The cost that comes home to producers in the form of tired muscles and tedious waiting for the enjoyable fruits of labour, is not one that finds expression in terms of utility or value: it is itself, however, the conscious sacrifice of present ease and enjoyment for the sake of obtaining “utilities fixed and embodied in material objects.” — Green, David I.
Having worked in an elephant camp in Chiang Rai, Thailand for almost nine months, having been in lockdown for almost three months due to COVID-19, having been introduced to a lengthened period of consuming alcohol and beyond, this comibination of trapped body, trapped time and trapped mind has recently thrown me into this state of confusion most severe yet in my life.
Trapped body and time
This current resort that I am working at is “one of the best” across Thailand according to the eyes of journalists, tourists and web-surfers. Best refers to its strategic location at the very border of Thailand, thus emcompassing a peaceful flow of traffic, economic activities and outsiders. Best refers to a carefully woven mask which is tightly yet comfortably strapped on each and every staffer’s face, ensuring that they deliver a genuine smile to incoming guests. Best refers to an asylum of hope for dozens of Asian elephants, which were brought in from places that were more undisrable.
Because it is in the middle of nowhere, the resort offers an in-situ dormitory for its staff members for convenient accommodation. Totally optional, and sincerely a very kind act coming from the employer.