Green green green

Much better than last year's drought, but my nose won't stop itching.

Beautiful but be aware: Tiger Kingdom, Chiang Mai

They advertise everywhere throughout town, with photos of tigers looking cute and friendly in up close and personal poses, which of course lures people in. What Tiger Kingdom doesn't fully advertise, is the cost of all the different options to actually get inside the cage with one of these beast. Prices start at 420 baht (approx £9/US$14) for the big tiger, through to 620 baht for the smallest cubs, and to see them all it's a wallet bulging 1,900 baht (will leave you to work out whether it's worth it for yourself - but read the rest of this post first please).



In the words of Tiger Kingdom "the tigers are born in captivity and are therefore used to humans, which is why you can pet them". However, from what I saw the likelihood of them not having been drugged is as remote as the fact that I am not currently backpacking around Asia!It's the first thing you read on entering the building, what you see on a poster in the waiting area and is also noted on various boards around the caged areas. They are adamant that they need to keep reminding you of this, and I can totally see why!


Whilst I was there the animals did appear like they were sedated, seeming floppy and tired and are quite simply very slow to respond. They are completely non reactive to much more the than the keepers pushing and pulling them back and forth to have their photo taken by the next excited tourist.


Of course the explanation for this is also evident on the posters and boards, as well as the extremely detailed leaflet.Apparently it's because they are nocturnal animals and they are just sleepy throughout the day when visitors stop by. But seriously, if you were tugged, pulled and slid across the floor to pose when you would much rather be curled up in the corner snoozing, do you think your response would be little more than laying down, dropping your head to one side, yelping sadly and obliging without a fuss?! These are predatory animals...?

I've read other reviews of this place since visiting, many have a similar view to mine, some however rave about how amazing the experience was.


I'm sorry, I was completely appalled, and felt extremely uncomfortable posing in the photos with these poor little creatures! Although if I'm completely honest they are absolutely beautiful and did have me smiling with a moment of excitement as one of the cubs padded it's way towards me.


Despite their beauty, I couldn't get out of there quick enough, and the obligatory walk around the other cages after the encounter with the cubs left me feeling even more deflated. The park appears very well kept and the animals looked after but after the sight of 2 or 3 of the bigger tigers inside small cages I started to have more doubts.


The words "what the customer wants they usually get!" rings in my head after reading the leaflet explanation of why the keepers wake the tigers up from their sleep to have pictures taken. No government funding is received and Tiger Kingdom relies on the income from visitors, so, without the tourist herds, there is a risk that the animals will not be fed and looked after.


It becomes a catch 22 scenario, which situation is worse and is the opportunity to see these beautiful animals face to face and allow people to experience their beauty, something that should be avoided?


The experience has left me thinking very seriously about whether to visit any elephants and taking a course in mahout training that I so seriously had my heart set on whilst in Chiang Mai.


For now my further research into both these attractions has left me looking for ways to spread the word and ensure that as many future tourists seeking out these types of experiences, go along fully informed about it and are aware of what they may see... don't just jump on the band waggon as I unfortunately did.


As I spend a few days mulling this over, I have moved across town to the Old city area and a more reasonably priced guesthouse. I have plenty more to share with you in terms of experiencing Chiang Mai, but have chosen to take a few days out of the tourist trap with a traditional Thai massage course and some time to reflect.



To keep tabs on what I've been up to check out:

Previous Travelblog entry: 2 days from Laos to Thailand along the Mekong

Next entry: Not same same, Chiang Rai, Thailand

Salute to Memorial Day

Although we’re still in the midst of settling into the condo, we managed to find and hang our flag to honor Memorial Day.

Here’s a bit about the genesis of Memorial Day from a website I came across when I was researching the history of this special day, which was first observed on May 30, 1868.

Memorial Day, originally called Decoration Day, is a day of remembrance for those who have died in our nation's service.  There are many stories as to its actual beginnings, with over two dozen cities and towns laying claim to being the birthplace of Memorial Day.  There is also evidence that organized women's groups in the South were decorating graves before the end of the Civil War: a hymn published in 1867, “Kneel Where Our Loves are Sleeping” by Nella L. Sweet carried the dedication “To The Ladies of the South who are Decorating the Graves of the Confederate Dead” (Source: Duke University's Historic American Sheet Music, 1850-1920).  While Waterloo N.Y. was officially declared the birthplace of Memorial Day by President Lyndon Johnson in May 1966, it's difficult to prove conclusively the origins of the day.  It is more likely that it had many separate beginnings; each of those towns and every planned or spontaneous gathering of people to honor the war dead in the 1860’s tapped into the general human need to honor our dead, each contributed honorably to the growing movement that culminated in Gen Logan giving his official proclamation in 1868.  It is not important who was the very first, what is important is that Memorial Day was established.  Memorial Day is not about division.  It is about reconciliation; it is about coming together to honor those who gave their all.

Click here for more information about Memorial Day, including the story of how a poem entitled In Flanders Fields brought about the tradition of wearing red poppies to honor those who gave their lives in the service of their country.

Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge

Last night was the illumination gala for the new (recently named) Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge. The bridge links trails between Council Bluffs, IA and Omaha, NE.
After several days of rain, the evening ended up clear and pleasant. As the sun was setting, the nearly full moon rose behind the bridge.
The bridge lighting ceremony was held at Lewis & Clark Landing (Omaha side of the river). The evening started with a free blues concert. Bridge illumination and fireworks capped the night.
I had not seen the bridge from the Omaha side until last evening. The bridge, lighting - and of course the fireworks, was impressive.
You cannot walk or ride your bike over the bridge yet. The opening of the bridge takes place on Sunday, September 28th. Those festivities will be held on the Council Bluffs side of the river - at Playland Park.
Opening festival starts noon. The bridge opens at 1pm. Now, who gets to be the first rider/walker across the bridge?
NEW (9/18): Check out my web site page - photos of construction and lighting of the bridge.

Festival of the Trails - Last Day

Today was the last day of the Festival. Sorry to see it ending. But, before that, I had another trail to ride this morning.
Taking Bill's recommendation, I headed up to the Wilson Lake trail head. Weather was very cloudy with a threat of rain. When I reached the trail head, I checked in by signing the roster and headed up the Patsy Lake Trail.
At first, I was riding a bit "tentative". Soon enough, I got the rhythm of the trail. The trails is a relative new trail - from when I could see. As a contour trail, the climbs and descents are short. The photo here is of the Patsy Lake Trail.
I was feeling pretty good riding this trail. Most of the trail is singletrack. I gained my confidence and start riding better and faster. At the first control point, I consulted my map. Decided to ride a section of the trail against the normal flow. This would get me to the punch (to verify my tally card).
Back to the control point, I was faced with - "which way to head back to the car". I opted to riding with normal traffic flow. This part of the trail was overgrown doubletrack.
Some doubletrack spots, I few down hills. The computer showed I maxed out at 14.6 mph! Didn't know I could "fly" through the woods!. A great ride - Thanks for the recommendation, Bill.

After a stop at the hotel to pick up my raffle tickets (it started raining on the way to the motel), I was off the the closing cook-out. Here, we turned in our ride and special events tally cards.
Every participant had been given one ticket at registration. Now, those tickets were exchange to your choice of grab-bag items. I selected a t-shirt.
The weather was cool, overcast, and occasional shower during the cook-out.
From tally cards, everyone receive some number (I got 13) tickets for the "general" raffle. There were things from sports watches, to a bike repair stand, cassette set, trainer, and more. I did not win anything there.
The main raffle featured a Trek Fuel EX8 full suspension bike. I did not win any of the 5 big prizes, either.
In the next week, I will put together my thoughts about the Black Hills Fat Tire Festival and the CAMBA Festival of the Trails. For now, I am planning to skip BHFTF next year in favor of the CAMBA function.
The last photo here is one of the participants riding the tall teeter-totter on the Test de Trails course.

Slugging Through the Snow

The Omaha/Council Bluffs got some 5-8" of snow yesterday. Many of us have been getting singletrack withdrawal. So, it was time to head to Lake Manawa Mountain Bike Trails!
Was a little chilly this morning when I headed out for breakfast. By the time I got to the trail (about 10am) is was a sunny 15 degrees. There were 2 other riders out this morning before I arrived - so I was not blazing new trails.
Dan, Martin & Ryan joined in the ride (actually, Dan was the first one to call the ride & time). They headed out as I also took to the trail (much slower). When I got over to the East side, I was the first rider on one trail.
When blazing new trail, and when being the 3rd rider after the new snow, it was slow going. Granny gear to slug though most of the way. By the time we finished, we have a pretty good track packed.
I brought the hardtail (my "ice bike") with the studded tires. Did not need the studs for this ride. Could have used the disc brakes of the Fuel EX. Think I will bring that bike tomorrow.
My body and mind lasted about 1 1/2 hour, 6 miles. That was enough for today - but ready to ride again here tomorrow!

Manawa Dirt Ride

Today I was able to ride all of Manawa. It was the first full lap since the snow.
With the March winds we have had, there are some trees, limbs, and branches are down on the trail. I have forwarded information to the Trail Leader. There is a planned trail day at Lake Manawa in the 14th.
The trails here are in good shape. The ruts left by the motorbike are starting to heal. Some spots will need some human intervention (shovel/rake, etc). Trail surface is firming up nicely. For my ride (1 1/2 laps) I averaged 7.4 mph. Pretty good for me, at this time of the season, and with the trail conditions.
Weather was good. I worked up a sweat, rode over 11 miles, and ended up tired. Legs are a little sore this morning.