The Incomparable Beauty of Elephants

They say elephants, among the most intelligent of animals, never forget. If a member of their herd goes missing, they will search their lives trying to find it. They are quite literally gentle giants but each other’s silent and intentional protectors. Fierce with their love and willing to walk (and roll and head butt) and swarm to maintain the safety of their family. They exercise their nomadic quests to rivers and jungles in packs, lovingly nudging one another to keep going, following step by step, hoof by hoof and trunk by trunk.

So much of travel is about trust: hoping your tuk-tuk takes you to the point on Google maps you point to, crossing your fingers the booking for a trip to the Elephant Nature Park actually went through, praying the pilot’s hand and mind are steady for yet another flight.

But how lucky I am to have my trust in the herd of Yugens, who serve as my travel buddies and my keepers. Who get me to point A to point B (drunkenly or not), who are there to support and challenge me, with care and spirit, candor and courage.

And especially for these two, who will take 100s of photos at different angles. Who say “yes” to adventures and to the things that make me, me. Whose loyalty and trust, company and comfort remind me of the beauty of friendship. Of the power of being at home with other people, no matter where we roam.

We might not roll in the dirt after our showers like elephants, but I’m so grateful that no matter what muck we trek through, in whatever country or continent we go, we have one another to laugh until we can’t stop through it all. You make this journey, much like washing an elephant or cuddling with a 4-month old baby calf, pure joy.

And like the elephants, I will never forget today