We arrived in Laem Chabang at seven am.
And sailed in between many cranes and containers again.

Bangkok was a two and a half hour drive away
That would leave not enough time to see it in one day

We had stayed in Bangkok for a few days in 2004
And I felt lucky today I had been there before

So this day was maybe meant
To spend time with an elephant

We visited the elephant city Pattaya that was opened in 1973
A sanctuary for working elephants now retired and free

To spend their remaining years
In dignity and freedom without fears

And show the public what tricks they can do
While living happily in this elephant zoo.

They were not intimidating and I had no fear
To touch them and stand near

So I climbed on top in a basket
But hoped I would not end up in a casket

Elephants have been part of rural life in Thailand for centuries
And riding on top was already in my book of memories.

But for me this day it was worth
To again have a change to ride the biggest animal on earth