It’s not that Colombians are trying to pretend their country doesn’t have an infamous past, riddled with kidnappings and murders related to the drug trade. Locals aren’t shy about referencing the violence, and even the tourism slogan — “The only risk is wanting to stay” — is a play on the concept.
But, it’s been nearly two decades since Pablo Escobar, the country’s most well-known drug lord, was killed Dec. 2, 1993, and they’re anxious to move forward.