The Ekka - August 20, 2006

We have had yet another Public Holiday here in Queensland. Last Wednesday, all of the state had a day off so everyone could attend "The Ekka." This is a big state fair that was orignally an agricultural show - The Exposition. Because the Australians seem to shorten everything - afternoon = arvo, Brisbane = Brissy, the Exposition is now called "The Ekka." The fair lasts for 10 days now, but "The People's Day" falls mid-week. Sadly, Tim did not have the day off because he was on the phone with people from the States. I recruited a few other North Americans to go check out the show. A Canadian boy that goes to Elliott's school and his father came to make up a family of four ticket. Another Boeing wife, Deb, came along as well. She also has a blog and we decided that this Ekka would provide us with good material if nothing else.

We started out taking the train into town. I thought we might need some of those people that push people onto the train in the Toyko rush hour, but we managed to sqeeze ourselves on. Over 500,000 attend the Ekka and it seemed like they were all there on the People's Day. I did have an idea of what to expect - the same sort of deal as the Indiana State Fair. As the train drew up to the grounds, the sights and smells were pretty much as I remembered: lots of neon lights, dangerous looking rides and the odor of manure mixed with fried foods.

We wandered around checking out a few farm animals - cows, sheep, emus and pigs. I felt a bit bad because the cow looked so cute, but there was a sign displaying cuts of meat on the pen. We spent quite some time in the chicken house. Elliott and his buddy lasted about 10 minutes in the quilt show. We couldn't delay any longer - it was time for "The Show Bag Pavillion." The biggest hall at the fair is dedicated to the most disgusting display of consumerism I have ever seen. And I have seen some doozies.

First of all, I should give some background. A few weeks ago in the paper, there was a Show Bag guide. It had not a list of program events - like sheep dog trials or pony cart races - but a list of every show bag that would be sold. A Show Bag is like a party bag that kids get at the end of a birthday party, but full of rubbish. There are 2 $ bags with a few candies. There are 5 $ bags with little toys. There are 12 $ bags. Up to 60 $ bags. On and on, row after row. Endless stalls of rubbish. And it's packed! Kids and adults have examined the show bag guide in minute detail. Elliott chose The Ultimate Magic Bag for 12 $. It included: itching powder, card trick, scary mask, a farting pen, a brain flosser, and of course, how could I forget, fake vomit.

After we staggered out of the Show Bag Pavillion, we caught our breath watching sheep herding for a few minutes. Then off to the Midway for the rides. By this point, it was pretty hot and the lines were long. The kids managed one or two rides and we were all ready to head home. The line at the train station was the worst of them all. Luckily, my husband for the day was able to put in a call to his real life wife and she came and rescued us in the car. We were never so happy to see someone in all our lives. She was more than happy to pick us up because she didn't have to go to the Ekka in the first place!

So for you dear readers - we went to the Ekka. None of my Australian friends would go - too crowded, too hot, too expensive, too many corn dogs. But we rallied for this blog. If there is a single person that reads this to the end, please e-mail me. I am losing the will to blog and need to know at least one person has read this.

Thanks, Susan

Suburban Snake!

Yes! The day has arrived! My first Aussie suburban snake sighting! I was walking around the neighborhood with a friend this morning and spotted a snake! We were on the sidewalk and just to my left was a low hedge. Sticking out of the hedge, was a snake! It looked like a creeping vine sticking out, and it would have brushed up against my leg had I not noticed it. Of course, I saw it and ran shrieking into the street. Luckily, there was no car coming. I can imagine the headline: Stupid American Woman Hit by Car as She Runs from Harmless Tree Snake. Well, we think it was a tree snake. It was about a meter long and probably an inch or two in diameter.

It was funny to see a snake today, because yesterday, my tennis pals were telling me all about it. Apparently, snake season will soon be upon us. Spring is coming and the snakes will start appearing. 1) Clear all vegetation away from the house. 2) Check the pool before diving in. 3) Check the pool skimmer. They may look dead, but they aren't. Also, never chop a snake in two. It only makes them angry. First, break it's back with the blunt egde of shovel. Then, you cut it's head off. (Yeah, right, I'll do that...) At one place where I play, they killed 5 Deadly Brown Snakes in one day. I have decided not to chase the balls into the undergrowth - I'd rather buy a new set of balls.

Still no photos, because I am so hopeless. Maybe soon. Next week, there is a public holiday for the State Agricultural Show. I think I may be brave enough to face it - there are no lengths I won't go to just to get material for my readers.

Elliott is away tonight at Choir Camp. You can imagine he is thrilled at the prospect. I think it will be fun for him to get to know the kids a bit better. I am officially an embarassment to him - I made a huge faux-pas today. As we were driving to school, we passed his friend and I waved to him! How embarassing for Elliott - his mother waving away enthusiastically. He shrunk down in the seat and hoped no one would know I was his mother. I guess it only gets worse from here!