Let Them Roam Free

The day today is not that exciting. We get up early, get on the bus, which is not that uncomfortable, and then we're off to Sen Monorom! Then checked into the next hostel, changed rooms (because of noise and bad WiFi) and thrown on the bed in the new room. Unfortunately, on the other side of the street, there is a mix of party, fair, and festival, translated very loud Cambodian music, which doesn't sound good in my ears. And of course, our bathroom has three holes in the wall for ventilation (which is well-intentioned but stupid in this case), so the music comes in very loudly. Fortunately, I can sleep like a log, the other two didn't sleep well. At least the room is nice! And tomorrow we're going to the elephants!

I hereby say goodbye! Not that I'm completely leaving, I'm just not writing anymore. The two of them have kept me busy for the past few days, they can tell you about the elephants themselves now.

But nevertheless: it was an honor to entertain you, and I hope you enjoyed it!

It was very nice with you,

But now I'm going to bed.

I'm already counting the sheep,

I need a quick nap!

Good night and sweet dreams,

Of a soon reunion!

Cheep cheep cheep,

Antonia loves you!

Thank you Antonia and hello again.

The alarm clock rings at six, excited and joyful we put on our clothes and go the short way to Hefalump Café, where we enjoy a little breakfast and also get picked up by the team of the Elephant-Valley-Projects (EVP). Finally, we're going to the elephants!!

Upon arrival, there is a briefing about the project. It's a kind of sanctuary for elephants; on one hand, they rescue mistreated animals, on the other hand, it's a "retirement home" for traditionally used elephants. The project compensates the families who bring their elephants here for the loss of workforce. This is an attempt to stop animal cruelty and inhumane animal keeping. Since the animals cannot be released into the wild without further preparation after many years in captivity, the EVP allows them to spend their old age in protected freedom. Each of the 10 elephants has its own caretaker, called a mahout, who accompanies his large protege all day and takes care of him from head to toe. This is very important because many of the elephants here have never properly learned to be an "elephant" and therefore need support with washing themselves and other things. For us, the day is extremely exciting and educational because we are allowed to accompany the elephants through the jungle in a small group.

This day will always be remembered and is a nice conclusion to our time in Cambodia.

Please visit the website and read why it is so important that this project is not a petting zoo!

http://www.elephantvalleyproject.org/