Meeting and feeding Apple, a 22 year-old Thai elephant who is incredibly happy. Elephants sway/wag their heads back and forth to express happiness.Apple. Being up close to an elephant really makes you respect the animal.  They’re magnificent creatures. And their eyes…human-like.It’s difficult letting an elephant follow you. They are deceivingly fast!Riding an elephant into the river is amazing!Then she showed off her tricks!A bit hesitant at first…Then I embraced it.Elephant hugs.The only English the trainer knew was “elephant rodeo”. I quickly found out what that was. He had me hold onto her ears and he signaled her to dunk her head into the water and shake me off. What a ride!The beautiful outdoors of rural Thailand.She had more tricks up her sleeve.Riding an elephant bare-back is scary but such a thrill! You’re very high up and sway a lot with each big step.
Those are amazing photos, Laura. You look ecstatic riding Apple in the river! I kept thinking “the woman riding that elephant used to serve coffee to me right here in South Bend!” It’s a wonderful world full of unimaginable Elephant Rodeos. Enjoy it all, Laura, and maybe one days our paths will cross again and I’ll get to hear some of your delightful stories.
WANDERBACH 
Those are amazing photos, Laura. You look ecstatic riding Apple in the river! I kept thinking “the woman riding that elephant used to serve coffee to me right here in South Bend!” It’s a wonderful world full of unimaginable Elephant Rodeos. Enjoy it all, Laura, and maybe one days our paths will cross again and I’ll get to hear some of your delightful stories.
David
Sent from my iPad
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