DINING in the dark is even stranger than you might imagine.
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As one of 40 people to don a blindfold at the recent Dinner in the Dark fundraiser at North Haven’s Oasis by the River restaurant, attempting to eat without being able to see was a real eye-opener (excuse the pun).
The blindfold experience was designed to put dinner guests in the shoes of the vision-impaired for a brief moment, and to gain some understanding of the challenges faced every day.
Eating without sight is not easy.
It is hard to find, cut and manoeuvre your food and then successfully get it in your mouth, without dripping and dropping it all over the shop, or discovering your fork is empty.
It’s frustrating when you chase your deliciously rare steak, served on a bed of (slippery!) potatoes, all over the plate.
It’s uncomfortable when you shove such an enormous piece of food in your mouth you can hardly chew it, let alone swallow.
Mess aside, I also quickly realised just how much I enjoy “eating with my eyes” and anticipating the different tastes on the plate.
The Dinner in the Dark event at North Haven was the second to be organised by dynamic mother and daughter duo, Tanya Savva and seven-year-old Mackenzie, who are travelling up the NSW coast on the first leg of a road-trip around Australia.
The pair are raising awareness about Vision Australia, the organisation that provides support services for children who are blind or have low vision, like Mackenzie.
Tanya also wants to broaden Mackenzie’s life experiences, and to “show” her amazing daughter everything she possibly can.
Listening to Tanya speak about her ambitious plans and the uncertainty about the road ahead is inspiring.
She is documenting her experiences via a blog and Facebook page titled ‘The Road Unseen’, both of which provide some wonderful insights into the highs and lows of their life together and this incredible journey.
Video footage highlights Mackenzie’s bright and cheery disposition, her perceptive comments, and her spirited singing, which would surely melt even the hardest of hearts.
The lasting impression Tanya Savva left in the room was her incredible bravery, determination and “can do” approach to life.
As she readily admits herself, in a light-hearted way, “it’s a good thing that a child with so many physical and intellectual challenges picked a mother like me.”
Next stop on ‘The Road Unseen’ will be Coffs Harbour, followed by Lismore and Byron Bay where meetings and fundraising events have been planned.
From there Tanya and Mackenzie will continue up the coast all the way to Port Douglas, before heading to Mt Isa, Katherine, Darwin, Alice Springs, Coober Pedy, Port August, Broken Hill, Mildura and Melbourne, and then returning (slowly) home to Sydney.
Tanya was articulate and gracious as she thanked the diners and sponsors at North Haven last week. The local OPSM outlet stunned the event's main organiser Martie Kuhn, with their donation of two $1,000 vouchers, and other businesses also gave generously.
The way in which restaurateur Brendon Lynch stepped up to support the event also exceeded all expectations.
“I'm blown away by the local community spirit and reception to support us and Vision Australia.”
“We are beyond grateful,” she said.
To find out more about Tanya and Mackenzie and to follow their progress, go to www.theroadunseen.com or find them on Facebook. or on Instagram.
