From California To The Karen Hills

By Julia - 1 week intern

Being here at Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary has been a very insightful and reflective experience. I remember first seeing KSES on WorldPackers when we were sitting on our couch in a living room in California. We had wanted to see elephants in Thailand in an ethical way and when this came up we thought it was a great find. So, when we found out we could come with dates that worked we were so excited and it quickly became something we told our families about. However, we didn’t have any idea we would be living fully immersed in this beautiful village.

We were so excited to see and learn about the elephants that we overlooked the possibility of being moved by anything else. In this case, we got so lucky to be welcomed into this village and learn from the community. Thanks to their lifestyle and longstanding traditions, we have experienced a completely different way of living from sleeping arrangements, to food, to mannerisms, to language and infrastructure. It is not everyday you come across a place with as much community as this one, and people who say hi as you pass their homes. I have really enjoyed all the local animals too including the pigs we said hi to everyone time to and from the hike, the water buffalo, chickens, cows, cats, and dogs. And saying “Da Blue!” has come so naturally now. 

I especially loved talking with Rose and Kanda, learning about different pieces of Karen life and important things. Kanda taught us so many different words for rice at all its different stages because of how important it is! I took this picture before we did village English with the kids at one of the homes. The kitchen overlooked the river and felt so natural— a very refreshing atmosphere. We went over different colors and nouns, and then we played games. It was so much fun!

And of course the elephants have been amazing. Being in their presence is so humbling, and I think we can learn so much by just observing. It was so wonderful to see them in their natural habitat with mahouts who care about them and people respecting them. I especially liked Boon Rott’s solidarity and Junior’s playfulness! Lucía and Rose were always on top of their game and had a positive attitude in the forest, and Rose would have us try new fruits + leaves all the time! You can’t really put into words the full experience of this week but I will definitely remember it forever.