Australia
by Sean on Dec.21, 2009, under Australia
“G’day luv.” These are the first words I hear as the guard finishes connecting the steps to the plane and the flight warden opens the safety hatch. The sky is deep blue and there’s not a cloud in sight. The sudden jump in temperature leaves me feeling a bit dizzy, but I collect myself and move to the electric doors leading inside the prison.
I feel nervous as I enter the lane marked “Foreigners,” because this is the first time I’ve ever gone to gaol. I approach the guard and he badgers me with questions. “Where are you coming from? Why are you coming here? Why were you there and not China if you claim to be living there? What do you do there? Do you like it there?” I felt like I was going to be sick. I couldn’t tolerate those kinds of questions like I was back in China, because I definitely wasn’t there anymore. I answer the questions with confidence and he half-asses a smile as he collects my things and shows me in.
“Welcome to Australia, mate.” I’m moved to a large cell with all the other prisoners and made to wait. It seemed like forever when I was finally allowed to collect my new items from the conveyor belt. I cringed at the thought of how slow life is here. Something that would get done within minutes now seems to be done at a snails pace. After picking up my allotted items, I moved to another line and waited some more.
I quickly discover that gaol here is strict. If you are caught bringing in foreign items (like dried fish or plants) they can seize the item and throw a fine at you and extra time in gaol! Because of this, I removed my unopened chocolate bar and asked the quarantine checker if it was okay. He said to me, “It’s my not favourite brand mate, but it’s okay to bring in.”
Being a smart bloke, I formulated an escape plan while on the transport aircraft. About the time they led me through to the cell I was meant to spend the next month in, the other prisoners began a riot. Around 9:30am, I escaped from the clutches of the Australian government, slip past the guards at the entrance, and jumped into the moving truck. The driver asked where I was headed, and I said “Gold Coast, my good mate.” I didn’t know if I would make it, but I had hope. In Gold Coast I’d find safe passage and a warm meal. It’s best to move as fast as possible, so I’ll move on with haste to a safe house in Deception Bay. I only hope this message reaches you. Wish me luck.
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In the Land Down Under
December 21st, 2009 on 9:31 am[...] When we arrived in Australia, the sky was amazing and it air was clean. To continue reading about my arrival in Australia, go over to my Australia page. [...]
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Tweets that mention Australia - World Resolution -- Topsy.com
December 21st, 2009 on 9:33 am[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by Sean Weisbrot, Gus Taylor. Gus Taylor said: RT @/sweisbrot -Check out my new post about #Australia http://worldresolution.net/travel/2009/australia/ #travel [...]
December 26th, 2009 on 4:48 pm
I liked it. So much useful material. I read with great interest.
December 31st, 2009 on 11:19 am
I added your blog to bookmarks. And i’ll read your articles more often!
April 11th, 2010 on 11:16 am
How could you compare Australia to a jail? Your views on the Australian customs questions are interesting. I for one find crossing any customs a pain in the backside due to the cues. Though you have not experienced anything so draconian until one crosses US customs in regard to slow processing and questioning. As for rude customs officers New Zealand tops the lot.
I can see this has some tong in check association so won’t go on much more.