Bogota with prison guards not bodyguards

I first came to Bogotá in 1999 when the Civil War was at its peak, and there were 3,000 kidnappings per year. Bogota was surrounded by the FARC rebels, and the entire countryside was unsafe. Looking back, it seems a bit mad that I went, but I guess I had larger cohones at that time. My security was extensive. Coded arrival boards, switching hotels at the last minute, bulletproof car, and a 2nd protection car. When I moved my personal guard, an ex colonel moved with me. He only left my side after I was in the VIP lounge at the airport. Asked about why the bodyguards had no visible guns, they showed they had hand grenades. "Much more effective in a car jacking incident." Thinking more about why I went, it might also be that my 5 years at Siemens in Bavaria had toughened me, since there my bosses boss was executed in a car bombing, and he had a bulletproof car, bomb proof office and more. I remember meeting his new boss at a beer garden. His 4 body guards sat at the next table, all relaxed with their guns on the table. No stress.

The civil war ended in 2016, but it was already pretty safe here during peace negotiations when I needed no security in 2013.

This time in Bogota couldn't be more different, since this is a family stopover for two days, where we are visiting locals we met 2 years ago on the beach near Cartagena. Our friends just happen to be prison guards. A tough but well-paid job.

We visited the mountains that surround the city, the historic centre, and excitingly for the kids, an indoor fun park.Read more