Man, what a day! I swear, being a prison warden in Taupo is like riding a rollercoaster with no seatbelt. So, I wake up, right? Sun’s shining, birds chirping, and I’m like, “Today’s gonna be chill.” Ha! Spoiler alert: it wasn’t.
First off, I hit up the local café on Tongariro St. for my usual flat white. You know, the one with the barista who thinks he’s a latte artist? Yeah, that guy. He’s all about the foam art, but I just want caffeine, man! Anyway, I’m waiting, and this tourist walks in, all wide-eyed and lost. He’s like, “Where’s the lake?” I’m like, “Dude, it’s right there!” I point out the window, and he’s just staring at me like I’m speaking Martian. Classic Taupo moment, right?
So, I finally grab my coffee and head to work. The prison’s on the outskirts, near the Taupo Airport. You’d think it’d be quiet, but nah. I walk in, and the vibe is off. Like, you can feel the tension in the air. I’m thinking, “What now?” Turns out, one of the inmates decided to stage a protest. Yeah, a protest! In a prison! They were chanting something about “freedom” and “rights.” I’m like, “Bro, you’re in prison! What rights?”
I’m trying to keep my cool, but inside, I’m fuming. I mean, come on! I just wanted a boring day. So, I call in the team, and we handle it. But not before I get a lecture from the head honcho about “keeping the peace.” Peace? In a prison? Good luck with that!
After the chaos, I needed a breather. So, I head down to the lakefront. Lake Taupo is stunning, man. The water’s so blue it looks fake. I sit on a bench, just trying to chill. But then, this kid runs by, chasing a duck. I’m talking full-on sprint, arms flailing. The duck? Totally unbothered. Just waddles away like it’s seen it all before. I chuckle. Kids are hilarious.
Then, I get a call. One of the inmates’ family members is outside, causing a scene. Great. Just what I need. I rush back, and there’s this woman yelling about her son’s “unfair treatment.” I’m like, “Lady, he’s in prison for a reason!” But she’s not having it. I try to explain, but she’s just going off. I’m thinking, “Can I get a break, please?”
Finally, I wrap up the day. I’m exhausted. I drive home, and as I pass by the Taupo Domain, I see people having picnics, kids playing, and I’m like, “Man, I need this.” I pull over, grab some fish and chips from the local shop on Ruapehu St., and just sit there, watching the sunset over the lake. It’s beautiful.
But then, I spill my chips all over my lap. Classic me, right? I’m sitting there, covered in grease, laughing at myself. Life’s a mess, but it’s my mess.
So, yeah, that was my day in Taupo. Full of surprises, chaos, and a bit of beauty. I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Well, maybe a day off. But that’s a different story!