The Long Neck Tribe

First things first......tada......my first ever portrait (and the only photo that didn't come out blury for the day)!

Secondly.....today I got to ride an ELEPHANT!!!!! Yes, people, you heard it here first - I rode an elephant - no more trips to the zoo for me!!! Could my day get any better....YES! This little girl taught me a new game - kind of like elasatics but with moving pieces of bamboo that you had to jump in and out of. She thought the whole thing was very funny, as did everyone else in the village - my co-ordination has not improved and as it turns out, that is funny across more than one culture!

The little girl in question is part of the Karen Long-neck hill-top tribe, originally from Tibet but now located in Thialand's northern provences. They start putting the rings around the neck at the age of around 5 and add to them every 2 years. (And for the record, yes they are heavy!) They are worn for 2 reasons, 1. to protect the women from tiger attack (they wear similar rings around the bottom of their legs to protect from snakes), and 2. they think it makes them look more beautiful.

Not sure about the logic, but I have to say, these people are very talented and weave the most beautiful scarves of bright coloured silk (each one takes 2 days). I had intended on posting a picture of these but alas my camera disagreed. Still if I must post a portrait I am glad to have found such a willing participant even if it did mean, yet again, demonstrating my complete lack of shame! Please note showing your teeth is not considered attractive, and smiling is discouraged though I think the eyes have it :)

Meeting these people was a real privelege and I have to say a highlight!....and ofcourse I had to ride an elephant to get there :)