ROYAL MELBOURNE SHOW 23.09.2016

27/9/2016

Last Friday I decided I'd like to go to the Royal Melbourne Show, which is held annually. It was going to be a nice day weather wise because it's been raining heaps lately. It's not nice to go out in the rain, especially with the wheelchair because I always worry that it might break down if water somehow gets into the computer or batteries.

I caught the train because I'm trying to save money, and I travel for free on public transport, whereas the taxi would cost about $15 - $20 one way. It was an easy run from home as I only catch 2 trains, it took about 50 minutes and dropped me right at the gate and ticket booths of the show. My ticket (concession) was $25 (a little on the expensive side, but only once every 20 years is ok), and I was in the show by midday.

My main plan was to see the dogs that are on show and have loads of pats and cuddles. Then the baby farm animals and, well in fact any animals. I also wanted to see what the show was about as I think I've only been once before and if so, that'd be about 30 years ago or so. I also wanted to take photos to add to the collection :) I headed strait to the animal area (after getting lost a few times), however what hit me the most as soon as I came through the gate was the smell of oil from all the takeaway food. I couldn't smell hot chips, hot dogs and burgers, just cooking oil. It was so overwhelming that it made me feel ill and I had to block my nose until I'd either gotten used to it or just moved out of that area, I'm not sure. One thing you do when you go the show is eat junk food, fairy floss, get your face painted, go on rides, pat animals and just have fun so I'd expected it all to be there, just not this overwhelming smell, WOW!

The first thing I did along the journey to the animal area was get a henna pattern drawn on my hand. I've always wanted that done and as soon as I spotted a booth I thought "that's it", done sale! I love it! (There is a photo below). The next thing I had done was a caricature of myself, something else I've always wanted done. (You'll find a picture below as well). Then it was time to hit the dogs, chickens, butter churning, goats and sheep going wild eating fed in cups that kids had in the animal petting barn areas. I had lunch whilst watching the dogs on show where the Saint Bernard puppies were naughty and made the crowds laugh. The rides were crazy and looked like heaps of fun. Once upon a time (when walking) I used to love them and would have been on them in a flash! I met so many lovely people all the way from getting on the train there and training it home. It was a fabulous day except the crowds and noise really exhausted me and got to me after three hours. To the point where I couldn't wait to get out of there and felt very frustrated when I had trouble doing so because by 3 pm the crowd had increased significantly.

I find that as a part of the disease I am super sensitive to noise, crowds, to much stimulation etc however am learning my limitations. It can be difficult to go out with a friend as all my friends work during the day, and I wouldn't go on a weekend when it would probably be busier. I was exhausted when I finally got home at 5 pm and had the best sleep that night :) Enjoy the photos :)