My Indulgence in the Majestic Presence of Tigers: A Tale from the Tiger Temple
Upon reflection, having freshly returned from a life-enhancing expedition of voluntary service, it only seems appropriate to elucidate prospective volunteers on the intricacies and mystique attached to this endeavour. The purpose of this narrative account of my recent sojourn to the Tiger Temple is not only to inform but to allure and inspire you to embark on your own captivating journey.
A salient feature of my time at the Temple was the sensational opportunity to engage with tigers, both in their majestic adult form and as delightfully captivating cubs. The age of these charming felids does tend to vary; during my stint, the youngest were about 9 months old. Now, they may have outgrown certain activities or, inversely, be participating in more complex behaviors. Rest assured, however, that your interaction with them will generate a plethora of enchanting memories.
In this immersive animal encounter, you must approach preparedness with a blend of foresight and pragmatism. For your prospective voyage, consider packing basic medical supplies such as bandaids, gauze, hydrogen peroxide, and isopropyl alcohol. With such proximity to tigers, the occasional souvenir in the form of a playful nip or a scratch may decorate your skin, a thrilling reminder of your daringly intimate experience with these majestic creatures. Attentively caring for these small tokens will grant them longevity and ensure your health remains paramount.
When venturing into terrains as varying as the ones you will encounter, ditch the rolling suitcase for a spirited backpack. The wearisome lugging around of the former is a hardship best avoided. Upon reaching the sanctuary, one has a choice between taking a taxi directly or riding the local 81 bus from Kanchanaburi, alighting upon the mention of the Tiger Temple. Keep in mind, however, that your arrival announces the commencement of a 3km trot to the Temple gates; a thrilling preface to your venture with much heat and anticipation involved.
Upon arrival, you will be escorted to your accommodation. The arrangement is gender-based: females are housed on the main grounds equipped with the modern comforts of tiled flooring, individual rooms with locks, mosquito nets, electricity, fans, and en suite bathrooms. A stark contrast to the rustic charm of the male quarters: nestled deep in the jungle, sharing space with the monks in quaint huts. This near-primitive dwelling comes with a porch, a small "bathroom" - a Thai toilet and faucet deemed multipurpose - and a cement hut that provides an authentic experience of living in harmony with nature. Though elemental, these conditions do not detract from the thrill of working closely with tigers.
You must understand that the temple, despite its enchanting aura, is not designed as a leisure retreat. As such, your quarters serve primarily as a space for resting and regaining your strength after fulfilling your duties and immersing yourself in the many experiences the temple has to offer. Generally, you spend your free time in the tranquility of the canteen situated just outside the temple. Here, one must be mindful to return to their allocated quarters in a timely manner to avoid being locked out after hours.
Among the many concerns one might bear ahead of arriving at the temple, concerns for sustenance and hydration are minimal. The monks partake in one hearty meal a day, typically a grand breakfast. However, provisions for a complimentary lunch for workers and tourists are arranged at the canteen, often comprising of the local favourites - noodles or pad thai. Thirst can be satiated with the free-flowing water supplied by the temple or soft drinks available for purchase. For your evening meal, anticipate a delightful array of choices from the nearby local market. Should your palate long for a taste of home, Kanchanaburi invites you to indulge in familiar flavours - perhaps even a delectable meal from KFC.
Embrace the lulls in your routine as precious opportunities for exploration. Hiring a motorbike from Kanchanaburi could be an invigorating way to explore nearby attractions like an elephant camp or the enchanting Sayok Noi waterfall. Even devout dedication to your roles warrants a day of leisure; consider investing it in a visit to Erawon waterfall, a scenic spot nestled amongst nature's bounty. A day dedicated to climbing 2km up the mountain and swimming in cascading waterfalls is a day well spent.
For a volunteer at the Tiger Temple, an average day is an exquisite blend of dedication and discovery. Your mornings are dominated by the soft roars of the cubs, as you clean their cages and provide their morning bath. These quiet moments of service culminate in leading the cubs up to breakfast at the sala, a precious opportunity for play and interaction. Your role extends to the afternoon, leading the cubs to an expanse where curious tourists can admire them from a safer distance. Duty calls you to the canyon at 1pm, to guide the tigers to their communal area. It is here that you may don various roles: some may choose to remain with the cubs by the pond, ensuring they maintain respectful distance from the older tigers. Alternatively, you could accompany a worker, capturing coveted moments of tourists basking alongside these magnificent creatures.
As dusk greets the temple, the day's final task involves returning the tigers to their cages. The evening is an invitation to internal tranquillity, where you may join the monks at the sala for meditation. Now you have the opportunity to slip into the mystical white garments traditionally donned for this practice, or simply in a white shirt and loose pants.
A word of wisdom for those seeking intense immersion; venture beyond the comfortable sphere of your native tongue and acquaint yourself with the melodious rhythms of the Thai language. Engage with the English-speaking workers and even the knowledgeable Abbot, thoughtfully bridging the gap between languages. Not only will this widen your communication scope during your time at the Temple but create an environment of mutual teaching and learning.
In conclusion, the allure of the Tiger Temple as a volunteering destination lies in its unique blend of adventure, interaction, and immersion. An experience such as this not only promises mutual benefit but transcends it, evolving into a remarkable journey accentuated with lasting bonds and treasured narratives.
To those who have lent their ears and hearts to my tale, I extend my deepest gratitude. Before I conclude, I must commend the spectacular community at 'Walking With Tigers'. Remember, volunteering here is much more than contributing your time and efforts, it is embracing an unmatched opportunity, a vibrant chapter of life encapsulating the majesty of nature and the allure of discovery. Rest assured, the Tiger Temple awaits to unfurl a journey that is nothing short of extraordinary.
Post a Comment