Downsides to traveling

Yesterday (Sunday Jan 25) I visited the famous floating markets outside Bangkok. These were made famous by the James Bond film 'Man with the Golden Gun'. It was an amazing visit. I loved the canals and feel of the town, even though it was very touristy. Bought a selfie stick so got a couple of those famous shots in.

The tour group I was with stopped at an elephant ride attraction on the way back. It was a hour stop and everyone was going for the half hour elephant ride offered. Last visit to Thailand I never did type of money pit but 'when in Rome' I figured why not?. I immediately remembered why I choose not to contribute to this type commerce. I hopped on this platform for two with a square umbrella over it and we made off for the jungle adventure. Turns out it was just a palm tree plantation where they take you in a figure 8 pattern and through a water strip. Not very exciting and the treatment of the elephants made me immediately wish I did not support this subjugation with my dollar.

These were magnificent animals forced into an all day long grueling circle that never ends. They do this everyday all year long. The hooks to control them were brutal looking and horrendous. All for our amusement and luxury. I felt so very guilty to add to this industry and tried to send happy vibes to this creature of servitude. Humans can be so callous with our dominace over this planet and other inhabitants.

I was very glad to leave but realized I could never forget there are creatures on this planet who will never truly live. I wish you a quick existence Babar so that your next adventure will be hopefully filled with freedom and happiness. I have no illusion that they will ever be free in this lifetime and I can only pray they find peace in the unfortunate plight they were given.

We returned to Bangkok under the guise of more tourist traps which I immediately escaped and swore I would avoid in the future. I wish I had foregone the latter part of the day so my visit to the floating market would not have been sullied. Sera sera.

Jet lag kicked in real hard later that day and I fought my closing eyes until 10:30pm when I finally passed out.

Monday Jan 26

Today I met with my tailor to adjust my suits. It was quick but exciting. I can't wait to rock them next month when I come back to Bangkok.

Currently I'm sitting at the Thailand Immigration Bureau getting an extension on my automatic 30 day visa for being an American. We have it so good in the USA compared to almost everywhere else in the world. Everyone I've met so far has had to apply for a visa prior to visiting. A long process from what I'm told.

I believe that sentiment considering I've been here already 3/hrs. I was 10 spots away from my number being called when the entire building took a lunch break between 12-1pm. Good to know bureaucracies are the same around the world. Hopefully I get my passport back soon with an extended stamp so I can get out of this fluorescent light melting pot of misery and paperwork.

**i got my 30 day extension so I have the option now to stay until March 23rd if I want. Total time 5.25/hrs. Advise for long stays in Thailand- do the paperwork before u visit or else u lose a day and the potential for going postal in a foreign country. 

The day ended on a positive note when I went shopping with Patin, my hosts daughter. Nice having someone who knows all the good spots. Loaded up on fresh fruit and snacks for the boat ride tomorrow. Thanks again for the hospitality Samran Palace hotel. I will be back!