Every little shop, every bodega has an armed guard with an old ugly shotgun guarding the entry. After a couple days I felt pretty secure being surrounded by armed men.
One night I had dinner in a very upscale Peruvian restaurant. Wonderful ceviche, great service. The waiter who brought me the dessert menu was the same guy who was working the entrance. He had a big, long cattle prod on his belt.
"Quieres algo de postre? Quizas un cafe?"
I’ve seen some cattle stickers....I need to carry one. Hard to conceal though.....