Another early and hungover start, we were taken for a walk around the large park to observe and get to know the elephants. We watched them interact with each other, the babies playing, and the mahoots (elephant carers) looking after them. We were told all of tier names and discussed their personalities. We were also chased by the baby! They're just as playful and curious as every human baby. Also, insanely cute.
We then had the great privilege of being taken to the local school to visit and interact with the children. Every Thursday, volunteers from the park visit and get to immerse themselves further into the Thai culture, whilst the children get to practise their English and learn more about other cultures. They had set up various 'stations' around the playground: one selling cookies, one making bracelets, one offering talks on various topics, and more.
The cookies were amazing, and a little Thai girl made me a beaded bracelet. I also joined in with a dance group, whereby they teach you traditional Thai dancing. The girls were so cute, and giggled when we got a move wrong.
We also had a foot massage, which sounds weird to get from a child, but they are actually required to learn Thai massage in school, and must practise regularly. They were actually pretty good! Several of us girls got one, and the subject of hairy legs got the school girls in giggles, as did an explosion of talcum powder over a girls face!
We pay the school children and tip: money which is shared between them as pocket money, as the school encourage them to work hard. It's like work experience. I made sure I tipped them well!
Once back at the park, we decided to give the Ice Bucket Challenge one more go! Instead of 30 people, however, just myself and Alex recorded a video. In the river with elephants swimming behind us! Hands down, best Ice Bucket video I've ever seen.
In the afternoon, we had to plant bamboo trees around the male elephants areas. 3 bulls live here: Jungle Boy (a large teenage elephant with huge tusks), Jim, and Hope (whom Lek rescued at 4 days old after his mother was killed, nursed him back to health, and raised him).
After visiting every dog run and stopping for cuddles with Steel (something I have done every single day this week), cue another evening drinking cheap Thai whiskey, and regretting it the next morning!