Question: You live in SOUTH AMERICA.  Is it really dangerous?  

Short Answer:  I feel totally safe, although I half expect to get robbed while we live here.  🙂

Long Answer:  We live in a big city, and just like in any big city, you have to be careful.   Although I never feel like I’m in danger of getting assaulted or hurt, robberies are definitely the most common crime where I am.  That being said, I follow a few simple rules that I think will serve me well while I’m here.

A.) Don’t make myself a target.  This means I don’t go into bad areas.  I don’t walk alone at night.  I carry a small purse.  I don’t wear flashy jewelry or use my iPhone in public.  (In fact, Michael and I left my engagement ring and some other valuable, potentially flashy items with our families back in the states.)

B.) Stay Alert.  I am always on alert when I am walking around outside.  I am always looking to be sure that no one is following me or getting too close.  I always know where I am going and I walk with a purpose.  If I get turned around, I PRETEND I know what I’m doing until I feel like I’m in a safe place to ask someone or check my phone.

C.) Stay Calm.  Even with all of these safety precautions, I realize that I still might get robbed.  Robberies are fairly common, and the key is to not freak out and just hand over my stuff.  Once they see a phone and a little cash, I will be free to go.  I hear of plenty of robberies but almost no “horror stories” because the idea is really not to hurt anyone.  So, if I can stay calm, I think all will be well.

All that being said, I really do feel ABOUT as safe as I did living in San Francisco or DC.  You just have to be smart.