“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave…” With these words from the iconic song Hotel California by The Eagles, Brian Peltason sadly ends a 13 year era as the owner of the Old Gaol Backpackers.
“You can check out any time you like, but you can never leave…” With these words from the iconic song Hotel California by The Eagles, Brian Peltason sadly ends a 13 year era as the owner of the Old Gaol Backpackers.
After lengthy disputes regarding the upkeep of the building, the South African Heritage Resources Agency (Sahra) declared that it would not be renewing the yearly lease agreement.
According to Peltason, the Sahra initiative includes investing between R500 000 to R1-million towards revamping the Old Gaol, which is a national heritage site.
There has also been talk around the establishment of an education centre, “but whether these government officials are going to make good on their word is a different story” said Peltason apprehensively.
When asked to share some of his fondest memories, Peltason burst out laughing and quickly added “we won’t go with those ones”.
But it did not take long for him to cheerfully recount many of his cherished experiences. What stood out the most was his sister’s wedding reception that took place in the courtyard.
Their fi re-and-ice themed opening party was also a big occasion featuring the band The Vibrafarians who will also be playing at this weekend’s closing party.
“We even had huge blocks of ice all over the place,” explained Peltason nostalgically. Taking some time to refl ect on the down’s, Peltason finally replied: “It’s been a ride.
But at the end of the day you can’t fully sell a jail to everyone.” The closing party will be the Old Gaol’s last event and commences on Friday at 3pm and will continue untill Sunday.
Peltason said that the Old Gaol has always catered for everyone. It is in this spirit that Peltason invites people to come this weekend and express themselves, whether through poetry, music or simply having a good time.
“I just want to leave with some dignity,” said Peltason with conviction, “this building still means something to me.”
