Guns are everywhere. Bad omens, too. The roads around some Colombian cities are almost empty of traffic. No one dares travel by land when they can fly. Companies that bought rights to operate toll roads clamor for government refunds.
Kidnappings are the national scourge.
Some 160 children have been snatched for ransom so far this year. Almost tight enough to hurt. Many mornings, I walk her a half block from The Herald's bureau to a day care. It's not a relaxing stroll. Bodyguards of other parents hover at the gates.