I've always wanted to pet a tiger, and in 2017, when I moved to Thailand, I finally got my chance. Recently, I had the opportunity to interact with baby cubs, midsize females, and large males.

The cubs were playful and cute, but the larger females were a different story. Female tigers are known to be more aggressive, and at one point, I accidentally stepped into her space. The trainer had to warn me to back up, and I realized how real the situation was. Her slow, deliberate movements and intense presence left me feeling both scared and grounded.

The male tigers, however, were calmer, and standing beside them was a humbling experience. I was both in awe and at peace, feeling the power of these prehistoric creatures and realizing just how small I was—and we are—in the grand scheme of things.

In Loving Memory of My Grandmother. ❤️