Friday, July 22, 2011

Last Day at the Project

     The last day at the Project was to be cut short by HUGE festivities.  Tul, the Project's Khmer chef, and the gracious Bunong woman who assists him (whose name I regrettably just can't "get" ) have invited us to their wedding party in the afternoon!
     So, good-byes to the elephants will have to be condensed into one morning's constraints.  We were joined by two women--day-only volunteers--both Americans who are doing NGO work in Phnom Penh and are vacationing in Mondulkiri.  Hugely well-educated, friendly, and adventuresome.
     We started off with the Big Four munching on the banana leaves left over from our huge transporting project earlier in the week.  Here they are---munch, munch, munch.  Any chance you're starting to recognize them?  That's short, chunky Easy I'm petting, sad-eyed Happy is on the left, and that's Buffy on the right disemboweling a banana leaf.



      We then followed them into an area of the Project I had not seen before.  Very heavily wooded on a very steep hillside, and it was a splendid sunny day--maybe the driest I'd seen there.  Take a look. 

  
     












Many of my friends joked that I'd probably be bringing an elephant home with me.  It would have been Buffy if I could have.  But the truth of the matter is I'm 100% confident that Buffy (and the others) are in the very best place they could be.  They have the absolute maximum freedom they possibly can have in the modern world.  They are cared for diligently, expertly, and, yes, Jack, lovingly.    And seriously, have you ever seen more contented-looking elephants?

I had a big lump in my throat when I patted Buffy for the last time and took this photo to commemorate the occasion.  Did I mention that Buffy and I are the same age?  Well, here's a shot of 58-year-old flesh (mine) on 58-year-old flesh (Buffy's).
     
    It's hard for me to talk about my feelings for animals without sounding like a sentimental fool, especially when I'm well aware that there could be readers out there who do not share anything like those feelings.  I can't pretend that I had a special bond with Buffy or any of the other elephants, but I can't over-emphasize how flattered and touched I was to be accepted and trusted by these animals who had suffered so very much at human hands.

     The wedding will just have to wait until next blog.  In the meantime, put on your party hats!
at

3 comments:

  1. eshelmoAugust 17, 2011 at 3:24 PM

    I will not underestimate the abilities of these wonderful animals to rightly discern the good or bad intentions of those with whom they come in contact. The sum of the parts in this equation is to the benefit of all and makes my throat tighten a little thinking about it.
    I am so happy (and a bit envious)for both you and these elephants to have gotten the chance to meet each other.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lynn CAugust 18, 2011 at 7:44 AM

    First I would like to comment on eshelmos's post; awwwwww.


    It is heart warming to know these amazing, abused, creatures have not developed a (to put it nicely) dislike for all humans after being abused to the point of life long scares and disfigurement. I don't know why they would allow someone to do this to them, when all they have to do is "kick their ass!" Instead they seem to appreciate any kindness bestowed on them and make the best of what they have. It would seem to me that any one of these beautiful beast would be a winner in the poster child of forgiveness contest. They have my vote. A true example of don't blame a nation for the bad deeds of the village idiot. The world should stand back and take note. I'm going to miss having coffee with them in the morning. :'(

    ReplyDelete
  3. Kathy V-MSeptember 4, 2011 at 9:29 PM

    I love the picture of the 58-year-olds! Your affection for Buffy and the others is obvious, and they can tell.

    ReplyDelete

Subscribe to: Post Comments (Atom)