Thailand Part 1

Today we stopped for a quick visit to the island of Koh Samui. Located just off the east coast of mainland Thailand along the skinny bottom part of the country near the Malaysian border and in the Gulf of Thailand, it is the second largest of Thailand’s islands. Next week we will be stopping at an island just off the west coast as we make our way down, around, and up the Malay Peninsula, hence Part 1. Our next door neighbors caught us up & ready to go early in the morning. The highlight of today was our visit to the Samui Elephant Kingdom, an elephant sanctuary and clinic. It was founded by a local, Chokchai Rueangsri, whose family had been in the elephant business on Koh Samui for years – mainly for trekking & tourism. Over time he became concerned about the use/abuse of elephants. Fortunately, the Thai government banned the use of elephants in the logging industry in 1989, but increased tourism demands continued. And so, Chokchai founded the park in 2019, a place where the elephants could start to develop their instinctive behaviors without fear. What a great group of elephants, mahouts (their caretakers), and staff at this extraordinary facility.

We were especially inspired by the treatment of the mahouts aka elephant trainers/caretakers. Often a family tradition handed down from father to son these mahouts are given housing onsite & are given training in the “new” ways of caring for elephants. After our time observing and feeding the girls (the three frisky boys are only allowed brief visits at the end of each day) we were treated to a fabulous lunch with “real” Pad Thai. And while we realize there are way too many elephant pictures, we have to ask, "Can there really be too many?" After lunch, we headed over to the Nu Muang Waterfall for a quick visit. Imagine our dismay when we saw elephant rides available on the other side of the parking lot. Well, anyway, we wish we’d had our bathing suits. Back at the port of Nathon, we walked around town looking at the sights, including the neatly bundled electrical/telephone/everything wires. We found a small tailor’s shop and bought two handmade Batik fabric shirts for Mike. $14 each. I gave the guy $30 and he said he didn’t have any change. I said, “No

worries. Keep the change.” He bowed deeply and when he brought his head up, I saw tears in his eyes. Dealing with Long Covid and being shut for a few years has really taken its toll on so many people. After Mike’s power shopping, we headed over to take a walk in the beautiful shallow water before walking along the waterfront and to the local tender that carried us back to the ship. A great day in Koh Samui