Personal Lives

Elephants in Thailand

This news story caught my eye about a baby elephant that fell into a manhole and drainage ditch in eastern Thailand. The young elephant looked on pleadingly while rescuers worked for three hours to free it.

Eventually a bulldozer was employed to widen the hole and allow the elephant to escape. The young pachyderm emerged physically unharmed.

The elephant had fallen into the hole after its trainer had taken it out to work on the street in Rayong province.

Elephants are a common sight in many Thai towns and cities either performing heavy manual work or being used as a prop by beggars and buskers to solicit money from passers-by.

Baby elephants are especially favored and usually perform a repertoire of tricks. Concerns over cruelty have led to the banning of elephant displays in many areas of Thailand.

Elephant Nature Foundation is a non-profit organization which advocates and acts on behalf of the rights of Asian elephants in Thailand.

Their mission is to increase awareness about the plight of the endangered Asian elephant, educate locals on the humane treatment of their elephants, and provide sanctuary for rescued elephants at a nature park.

Elephant Nature Park, provides a safe home to rescued elephants who were previously abused and neglected. Perfect for day trips, overnight visits, and long-term volunteer opportunities, Elephant Nature Park offers a unique experience for visitors of all ages.

The Elephant Nature Foundation is doing amazing work in Thailand on behalf of these animals. This made me think about the animal right’s organizations here in my town. We have many dog and cat groups, but we also have the Suncoast Seabird Sanctuary and Saddle Up Horse Academy.

Who is in your community? Let’s call one and find out how we can help them. It may be in volunteering some hours or providing food or other supplies. Animals add so much to our lives, let’s give a little back. Joy

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A Look Inside Exotic Marrakesh

This video is amazing, it’s like walking around Marrakesh.  You can see the market, listen to the music, shop, dance and see inside a few beautiful Riads.

To quote my friends at Jet Set Life, “Marrakech is different than you’d expect and is a great spot to take your first steps into Africa and taste the “middle eastern-like” culture with a French flair!”

There are so many cultural references in the video, I couldn’t begin to write about it. A picture is worth a thousand words, and this video says it all.

Let’s think about this, how can we bring it home and incorporate Morocco into our lives?  Personally,  I think I’ll go for the shoes!  I couldn’t believe that shop with shoes in every color and size. They were all hand made and very sparkly. Why do I always wear plain black shoes? How boring is that?

It’s time to go shopping and get something worthy of a Moroccan Princess.  I have noticed many beaded scarves and fancy earrings at our stores recently…  Let’s incorporate that style into our wardrobes and feel like we are in Marrakesh.  Happy shopping! Joy

Food and Wine for the Soul

What better way to nourish the soul than with a fabulous meal with wonderful wine?  An Argentinian Steakhouse is an experience of both delicious flavors and cultural history.

Argentina is famous for it’s cattle and sheep ranches.  Since the early 1800s, the ranches in the Pampas region have been a major part of the economy.  The gauchos, or cowboys are part of the folklore and national identity.

Many people consider Asado, or barbequed meat, the traditional national dish.   Beef, lamb, pork, chorizo sausages and even chicken is grilled next to each other over the open fire.

A long metal cross, or asadores, is used to hold an entire animal over a firepit.  The asadores can also skewer pieces of several meats which are grilled and then sliced and served together.  The meat is not marianted before cooking and is very slow roasted for several hours.

A Chimichurri sauce of chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, salt, pepper, onion and olive oil is served on the side.  Because of the influence of Italian immigrants, pasta is another popular side dish.  A dulce-de-leche flavored pudding or creme cake makes a perfect dessert.

Today, Argentina is the world’s 3rd largest exporter of beef and is the 5th largest producer of wines.

The Spanish colonization during the early 1500s brought the grapes and wine production to Argentina.   During the 1800s, immigrants from France and Italy brought their wine making techniques to the country.  Over 20 varietals of wine are produced including: Malbec, Chenin blanc, Pinot gris, Riesling, Chardonnay, Cabernet sauvignon, Syrah, Tempranillo, Dolcetto, Lambrusco, Sangiovese and even Champagne, Sherries, Brandies and Vermouth.

The grilled meat and fruity wine are pure heaven if you ask me!  I can almost hear the guitar music playing in the background.  It’s dark and rustic – I think you can imagine the dining experience.

I’m going to buy a Malbec for my steak tonight and toast to Argentina – Joy