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My Thailand Elephant Park Visit

Not long ago, I decided that I was going to make a trip to Thailand. I had always loved the area and been intrigued by the culture and the animals of the country. I decided to study up on Thailand and learn even more about the people, the animals, the geography, and more. After I did, I would plan a trip so I could see all that I had learned about and solidify my knowledge.

It took me a few months to learn all I could and to secure my passport, plane tickets, and other reservations I needed for the trip. I had already planned out so many things that I wanted to do while I was there and I knew that I would not have time to do them all, but I could always hope. I decided to make a list of all the things I would like to experience and then prioritize the list.

Thailand Elephant Park

I knew that one of the main things I wanted to do was go on a Thailand Elephant Park Visit. I had read so much about the park and I was really excited to go and see all the animals that lived there. For as long as I could remember, I was a big fan of elephants and the ones at the park in Thailand would be my dream come true.

I took some time to learn about about the Elephant Nature Park. The space was a sanctuary for elephants and a natural home for cats, birds, dogs, buffalos and many other animals that had been rescued. I knew that I wanted to spend at least an entire day in the park, maybe longer.

So, after learning all I did, and making all my plans, I arrived in Thailand. I was super excited and just like a kid at Christmastime. It had been my dream for so many years to visit the country and I finally made my dreams come true.

The first thing I did was have a car bring me to my hotel. I unloaded my suitcases and took a short rest. I was quite tired from the trip and I wanted to have the energy I needed to start enjoying my time in this amazing country.

My very first full day in Thailand, I visited the Elephant Park. I was so excited to get started. Once I arrived, we took a drive though the countryside to get to the park. During the drive, stories were shared about the elephants that had been rescued. It was quite inspiring to learn how they got free from the abuse and become members of a herd. The time spent driving was so relaxing and I loved watching the elephants in the sanctuary roaming free. My overall experience at the Elephant Park in Thailand was an amazing day that I would never forget.

After the elephant experience, I had many other great adventures in the country. I tried a lot of delicious foods and loved almost everything that I had tried. I also met so many amazing people and was so glad that I made the decision to visit the area. Once it got close to time for me to leave, I decided to visit the elephant park since I loved it so much. I knew that I would not be able to get the experience again unless I visited the country again. Just like my first visit, the second visit was just as amazing. I wasn’t sure if I would learn anything the second time around, but actually I learned more than I had ever imagined. I knew that I would try to come back soon and bring a friend of mine that seemed to love the area as much as I do.

In conclusion, I was appreciative of the trip that I took to Thailand. I learned so much more then I could ever learn in books. I knew, too, that I would continue my studies of the country and plan another visit for the future. I sure did hope, though, that I was able to find group, though, so I could share my experience with a big group of people.

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6 Reasons I Loved Cambodia Angkor Wat

As a seasoned traveler, I have been to Europe, Asia, and Africa, but none of the architectural splendors spoke to me as much as Cambodia’s Angkor Wat. In fact, I will go as far as saying that it should be on everyone’s bucket list to visit at least once in their lifetime. Cambodia is an incredible country to visit, steeped in Hindu culture and many history buffs will undoubtedly recall the Khmer civilization as the builder of the Angkor Wat temple complex.

The jungles and tropical climate of Cambodia make it a truly magical place that’s worth exploring. Though everyone will undoubtedly find something else to love about the country, here are the reasons I loved Angkor Wat:

1. Deeply Mystical

There are few things in this world that are still able to retain their mystical appeal. Most world heritage sites have been picked apart by tourists and historians, but Angkor Wat still has that aura of mystery. It is deeply rooted in Hindu symbolism as it was built to symbolize Mount Meru, the mountain where the famous Hindu gods were said to reside.

Surrounded by a moat, the imposing towers stand testament to the peaks of Mount Meru. In addition to a central tower flanked by four smaller towers, visitors can be awed by the massive wall enclosure built to protect the temple.

2. Largest Temple Complex Outside Of India

The sheer magnitude of this Hindu temple complex is enough to take your breath away. Spanning 500 acres, Angkor Wat is the largest temple complex located outside of India. In fact, if you were to translate the meaning of Angkor Wat, it would literally mean ‘Temple City’.

3. Stunning Architecture

Though I am more of a history buff, I couldn’t help but be awed by the beauty of the architecture itself. Just imagining that this temple complex is about a thousand years old and built with complete accuracy is absolutely mind blowing. If you visit Angkor Wat, I highly urge you to take an aerial tour of the complex as it will reveal an amazing maze of architecture. From ground level, you will be wowed by the perfectly executed corridors, walls, towers, and entrances.

4. Beautiful Sunrise And Sunset

The way the temple complex was built puts it in the path of the rising and the setting sun. Angkor Wat’s silhouette during sunrise is absolutely breathtaking and can easily be viewed as a wonder of our world. If you want to see something even more stunning, wait until sunset to see the same silhouette illuminated by the soft glow of the setting sun. Don’t forget to peer into the lotus pond as the reflection of the temple and the sky seem to meld into one.

5. Close To Ta Prohm

Next to the Angkor Wat complex, if you’re ready for more adventure, you can take a peek at the Ta Prohm complex of temples. The great thing about this particular complex is that it has been nearly untouched by human hands, standing testament to the original architecture of an old civilization. Overgrown by massive tree roots, Ta Prohm has been slowly reclaimed by the surrounding jungle, making it the most photogenic and adventurous spot to visit.

If you have an adventurous alter ego that rivals Indiana Jones, you must see the complex! Equally stunning, but less populated, Ta Prohm is the perfect spot for reflecting upon the past.

6. Intricate Stone Reliefs

Carved into the stone walls of the temple, tourists can glimpse images from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata. The stunning bas-relief carvings are worth the hike through the jungle alone! The walls almost look alive when you catch a glimpse of the Hindu epics. Even if you don’t know much about Hindu religion, you can still marvel at the painstakingly beautiful carvings on the walls of the temple.

Since 1992, Angkor Wat has been listed as a UNESCO world heritage site. It definitely deserves the recognition it has received over the years and we can’t help but feel awed and inspired by the stunning architecture. Why I loved Angkor Wat may not be the same reasons you will, but I urge you to make the trip!