Life In Cellblock

Posted by Ray

Posted on July 2, 2008

Where to begin?

Stepping off the train at Bundaberg Station on the 9th of April I did dwell for a moment what exactly I’d be letting myself in for. The thought of ending up on some slave camp farm or not enjoying the working hostel life did cross my mind on the five hour journey from Brisbane. On the plus side for me it was a clean slate from four months in Sydney and a chance to meet tonnes of new people.

Equipped with the trusty backpack, laptop and guitar I walked around to the Cellblock which was just off the main Bourbong Street in Bundaberg. Greeted by Libby the receptionist I was setup in room 7 which was to be my new home for the three months. The luck of the draw had me staying with three Irish lads from Monaghan which made life settling in allot easier for the first few days.

As this was the first time travelling on my own I knew the onus was really on me to get out there and meet new people. The first weekend came and I was pretty much in my element. With plenty of VB jugs on board I mingled around the bar area and got chatting to some great people. A trip to the local redneck club ‘Central’ also proved a great chance to get acquainted.

The following week I began work with Beshan’s Tomatoes, which turned out to be the best job in the hostel, money wise and the guarantee of always working. I won’t cover the working side in this post as there would be too much to talk about.

The first month involved meeting new people from around the globe. After work was always a good time. Happy hour played out between 5-6 when everyone made it home from work. An ideal time to relax, unwind and catch up with friends. For a steady couple of weeks I’d have two jugs each night and would finish with ease compared to now where I have trouble drinking one and usually end up sharing.

Weekdays were usually quiet where everyone would come home shower, cook, have a drink, watch TV or a movie and go to bed around 9-10 for work the next day. Some weeks there would be special events like the ‘State Of Origin’ game, ‘Champions League Final’ or ‘Canadian Day’ where everyone would make the effort on the ‘school night’ as we’d call it to drink and have fun.

The biggest nights were always Friday or Saturday. Drinking would usually start early either in the bar, RSL (local cheap pub for retired soldiers) or the park. Everyone would then make it back to the hostel for tea and a change of clothes for the night activities. Depending on the weekend there would be various things happening like Fancy dress, Karaoke, Drinking in the park, BBQ, People’s leaving parties, Pool parties and the likes.

Cooking time was always eventful. The cramped kitchen, lack of pots and pans didn’t hinder the wannabe Gordon Ramsey’s who could definitely russel up some mouth watering dishes. Most of the time I ate stir fry’s or pasta which were quick and easy. Tuesday’s were pizza day where all pizza’s from Domino’s, Pizza Hut and Eagles Boys were $5, a steal. Other options were Hungry Tum’s, Mc Donald’s, Hungry Jacks or Yummy Noodle all relatively cheap.

It’s hard to sum up a place like Cellblock. You really get out from it what you put in. For me meeting so many cool people was a major highlight. Not just people to say hello now and again on Facebook, but guys and girls who you’ll be sad to see go. Most I plan to see again up along the coast or next year in Oz. Fingers crossed. Like everything when you travel, you can only fully appreciate something when it’s finished. I think this will definitely be the case for Cellblock. So many sound people (the list is endless), so many memories and so many endless laughs. The last three months will be unforgettable. Cheers everyone from Cellblock. Check out some of the good times below.

Cellblock Backpackers

The Bar

The Pool

My Bed In Room 7

Dutch Day

Dutch Day

Dutch Day

1st State Of Origin Game

1st State Of Origin Game

1st State Of Origin Game

Champions League Final Morning

Champions League Final Morning

Champions League Final Morning In The RSL

Fancy Dress Night

Fancy Dress Night

Fancy Dress Night

Fancy Dress Night

Fancy Dress Night

Fancy Dress Night

Fancy Dress Night

BBQ Night

John, Clem & Adam

Diane, Ray & Sully

Ray & The French Girls

Mexican Food Night

Drink Time At The Bar

Goon Time Down At The Park

Karaoke Night

Karaoke Night

Canada Day

Canada Day

Canada Day

Canada Day, 26 People In Room 26

Black Marker Time

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