Now I've got a few spare minutes
I'm able to sit down and get this message out to you. In one word; Fantastic! From
the moment we were met by Glenn at the airpot in Bangkok to right now, about half
way through our project... we've been very well looked after and have had an amazing
time.
Glenn was fantastic, ready and waiting for us, took care of our travel arrangements
to get to the hotel, then from the hotel to our meeting point on Monday morning.
Not only was he very informative, but really friendly too. Great, great guy!
The hotel we stayed in in Bangkok was just what we needed, huge beds, friendly staff
and air conditioning :D
Because there were so many of us making our way from the meeting point to the project,
we had our very own private van/bus to take us there. We were blown away, this new
shiny vehicle looked mostly like a space ship and was very comfortable and a great
way to get to know our fellow volunteers, as we had plenty of time to chat on the
long journey.
Upon arriving in Surin, the experience hasn't stopped. From our cute little house
up on stilts, with a fridge, fan, mosquito screen and a hammock downstairs. The
showers and toilets are pretty basic but they're all we need and you've got no complaints
from me.
As for the staff, Pum and Alex, plus the mahouts, we could not have asked for anything
more. They are so friendly, full of information, and always up for a laugh or a
waterfight :) They are doing amazing work here, and I feel privellaged to be taking
part in it.
We've been lucky enough to be in Thailand for their New Year's celebration... so
much fun. A three-day-long waterfight, which the elephants have enjoyed as well.
Which brings me to the main event! The elephant work has been hot, sometimes tough,
completly unique and dirty. I have loved every minute of it. From just walking out
onto our balcony each morning and being surrounded by them, getting up close and
personal with a few of the more friendly ones, getting to feed them, walk with them,
provide infrastructure for their future and washing them in the river.
We've learned a lot from Alex about the situation we have in front of us here, and
why we're taking this method to fix it. I have so much respect for him and his team
here, and I'm sure everyone will agree that he's just a top guy all round.
That about covers all the important stuff, so if you've got any questions just let
me know.