Our 7:00AM Alarm ... 😉

We normally would have set an alarm this morning for our excursion the the Elephant Sanctuary ... but ... our resort is directly under the flight path of planes taking off and landing. So every morning, unless I'm wearing my ear plugs, we are awakened by a daily 7:00AM(ish) flight leaving Koh Samui.

So, as soon as I heard it fly overhead ... I knew it was time to get up. I looked over towards the seating area and noticed that it is beginning to look like an extension of the old boy's closet. Good thing we only have one more night before he'll have to clean it all up and pack it away.

We enjoyed our breakfast and then nine of us went to the only ethical Elephant Sanctuary on the island. We created 'power balls' to feed the elephants by hand. It was quite magical to feed these mammoth beasts who gently laid their trunks on the railing to receive their treats. We were told it was important to give these soft balls the matriarch of the group who is 61 and only has one tooth left. Apparently she would not survive in the wild because she can no longer chew food.

After that, we were given baskets filled with grass, sugar cane and bananas. It was really something to see the way they tossed the grass to the ground in hopes of something sweeter. And, one of the elephants was a master at collecting two or three things under her trunk before putting wasting time putting these delectable morsels into her mouth one at a time! Smarty pants! 👍

And, after feeding them, we were invited to get up close and personal. We were introduced to each of them by name and age ( theirs not ours! 😉). Two of them were "Besties". The two youngest (9 and 14 if memory serves correctly 🤔) would even pull you in for a hug! People were so touched by the whole excursion.

The old boy declared that THIS experience was in the top two of all our travels. These animals are so majestic and yet so kind. Apparently, each trainer takes care of two of the elephants. And, the trainer's living quarters is right next to the elephants. They develop a deep and abiding relationship with each other. It was truly something special to behold.

After that, we put on our swimwear and spent some time in the pool. It was hot as hell ... but ... quite tolerable with a damp bathing suit, a shared chair and a frosty drink!

We enjoyed a poolside snack and will be going to Mit Samui for dinner. The old boy has been dreaming of picking a whole fish off the bed of ice and having them grill it for him. And so, tonight is his lucky night!

But first, we are all bringing any leftover food/drinks to the poolside for a farewell leftovers cocktail party. Two of our group departed this afternoon and the rest of us leave tomorrow at varying times.

It's hard to believe we have been here for two weeks already! The live away experience is really, really relaxing! I highly recommend it!

See you again soon ... probably from Singapore!
❤️ k&j ❤️Lue lisää