Thailand - Karen village (Elephant I)

This is a shot of an elephant from head on. Many people can't tell what it is of right away; not surprising as it's quite a confusing shot on purpose...I turned the original warm-toned photograph into a harsh black-and-white to accentuate the menacing look of the elephant, and the massive chain that acts as a leash. Just for the record, the elephants were kept very well at the village, washed, fed and treated properly...This is taken at a Karen village in Kanchanaburi. The Karen people are very warm, just like most Thais are. It's interesting to note that the Thai language actually has a word for "selfless kindness" in "nam-jie." According to some linguists our language sets the framework for our thoughts, and if this is true, it is no surprise that the Thai people are so warm and kind!