Kiwi misses home comforts
‘‘There are many things I will never take for granted again.’’
Washing machines, cooking utensils and ‘‘a decent chair to relax in’’ are all sorely missed by jailed former top public servant Sharon Armstrong.
The Wellingtonian was convicted in March of cocaine trafficking and sentenced to four years and 10 months in an Argentinian jail.
Writing on her website, Armstrong said she had a newfound appreciation for washing machines and dryers after having to wash her clothes by hand and dry them in the cooling weather.
‘‘Actually, there are many things I will never take for granted again, such as proper utensils for cooking, access to a variety of fruit and veges, a decent chair to relax in, English television and comfortable bed to sleep in. However, I am grateful for what we do have as I know it could be a lot worse.’’
Last April, The Dominion Post revealed that the former deputy chief executive of the Maori Language Commission had been arrested after 5kg of cocaine was discovered in the false bottom of her suitcase at an airport in Buenos Aires.
Armstrong has always denied knowing the cocaine was in her bag, saying she was duped into carrying it by a man she had met online.
An English literature class and books sent by friends have kept Armstrong busy in jail, but she claims one of the many lessons of her captivity has been patience. ‘‘It seems everyday we are waiting for something or someone,’’ she wrote.
‘‘Most importantly all of us in here are waiting for our time to be up to return home to our families and friends. This past month has seen a few girls reach the end of their sentences. While we are all very happy for them to leave, we experience mixed emotions as we look at those of us left and try to imagine how we will feel when it is our turn.’’