When I tell people that Amy and I are going to Colombia for our honeymoon, they usually say something like, “Oooo, cool!” but I generally detect a bit of, “What?! You’re taking your new bride to the murder and cocaine capital of the world? Nothing like third-world poverty and the constant threat of kidnapping says romance like that.”

Sadly, even I occasionally wonder about the sanity of the idea. Perhaps a week on the Italian Riviera would be more safe. Even my mother, the original cartel connection, has a worriedness about our trip. “How would you feel if your aunt and I stayed in Cartageña at a different hotel while you two were honeymooning?” she asked recently. I’m not sure which is less romantic: honeymooning with my mom or with a gun to my head.

Well, knock on wood, there’s no reason to worry! According to this article on cnn.com, Colombia is the new tourist hotspot! Yay. I can’t wait! Now, where did I put that ransom insurance form?