Elephantastic

What a day, what a day! It started very early with toasted sammies from 7-11 while we waited for our lift. Our first stop, about 45 minutes outside of Bangkok, was to a fresh market. It was pretty similar to markets I've seen in China, but I will never get used to seeing gutted fish, live eels, and tied up toads for sale as food.

Next stop was for an ox cart ride through rice fields wearing silly but very practical hats. Stef's driver smelled like sweat and Sarah got rosey shoulders from the beaming sun. The views were pretty awesome.

We did a little bit of hiking through Khao Yai national park to see a "double wow" waterfall as our tour guide called it. It lives up to his hype.

An amazing Thai lunch followed. The star of lunch for me was the coconut soup. I had more spiritual moments while eating. So good. We had spikey fruit and purple fruit for dessert. (I have to find out the names still)

ELEPHANTS! What an incredible experience. Hilary and I shared our elephant with a Japanese man traveling by himself. Hilary's 'dad'.
We took a little trek through the jungle and each had turns sitting on the elephants bare back. Feeling an animal that large carrying you is indescribable. Bom Bam is a 38 year old female who is docile, sturdy, and gentle. Her giant ears flapped against my legs, cooling me down while I patted the rough skin on her head. Afterwards, they ate bananas from our hands - peel and all.

We're now on our way back to Bangkok (a 2+ hour drive) then the night is ours. Our flight leaves at 7 am tomorrow and we've yet to decide if we'll take it easy or just stay up all night until we have to be at the airport. Decisions, decisions.

Disclaimer: whacky photo ordering is because I'm doing this from my phone.