Elephants are such majestic creatures. As my friend Sarah likes to say, there is something very soulful about their eyes. Perhaps that is because of what they say about their memory - how they never forget that which has brought them comfort or harm. Although it’s awe-inspiring to read stories where an elephant remembered a person or an event 20 years after the fact, I also know that having that type of memory can be a heavy load. It’s a blessing and a curse to possess that sort of depth.
Speaking of a heavy load, elephant trekking probably wasn’t the best way to alleviate the elephant’s stress. Pains of guilt tug at me when I feel I am putting a burden on an animal. I enjoyed feeding them a basket of bananas infinite times more than riding around on one like I was some sort of Queen of the Kaka tribe. But alas, there were fun moments where they actually seemed to be enjoying themselves. I’m always happy to see animals that love the water as much as I do! We trekked through some waters where the elephants were being bathed and they seemed to get a sweet satisfaction from splashing their murky water on my friends until they were heard-to-toe drenched. The elephant trainers seemed to enjoy this wet t-shirt contest even more so.
In terms of attire, most trekking tour brochures would have you think you need to come equipped with cargo shorts, sneakers, and mosquito repellant. Our group of chicks doesn’t really get down like that. We wanted to meet the elephants in our "Sunday's best". Harem pants, crop tops, jumpsuits, maxis, statement jewelry, and of course, lipstick galore. It’s important to approach adventure with some style. Oscar Wild said you could never be overdressed...and I’m running with it!
