the best thing I've ever done!

I have always LOVED elephants and what they represent.  Strength and wisdom, of course, but also their way of gracefully moving and capturing the attention of all those around.  While making a bucket list many years ago, I ignorantly put, "Ride an Elephant," as one of the top things I wanted to do in my lifetime. This was before I knew about the brutal and sad lives working elephants are subjected to.  According to the Elephant Jungle Sanctuary, (EJS) an elephant's spine is not designed to withstand a significant amount of weight, and the abuse (crushing) they go through in order to obey orders involves beating, stabbing and chaining them up. These highly intelligent creatures  know what is being done to them.  It is important that tourist know the impact of their decision to use these animals  for entertainment. I took riding an elephant off my bucket list and found an alternative that I'm am sure, was more amazing and memorable than riding could have ever been.  I spent two days with elephants that had been rescued from a unethical, harsh working life.  The EJS has over 50 elephants in 8 different camps.  I got to feed, bathe, and play with over 20 of them! It is hands down the best thing I have ever done in my life. I planned on coming home and creating this amazing, long, travel vlog where I would document my few days at the EJS in Chiang Mai, Thailand.  Is that what I have here? Absolutely, not.  I underestimated how difficult it would be to live in the moment and capture it at the same time.  Above is my mediocre attempt.  It is however still a great recap of fun I had those two days.  I hope you enjoy!