Today’s the day K Belle and I head to the prison.
Not just any prison … Angola.
Apparently it’s educational.
It’s not your typical jail. It’s the Louisiana State Penitentiary. It’s not for the lowly check-frauders and traffic violators. This is where the big-time criminals go. I’m talking high-security. It’s actually the largest maximum security prison in the United States … about 5000 inmates or so.
When K Belle first told me her 8th grade class was going, I assumed it was to show what could happen when a person makes poor choices. I’m envisioning an episode of “Beyond Scared Straight” here.
She explained that it was a historical field trip. The prison has been around for a very long time.
I, of course, told K Belle I would accompany her to protect her from any danger. She gave me her typical sneer and began her smack-talk about how she’s taller than me. (which she IS NOT)
We were given specific instructions of what we could and could not wear. There was the typical items that no mom or dad with any common sense would wear like mini-skirts, midriff tops, short shorts, hip-huggers (which I didn’t know people could even buy), etc.
But, then there was NO JEANS.
What?!
My wardrobe pretty much consists of jeans, jeans, some dresses, jeans, jeans, three leggings, and jeans.
K Belle’s suggestion was for me to wear sweatpants.
Um. No.
I realized I had black pants only. I actually had to spend time and effort on a coordinating outfit to visit a prison. Yes. A. Prison.
I am actually looking forward to this field trip, overdressed and all.
K Belle’s excited to visit the gift shop and spend some money.
Yes … a gift shop.
I’ll be sure to pick up my “I’ve been to Angola and all I got was this t-shirt” t-shirt.
Field trip to the prison…eek! I always think of the Aaron Neville song "Angola Bound" when anyone mentions Angola (which isn't often, thankfully).
A gift shop? Really? You are going to have to tell us about all the stuff available for sale. I can't imagine.
I can not wait to hear about this!!!
Never heard of a field trip to a prison…and they have a gift shop!?!
I can't wait to hear the return story!
That's awesome!! We went on a field trip to the Cook County Jail (in Chicago) and the boys got more catcalls from inmates that the girls did. Boy, did that freak out us Christian high school kids!! 😉
I'm a little disturbed that the prison has a gift shop. Weird!
I know it's a weird thing to say, but I LOVE Angola!
I have nothing to compare it to, but their grounds are gorgeous. They make the prisoners WORK! (What a concept, huh?) They have to farm their own food. They raise their own cattle. The grounds are beautifully landscaped.
And the rodeo every year is awesome. We're planning on going this year. Every Sunday in October. We're not going every Sunday in October. Just once. you know what I mean…
Ok, that is just hilarious. So now when you go to your closet you can say, "Hmmmmm, am I gonna choose workout, shopping, church, date-night or prison clothes?" And viola! You will have an outfit all put together. Whew!
Huh. Wonder what the reasoning behind the no jeans rule is?
And I'm interested to hear what exactly you find in a prison gift shop…
I taught a computer class one summer at the Basile Detention Center. It was an experience I'll never forget and get to share with my students.
I could not wear any makeup, perfume, and not even open-toed shoes. I remember that one of the prisoners said how I smelled nice….which was basically the aroma of Dial. Great field trip for all!
I went with both my girls to their prison field trip when they were in 8th grade. It was the "this is where you will end up if you keep acting stupid" field trip. We were allowed to wear jean but nothing with the school name on it and the bus was pulled into a garage so no one would see it. We were not allowed to put our hands in our pockets or look the inmates in the eyes.
It was creepy and disgusting and I got to do it two years in a row! It was just to our county jail but that was enough for me!
No gift shop there!! Can't wait to see how this turns out :}