Sawadeeka (Greetings in Thai)
Why Thailand? I’m asked that question every time I mention my vacation plans for this coming December, 2015. The answer has to do with Jami Sieber, a former neighbor in The Commons—my co-housing community. Jami, a well-known electric cellist, plays hauntingly evocative music she composes herself.
In 2001 Jami was invited to Thailand to compose the music for a film about the plight of Asian elephants. Since meeting and falling in love with these magnificent animals, Jami has been devotedly involved in the Asian elephant crisis. She has released a CD recording, “Hidden Sky,” which benefits elephant conservation.
Early one morning a few years ago, as I walked along the Santa Fe River, I came alongside Jami. We conversed about her music and her work with elephants, and the friendships she had made with the Thai people over more than a decade.
Jami’s words about the elephants touched a tender place within me. I told her how much I wished I could be there with those elephants she talked about. It was then she told me about the small tours she has been leading since 2008 to northern Thailand to meet with elephants in various settings and situations, including rehabilitation sanctuaries and special hospitals for abused elephants. These tours offer the extraordinary opportunity to enter into relationship with the elephants and their mahouts—the elephant caretakers—within a small group setting.
“Jami, someday I’d like to go with you on one of your tours,” I said. Well, that “someday” has arrived.
The trip will include a three night, 4 day Mahout Training Program at The Thai Elephant Conservation Center, a day visit to Boon Lots Elephant Sanctuary, a visit to the FAE (Friends of Asian Elephants) Elephant Hospital, guest presentations by elephant experts such as Soraida Salwala (co-founder of FAE Elephant Hospital), and Richard Lair (author/filmmaker). The trip to northern Thailand will also include side trips to ancient Buddhist temple sites, hiking in the mountains and forests, Thai Massages, and Thai Markets.
Each tour is limited to 8 participants.
Jami tells me that for centuries humans have been working with elephants in Thailand, forming relationships that are likened to a marriage. Elephants, like humans, have a creative rhythm, intelligence, and language. By being with these magnificent creatures we will get to feel that mystical relationship and rhythm.
The intention of this tour is to educate and inspire. At the beginning of the 20th century, there were said to be 100,000 elephants in Thailand. Now there is reported to be approximately 2500 captive elephants and 2400 elephants in the wild. This will be a time to hear from elephant experts living in Thailand some of the ways that they are working to protect the elephant. This will also be a time to listen to our inner voice and to discover ways to hold both the joy and the sadness in being with these great creatures that are now endangered.
If you’re intrigued about these small group tours to Thailand, you could contact Jamie through this link: www.jamisieber.com
In concluding this post, I want to share with you a link to a stirring, 30-minute video about a program in Thailand to return some of the Asian elephant to the forest: https://vimeo.com/47286873
One last note on a different subject: On Thursday, December 10th, while I’m in Thailand, a program will air on the Animal Planet channel, called “Monsters Within Us.” The shows are about mysterious medical problems. They are entertaining but somewhat over-dramatized. This particular one on December 10th will be about two of my patients who got progressively more sick with mysterious symptoms. I won’t tell you what the culprit turned out to be because the audience is supposed to try to figure it out the same way I did. The crew came from NYC to film me and my patients last spring.
I feel uncomfortable allowing myself to be quoted in the media or filmed without being given the opportunity to see what the public will be reading or seeing. I hope I don’t feel too embarrassed by the final product. If you see the show, please let me know how it went.
Good morning Erica, you may be in Thailand. Happy trails and look forward to reading and seeing photos of your journey. Thank you so much for sharing. Will watch animal planet. Love Susie in Seattle
Thank you, Susie!!!
What a CHARMING story and a magical journey. Can’t wait to read all about it.
kitty~
Godspeed, Erica!
John
Thanks, Brother!
Have a wonderful trip Erica. I look forward to reading about your adventure soon.
Thank you, Joalie!!
dearest Erica,
have a fabulous adventure. Jami is a wonderful soul and has graced me with her friendship over the past few years. I look forward to hearing about it.
Thanks, Iris!!!
In spirit I am accompanying you on this special and magical journey, dear Erica. What incredible opportunity for you to experience these magnificent beings in this beautiful setting. We are indeed blessed to have our horizon broadened by learning of many awesome projects as you are sharing With us your many fascinating adventures on different continents! This is also the 1st post I will be sharing with my 8 yr. old grand-daughter. Her favorite animal has been the elephant–and she has a close friendship with the elephants at the Denver zoo.
We surely look forward to reading your beautiful, entertaining detailed accounts about your next big adventure–the elephants in Thailand! Have an absolutely fantastic and safe trip!
Thank you so much, Marlies. Love, Erica
I’ll certainly be there with you in spirit, Erica. I send so much love with you to Jami, those incredible animals, their mahouts, and love to you as always, Anna
Thailand is a land of mystery, and the elephants are sacred, intelligent beings. How exciting! I love Jami Sieber and have some of her recordings. Have a wonderful trip!
Have a wonderful trip.
Thank you, Susan!
Erica I know that the elephants will benefit from your love and compassion just as your patients have.Have a wonderful and safe trip. Love, Willa PS, I loved the photos and look forward to seeing yours.
That’s so kind of you, Willa. Love, E
Please have a wonderful soul enriching journey! Be safe, and will await your posts as you go along. I guess I am just a little too big to fit in your suitcase!
Your trip sounds so exciting and amazing. The story is so heart warming. Unfortunately, we don’t have cable television, so I won’t be able to watch the show.
Erica, I love your adventurous (and intrepid) spirit! Look forward to your post(s) about the trip.
much love,
Margaret
Thank you, Margaret!!
Have a wonderful trip, dear Erica. Thank you for touching and healing our bodies, minds, and hearts.
Love, Linda
I love reading your blog! Can’t wait to follow along with your journey to Tailand. We will record the show on Dec. 10th if you would like to watch it when you return. Lisa
I would love that, Lisa. Thank you so much!!!
me too!!!
Thank you Erica for posting information about your trip and about the upcoming film. Much love to you.
Erica, your trip sounds so exciting. Havea a wonderful time!
Love,
Ilene
Thank you, Ilene!!!