Dear Alissa, this is a truly amazing entry. I read about the Pajaan in Asian Geographic so I did a search for it on Google. It really broke my heart to know that the elephants had to endure such pain for the sake of our entertainment. I enjoyed reading your experience volunteering and hope that if I have the chance I can be a volunteer too. Thank you for sharing with us. =)
Amazing Trip! I was searching for a purse named Alyssa by the brand LP (Linea Pelle) and somehow got directed to your travel blog. Once I started reading I couldn't stop!! You had some amazing travels! I've dreamed of backpacking abroad, just have never had the means to do it. How much did you save up?
My cousin went backpacking for three months in Australia and included NZ as well, also Tasmania. He ended up meeting his now future wife/mother of his unborn TWINS! while there and now lives in London where she's from. I think between his stories and travels and yours I'm going to try to get a trip for me started! :) If anything i'd settle for a two weeks stay in Queensland, NZ!!! :)
Thank you so much for posting this online(AND PUBLIC!) so someone like me could read your travels and experiences. It was very uplifting and exciting! You're a great writer too! It read like an intense novel I couldn't put down!
-Alyssa
Ive just come back Thank you Alissa for the web page. I too was horrified the way these poor Elephants go through the PAJAAN. It was truly the most rewarding thing i have ever done and a real emotional roller coaster ride. My favourites were Jungle Boy, Aura, Mae boon, Medo, Tong Jan. God all of them really. I will be going back for sure. Aura's owner was at the park while i was there and he wants her and Mae Boon back. He wants to train Aura to paint and Mae Boon to go trecking. As you Know Aura has a broken finger on her trunk so she will never be able to learn how to paint. It is tragic that this is happening to her.
Good news though is that my sister was with me too, and has been talking to lek and the owner and he may sell Aura to my sister so she maybe saved and stay for her life in the park. I am praying for her.
Maybe i might see you there one day. Its nice to know that people like yourself care. Good work.
I went back in April Was the most amazing day and hope I can go back to volunteer for longer one day! Your blog was brilliant, brought back all the feelings I had .
I am proud of what you've accomplished and all that you tried and learned on this trip. You have always been incredibly independent, and self sufficient. I know your travel experiences will contribute to the amazing person you are becoming.
F Asia Amerrrica is where it's at. Come on Alissa, don't ever leave this beautiful country again. Get 'r done now! We're happy to have ya home. What would the ho-down do if you were gone???
amazing story Thanks for your report Alissa. You have made up my mind for me and my husband and I will definitely be visiting in August and I can't wait.
sooo jealous it sounds like you are doing some really awesome stuff! those elephants look like so much fun. its so sad that they were treated so poorly. i really love reading your blog, your trip has been amazing to read about. :)
I was ready to cry reading about the abuse that so many elephants endure - thank goodness for Lek and all the volunteers. In a perfect world, abuse of all animals would end. Helping with these beautiful elephants was a great way to end your trip, Alissa - good for you! See you very soon. Love, S.
Fascinating entry, Alissa. You'll make everyone long to visit Thailand and volunteer their time too. Your photos supplement the text beautifully. Can't wait to see more - and can't wait to see YOU! Soon, j
cooking lesson Would love to learn to cook the food you made in your cooking class. How about a lesson? Sounds delicious. Can't wait to see and hear about the elephant park.
my mean lean boxing daughter The entire day, from being picked up on a motor bike, to the warm up which sounded so funny (!), to your 10 year ( I agree with Paige..10 may be a slight rounding up ?) old parner sounds fabulous. Who would have thought I was raising a Muay Thai boxer? XXOOXO MOM
OMGGGGG!!!!!!!!!! AHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHAHAH!!!! Your boxing opponent just made me laugh so hard I almost peed my pants. No joke. But yeah, he does look pretty tough. Althought I think you might have rounded up a bit on his age. Maybe he's more like 8? Either way, he is definitely LEAN.
Sa Ba Dee Hmong and Hmore The hmong village looked amazing. I am so glad you trekked up there with Kia. The children must have been precious. The daily monk parade for food was also amazing to see and read about. We look forward to hearing about your final phase in the elephant sanctuary.
i can't get over how much you've seen and done on your trip. good luck with those elephants. if you find one small enough, sneak it back with you. marcher needs a friend. xoxoxox.
oh how i miss traveling... It is so cool to be reading the blogs from your travels. They keep bringing me back to my semester at sea experiences - I was on the Mekong Delta in Vietnam and it's cool to read about your Mekong excursions. I hope you are having a wonderful time and I can't wait to hear more details when you get home. xo Sarah
luang prabang This town looks amazing. The procession of monks in their orange attire was something I have never witnessed. The village children look adorable. Those photos make it easier to understand why certain movie stars go to villages in Africa and Asia to adopt kids. I know you are off to the elephant sanctuary in a few hours. I am sure that will be another unbelievable experience. mom
a mother worries Of course I am very impressed by your experiences, but now I 'm worried about all those hungry monks with little or no food. Wish I could make them all a nice well balanced meal. It's the Jewish mother in me, can't help it. Your village visit must have been amazing. Can't wait to see and hear more about it when you're home.
Oh, Alissa, what an extraordinary place - and how lucky we are to read such vivid descriptions of your experiences. You were so clever to include Laos in your itinerary. We had coffee with your mum and dad this morning. We share their excitement over your return! xo, j
Well, after months of anticipation, the depature date is finally here! I leave November 3rd for a 5 month trip through Australia, New Zealand, Thailand, and Laos. I set up this site so that family and friends can keep in touch and see what I'm doing on my "big trip".
My rough itinerary:
Nov. 3rd-Dec. 29th: Australia
Dec. 29th-Jan 27th: New Zealand
Jan 27th-Mar 20th: Thailand and Laos
Please feel free to leave comments or messages, I'll try to respond as frequently as possible!!... full info
Joys
non-member comment
Dear Alissa, this is a truly amazing entry. I read about the Pajaan in Asian Geographic so I did a search for it on Google. It really broke my heart to know that the elephants had to endure such pain for the sake of our entertainment. I enjoyed reading your experience volunteering and hope that if I have the chance I can be a volunteer too. Thank you for sharing with us. =)