Thursday, October 25, 2012
Day 3 at Malikha Lodge, Mulashidi, Burma
We woke up to the sound of rain and knew that our planned river rafting trip was not happening. Thomas confirmed our thought at breakfast. So we devised a new plan. We went to see the local La Wang tribal museum, which was in a pitiful state, as Mark put it. Even so we found a few interesting items to consider. There was the raincoat made of thatch, which works very well, beautifully woven rattan baskets used for carrying rice, unusual head gear made of rattan and decorated with boar tusks and a description and map showing the process of the human being for getting to heaven. Even at the last minute, there is a side road to go to hell and there are 10 different places in heaven depending on how good a person was on earth.
We left the museum and walked down the dirt lane by some houses and came upon an old woman standing at her gate. I asked for her photo and soon we were invited into her yard, where she picked two palmettos from her tree and gave them to us. We took them rather than reject the gift. Then she went into her house and began fixing tea for us. Soon we were sitting on 3-inch high wood seats and taking more photos. Unfortunately, Thomas has only a basic understanding of Ra Wang and could only communicate a little with her. He did learn that she is 65 years old, has one son and daughter-in-law who were out working in their fields and had their children with them. He graciously drank some tea on behalf of all of us, as we agreed that it was not a good idea for us to do so. She had a rice basket as well made as the one in the museum and we tried to buy it from her, but she refused, telling Thomas it belonged to her son. It was a nice encounter and, hopefully, I have a few nice pix.
After lunch at the lodge, Mark got a massage, while I wrote and tried to send a post, without success. At 3:30pm Thomas collected us and we walked to the river, crossed over the suspension bridge and met up with the elephant I was to ride. It was such a little elephant that it was easy to climb up onto him. I did not want to ride in the tourist seat so I sat on the animal behind his ears, while the mahout rode in front of me. The elephant is a 17-year old male named Dollar. It was a different experience riding on Dollar’s neck rather than in a basket on his back. I could feel his muscles and bones moving and liked the direct contact. We headed down a small country lane with houses close to the path and children everywhere. Mark had a wonderful time walking along and taking photos of me on the elephant and the children running behind in exuberant delight. He says he had more fun than I did. Hmm. Maybe. By the time I got off Dollar my left knee was really hurting. Walking back to the lodge loosened it up a bit, but I have had enough elephant riding for this trip.
Mark invited me to have a drink on the lodge veranda overlooking the river before cleaning up for dinner. I accepted. We relaxed and enjoyed the view until almost dark. Dinner was a light affair-just soup and salad-as we both were feeling overfed.
Then I went back to the reception building to try again to send the post for 10-24 and was finally able to get through. I am now ready for bed or I would go send this one too. Maybe early in the morning I will see if this one will go. Tomorrow we will try again to go rafting. The sun came out in the middle of the afternoon and we should be back to the usual hot sunshine tomorrow.
I don’t know why it is, but both of us are ready to fall asleep before 9pm every night even when we have not had a strenuous day. We are lucky there is no light life to be missing.
Sweet dreams to you, Julia
Adventures with Julia 