Riding an Asian Elephant

Riding an elephant, now I can say I've really experienced Indian culture. This was a breathtaking experience, even though I was screaming inside with excitement! I have always wanted to ride one, they have been one of my favourite animals for years. We decided for Fathers Day we would go see the elephants, but I was unsure if we were able to ride them. We arrived at the elephant training camp in the early afternoon, usually before the rains start. We walked around watching the younger elephants scratch their backsides against the trees, they seemed so playful. After, we wandered over to the 2 large Asian elephants eating bamboo and other vegetation. I felt a sadness come over me looking at the big chains around their legs, but I understand this is the way life runs. They are needed all over India for manual labour and are treated very well. The trainers are very protective of them, one point in the day a man started a noisy truck by an elephant and the trainer had a few stern words with him. I'll admit I was the only one scared, the boys took to them instantly. Dan took Alex first and then it was me and Ethan. I even had Ethan telling me it's okay! He really enjoyed himself, he laughed when the elephants ears tickled his feet. I was surprised to be riding bareback and only a rope to wrap my feet around for support. I felt so high in the air, and after a bit it became a relaxing sway. They don't smell the greatest but that's okay with me! They also have coarse black hair an inch and a half growing all over their bodies. Their eyesight is very poor however their hearing and sense of smell is far enhanced. We rode them for about 15 minutes each and I was sad it was over so soon. This was an experience of a lifetime, one I will never forget!