Sauraha

We arrived in Sauraha yesterday, which is just at the entrance to the Chitwan National Park. Our lodge has tiny little cottages, and has a pet elephant, Pinky, which likes to wander around. After our arrival, we were told our hotel would take us "sightseeing" and that we could wear flipflops, big mistake! The monsoon cam pouring down on us as we were strolling through the jungle, we got covered in leeches and most of our sandals broke and got stuck in the mud. After drying off, we went to see the Tharu people's national stick dance, which was a lot more exciting than it sounds.

Today after breakfast we went for a jungle trek, this time fully prepared with hiking boots. We saw monkeys, antelopes and ate some medicinal leaves, but sadly did not see the famous greater one-horned Rhinocerous. Maybe we'll see one on our elephant trek this afternoon! After our trek, I got some specia treatment and our guide let me feed and ride the hotel elephant by myself down to the river. At the river, we bathed and splashed, and gave her a massage by walking around on her belly :)

All in all, a great day so far!