Safety

There is an interesting attitude that has developed in Loja….. That it is safe here, but every where else has danger.

One of the common responses I hear from my students when I ask about somewhere else is , ” but it is dangerous.”

I have found Loja safe, and when I mention this to people they seem proud.

For a safe place, the security guards are very well armed.

Everyday I walk past a Toyota dealership.  The guard who stand by the front gate wears a nice military style uniform, boots, bullet proof vest, and he has slung across his front a nice silver shotgun.

When the gate is closed the gun hangs across his chest, but when the gate is open his hands are on the gun, and his finger is not far from the trigger.

At the local plaza, on Saturday there were 2 security guards…. One with an assault rifile, the other with a shot gun…. And their fingers were not far from the triggers.

Maybe this is what is needed to make you feel safe in this part of the world.