The conference is done so today is Chad's choice on activities: stay in the city and tour all the things I did over the week, or hire a driver and get out of town and visit a few of the things we had read about. Because "out of town" activities include animals, it was an easy choice for Chad!
We began passing stands selling bags of salt. Large bags and much larger bags. Sea water is pumped onto these fields. Over several months the water evaporates and sea salt is left behind. They rake the salt into little mounds then I guess they bag it and sell it along the road. They probably export it as well and it's probably sitting in your cabinet! Of course we bought a bag. 5# was the smallest bag and now I look at it wondering when we will use it.
We spent the morning in a boat checking out the floating market. I had heard it wasn't that great, but I loved it! In a city of canals boats are the traditional transportation. It only makes sense then that you would load up your boat with your goods and sell the products to others in town who are floating by. Boats laden with fruit and spices and trinkets passed by. There were even grills and open fires with meat and noodles cooking. Chad enjoyed a lunch of "river food"!
I think the Tiger Temple was Chad's highlight of the trip. What began with a monk originally rescuing one tiger grew until the place became overrun. I actually never did see a temple but rather a large safari like property with different areas for the animals to roam and play when not playing with humans. First we were taken to an area where several large tigers were laying around. They were on a chain with an employee at each stake to care for the welfare of that tiger. We went up and petted one while a volunteer happily took pictures. It was a pretty quick step up, pet the tiger and move on set-up but just being that close to these huge creatures was amazing.
Next stop was the tiger cub room. Around 6 tiger cubs from 2 months up to 6 months were playing here. They just let us in, gave us a few instructions then let us play. These tigers were just like little kittens Life is one big game to these little guys. The rolled around and chased toys and had a little growl that really wasn't that intimidating. Chad just played and wrestled and had a wonderful time. The cubs were amazingly gentle with their paws. They would bat a bit at you but never put out their claws. Soon the bottles came out and we got to feed them their lunch.
Next stop was where the really large tigers were laying around. Here they take you up to a tiger, pick-up his head, have you scoot under and plop the head down on your lap. Thunk. These tigers seem a little too docile. The guide claims it's because they are well feed and taken care of. I don't know - possibly? Regardless, it was an unforgettable experience to be that close to a tiger, to sink my fingers into their fur and give them a good belly rub.
Bath time for the elephants! After hauling myself onto her back in the middle of the river I was handed a scrub brush. I quickly realized this was just a game for the already very clean elephant. She seemed to think it great fun to fill her trunk with water and give us a good dosing. The river was warm and the air warmer. It was loads of fun. The guide told me to hold onto her ears and so I innocently did, not knowing what was coming. The next thing I knew I felt myself thrown into the water, lifted out and thrown in again. I simply couldn't hold on and tumbled into the river. The game was "see who can hold on the longest". Chad did quiet well as she tossed her head from side to side - down in the river, up and over on the other side. We tired long before she did and so we decided to have a little game of splashing before posing on her trunk.
Seated high on her back we rode out of the river, up the path and down the road. I was surprised with how safe I felt perched up there. Much better than riding horses.
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