Arrival in Mae Sot

I arrived safe and sound by bus at 5:20 this morning. Though barely awake, I made it into a motorcycle taxi with the help of Dan, an American-born volunteer who's been coming to Mae Sot several times a year.

Mae Sot, right on the Thailand-Myanmar (Burma) border, is a major home for refugees fleeing Burma. Thus, it is also home to a large number of non-profit organizations, which draw volunteers from all over the world.

"Lots of acronyms," Dan told me. "The organizations change, but the people running them don't." He told me about a lot of volunteer hangouts and a good Italian restaurant. And generally made me feel extremely excited about living here.

"And from your hotel, you'll have a great view of the prison yard," he chuckled, as we turned the corner. And there it was. Completely visible though a fence.

I knew the Green Guest House was near the prison when I made the reservation, and it didn't stop me. It was recommended by my awesome classmates Eric and Yarrow, and that's very high praise in my book. It is clean, well-managed and centrally located. Right behind the police station, so it's safe. Run by a super-sweet teacher couple. Cheap. And it also happens to be across the street from the town prison.

I keep meaning to take a picture, but I don't have the heart. There must be 60 men squeezed into a tiny cage, with only one exterior wall, no fans, etc. I saw/heard at least one beating today. And there was something else happening in a far corner that involved some screaming, but I tried very hard not to look. In short, this Thai prison looks pretty horrific. The prisoners really don't need me and my camera making things worse for them, even if it is for a millisecond.

Cute, oddly-appropriate e-mail from the parents today:

Dear Jen: Thank you for letting us know that you've arrived safely. Please don't do anything that would earn us a phone call from Amnesty International! Love you lots. Mom & Dad

Mom, Dad, though I am known for my wild, reckless law-breaking ways, getting a good look at a Thai prison has convinced me to be careful. I promise not to intentionally or knowingly do anything that would put me there.

Tomorrow, I start volunteer work for the Burma Lawyer's Council. I can't wait!