A DAY WITH THE ELEPHANTS (By Barbara McGaffey) Jan, the Golden Cupids Hotel office manager (and jack of all trades) arranged a day trip for us to the Elephant Nature Park . It's a several hundred acre elephant sanctuary established and run by a small Thai lady named Lek (with grants and donations from several philanthropists and groups). The Park rescues and provides a haven for these disappearing Asian elephants, many of whom have been injured or abused. They're doctored, fed and provided lifelong, humane treatment and shelter. Once back in this more natural habitat, many of them are able to once again bear live little ones who are reared by mother & devoted "aunties". This rare "white" elephant has found a home at Lek's safe haven. ...
Yesterday evening we asked Toon to drive and drop us at the begining of the Doi Suthep mountain. We planned to walk up to Doi Suthep temple!! Every year, on the day before Visakha Puja Day, Chiang Mai people have tradition of walking up to Doi Suthep temple. There are 2 reasons of doing this :- first, to offer our strength, our good intention, our believe to the Lord Buddha. Second, is to recall Kru Ba Sri Wichai, the most important monk in Lanna, who led people in building the road up to Doi Suthep temple. After gave our respects to Kru Ba Sri Wichai statue, we started walking up at 17:30, before the parades, which started around 20:00 We walked up and free ourselves from worry, we wondered how long it will take for this 12 KM distance. On the way, there are many cars parked beside the road, some sold drink and food, some offered them for free. We are very proud of being Thai, Thai people always kind and generous. We arrived at Doi ...
