Pics part 2

Moving on to the visit of the Big Buddha and it's 1237 steps. This temple had a shite load of monkeys. Here are a few pics:

This one passed us going down by sliding on the ramp. Clever little monkey!

This, in Thai, apparently says: "Congradualtions, you are a winner, you've climbed 1237 steps and are close to enlightment". The young monks climb it every day (can you cay cardio anyone!, specially considering the weather -approx 32-34 and humid- and the fact that approx half of these steps are equivalent to 2 regular steps (super high and steep!).
This pic was taken about halfway.

The top is very worth it through, with a superb 360 view, a Big Buddha and other Buddhist artifacts. Very nice. We were there to see the sunset as well, which was quite nice!

Moving on to the day kayaking and elephant trekking. Although it cost each of us the equivalent of 2.5 days of budget money, it was very much worth it! We saw a ton of monkeys (and they were so close!, often coming on the kayaks - for bananas). We saw old ones, mothers with their babies, and as usual for most species, the young ones were the cutest.

The scenery was also breathtaking, as we paddled through mangrove trees (grow in water), beside limestone cliffs and through canyons and lagoons.

Moving on to the afternoon part, we had a blast riding elephants.
Let's begin withthe following pics, titled "Elephant rumpous", aka the proof that a 1 ton butt can be cute!

Our guide sat directly on the elephant head, but he let each one of us sit there fore a while. I though it was sooo scary (being on the head of an animal who could crush me " by accident", but Aliya loved it.

Well, I'm rushed for time, so I'll go!
Cheers!