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RE: Residential Security Expert - Introduction Post
What is your best security advice for conflict zone tourism? ;-)
"Don't go there" doesn't count as an answer either! No actually, it is a very small, very safe slice in a big ocean of chaos. My husbands family is from there. And, relatively close to the region I live in...so at the very least if TEOTWAKI hits I could make it home within a few weeks. If you every want to come check out the area drop me a line!
You are going there as a journalist, so the people you are meeting have a vested interest in keeping you safe. Say for example that it was a local drug cartel; they would provide pretty good security for you.
Make sure they know you're coming, don't deviate from the agreed upon plan, and be polite but firm. Then you should be good to go.
I've never been in a situation like the one you're suggesting, but it shouldn't be that dangerous with the proper agreement in advance and support.
Your situation reminds me of some of the embedded Vice stories recently too. Perhaps connect with other similar journalists and ask them for some help. They have the experience!
Interesting viewpoint. Of course, once I say I am a writer everyone perks up. I was inclined to keep quiet about that. But, maybe it would be safer to trumpet it. As for plan deviation, yeah, we have a circuit we always make. I have met people coming down little hiking trails off the mountain, who knew exactly who I was and where I was from sight-unseen thanks to the local grapevine.
There are things I could tell you about my previous journeys...interesting things like the time I interviewed a cocaine cook and then wrote about it later...(see blog). They aren't really for online conversations, but very interesting.
I missed this reply for some reason until now. Yes, as long as they know you're a neutral party and not a threat, you should be good to go. It also depends on your connections and those of your husband. If you are living there in Columbia and have been safe for a while, you will probably stay safe. How long have you been living there?