One of the things I wanted to do when we visited Phuket was ride an elephant again. We managed to get a cheap deal for our holiday because it was monsoon season. The first day in Phuket it rained quite heavily and I was a bit worried it would spoil our ride. As it happened I needn’t have worried because the sun shone as we set out for our hour long ride.
This is hubby and I on our elephant.
This is the view from the top. I have to add that I didn’t feel very safe and the ground looked a long way down! An elephant’s skin is very rough and it feels abrasive to the touch, almost like sandpaper. It’s also very bristly.
Our elephant had freckles. He was very cute.
This is our mahout–the elephant driver.
This is the end of our elephant ride and me saying goodbye to our mount. I enjoyed the ride, but I was pleased to stand on my own two feet again.
Resting up after the road with a small snack to pass the time.
Would you like to ride an elephant?
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September 15th, 2009 at 3:12 am · Link
I have to admit even with my fear of heights – I would LOVE to ride an elephant. They are one of my favorite animals.
Looks like you had a great time!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:39 am · Link
Cool!
September 15th, 2009 at 4:40 am · Link
Good pic of you.
September 15th, 2009 at 7:58 am · Link
Yes! I’ve rode an elephant. I was around 9 years old, it was at a circus and I got to ride right behind the elephant’s ears with about 5 other kids. I remember how high up I sat, and I had shorts on…the bristly hair hurt my legs. A clown walked the elephant around the ring and couldn’t wait to go back to school to tell all the kids I rode an elephant. lol
Your pictures are great…that is a REAL elephant ride. What a cool thing to do. Thanks for sharing that with us, and nudging an old memory of mine. =)
September 15th, 2009 at 8:03 am · Link
Sure, I’d ride an elephant
September 15th, 2009 at 11:47 am · Link
I have! When we went to Thailand, we did get to take a short elephant ride. My oldest was just a little guy then, so he and his dad rode together. I was pregnant at the time, so I got my own elephant ;) And technically I guess that means that my middle one’s ridden one too…
September 15th, 2009 at 1:02 pm · Link
I’m sure my youngest daughter (27) would love to ride one, but for me I don’t think so. I think I’d be scared to death I would fall.
September 15th, 2009 at 2:11 pm · Link
Debora – elephants are adorable despite their size and so intelligent. Elephant riding is definitely a fun thing to do.
Sandra – thanks. I like that photo too.
Debra – that sounds like a fun thing to tell your fellow students. Did you used to have morning talks where you told the others what you did during the holidays or weekend?
September 15th, 2009 at 2:13 pm · Link
Helen – one day… put it on your bucket list.
Fedora – I just loved Thailand. What part did you visit?
Linda – At first I didn’t feel very safe but I have to admit we were never in any danger of falling off.
September 15th, 2009 at 5:05 pm · Link
What an adventure. Are you going to use this experience in one of your books or have you already?
I love the pictures.
September 16th, 2009 at 11:25 am · Link
Sounds like an awesome experince, Shelley. I’d love to have the opportunity to try it someday.
September 17th, 2009 at 1:10 am · Link
It’s quite possible, Ashley. I use quite a few of my experiences in my books.
It was a lot of fun, NJ. Definitely something worth trying.
September 17th, 2009 at 10:44 am · Link
We were part of a tour group that visited mainly Bangkok and Phuket. We may have gone somewhere else, too, but at this point, I can’t remember :(
September 20th, 2009 at 4:11 pm · Link
How exciting!
I’ve ridden a camel but not an elephant. Maybe next time an elephant. I think the experience would be about the same for me — a little nerve-wrecking trying to stay on and not fall off. In the case of the camel, hoping your camel is in a good mood and doesn’t spit at you. LOL!
Glad to see you had a fun and adventurous time.
Paz
September 21st, 2009 at 6:05 pm · Link
Love elephants, and I have ridden on them. They are so very clever and have long memories. Probably if you see this elephant again, Shelley, it will remember you.