Police roadblocks in Colombia

By Jack Brummet, South American Travel Ed.

On our seven hour journey from Palomino to Cartagena, we were stopped in numerous policia roadblocks/inspections--both local and federale.  

On our way there, we saw none.  I don't know if it's random or there was some triggering event.  This area is very close to Venezuela and we have heard there are problems with smuggling from there.  

Maybe I've seen too many movies, but you sort of half expect something to go wrong and for the shooting to begin.  And you therefore sit very still, obedient, with as pleasant a mug as you can muster.  And it's all fine in the end.  

I know we probably wouldn't be able to visit this great place without the strides they have made wiping out the warlords and narco-cartels.