Last week I spent a night in an old prison. It was known as Addington Prison, and was in operation until 1999. They (people? government?) decided they didn’t want a prison within the Christchurch city limits anymore so it was shut down.
It was purchased by a couple of enterprising people in 2006, renovated, and turned into a hostel!
Although I’m not a huge fan of hostels (I’d rather CouchSurf, but it’s not practical when I’m constantly on the move in NZ), I do my best to seek out the interesting gems. I’ve mostly sought out old, historic buildings or tiny independent hostels. This is my first prison. :)
The cost for a single room was just $49NZD, which is roughly $35 USD. The biggest downside is this place is about 2.5km from the city centre.
If you’re so inclined, I made a video (didn’t edit, so it’s kinda long and boring):
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I booked my ticket to India. I’m flying Business Class (free with AAdvantage miles) from DTW (Detroit) to BOM (Mumbai). I think I’ll hang in Mumbai for a few days (or more) before I head off to Goa and learn to build guitars! :)
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L.A. area meetup Saturday Dec 12 with @ealvarezgibson and other wonderful people. You in? I’m not sure the exact location yet. I’m CouchSurfing in Santa Monica so maybe we’ll make it somewhere over there. :)
It’s strange to think I’ll be back in the US in less than a week. I fly out of Auckland at 7 pm Dec 10 and arrive in LA at 10am Dec 10. That’s what we call a mindfu…nevermind. ;)
Later on the 10th hopefully I’ll go to the Jimmy Kimmel show (if they approve my ticket request!). Also, Conan O’brien’s people? Can you please approve my ticket request for Monday Dec 14? Thanks. I have watched Conan since like 10th grade. Hook it up!
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Are you participating in Ridiculously Extraordinary Challenge #1? Quit Drinking For 30 Days
If so, let me know how it’s going after 10 days. :) I got a lot of great private e-mails (as well as lots of awesome public comments!) thanking me for the article. It feels so good that it connected with you.
Hey, great accomodations! I love different or weird stuff like that! Anyone can go to the Super 8. Cool stuff! Good luck on your travels, last April I was at LAX and waited in line with Eddie Griffin. I know he’s not a celebrity like you but it was cool anyway!
I haven’t heard the name Eddie Griffin for a loooonnnggg time. :) I’m into the different stuff too so I try my best to experience it.
I hope that wall chart is in centimeters, cuz otherwise you’re about 16 feet tall. LOL!
I AM 16 feet tall!
You had me worried for a moment when I saw the headline. Most of my best friends has spent at least one night in jail. Worse things can happen you know.
hehe, one of my goals (albeit, not serious) has been to spend a night in jail…so I guess I accomplished that!
If you want to spend a night in a real jail I have some ideas for other exciting challenges which would make fun posts and may send you there:)
I give up drinking all the time but usually enjoy a quick tipple on a Saturday night:)
I hope you enjoyed lovely New Zealand and the splendid kiwis. Bon voyage.
Annabel,
I am open to your ideas. Hopefully real jail has an internet connection so I can post. ;)
NZ has been really great, thank you!
Karol
very interesting experience~