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Published: April 23rd 2013
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Meet Callibelly
The paint on her is natural (the elephants are often used for the festivals) Greetings from the beautiful, gentle world of elephants! We spent approximately five hours today interacting with these peaceful and magnificent creatures.
On arrival, we were introduced to our elephant, Callibelly, who we would be spending the next five hours with. We were told that elephants are very sensitive animals and pick up on our energy (similar to dogs) and so we must remain very calm when near them. Their eyesight is not particularly good, so they depend mainly on smell to navigate their way through life. So we were also asked to stand close to the elephants, speak to them reassuringly, calmly and not convey any anxiety. Again, so similar to interactions with dogs(!)
Elephants are pack/herding animals and are thus very sociable creatures, so dont like to be alone... We were also surprised to find out that it is the female elephant that takes charge of the herd - the matriarch. Of course. 😉
We spent a long time with Callibelly before we were able to ride her. We stroked her, talked to her and fed her. She was so incredibly gentle and respectful... being careful not to hit us with her swinging trunk. The only thing
we could compare her beautiful energy to was that of little Millie's! Imagine Millie's gentle temperament in an elephant - perfect comparison. Amazing to think that such a huge, magnificent creature can be so gentle and nurturing - they're very protective of their young too. Raaju (Callibelly's owner) talked of the bond that emerges between elephant and man, which takes time, trust and a lot of dedication between the pair... The elephant, the trainer and his family live side by side in stone huts and are free to roam during the day. We actually saw an elephant, her trainer, mother and a little baby boy having lunch together in one hut! Surreal sight, but beautiful... Man and nature as one. (Clearly still living up to my 'hippy' ish reputation...).
What was so evident here was how well treated all these elephants were (some rescued from appalling conditions in the circus). Free to roam, endless food and care - seemingly very content and relaxed (huge flapping ears!). It was a very tranquil place. And so nice to escape from the wonderful chaos of the city for an afternoon.
By the end of the day, to think of
poachers and anyone who could hurt these gentle creatures made us feel absolutely sick to the stomach.
We rode nearly bare back (with exception of a cushion) - which provides a much more authentic experience with the elephant and helped to wash them in the 'elephant pool'. We also trekked round the jungle, which made for quite a bumpy experience (especially with my ever so sensitive stomach!).
Still, once again, a lifetime opportunity - I don't imagine we'll ever get the opportunity to get so upclose and intimate with these beautiful creatures in this way again. Another thing we can highly recommend..
As incredible experience as today was (I definitely want to do further work with elephants next year, such beautiful, beautiful creatures) - tonight we are weirdly subdued. Our energy has decreased massively for some reason. From the buzzing, thriving, hustle and bustle of the first few days -we're now very aware of how far away from home we are and the enormity of extremities this country holds. It's beautiful, majestic, breathtaking... From the Taj Mahal to the elephants we've seen today... And then it's shocking, sad and hopeless... From the poverty stricken streets, to, the
boy who was thrown out of a train.
Making attempts to process later on in the eve, just became weirdly overwhelming. Its like the massive culture shock has all of a sudden hit. Up until now I suppose we've just thrown ourselves into it all, always kept an open mind and a positive attitude. I don't know... Perhaps it's just there's only so many sights of children rummaging around in trash, beggars, starvation and ill animals you can take in. And yet we're aware that to the locals, this is every day life.
We really miss you all.
If you don't hear from us for a few days, no worries - we're out in rural parts (a village just outside of Jodphur) for a few days so don't think we'll have access to the Internet for a short while. We'll be experiencing a 5 hour Indian train journey later today... Wish us luck!
Lots of love.
(photo's to come)
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Marie
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Elephants
Honey I had to read this bit again cos I love it and the pictures of the Elephant wow wat did it feel like to touch and did you kiss the Elephant I would of. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx please be safe ok