It has been a fun indulgence for a few days to ring in the New Year. Yet the good life here has its drawbacks. Colombia is still a rough and sometimes lawless country. Up until a few years ago, you weren't safe leaving the city. Armed gunmen would set up roadblocks to rob you, or if you were wealthy enough you could be kidnapped for ransom. It is illegal for a man to ride on the back of a motorcycle with another man-- because the back guy could be the shooter.

Gustavo and his neighbors have high fences, locked gates, guard dogs, a reinforced 'panic' room for hiding in case of attack... and lots of guns.  But inside the gates it's like the holidays anywhere-- family, food, laughter, music, and fun!