as far as i could remember since i started dj-ing in my teens, there was a radio talk show i hosted,and all of the dj's and listeners who were phoning in were asked what animals they wanted as a pet that they couldnt have: i chose, dolphins and elephant.
i suppose, i always think they have so much of the characteristics of humans. dolphins are one of the most intelligent animals in the planet,and has high emotional intelligence,and very playful.
while the elephant, i always have a soft spot for them since i was a kid from watching the movie Dumbo, and apart from looking very cute and cuddly, they are so loyal to their mates, that they mate forever with the same partner. if the partner dies, they will not go and look around for a replacement. (read that somewhere)
One of my so called bucket list in life is to swim with dolphins (yet to be granted) and to touch them.
Another is to see, touch and cuddle an elephant. Not once in that dream did i wish, and think of riding one, as i really felt sorry for them if i did.
I was able to touch, cuddle and bathe an elephant, but before doing that, i was also able to ride one.
I admit, I was pushed into it, as i was told, it was part of the tour package when we came in.
here is the story.
**
we went into the elephant camp, and we were immediately told how their animals are very much well-fed,and they have loads of them, in rotation so one elephant isnt overworked.
so,here i was,a tourist, knowing full too well, alot of the people in the group wanted to ride an elephant, bar me and adrian,who felt uncomfortable of the idea mounting a poor animal (esp with our sizes), decided, we will just sit it out and take pictures and play with the elephants.
we were sitting in one of the elevated huts, me, ready to take a photo. the guide, herded us to move closer to the elephant, and one by one, started to gesture for us to mount the animal.
i was telling the man, "no, thank you" and i gestured a camera clicking. he smiled and nodded. i said, "pictures only" with matching, camera clicking gesticulations,he smiled, "yes pictures!".
little did i know,he thought, i was asking him to take photos of me.
Adrian refused to be herded into mounting the elephant, but the man gesticulated "pictures" so we thought, he wants us to sit on it for picture-taking purposes, and then dismount.
But alas, when adrian sat first, i was asked to sit too. i said, "no" and gesticulated my being overweight and they laugh, and said, "no, not worry, elephant strong",and made actions of the elephant pulling down a massive 2 story house. so i said, why not? me sitting down for photos for a minute wouldn't harm an elephant.
so i did.
and waahhh, adrian and i held on to one another because the moment we did, the man clicked his tongue,and the very burly animal walked off with us on his back.
imagine a grown plump woman,and a man with a ponytail, shouting in broken english to "stop!", and "go back".
but the guide thought it was funny,and moved on, kept smiling and laughing, and gesticulated, he will turn at the end of the small stretch (maybe because it was the part large enough for the animal to turn).
we suffered those few minutes. well i did, as adrian was leaning on to me, and i was hanging on to dear life,haha. we were trying to not be as heavy that moment, and i thought of all the idly's we ate for breakfast,and the marsala chicken we had, and the poor elephant had to carry us on his back. i kept saying 'sorry' to the elephant, and darn wished, the guides werent too much of a mischief that they sometimes pretend they dont understand you.
we turned, and deposited Adrian back at the elevated hut, as this time, all the people in our group cajoled me, "go on, the elephant is a strong animal. it could carry a few trunks of trees, so it could carry you". and i thought, damn, why the hell not.
with my guide looking sheepishly pleased with himself (knowing too well he was bound to get a tip from a satisfied customer), clicked his tongue and took me for a 30 minute ride inside the jungle, and showed me the spices that were growing along the path, from pepper and to cardamom, it was a ride, i still remember until now.
and this time, he did do some real "ah,yes, pictures!' in between stops for me.
***
me, coming back, to everyone's applause..
i was laughing here, because the tour guide would point at every plant visible. "pepper", then he'd open a seed and let me taste one..then he'd say 'cardamom", then let me have the pip, then he'd point to a "papaya"..i didnt know how to tell him we had loads of that in the back of our house,haha.
uncomfortable in all levels. legs opened wide, yet my adductor muscles still had to grip so i dont fall sideays.
such a big strong weighty animal...and the elephant too, hehe.
i got the privilege of hugging its trunk
and the best part, i got to wash him
and hug him...ahhh, i was in love.
**
i think this (visit to the elephant camp) was one of the highlights our trip.
