Since I was a kid I had a special connection with elephants. Seeing these magnificent animals in the circus was making me uncomfortable sad and uneasy.

So here I am with RJ in Luang Prabang in Northern Laos and we discover an elephant camp where they train people how to be Mahouts. The money will be given for the preservation of the elephants.

I feel thrilled.

We arrive in a magical place in the jungle and the training begins.

First we have to do classes to learn the signs and how to communicate with them.

Theory looks kind of easy, so after a few hours I meet my elephant.

She is a young lady and at the beginning we go for a ride on her back.

Then I have to slide forward and sit on her neck.

I feel uncomfortable and at the same time guilty. I feel like I am a tremendous heavy load.

Thoughts are running through my head: "Am I too heavy?” ”Do I bother her?"

The path is steep and there is nowhere to hold on to.

The hair on her head is like wire.

Trying not to look at the ground, because I feel dizzy.

Negative thoughts are all over me.

Fear is all over me. I kick with my feet behind her ears to give her directions.

I'm too tall for that.

My knees are almost up to my ears. Bolly (that was her name) senses that, and is either making fun of me, or she wants to make me feel more comfortable.

We take it easy.

She responds to my commands and I start feeling safer.

After one hour through steep paths riding up and down in the muddy sleepery ground, it is time for a bath.

My legs are soar and my whole body aches.

Still on her neck we enter the river.

And there the fun begins.

I command her to spray water with her trunk.

"Boom boom Bolly"

She is happy... She lowers her body to the river.

I'm still on her neck and I find myself in the river.

I start relaxing. I have to wash her thoroughly. That's the job of the Mahout.

Morning class is over!

We stayed in the camp for a few days.

By sunrise we had to take the elephants to the river for their morning bath, wash them, then give them a ride and then feed them.

The relationship between Bolly and me is getting better.

A connection and trust arises.

Although my body is soar and I can't really walk straight I feel elevated but at the same time a newfound feeling arises.

We are all one.

Just with different and unique forms.

I feel love for this magnificent animal who is working in order for her family friends and tribe to have a safer future.

She is a working lady who has won my total respect.

After a few days I "graduate".

I feel proud. I feel happy. I feel content.

.......

I tell her “bey bey” and how grateful I am that she patiently carried me for so many days.

I tell her that we'll meet again... one day...

We return to Luang Prabang and the next day I have in my hand the official licence. 

I can legally ride elephants. But only Asian ones, not African...

I find it funny, and at the same time... I am thinking…”You never know what life will bring in the future, but I can always find a job as a Mahout in Asia”…