Chiang Mai, October 17, 2009 (SIGNIS) - In a departure from the norm of suffering through workshops, sessions and plenaries before enjoying the delights of the host country, the participants of the SIGNIS World Congress 2009 were treated to a full 8-to-4 of fun with a trip to the Mae Sa Elephant Village and the Doi Suthep temple on 17th October, even before serious Congress business began.

There is no way to describe the elephants of Mae Sa, other than “delightful.” Besides the rides (guaranteed to make one feel like royalty!), the elephants entertained a huge crowd with – among other things – a football match, dart-throwing, lifting feats and examples of their artistic talent.

While their dribbling skills left a little to be desired, their dart-throwing would make any pub-goer proud, and the lifting was a study in perfect coordination. But it was their artwork that had the crowd gasping. Not only did they produce pieces reminiscent of the Impressionists, one pachydermic Picasso managed a very respectable abstract piece, and another, after extended dabbing, presented a Van Gogh-like landscape to the awestruck crowd!

After the excitement of Mae Sa and a sumptuous lunch, delegates headed for the hills and the temple at Doi Suthep, reputedly the most beautiful in Thailand. It was a welcome respite from the heat, and by the time everyone had taken their fill of the calm temple surroundings and some spectacular views, and were ready to board the buses for the return, the general consensus was that nobody organizes events better than the Thais!