we are a little nervous. :-)
Tomorrow promises to be another full and noisy day as we've opted to go on the fast boat to Luang Prabang. We've heard helmets are mandatory and that the fast boat is going to be discontinued this year (though our guide assures us that it will take at least a couple of weeks into 2007 for the new law to come into effect) as it's dangerous and is harmful to the 300 kg catfish.
We're tired. Happy New Year! Good night - much love - Liz, Jeff and Richard
posted by trekking_barris @ 5:13 AM
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