“Dreams don't work unless you take action. The surest way to make your dreams come true is to live them.” 

― Roy T. Bennett

     The last leg of my trip was going to the North of Thailand.  My only plan was to fulfill one of my lifelong dreams: to swim with an elephant.  

I had a 6 hour bus journey from Houay Xai, Laos to Chiang Mai, Thailand.  On the bus, I met a Canadian guy who was staying at the same hostel as I was.  When we arrived at the hostel, I saw a chalkboard advertising a muay thai fight.  For those of you who don't know muay thai is Thailand's version of karate or tae kwon do.  When in Thailand right?

And who can go to Thailand without eating pad thai?!

 The first fight of the night was two 10 year olds.  It seems strange to think of little kids fighting but I guess its the same as signing your kids up for soccer or hockey.  This was one of the first fighters.  He was so proud that people wanted to take his picture.

The second day was my elephant day!!!!! I was picked up at my hostel and driven to Patara Elephant Farm.  To begin the day we were able to say hi to this cutie! He was 3 weeks old! His mom and 3 year old sister were given a pile of grass and sugar cane to munch on while we all took pictures.

This mama was 20 months pregnant.  The poor lady had a month to go.

 I love how this picture looks like she is smiling.  Really she is just opening her mouth for more food.

The 3 week old was like a toddler.  He wanted to be in everyone's business.

Each person was assigned an elephant for the day.  We were taught how the mahouts do med checks, bathe, and care for the elephants.  My elephant was a lovely lady named Mequan.  She had a two year old baby named Aroo.

 The baby Aroo did not really respond to commands and did not care to wait for me to give him food.

After getting to know our elephants we climbed aboard for a trek to a waterfall.  I have never felt more ungraceful than trying to climb onto the back of an elephant.  

See how happy I am at this point?  I was all this is so much fun! Its just like riding a horse.

 And this was after 45 minutes of sitting on this giant beast.  Every muscle in my legs was cramping.  

Thankfully after the painful ride we were given an amazing lunch! I don't know what any of these fruits are called but the tan ones and maroon ones are amazing!

After lunch we scrubbed our elephants in the river.  We were told to bring swimsuits, we were not however told to change into them before embarking on our trek.  

Dream fulfillment right here!

Giant elephant pooper scoopers.

After the baths the smaller elephants went for a swim in the deeper water.  We were told to jump on and see if we could stay on.  As you can see from the pictures, I could not stay on.  

My day with the elephants was amazing!  Elephants are so beautiful.  Looking into their eyes you cannot help but see how intelligent and gentle they are.  

After my day with the elephants, I flew to Bangkok.  The next day I had a full day of traveling.  First a 11 hour flight to Helsinki, Finland and then a 9 hour flight to Chicago.  Where I surprised my mom and dad.  Only my sister knew I was coming.  I was able to spend 3 weeks at home with my family soaking up all that Wisconsin fall has to offer. 

Unfortunately all vacations must come to an end, so exactly 6 weeks after I left Korea I took my last flight back to Korea.  This trip was more than I could have ever dreamed.  I am so proud of myself for having done this trip alone.  Now only 1 more month and I will be onto my next trip; Bali, Indonesia! 

One more thing:  I have decided to start a new blog to chronicle my second year (actually I have just reached my max of free space on this website and I don't want to pay).  Please subscribe to my new blog: Jukjeon Juggernaut  Click on the link and it will take you to the new blog.