SURVIVAL TRAVELING

Although, Costa Rica is one of the safest countries in the world in which to travel, tourists as well as all visitors, should be cautious just like anywhere across the globe. This chapter of Survival Trekking covers the basics of traveling safely and is intended for the adventure traveler. The purpose of this information is to assist the reader in becoming a “hard target” instead of “soft target” and a statistic we end up reading about in the newspapers. Although I use Costa Rica as the example, these techniques can be and should be applied anywhere in the world that you might travel, because crime and terrorism can happen anywhere, at any time.

"If a criminal wants to get me, then there is nothing I can do to stop him." This attitude is typical of many travelers in foreign countries, but there are many things that we can do to prepare ourselves becoming less vulnerable to criminal and terrorist acts. The goal is to turn ourselves into “hard targets” instead of
“soft targets,” thus making ourselves undesirable targets, which the would-be criminal will pass and go on to the next unfortunate person.

Simply put, it’s like auto theft; if a car thief comes to your locked vehicle with the windows rolled up and an alarm system, then he will most likely go to the next vehicle looking for one that is not as secure. The same can be said for many types of criminal acts as criminals and terrorists look for soft targets that involve little risk and offer a high probability of success. They are unlikely to select a target that involves high risk with little or no chance of success.

There are ways that we can make ourselves undesirable targets, but just like patient compliance, “doing what the doctor ordered,” making yourself an undesirable target is an individual responsibility. The following information provided in this chapter is called Individual Protective Measures (IPM). The degree or extent to which you make yourself undesirable as a target depends on how much you value your life and belongings and implement these IPMs. Use these IPMs to the extent which you deem necessary; the situation always dictates.

For many years, U.S. citizens and other westerners have been popular criminal and terrorist targets because they travel and conduct business throughout the world. Identification is based on beliefs of wealth and importance as perceived by the criminals; remember, whether or not you consider yourself wealthy, the mere fact that you are a westerner on an international destination gives you the perception of wealth.

The following is a list of IPMs that take a traveler from his or her home, through a country, and back home more safely. These techniques can be applied anywhere in the world and are created for countries much more dangerous than Costa Rica, however, by considering and applying these techniques even in a country as safe as Costa Rica, they will be fried into your subconscious and will become Standard Operating Procedures (SOP) that could one day save your life or belongings when traveling to more dangerous places in the world.

Pre-Travel
Before traveling to foreign country, gather as much information as possible about criminal and terrorist activities in that particular country. Information can be obtained from the internet such as the U.S. State Department’s travel advisory webpage at http://www.travel.state.gov or from other webpages. The following information on Costa Rica and Colombia are examples from that this site:

Costa Rica
Costa Rica is a developing country. Tourist facilities, particularly in the capital, are generally adequate. It is strongly recommended that U.S. citizens use a valid U.S. passport to enter Costa Rica. U.S. citizens must have an onward or return ticket. Kidnapping of foreigners is on the increase. Money exchangers on the street pass off counterfeit U.S. dollars and local currency. Credit card fraud is growing.

Colombia
There is a greater risk of being kidnapped in Colombia than in any other country in the world. More than a dozen U.S. citizens were kidnapped in Colombia in the first five months of 1999, twice as many as in all of 1998. Some have been individual incidents and others have involved large group hostage situations. In some cases, the victims have been murdered. Most kidnappings of U.S. citizens in Colombia have been committed by guerrilla groups, including the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and the National Liberation Army (ELN), which were both designated as Foreign Terrorist Organizations by the Secretary of State in October 1997. Since it is U.S. policy not to pay ransom or make other concessions to terrorists, the U.S. government’s ability to assist kidnapped U.S. citizens is limited.

If being sent by your company on a business trip, then talk with the responsible party in your corporation and talk with people who have been there before you. Other valuable sources of information are libraries, newspapers, magazines, books, people who have been to or are know the area where you are going, and even the consulate the respective country.

Attempt to learn what tactics the criminals use. For example, in Mexico there have been numerous attacks to persons traveling in taxis. In Costa Rica the threat is much lower, however as I mentioned previously, one trick that is being pulled on a regular basis is squirting ketchup on the clothing of pedestrians, and as stated above, credit card fraud and counterfeit money is on the rise, so avoid changing money unless it is at a bank or a hotel, even though the exchange rates are usually poor.

After determining the threat in an area, apply the IPMs which you are about to read about. Raise and lower your levels of IPM according to the threat conditions that exist in your area. These conditions are the ones assigned by the State Department, your company, or by your own perceptions.

In a country such as Colombia where the threat is much more real and where kidnappings are prevalent, the traveler should do significantly more research and prepare himself before travel.

You can become a victim of a criminal or terrorist act in any of the following ways:
1. Victim by location. Being at a certain location when an attack occurs: a victim of circumstance.
2. Victim by association. Associating with a person who has been previously selected as a target.
3. Target of opportunity. Presenting yourself as a target, thereby allowing the criminal or terrorists to capitalize on that opportunity.

Frequently, tourists and foreign travelers fall under the third category and by applying IPMs will decrease the chances of becoming a statistic and someone we talk about in our classes.

Because America symbolizes the epitome of capitalism and because the U.S. ………… we are , it is advisable to not wear American flag T-shirts, jackets, decals or other insignia on luggage; consider sporting the more neutral Canadian flag instead.

Prepare a survival vest using a fishing or camera vest, which will be inconspicuous. Place it in your luggage to have readily available if the caca hits the fan and you need to ditty-mau through the city and into a remote area. The vest should hold enough contents to help you survive, unassisted, for approximately three to five days, but not be too bulky.

Contents of the survival vest should contain items in the following categories: food, water, fire, shelter, signaling, medical, comfort, navigation and miscellaneous.

Food – long-lasting ready to eat items such as Power Bars or contents from military MREs (Meals Ready to Eat). Also have a fishing line, hooks, and other essentials for procuring food.
Water – purification tablets of iodine drops.
Fire – lighter, waterproof matches, metal match, tinder and chemical fire making items such as cotton balls with Vaseline in them, or sterno.
Shelter – poncho, plastic bag to wrap in, and something you can use to make shelters such as a cutting cord.
Signaling – a small strobe for airplanes, a laser light to shine no wall, tree or other object when the evader need to be covert, and a flashlight with colored lenses.
Medical – hemorrhage control, cravat, Imodium, specific medications,
Comfort – toilet paper, toothbrush and paste,
Navigation – compass
Miscellaneous - contact numbers to the embassy, hospitals and any persons in country whom you could call in case of emergency, local currency and U.S. dollars, copy of your passport with entry date (placed in a waterproof container), airline ticket (unless you prefer to carry on your person at all times), cutting tool, and cordage such as parachute/550 cord.

It is advisable to carry contact information to your country’s embassy, hospitals, any potential friends in country that would be willing to assist you in an emergency, and have printed directions to the hotel where you will be staying in the respective language of the country where you are traveling. This will help expedite your departure from the arriving airport and help you get to your destination as quickly as possible with less hassle. You may wish to ask the hotel how what the average fare should be form the airport to the hotel; and of course, as if they provide shuttle from the airport as some hotels do.

If traveling to a country such as Colombia where kidnappings are prevalent, make sure that your insurance is up-to-date and consider kidnap insurance. Make sure that your family has this information and is briefed on what to do in the unfortunate case that you are kidnapped. Again, I refer you to Anne Auerbach’s book – Ransom.

While traveling and while in-country, keep your wallet in your front pocket and consider using a dummy wallet to carry in your back pocket. The dummy wallet is used to give to attackers and should consist of expired credit and phone cards, some money and other items which you can afford to use. If you are robbed and have nothing to provide to the attacker, then he may kill or harm you out of sheer anger, therefore, carrying a dummy wallet will satisfy him for long enough to allow you to escape. I also suggest memorizing calling card numbers with pin codes, and to not carry any cards or identification that you will not use during your stay. If you use a money belt, then carry your dummy wallet in it, and your real wallet in your front pocket. the first thing and attacker is going to go for, is your money belt.

Credit cards provide your name and account number on the receipt and on the carbon copy when one is used. These carbon copies can be obtained by anyone searching the trash and used. Even though I have never had my credit cards stolen, my account number has been used several times throughout Central America to rent cars in El Salvador and to by plants in Costa Rica. Use local currency whenever possible.

Be careful when using ATM machines as this is becoming a frequently used source of money procurement for criminals who will wait near the machines and for victims to withdraw money before attacking them. Criminals in Mexico, Colombia and other countries have been known to kidnap people and drive around to different machines making them withdraw money out of their accounts. Never carry your pin number in your wallet.

Traveling through Airports

Ticket counters in various international airports have become the scene for terrorist attacks such as the Rome airport in 1972 and the Vienna airport in 1985 where awaiting passengers were mowed down by machine guns and blown apart by bombs.

If the threat level is perceived to be high, it is advisable to purchase your airline ticket through a travel agency rather than at a ticket counter. If possible, get your seat selection and boarding pass from the agency.

Plan your arrival at the airport to allow quick movement through the processing lines. Once at the airport, spend as little time as possible in unsecured areas. Check your luggage in at the curb, if possible, and move through the security checkpoint right away. Immediately after passing the ticket counter move into the secured area of the airport.

Stay alert and watch for any suspicious or unusual activities (e.g., anyone that walks away from his luggage, leaving it behind; or a group of nervous-acting people dressed in clothes that could conceal weapons). If you become suspicious or if you see anything unusual, evacuate the area, then report the incident. Such precautionary action may save your life and the lives of those around you. (Officials of the Israeli Defense Force in 1986 reported that more than 80 percent of bombs in public places are dismantled "because of the awareness of the public."). Never make jokes about carrying weapons or bombs; in December 1999 the entire Newark, NJ airport was closed for several hours because a drunk traveler said he was carrying a bomb in his luggage.

When choosing your aircraft seat, select one in the "gray area"; preferably a window seat positioned in the middle rear of the aircraft. The seat you choose should also be close to an emergency exit. Past experience has shown that when terrorists decide to make an example of their power, they choose an easily accessible person. Terrorists also position themselves where they will have the best advantage to control the situation. Historically, this has been in the front or rear section of the plane.

While traveling, many passengers like to talk with each other and sometimes brag about their own importance whether it is a high position in a company, the government, or military. Remember that anything you say or do may be used against you. If another passenger gets taking in the first-class are to get beaten, he or she will surely give up information about you during an interrogation process or use that knowledge to lessen his own pain and discomfort. An example of this would be “Why waste your time on a nobody like me when you have a U.S. Marine on the plane that probably knows a whole lot about what you want to know?”

When possible, fly routes that have short layovers or none at all. If you cannot avoid a long layover and are in a dangerous part of the world, rent a hotel room and wait there for your connecting flight. If the layover is expected to be short, leave the airport to eat or to shop. The idea is to leave the congregation of targets behind and to maintain a low profile. If you are unable to leave the airport, wait in a lounge or a restaurant in the area beyond the security check. Avoid dangerous areas such as ticket counters and gift shops outside the secure area.

Historically, the actual takeover of a plane occurs 15 to 60 minutes into flight. If a skyjacking takes place, sit down and fasten your seat belt as soon as possible. At the first opportunity, place your document packet in a secure hiding place, such as the toilet or inside a used airsickness bag. Although placing your documents inside a magazine or under the seat is not the most effective method of concealing them, you should consider these places if you are caught unprepared.

If you are traveling on diplomatic status, when asked to produce identification, show civilian identification (tourist passport/driver's license). It is not advisable to lie about your involvement with the military or government, but never volunteer information about your association. When questioned about your job or travel plans, give a civilian equivalency and innocent circumstances that led to your being on the plane (plausible denial). For example, if you are a Special Forces medic, when asked what you do for the military you can respond by saying that you are in the medical field. This is misleading rather than lying.

If an explosion or weapon discharge were to breach the skin of the aircraft at a critical location, the side of the plane could rupture. Rapid decompression could occur, resulting in severe flying difficulties for the crew. To enhance your chance of survival, remain in your seat, with the seat belt fastened.

If you are being held captive, at no time should you assume a threatening image. Terrorists will not hesitate to eliminate any possible threat. And if the terrorists decide to inflict punishment on someone as a warning to others, they will remember the troublemakers. Do not make obscene gestures. Try to remain calm, and suppress defiant attitudes. If the terrorist tells you not to look at them then don’t. A perfect example of this is the December 1999 hijacking of the Indian airliner where a honeymooner continuously looked up at the hijackers. the end result, was his newly-wed wife watching him get stabbed to death.

During the skyjacking the plane will land somewhere. At this time authorities may initiate a rescue attempt, especially if hostages have been killed. Statistically, rescue attempts are the most dangerous time for the passengers. At the first indication of a rescue attempt, use all available cover around you. If you are in your seat, assume the classic crash position (arms into your sides/head on your knees). With these exceptions: pick up your feet so that no bullets or fragments will strike your legs, and keep your eyes open and on the closest terrorist in the event that he decides to kill you. (If this happens, your choices are limited, but at the very least you should try to find more cover.)

If you are not in your seat, find cover that is close by and that does not require much movement to reach it, or stay down in the smallest position possible. Avoid any movement. Movement attracts attention from the terrorists as well as from the rescue forces. Under no circumstances should you attempt to help unless specifically asked to do so by the rescue force. The noise and confusion will make it difficult for the rescuers to determine whether you are friend or foe. Generally, anyone making a violent gesture (throwing his arms into the air or trying to grab the rescuer) or carrying a gun will probably be shot or forcefully dealt with. Listen closely for commands from the rescuers. These commands may be in a language that you do not understand, so pay strict attention to any gestures. Expect to be handled roughly at first. A person will be separated from their family while they are searched.

If for some reason the aircraft catches fire during the rescue operation (Malta 1985/Egyptian rescue forces) of if the rescue forces are unusually slow, allowing the terrorists time to kill the passengers (Pakistan 1986/Pakistani rescue forces), you must depart the plane or else risk being killed. Initiate your pre-planned escape through the nearest exit (this can be done faster and easier if you have rehearsed how to operate the exit mechanisms in your mind many times over), and move carefully to the ground. Once on the ground, move away from the aircraft either from the tail section (preferably) or from the nose section in such a manner that the terrorists will have little chance of acquiring a clear shot at you. Shout, “Don’t shoot! I am a passenger!” You do not want to be mistaken for an escaping terrorist, so raise your hands in the air. Navy SEALs sometimes want victims to lay face down and put their hands on their heads with their fingers spread apart; this they call the moosehead.

Brief your dependents and other family members on what to say to reporters if your flight is skyjacked. If you are in the military, advise them not to say anything to anyone until they have spoken to a military public affairs officer (PAO) and if you are a civilian, have them contact the FBI. The PAO and FBI will advise them on potentially dangerous responses. They can also provide answers and support to family members during the ordeal. Terrorists have been known to carry radios onto the aircraft or request that they are brought on board. With radios, the terrorists can receive instructions from the outside as well as monitor the amount of publicity and the types of information broadcast by the media. Radios are just as important as the other weapons terrorists use.

Arriving Your Destination

Going through customs, watch your luggage, place foot or hand on every piece, exchange money in the airport if possible, only take licensed taxi drivers, have directions to airport written in the language, have all contact information available,

Upon arriving the very tame country of Costa Rica, the visitors walk through lines, pick up their baggage and go through customs. Frequently, Gringos and other foreigner pass through without even being stopped. However, in some countries you’ll have your bags looked through to find contraband.

Before leaving the secured area there is a Banco Nacional where I suggest having your dollars exchanged for colones. As soon as you enter the outside area you will have numerous taxi drivers approaching you to provide their services and a whole slew of others trying to get you to their hotel all the while you are either looking for your contacts or trying to find the right taxi driver.

Although most of these are legitimate and innocent people just trying to make an honest buck, there are sometimes others trying to get away with your luggage. This is not the norm, but it can happen, so be aware of it amidst the confusion.

One of the safest way to take care of your luggage, is when it’s on the ground keep a foot or hand on each bag. By this time, you should know exactly how many bags you are carrying. Find a registered taxi driver and tell him your hotel. If he is not familiar with it, pull out the directions, which should be written in English and Spanish, and hand them to him.

Although in Costa Rica there are “pirate” taxi cabs that will serve your purpose just fine, there is no reason not to go with the registered ones, and it simply reinforces your habits when traveling to dangerous locations.

The following was copied from the U.S. State Department’s webpage regarding taxi cabs in Mexico:

TAXICAB CRIME: Robbery assaults on passengers in taxis are frequent and violent, with passengers subjected to beating, shootings and sexual assault. U.S. citizens visiting Mexico City should absolutely avoid taking any taxi not summoned by telephone or contacted in advance at the airport. In December 1997, a U.S. citizen was murdered in a taxi robbery. When in need of a taxi, telephone a radio taxi or "sitio" (pronounced "C-T-O"). Ask the dispatcher for the driver's name and the cab's license plate number. If you walk to a "sitio" taxi stand, use only a driver known to you. Ask the hotel concierge or other responsible individual calling on your behalf to write down the license plate number of the cab that you entered. Passengers arriving at Mexico City's Benito Juarez International Airport should take only airport taxis (yellow, with an airport symbol on the door) after pre-paying the fare at one of the special booths inside the airport. Radio taxis may be called at tel. 5-271-9146, 5-271-9058, and 5-272-6125 (within Mexico). U.S. citizens should avoid taking taxis parked outside the Bellas Artes Theater, in front of nightclubs, restaurants or cruising throughout the city.

Hotel Security

It is often said, that you never read a bad brochure or webpage. So how do you know what hotel to choose? Advise should be obtained by your corporation, travel agent, or people who have been to the country.

Most, if not all, hotels in Costa Rica are safe. There are some that are in bad parts of downtown, but even those usually have guards in front of them to keep the crack addicts from stabbing you in the neck with an infected needle when trying to nab your wallet to exchange for his next fix.

Of primary concern when traveling to dangerous places of the world where there exists the threat of kidnapping or terrorist attacks, is to avoid establishments that cater to Americans. Since Americans symbolize capitalism and are the epitome of western life which many people around the world despise, it makes us a constant target when abroad. Therefore, when a hotel, restaurant, bar, or other establishment caters to Americans, it could unnecessarily put you in harm’s way.

When choosing a hotel, pick one that employees security measures. Or you can contact us and we’ll set you up in a luxurious, secured house around SJO. The presence of guards, the use of cameras to monitor hallways and elevators, visitor sign-in rosters all are signs of a security-conscious establishment. Remember, that in some countries every time an American arrives in country, the embassy staff may house them in the same hotel that they have used for years. In Iquitos, Peru, the new 5 star hotel is used by embassy staff, because it is the nicest one in town ant they offer special rates. Everyone in town knows they use this hotel, so when other western visitors come in, then they are presumed to be either associated with the government or wealthy businessmen.

If hotel rooms have been reserved prior to your checking in, request another room at check-in, as personnel other than the hotel staff might know which rooms are for incoming Americans. If possible, make two or more reservations at local hotels. Avoid street-level rooms because they are easily accessible to illegal entry, bomb attacks, and drive-by shootings. However, do not accept a room above the seventh floor. Many fire-fighting teams do not have ladders that will reach above the seventh floor.

The first thing you should do when checking-in to your hotel, is ask the reception desk to make two copies of your passport with the date of arrival (one for your person and one for your survival vest). If you are traveling with a group, once you obtain your room key, avoid announcing to potential criminals in the lobby what your room number is by yelling to others “hey Frank, I’m in room 501.” You have just provided a key bit of information; a name with a room number. Now, when you enter the lobby on your way of the hotel, the would-be criminal or terrorist knows the room is empty and can “go to work,” especially, if he has contacts working on the hotel staff.

When staying at a hotel for an extended period of time in an area of the world where kidnappings or corporate espionage have occurred, change rooms and floors occasionally so that any effort to conduct operations or surveillance against you will require more time and resources.

If you are paged over the hotel's public address system, do not respond. If you are expecting a visitor, enter the lobby, without identifying yourself to the desk clerk, and look for your party. You may also telephone the front desk and inquire about the paging. If you present yourself, then again, you have given the criminal a face with a name. Now he has a face, name and room number.

Keep your room key with you at all times, and do not disclose your room number indiscriminately.

When entering or exiting rooms, halls, lobbies, or public areas, be alert for anyone loitering or carrying objects that could conceal weapons. Avoid loitering in lobbies or public areas such as rest rooms. Terrorists favor these locations for placing bombs. If possible, change your routine, and use different hotel entrances, elevators, and stairwells. Know the location of emergency exits and equipment. Learn to use the equipment, and become familiar with the emergency plans.

Keep your room and personal effects in a neat and orderly fashion. Leave shower curtains and closets open whenever you leave the room. This will help you recognize evidence of tampering or strange, out-of-place objects. It’s a good idea to leave the room lights and television or radio on and the do not disturb sign hanging on the door knob.

If a criminal or terrorist is pulling surveillance on your from the street, and you turn your lights off, then he knows your comings and goings. Keep in mind, that one of the simplest switching for exploding a bomb is through electricity such as flipping your light switch on when entering your room. Lock your doors and windows when you exit the room. Also consider securing your valuables by placing them in the hotel safe. Although most hotels prefer that you leave the key at the reception desk, it’s usually a good idea to keep it on your person.

While in your room, keep the door locked and use the security chain. There are a number of portable locks on the market, which will provide substantial protection or enhance an existing lock system. One is the lock bar, which is jammed between the doorknob and the floor. If you do not have a lock bar, use a chair. Another technique is to drive a 1-inch screw into the space between the doorjamb and the lock (hotels love this technique.) If someone has an extra key to your room, the screw will serve as a wedge, forcing the person to exert more effort and make more noise when opening the door (Keep in mind the possibility of fire). Also consider using portable alarm systems such as those sold at Radio Shack. The idea is not to stop an attack, but to make enough noise so that the attackers are aware of the danger of attacking a prepared and ready target.

Do not admit strangers to your room, and refuse unexpected deliveries. If you bring home hookers, then hide your valuables before leaving for the night, so that your room will be sterile before you bring them in, because you’ll probably be drunk and will possibly get drugged and robbed.

If the hotel employs security guards, familiarize yourself with their uniforms and equipment. Also know the proper procedures for obtaining their services.

Walking the Streets and In Town

Dummy wallet, laminated passport, etc.

When leaving the hotel, you either have a personal vehicle such as a rent a car, or you will most likely be hiring a taxi. In Costa Rica as well as many parts of the world, rental cars are targeted by criminals. Frequently, there are rental car companies stickers or decals on the vehicle or they have special license plates. In Costa Rica, it’s easy to pick out rent a cars, just look for the Nissan Sentras, and 4 Runners.

Do not carry valuables with you unless absolutely necessary and definitely do not leave a car unattended with luggage inside. Lock important documents in the trunk, but be aware, that even when locked in the trunk, criminals will break the windows, pop the trunk and steal what’s in it. Don’t put too much faith in the parking lot guards as sometimes they are in on it, and don’t think it can’t happen in the time that it takes you to go get a six pack and some eggs.

Traveling in Taxis

If you hire a taxi, then use one from the hotel even though they are a little more expensive. If the hotel does not have one, then get the reception desk to call one. Be aware of the danger involved when calling for a taxi. If terrorists should intercept your call, they may send their driver to pick you up, so make sure the cab company tells you or the hotel the number of the taxi they will be sending.

If you walk out onto the street from your hotel and decide to take one that’s in line, then don’t take the first one in line. When taking taxis in the streets, always, always, look at the name of the cab company and the number when entering the taxi and when exiting the taxi. If you need to, write the number down in the small notebook pad you carry with you. I have personally known two people who have had laptops stolen while exiting taxis. If they would have had the cab company’s name and the number of the taxi, then they could have tracked them down.

You are now in the streets, enjoying the traffic and pollution of the city. There are definitely security measures that you must employee at this point. When in bars and restaurants employee proper pissing security. When urinating, it’s not a bad idea to choose a urinal away from a stall where a criminal could be waiting to throw a piano wire over the top of the stall and choke you out. I usually keep my chin to my chest and look toward the front door. When you’re taking a dump, be careful for people dragging you by your feet from the toilet, or when laying your bags by your feet, that they don’t walk by and take it before you can exit and catch them.

When sitting in public restaurants, avoid putting your back to the door. Pick a table that provides a good view of the entire establishment and know where the exits are in case someone comes in blasting. Be even more cautious while sitting at outside tables along the streets and of people, even children, coming up to you asking personal question; even as simple as “Are you Americans?”

The most important thing you can do for yourself while walking the streets, is to lower the criminal’s perception of you as a wealthy tourist or businessman. Carrying a briefcase, pager, cell phone, or laptop, will characterize you as important. Do not wear expensive jewelry, but if you must, then take it off and put it on at specific times.

If you are on your way to a meeting and must carry a briefcase, then it is advisable to put the briefcase in a gymbag and then pull it out before your meeting. The time I got nailed by the ketchup clown, I was carrying a rucksack on my back and a briefcase in my hand. The guy was undoubtedly after the briefcase.

Place your papers and books, computers, in a gym bag or in an inconspicuous holder. If you must use a briefcase, carry a gym bag and put briefcase in gymbag, then pull out at meeting.

In countries that have U.S. government or military bus stops, it is not difficult to figure out who uses them: U.S. employees, members of the military, dependents, etc. When waiting at a government bus stop, don't stand at the bus stop itself. Stay a distance away from it until the bus has stopped and most of the riders have boarded. Then board the bus as quickly as possible. Avoid large groups while waiting at the stops. However, keep in mind that in Costa Rica you can meet some real hammercitas (good looking girls) at bus stops and because the threat level is so low, I’d go ahead and hang out there.

In the process of selecting their targets, the terrorists evaluate potential victims in terms of softness or hardness just like the girls at the Blue Marlin Bar do. The way we conduct, ourselves and how stringently we adhere to IPM procedures will determine whether a terrorist classifies us as a hard target or as a soft target.

Remember to maintain a heightened level of awareness while walking the streets and try to give the perception that you know what you’re doing, where you are going and the air of “don mess with me.” Look people in the eyes when you pass them and constantly look around you. The hard target continually uses and adjusts his level of IPM and does not become complacent. He shows a constant state of alertness at all times.

When possible, avoid traveling alone and stick to busy, well traveled thoroughfares. Train yourself to walk facing traffic. If criminals attempt an attack, they will either have to approach you as you are looking at them (alerting you to the attack) or attack you with traffic passing between you and them. When walking along a sidewalk, stay toward the center so that it will be more difficult for someone to push you into traffic. This will also give you a better chance of spotting someone hiding between cars or waiting in an alley.

Maintain a cautious attitude. When you stop, make sure your back is to a wall; when you cross an intersection, cross with groups and be very alert to approaching vehicles. When walking with carrying something, keep it against the wall so motorcycles cannot ride by and nab it.

You should know key phrases that will enable you to ask for help in the local language. This comes in the next chapter Survival Spanish. Learn how to use the local telephone system and always carry change or calling cards for the telephone. Prepare a list of names and phone numbers of persons along your route or in country and other important numbers such as the embassy, hospitals, and personal contacts that can be contacted in an emergency. This card should be kept on your person at all times when traveling or walking the streets.

Develop a crisis response plan. The plan should include safe areas and possible hostile areas along your routes of travel. If you have to yell for assistance, consider the "New Yorker syndrome." Passersby are not likely to stop and help if you cry, "Help! Terrorists!" Instead, yell, "Fire!" or activate a pocket or purse-size compressed air horn. How about the lady who started screaming. Personal alarm and pepper spray.

Walk in well-lighted areas where there are other pedestrians. Avoid areas where noise will drown out your cries for assistance. Walk in areas where there are other pedestrians, but avoid crowds of people (which could be a hostile demonstration toward Americans/foreigners). You may have to alter your route or cross over to another street.

If you are attacked and have exhausted all other options such as the personal alarm, pepper spray and yelling, there is one last measure; a personal defense technique so hideous, that it has a name. “The Vulture” was developed by one of my smaller, more aggressive Green Beret buddies primarily designed to be used by smaller people against larger ones. Simply put, The Vulture is an act of extreme horror. Its assault begins by jumping into the face of the attacker, wrapping your arms around his neck and biting chunks out of his face. If there is more than one attacker, spit the chunks of flesh at them while making blood-curdling screams and prepare to jump in their face; this is an act so heinous that it will have them running from sheer horror. However, you have just opened yourself up to the possibility of HIV infection, Hepatitis and other diseases; so remember, this is an act of extreme desperation that should be considered only as a last resort.

Enjoying the Nightlife

When “hitting the town” it is very advisable to always have a responsible person or at least another friend with you. In Colombia, it is common for scopolamine or other similar drug to be put in your drink, which knocks you out long enough for the criminal to either have his way with you or take your money. Even in Costa Rica, in 1998 an American girl was enjoying herself at a seemingly safe bar in a tourist town and was slipped a Mickey and raped by a local. Women especially, should never party alone’ don’t get drunk and drop your guard!

Keep your travel partners informed of your whereabouts at all times. Develop the habit of “checking in” before departure, upon arrival. If you are attacked or kidnapped, the authorities will be better able to locate the place where the attack has taken place and respond quickly.

Information for travelers on health precautions, immunizations and areas with specific health issues can be obtained from local health departments, private doctors, travel clinics or the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta, Georgia (CDC). The CDC can be reached by telephone at 404-332-4559, or, you can visit their home page on the Internet at http://www.cdc.gov. General guidance can be found in the U.S. Public Health Service book, Health Information for International Travel, available for $14.00 from the U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, D.C. 20402.

SAFETY TIPS - CRIME
As in a number of places around the world, crime in many parts of Central and South America seems to be increasing. Visitors should take common sense precautions:
-- Safety begins when you pack. Leave expensive jewelry behind. Dress conservatively; a flashy wardrobe or one that is too casual can mark you as a tourist. Use travelers checks, not cash. Leave photocopies of your passport personal information page and your airline tickets with someone at home and carry an extra set with you.
-- Use a money belt or a concealed money pouch for passports, cash and other valuables.
-- In a car, keep doors locked, windows rolled up and valuables out of sight. A common trick is for a thief to reach through a car window and grab a watch from a persons wrist or a purse or package from the seat while you are driving slowly or stopped in traffic.
-- When you leave your car, try to find a guarded parking lot. Lock the car and keep valuables out of sight.
-- When walking, avoid marginal areas of cities, dark alleys and crowds. Do not stop if you are approached on the street by strangers, including street vendors and beggars. Be aware that women and small children, as well as men, can be pickpockets or purse snatchers. Keep your billfold in an inner front pocket, carry your purse tucked securely under your arm, and wear the shoulderstrap of your camera or bag across your chest. To guard against thieves on motorcycles, walk away from the curb, carrying your purse away from the street.
-- Use official taxi stands rather than cruising taxis. Illegal taxis can be decoys for robbers.
-- Whenever possible, do not travel alone. If you travel in isolated areas, go with a group or a reputable guide.
-- Avoid travel at night.
-- Do not take valuables to the beach.
Any U.S. citizen who is criminally assaulted should report the incident to the local police and to the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.