Life In a New Zealand Jail

Terra Hope

We flew 7,437 miles to live and work in a jail, in Christchurch, New Zealand. The name of the facility is Jailhouse Accommodation. Completely jet lagged and exhausted from our travels, on arrival day we were informed our duties began the next day. Hurray!

After our interrogation the wardens decided that with Sarah's reception experience she would check in the inmates while I was left to the dirty work, cleaning beds. Luckily, we only work three to four hours daily in exchange for accommodations. Currently I reside in the workers quarters which consist of four two-person bunk beds and a non-working fireplace. Others we work alongside with are, three from England, one from Taiwan and a New Yorker. Sarah unfortunately has had to sleep in a bunk bed amongst nine other inmates that constantly escape from jail.

Sarah hard at work

Today while working she exclaimed, "we are completely booked!."  Everyone wants to be an inmate here. The historical building constructed out of 60 cm thick concrete was built in 1874 and survived every earthquake. The rooms are the original jail cells, the bed covers are striped as are many other decorations. The rooms are sound proof but an occasional sneeze in the main room can be heard at the other end. There are two movie lounges, a pool table and darts room, and a wonderfully well organized and supplied kitchen. For inmates that get out of hand, be warned, the wardens can lock them away in the insane asylum room.

 

 



We committed a month to staying here and so we plan to complete this by December. We will escape jail and explore the south island. Currently we are looking for a small car to purchase. Just today Papa, Ginnie and I looked at a tiny green Nissan, I think a 1990 and a manual. A MANUAL ON THE LEFT HAND DRIVER'S SIDE. Papa said the engine looks good and the registry is up to date and so now Sarah and I have to consider the manual aspect of it. We both can drive a stick no problem but we are both right handed. It's interesting enough driving on the LEFT side of the road! I think we should go for it, it's a great brain work out too. We will let you know what happens.