Chiang Mai and the elephants

We arrived in Chiang Mai yesterday and immediately loved it. Can’t really tell you why-just a good vibe. Apparently we aren’t alone. There are lots of foreigners here, especially young, hip hostel types. We went to a crazy night market last night and ate more good food (no bugs that I’m aware of) then today visited an elephant sanctuary that is also home to many rescued dogs, cats, water buffalo, etc. We researched a bit to make sure we found an ethical rescue, as some aren’t. It was very cool to see these majestic animals up close, but so sad to see their evidence of years of hard labor and abuse. The elephants can’t be rescued until owners are willing to sell them-which means once they are injured or become too old to work. Many come from Myanmar. It was evident how much the workers love these elephants and know them each by name, and it felt like we got to know the animals and their stories a bit as well.Read more