Bunchai the elephant

(Sidenote - I realize the animals kept for these tourist photo sessions are drugged, chained, and not treated the way animals should be. They are stunning, amazing creatures that I much prefer seeing in the wild...and I am torn about getting my photos with them.)

We arrived in Koh Samui yesterday afternoon late in the day. We checked out the beach, had a cocktail on the beach, and had a group dinner. The rest of the group went out clubbing until the wee hours of the morning, but I would much rather be able to get up for my morning excursion to see the elephants, so I had an early night. 

Before riding the elephants, there were photo opportunities with tigers and other wild animals. I know this is available many other places in Thailand and is the subject of hot debate due to the standard of living for the animals. It was quite amazing sitting next to and petting such a huge, amazing animal - but sad at the same time, since you know this is not how it is meant to be. 

After that we headed up onto our elephants. Before boarding, I got a little visit from a darling little ellie who stuck his trunk up to say hello. Most of the ride was in a little seat that sits on top of the elephant, however they do get you to slide down on to the back of the elephant head to ride for a bit. Beautiful big guys, with rough, tough elephant skin. Overall a much smoother, more peaceful ride than a camel or a donkey. 

The rest of the day I spent walking on the beach, swimming in the hotel pool, browsing in some of the shops, and trying to not get too sunburned. The sand on the beach is made up of lots of broken shells, so walking the beach is quite exfoliating. The souvenir shopping is quite dismal. Everything seems to be cheap and tacky, knock off t shirts of American brand names etc. haven't been able to find a nice Thailand t shirt for dads collection yet! 

Dinner was a cocktail on the beach, with a margarita pizza.

Tomorrow will be my birthday here, we are headed over to Koh Tao. So we'll see what adventures that brings.