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From Pokhara we made our way by bus towards Chitwan National Park stopping off for a spot of white water rafting that ended up being one of the highlights of our stay in Nepal. Joined by 7 eager Chinese tourists none of whom could swim, we made our way down the Trishuli river. In between the rapids where we were thrown around like rag dolls we were given every opportunity to jump in and get pulled along by the extreme currents, which in some ways was even better than the rafting! Four hours later and well fed we jumped on another local bus and arrived in Chitwan exhausted but ready for the Jungle and Martins imminent birthday. We were guided to a remote lodge in the jungle and after a quick briefing we made our way to watch the indigenous Tharu people perform their native stick dances, one of those surreal and unexpected joys of travelling, the energetic dancers were raucously cheered and egged on by a room full of very excited and VERY loud Chinese tourists, and us of course!!
The next morning we found ourselves on the back of an Asian elephant heading in the deep jungle in search of the elusive tiger. Two hours later we emerged from the jungle having seen a mother rhino with her calf and feeling really bloody concerned for the welfare of the elephants having watched them get unnecessarily and rather viciously beaten with axes and various other torture instruments!! After lunch we boarded a less than sturdy dug out canoe and as we hovered mere inches from the surface we were "slightly" concerned that we might take an unplanned dip in crocodile infested water. Although with only their eyes above the surface they seemed less than concerned with our presence as we meandered down the river. Luckily the guide left his storey of a local man being bitten in half only a week ago until we had left the boat and were safely on dry ground.
After a casual stroll through the jungle where we encountered monkeys, deer and wild boar we found ourself at the elephant breeding centre. It was however far from the incredible experience it as billed to be, walking passed elephant after elephant chained like death row prisoners swaying erratically and humming sad songs we couldn't help feeling less than happy with their treatment. A wondering young calf that managed to trap herself between her mother and us had the herd in uproar, the sounds they made were incredibly chilling yet awe inspiring at the same time. A trainer hitting the terrified youngster whilst a group of tourists laughed was the real arrow in the heart, that was it...we had found our calling...we would start and elephant rescue centre in Nepal!....or a least a week volunteering at such an establishment! Such inspiration was the catalyst for our decision to extend our trip and change some flights. I mean it may take a while to rescue all the elephants!!!!
So there you have it - Chitwan National Park, didn't see a tiger, hated how the elephants were treated and we were inundated with screaming Chinese tourists.... Next stop Kathmandu!!!
- comments
Nats I just shed tears reading this! Weird. But sounds like you escaped a lot of danger. I'm glad. I kinda like you. Poor elephants, I think that was cause of some tears too. Miss you loads xxxx
Gillian Wow another amazing tale - Jeepers nats is right - it sounds like you are only one step ahead of trouble and loving every minute of it. The poor elephants - would break your heart - we must rescue them - I have a big garden!!! Cant wait to hear more ... keep your entries coming - they are great. Love to both of you x
Brendan Hi Mart, Very jealous of your bungee and your paragliding, I've always wanted to do it. Don't envy you the bus trips! Looking forward to talking again soon, enjoy. Love Dad xxxx