We were driving in Northeast Thailand on a quiet, narrow road near Kalasin Province. I asked our friends to stop so I could go look at the elephant standing in a field. They humored me but warned me not to get too close. The old lady pachyderm gazed at me. Then I noticed the temple over her shoulder. Our friends weren't sure why I thought the elephant was such a big deal. For once the Farang could kid the Thais about not paying attention instead of vice-versa.