A Beautiful Vacation

There once was a polar bear, from northern Canada. Strong and mighty, he lived up north where people and pollution were scarce, where water from the river runs as clean and fresh as the early morning spring dew settles on grass. When he walked outside and drew in a deep breath, the health would fill his lungs up and out the core of every cell in his body. The land of deep bush and ice fishing. And today, for reasons unknown, this particular polar bear had a cowboy hat on and elephant pants.

He, along with his one young one, found themselves in a bit of a weird set of circumstances.

The unforgiving heat and humidity of Thailand. A most unnatural habitat for someone of their statures. And in this land they call Thailand, lay an embedded Buddha head in a Banyan tree. It turns out this was the city of Ayutthaya. The old bear and his youthful sprout learned some interesting things, like Thailand used to be called Siam, and Ayutthaya used to be the capital city. And now, this city of ruins forms the Ayutthaya Historical Park. In the middle of the 14th century it was a very successful international trading port, but the Burmese demolished it a few years later. This polar bear and his young tot posed for a picture here, elephant pants and good times in tow.

They too found themselves at the old temple of Wat Arun. Also called Temple of Dawn. It's been around since at least the 17th century, and one can't be too sure about all these longer than necessary Thai names, but the full name is Wat Arun Ratchawararam Ratchawaramahawihan.

It derives its name from the Hindu god Aruna, and the first light of the morning reflects off the surface of the temple with pearly iridescence. The bear and bambino were certain these were cool facts, but they just weren't sure about that long name, either.

And of course, nothing would be complete without being witness to the biggest Buddha in the country. It's Wat Phra Chetuphon Vimolmangklararm Rajwaramahaviharn. Try as you might to be culturally sensitive and not make fun of or offend anyone, but that's a darn long name. It's a 46 meter or 150 foot long reclining Buddha, and for those unable to say such a long name, Wat Pho will suffice.

And oh, the elephants. Just a small ways outside Bangkok, in a little town called Pattaya, is where all the elephants roam, big and small. A most sustainable, and without a doubt ethical way of enjoying the delightful company of those pachyderms. And oh, how free they roam.

The polar bear's young whippersnapper was so jubilant and convivial with such a very green and viable way of treating our fellow never forget'ers. The elephants were so happy and content with all the attention. Knowing they are free to walk, eat, and love the earth as they were intended to, made for an even more meaningful encounter with theses captivating mammoths.

And so, even in the midst of the sweltering heat, crippling humidity and unforgiving Sun, the polar bear and his youngster prevailed in spite of these maddening conditions. Regardless of the discomfort of their usual natural surroundings being on hiatus, in the end they all had a divine, wonderfully enriching, and of course not without lack of a frankly, spicy, adventure.

Bailey Sue