TakeThree Talks

Inside a Real Elephant Sanctuary in Chiang Mai: Our Slow, Heart-Opening Stay at Kindred Spirit | Ep. 33

Hey friends, it’s Estefi — back again with my favorite co-host and travel partner, Meijun! After our last episode on the Vipassana retreat, we’re shifting gears and taking you along for what happened right after we spent 11 days in silence [https://takethreestudio.substack.com/p/vipassana-chiang-mai-retreat?r=eigby]. A truly special part of our Thailand trip earlier this year: our 3-day stay at Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary (KSES) in Mae Chaem, a remote Karen village nestled in the mountains about four hours from Chiang Mai. We spent 2 nights and 3 days immersed in community, conservation, and the quiet presence of six semi-wild elephants. No feeding. No riding. No bathing. This wasn’t a tourist attraction. It was the real thing, and it changed us. In this episode, we talk about: * Why we chose Kindred Spirit (and how we found them through some very synchronistic connections) * What it was like to travel to the sanctuary and stay in a local homestay * The six rescued elephants living semi-wild, especially BoonRott 🥹 * What we learned about the Karen community, rewilding, and how this model actually works * The funny and beautiful moments, including themed quiz night, freezing mornings, basket weaving, and more 🗺️ The Journey & Itinerary: 🚐 A scenic 4-hour drive through Doi Inthanon National Park to Mae Chaem🚙 A bumpy 4x4 ride into the remote Karen village🛖 Staying with our warm host Baw-eh and her family🥾 Morning hikes to observe elephants in the forest🍲 Homemade meals and lunch by the river, packed by our host🐘 Tracking elephant behavior with the KSES team🧺 Basket weaving, Karen language class, and late-night quiz games📝 Joining in on conservation research and data collection 🌿 Why This Place Stood Out to Us: * It's a true elephant sanctuary — no riding, bathing, or tricks * The elephants live in a semi-wild environment and are observed respectfully. Real scientific data gathering about Asian Elephants in the semi-wild is happening here! Check some of their articles here [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344507469_Foraging_Ecology_of_Semi-Free-Roaming_Asian_Elephants_in_Northern_Thailand], here [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/374387795_Elephant_encounters_Studying_Asian_elephants_in_the_hills_of_northern_Thailand_to_increase_their_welfare_and_conservation_November_2022], and here [https://www.researchgate.net/publication/344510350_Elephant_encounters_Expedition_report_Studying_Asian_elephants_in_the_hills_of_northern_Thailand_to_increase_their_welfare_and_conservation_November_2019]. * It’s community-run, with deep involvement from the Karen people * The experience felt real, intentional, and non-performative Some more pictures from our trip 🐘 Frequently Asked Questions About This Experience: Q: Can I touch or feed the elephants?No.KSES follows a strict ethical elephant tourism model, which means no direct interaction. You’ll observe elephants in their natural habitat — often from a respectful distance — and that’s what makes it truly special.There’s no riding, bathing, or feeding. The elephants roam semi-wild, and the sanctuary is run in deep partnership with the local Karen community. Q: Is it physically demanding?Somewhat, yes.There are daily hikes, sometimes lasting over 2 hours. The terrain can be steep, muddy, and uneven. Moderate fitness definitely helps, but the team is supportive and adjusts to different paces. Q: Where is it located?In Mae Chaem, a remote region about 4 hours west of Chiang Mai, within Doi Inthanon National Park. It’s beautifully remote and surrounded by mountains. Q: What’s the weather like?We went in January and were not prepared for how cold it got!Mornings dropped to around 4°C (39°F), so layers are essential. The days warm up, but definitely pack warm clothes for sleeping and early hikes. Q: Where do you sleep?In a Karen family’s home, as part of a homestay experience.It’s rustic but cozy — think mosquito nets, thick blankets, and basic shared facilities. It’s not a resort, it’s a cultural immersion, and it’s part of what makes the experience meaningful. Q: How do I book or support them?Visit www.kselephantsanctuary.com [http://www.kselephantsanctuary.com]Or follow them on Instagram:@kindredspiritelephantsanctuary [https://www.instagram.com/kindredspiritelephantsanctuary]Also check out their director @cris.elefantasia [https://www.instagram.com/cris.elefantasia].KSES is a nonprofit and always fundraising to support both the elephants and the local community. Any donation or share helps! Q: Can anyone go?Yes — as long as you’re up for early mornings, mountain hikes, and being unplugged in a remote area.It’s perfect for travelers looking for a meaningful, off-the-beaten-path adventure. You can join as a short-term visitor or apply to volunteer. Spots are limited, so it’s best to book in advance. Q: What’s the best part?Watching elephants live freely in their natural environment.Connecting with the Karen community.And experiencing what real conservation looks like — beyond Instagram optics.This is real data, real science, real impact. No gimmicks. Just heart. If this story moved you — or made you rethink ethical travel — share it with a friend, or leave us a comment. 💌 I, Estefi, will 100% read you.And if you’re dreaming of visiting, here’s where you can learn more and support:👉 Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary [https://www.kselephantsanctuary.com] Until next time, bye friends,— Estefi & Meijun 🐘 A Note from Cris, the current director at Kindred Spirit: "At Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary, we work toward a future where elephants can once again live wild and free. Joining KSES was not just about conservation, it was about justice. I believe in collaboration, in listening, and in working alongside those who have shared their lives with elephants for generations. The path forward for elephants in Thailand isn’t about quick fixes or externally imposed solutions. It grows from within the communities whose lives have long been connected with the elephants in their care. Lasting change comes through trust, mutual respect, and locally led alternatives that support both elephant welfare and human dignity. Every donation, visit, or conversation that helps shift perceptions and uplift ethical, community-rooted models brings us closer to that future." 👉 Support Kindred Spirit Elephant Sanctuary [https://www.kselephantsanctuary.com] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

We Didn’t Speak for 11 Days: Silent Meditation Vipassana Retreat in Chiang Mai, Thailand | Ep. 32

Hiii friends, it’s Estefi — and today Meijun and I are taking you back to the quietest part of our 10-year trip: an 11-day silent meditation retreat. Yep, no phones, no journaling, no makeup, no music… and no talking. We went full monk mode in Chiang Mai, Thailand at Wat Ram Poeng— and let’s just say we learned a lot about ourselves (and each other). So what is Vipassana, anyway?Vipassana means “clear seeing” — it’s an ancient form of meditation where you focus on your breath and your body, moment by moment, without reacting. Wat Ram Poeng, the temple we stayed at, takes it seriously: no distractions, no talking, and no external tools.Just you, your body, and your mind — for 11 whole days. And we did it… together. As a couple. Which made things extra spicy in the silence. 😂 A Day in the Life at Wat Ram Poeng: * Wake-up call: 4am * Chanting: 4:20am * Breakfast: 6:30am * Alms for monks: 7:30am * Dhamma talk (some days) * Lunch: 10:30am (yes, the last meal of the day) * Meditation / walking / sweeping / bathing * Evening chanting: 5pm * Lights out: 10pm All while wearing only white, staying in a bare-bones room, and navigating the swirl of thoughts without distraction. In this episode we talked about… * The moment one of us almost gave up * The weirdest intrusive thoughts that showed up * The thing we missed the most from the outside world * Our favorite part of the temple’s methodology * Whether we peeked at each other in silence 😅 * What we each learned — about meditation, about ourselves, and about being together in stillness Listen to the full episode wherever you get your podcasts! And if you’ve done a retreat like this (or want to), drop a comment — we want to hear your stories too. 💌 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Creative Confessions: Co-creating as Two Creativepreneurs with Many Ideas | Ep. 31

Hi friends! Welcome to this episode! It's me, Estefi, and our favorite co-host, Meijun. In today's episode, we'll share candidly and vulnerably about co-creating, being scared, fear of each other’s ideas, trust, roles, boundaries, and communication. We finish this episode with a little round of advice we would give someone thinking about starting a different hobby, stream of income, or wanting a little change in their current career. Hugs, hugs, hugs, and thank you for listening! If you want to unlock some tools to turn your creative chaos into an intentional plan of action, conquer idea overwhelm, and transform your ideas into action… then head over to this link and check out our most recent Creative Vitamins Collection for Too Many Ideas. GO: www.takethreeuni.com/too-many-ideas [https://www.takethreeuni.com/too-many-ideas] THANK YOU! — Estefi 1/3 of TakeThree This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

el culto de los espejos | Ep. 30

Hi friends! It’s been a minute! Let’s dive into it, our reflections, comparison, seeing the humanity in others, and staying soft. the show notes for this episode with all the links and notes: www.takethreestudio.com/podcast/ep30 [https://takethreestudio.com/podcast/ep30] the brand new podcast landing page: www.takethreestudio.com/podcast [https://takethreestudio.com/podcast] You are amazing, thank you for being here, thank you for listening and PLEASE let me know what came up from listening to this conversation. I appreciate you, – Estefi 1/3 of TakeThree This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]

Because shame can't live in the light [RE-release] | Ep. 29

Hi friends, hello from a cozy, rainy Quito! I've revisited my 2021 episode, finally feeling brave enough to connect with it. But before we dive in, let's catch up. Get ready for a wild, beautiful, and vulnerable ride. 🕯️🙌🏽💓🖐🏽hi-5 because we get to do his Earth thing together one more day 🖐🏽👏🏽🫶🏽🕯️ ------ our instagram: @takethreestudio [https://www.instagram.com/takethreestudio/] our website: takethreestudio.com [https://takethreestudio.com/] our 1:1 Mentorship & Community: takethreeuni.com [https://www.takethreeuni.com/] episode 6 show notes: takethreestudio.com/blogs/ep06 [https://takethreestudio.com/blogs/ep06] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe [https://takethreestudio.substack.com/subscribe?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_2]