The Day of Elephants

Two days ago, Mom and I signed up for another tour that was to The Floating Market, The Elephant Village, Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo, and The Rose Garden. We weren't really sure what it all entailed but we decided to go along for the ride anyway. We had to get up at quarter to 6 to get dressed, eat breakfast, and be ready by the time our ride got to our hotel at 6:45.

First stop: The Floating Market. This was about an hour drive from our hotel in downtown Bangkok. When we got there, we got into a small canoe like boat and we were lead down the canals for about 10 minutes. It was so beautiful, we even saw people riding elephants! When we finally got to the market, they had a place where you could walk and shop, but also a place where you could buy a ticket for a boat and be lead through the actual Floating Market. Now it is a lot more touristy nowadays, but it was still a really cool experience. They were pull your boat off the canals with hooks they had, and show you different products and bargain with you. There were also little boats that sold things like food so you could eat on your way around. It was a really cool place to see even though it is more for tourist now, it was cool!

Second stop: The Elephant Village. This was just about a five minute drive from the Floating Market. When we pulled up, I saw a wooden tower with stairs where people were lied up to get on the back of the elephants to ride them. And I just about lost it with excitement because if you're in Thailand, you have to ride an elephant! So we got in line and waited just a few minutes when the lady pulled us out of the line to go! I climbed unto Patong (the elephant) and there was a little metal seat for my mom and I to sit in. Each elephant had a guide who sat right on his head and our guide just happened to be fantastic and so sweet. Half way through the trial, our guide let me crawl down and sit bare back on the neck of the elephant and ride the rest of the way. It was so amazing, I couldn't believe I was riding on an elephant in Thailand! Then we got to go through the water, and my shoes got so wet, but it was so cool. There were some kids on the ride dancing to Gangnam Style so that was really funny.

Next stop: Samphran Elephant Ground and Zoo. Here we also had lunch, which was buffet style, not the best but what can you really expect from a Zoo. We got out tickets from our tour guide and walked inside, and the first thing we saw was a sign that read "Picture with Twin Tigers" and behind the sign lay two tigers fast asleep. I have always thought tigers were cool, but I was so fascinated with them and their color and their giant teeth. Next we walked to the elephant show, that told of the history of elephants while the elephant did all sorts of tricks like they played soccer, play harmonica, and danced. It was so cute. But I think my favorite thing about elephants is when they grab each other tails so they don't get separated, ahh its so precious. After the elephant show, we were supposed to go to the crocodile show, but on our way we saw more elephants in the walk way of the park inside wooden gates. We went over and we could play with them and even feed them. There was a baby that was in a gate with his mommy and he was two months old, probably the cutest thing I've ever seen. We bought some bananas to feed them and it was so cool having them grab the bananas with their trunks right out of your hand. Such a cool experience.

Last stop: The Rose Garden. We only stayed there for about an hour, but we got to go to this show that told more about the culture. It showed different types of music, dance, fighting, and it also showed what a tradition Thai wedding would be life, it was really interesting. After the show, I got to pet a snake that a man was holding, but Mom was too scared to touch it. Then we loaded back on our little bus and headed back to our hotels. It was a jammed packed day, but it was so cool to be able to see and experience those things!