Idiosyncrasies III

This will most likely be our third and final installment of our Colombian Idiosyncrasies posts. Although, after we actually leave we may think of more things to share. It has been fun sharing with others things that are different or unique about Colombia. However, when we started these posts we tried to include things we did not want to forget. We wanted things that in twenty years we could read and have the memories flood our minds. We wanted to remember the little things that make Colombia special yet we would most likely forget.

1. I do not think that any posting about Colombia would be complete unless it spoke about security. Security is an interesting aspect of living in Bogotá. AJP mentioned the other day that, “Some army guys have really cool guns – even machine guns.” (Pause for us to pick our chins off the floor.) AJP has become much more aware of guns while we have lived here. There are armed guards or “seguridad privada” at almost every building. There are military personnel that walk the streets with those “cool guns” in full view. I do not even think twice about having our bags or car checked before we enter an office building or mall. At the airport before we leave, we all have our carry-on bags checked by hand before we can get on the plane (no profiling here – everyone is checked!). When I am asked about the security by other Americans, I always say, “One is very aware of security here, but I have never felt unsafe.” President Uribe has greatly improved the security in Colombia in general and Bogotá specifically. In the mid-90’s, people were scared to walk outside for fear of walking past a car because the car could potentially explode. After starting his presidency, President Uribe instituted what he called “citizen security”. He believes that all citizens are responsible for the security of the country and should help the government to keep it safe. It has made a real difference in Colombia.

2. Today it rained. Sometimes it sprinkles. Sometimes it pours. Today was a pour day. The sun was shining a little and the clouds were not even that dark. Today, that did not seem to matter because within a few minutes after the rain began there were small streams running down the roads. I must admit, I love the rain. It is one of my favorite parts of Colombia. I love the smell after it rains. I love the way it cleans the air. I love the chill it gives the day. I love the rainbows. I have seen more rainbows here than I have in my whole life combined. Nothing is quite as beautiful as a full rainbow hanging over the mountains of Bogotá.

3. We have spoken a lot about the driving here in Colombia. However, I think we have missed one of the most annoying and dangerous parts. People steal manhole covers. I am not sure how they do it since the manholes are always missing on the major roadways. It is very unnerving to be driving and see this huge hole in the road. I am especially disturbed because when we lived in Boston JTP and I actually ran over an open manhole and blew out a tire. No one stole the manhole in Boston. It had been loosened by heavy rain and the cover sat beside the hole. However, in Bogotá they definitely steal them. The offenders take the iron and sell it as scrap metal. I have a hard time believing that one can make much money stealing manhole covers. On the other hand, there must be some money in it for the thieves to risk bodily injury stealing them.