I traveled through Central & South America on a motorcycle. No where in South America did I really feel unsafe. In parts of Central America, I absolutely felt

I traveled through Central & South America on a motorcycle. No where in South America did I really feel unsafe. In parts of Central America, I absolutely felt unsafe. Civilian Militias with guns blocking the roadways. Anything of value was guarded by a guy with a shotgun. Things I saw guarded first hand: - Gas Station - Truck with Propane Tanks (Guy was laying in back on top of the tanks) - Banks - Honda Motorcycle dealership - Motels I was never sure how to feel about the guys guarding our motels with a shotgun. On one hand, it's nice to know there is someone there deterring any weird activity. On the other hand it also means you're in a place where a guy with a shotgun is necessary to protect stuff. Most places the locals would look at you and have a warm curious smile. In the sketchier areas the smiles were gone. You'd get stares. Stares that said, 'Why would you think it was safe to be here.' That being said, these sketchy, unsafe areas were not the norm in Central America. Most places I felt completely safe and absolutely welcomed.