Sydney Carnival

What an interesting weekend I had.  I was really looking forward to Saturday, after weeks of pep talks from my Aussie.  It was Sydney Carnival day which is a huge day for horse races at the Royal Randwick track.  From all the research I'd done on it, all the women dress up in cocktail dresses and fun hats; the men wear their best suits; and it's generally a day of fun and champagne and good times. 

Ever since I moved here, my Aussie has been talking about how much fun these races are.  I, however, have been vehemently turning down the invitation to attend any of the races.  Although I am no longer a vegan (I have incorporated some dairy and will eat seafood now), I am still a huge animail lover and animal rights supporter.  I've never been a big gambling fan and any kind of race involving animals has turned me off.

But my Aussie explained that there were a lot of other fun aspects to the Carnival (fashion shows, good food, drinks, and the opportunity to meet new people and hang out with friends) and that I should just go.  So I went and made my first millinery purchase and got a fantastic little fascinator, bought some new make-up, and went to bed early Friday night so I would get plenty of sleep for what I knew was going to be a long but fun day out.

My Aussie and I woke up to a raging thunderstorm going on.  While we walked Bailey and started to get ready the rain came and went, but mostly came.  We called a cab to meet a bunch of friends over at our friend P.'s house where a huge breakfast was being made for everyone.  After some bubbles, we all headed over to the races.

It continued to pour as we made our way to the grandstands (covered, thank goodness) and then found a good spot to see everything.  Because of the weather, the fashion show on the field was cancelled among other activities so it was really all about the races at this point.  Everyone had been reading the race papers and planning their bet placements.  I made it through one race while keeping my composure but the second time the horses were paraded past everyone, the tears started flowing.  It's unreal how gorgeous these horses are, absolutely perfect in every way.  They get so agitated by everyone screaming that they are bucking their heads and pulling away from their leads.  The dreary weather and rain and stupid drunken behavoir of almost everyone around me probably didn't help.  I just honestly don't think animals of any kind were put on this earth to make us quick, easy gambling money or to be our entertainment.  And we all know what happens to them when their of no more use or if they are injured racing.  I just can't be a part of it. 

So I went inside and sat with my friend S. to catch up and have some girl time instead of watching the races.  I left my Aussie to carry on with his friends and he understood where I was coming from as well.  It is a deeply rooted cultural past time here, as in many other countries, but it's one that I'm not going to acclimate myself too.  I can say I went but I don't think I'll be going back.