We were collected at 8.50 and the guy then hurtled through the streets to the Siam Safari meeting point. There were these 3 very young girls in the Jeep with us - you couldn't find people who looked less like they were going on safari. A modeling shoot - yes, but safari, no. These 3 were doing their hair and makeup like you cannot believe. Now remember it is BLAZING HOT and after the first day, I didn't even bother with eye pencil, let alone make-up. A quick dab of lip gloss or lipstick is about all you have the energy for. I thought I was the only one shocked at these girls but once we got there, the other people were all, "can you believe those girls?!" Too funny.
The Thai people seem to focus only on the actual start of the tour, and not at all on the beginning and end bits. There is absolutely no communication whatsoever and lots of disorder until the ACTUAL START. I always itch to get involved at this point and I really have to remind myself that it's not my business and to butt out. But it's difficult, people.
Like this morning. We're all dumped there; we get out of the Jeeps and all sit/ stand around. No-one knows what's going on. Fortunately or unfortunately it's too hot for us to really care enough to do something about it. Then we're taken to the Elephant Centre for more hanging around. Turns out that there are too many people to start the tour at the scheduled beginning so we're going to start with the rubber tapping. They book people on the tours who all pay beforehand so surely they should stagger times or something? Anyway!
Anyway, we learnt how they tap the trees for rubber for only 2 - 3 hours a day at around 3am because the sap doesn't flow when it is hot. We got to touch the sap - it is white like glue and when it dries, it peels right off.
They then mix it with water and some acid (I didn't catch the name) and roll it to make a tiny little rubber mat. V. interesting.
You all know what they use rubber for... yes, that's right - car mat and, of course, condoms.
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