Fun times with the Ellys

After enjoying my time down south working with the turtles I decided to return to Thailand and spend some time with the elephants. I volunteered for 4 weeks and thoroughly enjoyed every moment. I hadn’t ever travelled solo before and this experience was a great first step. Mornings consisted of early rises and a hike to visit the elephants. Each hike was completely different as the elephants are always moving around the forest. Our Mahouts were there to help every step of the way, directing us with the safest routes in the overgrown forest. This programme offers more than just quality time with the elephants, it allows you so immerse yourself in their culture. From chatting to the mahouts on hikes to weaving bags with the local women to playing football with the children at school. In just a short period of 4 weeks I met friends that I will stay friends with for years to come. Volunteers are encouraged to do work after leaving the programme so there’s always new ways to get involved and help the programme from back home.

I was able to put myself out my comfort zone but had 15 or so other volunteers to support me. I was able to meet people from all over the world and hear about their lives back home and how they varied to my own. It will be an experience you will always cherish, you learn to live without the luxuries you have back home and it’s such a refreshing experience.