I started off this morning by throwing on my wellies and tromping out to the chicken coop to give my girls some fresh air, clean out the coop and restock their food and water. As I made my way to the coop, one of the girls had just finished laying an egg. It was still warm as I ran inside to toast some bread and fry it up. You can't get much fresher than that!
But what does this have to do with elephants, you might wonder? Everything...!
My love for animals, previously reserved from my chickies, reached an all-time high in India as I had the chance to be around these gentle giants. Elephants are considered very holy because of the god, Ganesh, who takes the form of a human with an elephants head. He is arguably the most important deity in Hinduism.
While tourists love to take elephant joy rides, the locals actually use them for working purposes, pulling heavy loads and transporting goods.
We took a long ride on an elephant and were surprised to find that it is actually quite an uncomfortable ride! With each step you are rocked side to side with great force, and this was at a slow speed. I can't imagine riding on top of an elephant running at top speed...which we did see someone doing down a highway in Delhi! Can you imagine!?
Perhaps the funniest thing that I saw an elephant do was take its masters tip, a rolled-up bill, from my outstretched hand, in its trunk and bring it up to its master. It was as if they had tiny, gentle fingers on the edge of their trunk. That sealed the deal...my love for elephants is complete.
By the way, this post is for you Kristin...and I expect you to get over your commenting fear and speak up!!
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Absolutely gorgeous creatures! Thanks for sharing such wonderful pics of them, and I loved that story about the tip :)
elephants are my favorite animals. how incredible!
Your photos are absolutely wonderful-love elephants-they have the most beautiful eyes!
Christine, the elephant photos are gorgeous, as are those lovely gentle creatures. I have to let you know that each morning while you all were gone, I'd run to work, get my coffee, look around to make sure no one was watching, then I'd bring up your site and spend 15 minutes on holiday with you all. I'd marvel at all those wonderfully vivid photos and read along to recreate the prior day's journey. I didn't have an opportunity to leave Michigan over the Christmas break, or take much time off from work, for that matter. But your frequent entries and those glorious photos gave me a little reprieve and made me feel as if I had a little adventure, too! And....I thank YOU for that!
BTW, when's "our" next adventure! I can't wait!
From, just another fan...one of many..
Kristin
Kristin, your comment completely warmed my heart. To know that my posts and pictures brought you so much joy, well...that just leaves me speechless.
I almost smuggled you back an elephant in my suitcase, but I was afraid my bags might already be over the weight limit with all the textile souvenirs...next time though!
elephants are amazing creatures!the intricate painting on their faces in your photos is just gorgeous.
Christine, in England there is this woman who is breeding "TeaCup" pigs that only grow to about 9 lbs. I am holding out until they start breeding little TeaCup Elephants, and then will place my order! Can you imagine a tiny elephant trumpeting across your kitchen floor at breakfast time?! How adorable!
Also, a special request...and it doesn't have to be here, but I'd love to see a picture of your chicken coop, complete with the cackling ladies! Have you posted that previously? I'm so very curious about this and why more people don't take advantage of having their own chickens. A functional pet....imagine!
Not to bring your mood down, but have you heard of this court case against Ringley Brothers? You can see pictures if you click on the link in the 2nd paragraph. So sad.
https://secure.peta.org/site/Advocacy?cmd=display&page=UserAction&id=2783