I have the Ekka what...?

When I first moved to Queensland back in about 1991 I got sick around August. Now it seemed nothing too serious, just a little flu/cold type thing but Mum being a caring mum she took me to the doctor just to be sure. So after some poking and prodding etc.. the doctor came to the conclusion that I had the Ekka Flu... mum and I looked at the doctor with some confusion and asked if this was serious and how did I get this odd Tropical disease??? To which the doctor laughed at us and explained the phenomenon that was Brisbanes Royal Agricultural Show (the Ekka - similar to Royal Easter show for Sydney Siders) and its ability to spread flu like colds all throughout Qld every August, phew, so I will be ok then !!!

Anyway why am I reminising on this time 15 years ago when I was sick - well - for the first time since I heard of this Ekka, I went to it! What a day, no wonder people get sick there.

Once you walk through the entry gates it is an absolute assualt to your senses. There is screaming, lights flashing, odd hats, people everywhere, music, sideshows, carny folk trying to get you to win giant toys - ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH - ok I had a light moment there as we unfortunately entered into Sideshow alley. I do not reccommend it for the faint hearted or those suffering from any kind of crowd phobia!

Moving on, we found the food hall and got to try lots of yummy treats and from there the animal nursery to feed the baby animals.

As for the delicacies on offer I started with a Pluto Pup (also called a Battered Sav) which for anyone who doesnt know it is a hotdog on a stick, covered in Batter, fried and then dipped in tomato sauce. After that we shared some BBQ pork ribs and corn on the cob ... and the badness did not end there - that night on the way home we had Pizza and coke. But I guess for 8 hours of walking and dodging other people that was not too bad!

My overall opinion. The Ekka is good for the pre-planned people who have a great plan of attack! Tie yourself to friends and family, take plenty of water and try not to get overwhelmed!

12km on a sunny day..

Good Evening... well it has been a week since Jeremy and I ran the 12km in the Bridge to Brisbane which we do every year! This year we did pretty well - but at this stage I dont know what our times were as they have decided to leave us in suspense!!! Tomorrow the results will be in the paper so I will keep you all informed :-) Also Mum and Paul went in the 4.5km walk.



For non-Queenslanders the Bridge to Brisbane is a 12 km and 4.5km race that is participated in by a large number of people (growing be the year) This year ver 25,000 people ran in the event and therefore raised lots of money for the beneficiaries which was The Hear and Say Centre, Cerebral Palsy League of Qld, Lions macgregor and Rotary club of Port of Brisbane.

What a morning - it all started at 4:30am when we were up for a quick shower, breakfast and ironically sunscreen before the sun is out! Then leave home by 5am, a quick stop for petrol, gatorade and an odd look from the service station attendent when I tell him where I am off too. I felt better by noticing that the other bleary eyed people getting petrol were also dressed for the run.

From there we picked up my friend Estelle and her mum and drove all the way to Muarrie (still dark at this stage). After finding a park and then walking to the bus that would take us to the start line the sky was starting to lighten... I was a little cold in my t-shirt and 3/4 pants!

Anyway we waited around a while as the crowds grew and grew and grew all around us until finally at 7am we were off!! Up and over the bridge - a pit stop to use the lovely port-a-loos at the 3km mark, a few more drink stops and then it was bacon and eggs at New Farm Park!!

Sadly for me, a highlight was seeing Humphrey B Bear on stage :-) I am a big fan.. but was shocked that he now dances to techno music while doing aerobics for kids. Good idea to help the chubby kiddies get a bit more active.

Enough from me tonight - one last message though - Get Moving and keep healthy and fit!!