Orange

When the Office of Homeland Security raised the "Terror" level to Code Orange, things now seemed closer to home. Every morning crossing the Key Bridge into Georgetown, the huge electronic sign that used to announce $100 fines for using a cell phone while driving, now had a very different message. That sign now reminded all drivers to remain vigilant and report suspicious behavior. I haven't ventured into downtown D.C. lately, but areas I drove through and walked by, were now shut off and cars were subject to inspection.

Even parking lots near Fannie Mae were guarded more closely. I had to register my name and my license plate before running into the nearby printing store. These types of precautions never bothered me, but just reminds me how much closer I am to the epicenter.

It's not that I feel unsafe, it is just that it's just one more added thing to have in the back of my mind. There's nowhere I feel safer than being in Bolivia. Even though petty crime has increased and armed robberies have gone up in Bolivian cities, one can usually avoid any danger by taking simple precautions.

Here working in Washington D.C., these issues now are part of my everyday life and that's something to I must get used to.