Chapter 2: Of elephant rides and hot springs

13 December 2011

It was day 2 and we were scheduled to go trekking! But before that, breakfast by the street! 

When we arrived, I was so excited to see the elephants there. I was so tempted to touch the elephants but was told to stay back until further notice.

Since we could not get closer, we took photos with the elephants in the background.

The elephants looked like they are ready for us to ride it.

Partnered with Fifi for the elephant ride but Fifi was so scared. We finally board the elephant. See our footwear?? Lol.

After Fifi got the hang of it, she was better but I was still as excited. She spotted the hat of our guide. We were wondering whether that is his name or that he is looking to be tipped. Lol.

The elephants went through the forest and the path was so muddy. I was slightly nervous that the elephant might slip and fall but despite being big (and clumsy?), they did not slip at all.

I am loving the beautiful greenery that surrounded us.

The place was very kampung (village) – like. 

The highlight of the ride was when the elephants went into the river! We saw Nikon’s cheeky side when we saw him putting his trunk into another elephant’s backside! So funny! We also saw the elephants shitting in the river and that was an interesting experience! Hahaha.

You do not want to swim in this river because we could see the elephants’s poop in floating in it.

Our elephant must really love us, we were the first to go but one of the last to get down. Our elephant just stood there and did not want to go back to the hut where we had to get down from. Perhaps its because we talked to it during our time on it.

It was time for baby elephant show!

The baby elephant is so cute to me but too bad I cannot touch it. Its really amusing and it daunted on me that I love animals so much, I should look at some volunteering opportunities with animals when I am older. 

Time to return back. Thank you for the ride dear elephants.

After a good 1.5 hour with the elephants, we made our way to the Tiger cave.

2 routes. 1st route leads to a beautiful scenic view but there were 1237 steep steps to take. Thought I would give that a miss since we only had 40 mins. We took another route leading to Tiger cave.

Started the climbing of stairs.

Reached halfway and was panting away..man..where was my stamina?!

We kept walking in excitement to the cave…thank God for my in soles. I could walk for long distance and feet was no aching at all.

Arrived at the cave and it was beautiful. They have put up lights so that we can enter the cave and explore it.

 The designs on the rocks were exquisite.

Maybe they come into the caves to meditate?

I absolutely loved the peaceful surroundings and fresh air. The monks were all staying there and I could see why they want to do that. I think if I am old and alone, I may want to stay in a cave to shut myself off from the rest of the world.

Walk back because it was almost time. We loved this gigantic tree.

Going back was not easy! We had to climb up and go down the stairs! Going down stairs is a challenge for my injured knee! However, what awaits us was lunch.

After lunch, we were on our way to hot spring. But before that……

There was a lot of walking!!! Again!! I am loving it because what is better than walking through nature?

We finally saw the hot spring! It was like being in a jacuzzi! Its just that none of us brought extra clothes or towels!

We did not care. We jumped in anyway.

After spending like 40 minutes in the hotspring, we were already on our way to the Emerald Pool!

And there was lot of walking too. It was a super long walk to the Emerald Pool but once were arrived, we saw this! Beautiful green waters.

It was gorgeous. Tempting waters! This time we just jumped in without thinking!

Had so much fun in the waters! However the surroundings were too slippery and someone fell right on her butt. That could have been me! Hahaha.

Getting ready to go back, but still excitedly capturing the beautiful scenery.

I really wished we could stay longer! 

Walking back all wet and cold! No towels too! Aren’t we awesome?

 We were a bit sad to leave the nature’s beauty but we really had a great time!

We went back to shower and change. We wanted to watch the sunset but our walk to the Ao Nang beach was too long and we missed the sunset. The sun had already set but the scenery was breathtakingly beautiful.

 We simply stood there in a comfortable silence, simply enjoying the spread of lights in the sky. It was immensely captivating, I wish it could go on longer but the beautiful lights had to make way for darkness as the day turns into night.

I could not fully capture the scenery with my camera, but still, the beauty of the sky and sea can be seen here.

Time for dinner! After walking (we did so much walking today!), we finally settled for this sea food restaurant. The food was great but I am just not a fan of the minced chicken meat.

 However, I love the fruit juices. It tasted so fresh.

We decided that we wanted to eat ice cream as dessert so we headed to Swensen! Actually we had to pass it on our way back to the hotel so we decided to stop by and load on the calories. I mean, we are on a holiday right?

Apparently Swensens only sells ice cream and all the ice cream were way cheaper than in Singapore! Ice cream made us happy!

We walked so much today and our legs were bound to ache. Time to rest and get ready for another exciting day tomorrow.