Living where CCW is not legal

A few months ago, I moved to Brazil where private citizens are not allowed to own firearms. I felt naked at first, because I spent the year prior almost always carrying. I've learned a few things from my experience though.1) Know when to get out. I have better than average situational awareness, but it has definitely increased. And I am to afraid to tell me wife we need to leave an area now. Several weeks ago, we were out shopping with our daughter when we saw three police officers roll up to the street. That's not unusual, but then two pulled their guns and headed into an building. We had been waiting for an uber, but not anymore. I told my wife we needed to leave and we quickly walked to the closest taxi stand, got in one, and told them to go. THEN I canceled the Uber and happily paid the cancellation fee.2) Have an exit strategy. Whenever we go somewhere new, we make note of the closest taxi stands, the closest banks (they always have armed security), and pay attention to where exits are. We are in a safe city, and a safe area, but we also stick out and know it.3) Banning guns isn't reducing crime. Brazil has a higher per-capita murder rate than the US. I know this, because I'm friends with a member of the Polícia Federal, which is basically Brazil's version of the FBI. My friend said there's a movement gaining momentum in Brasilia to legalize gun ownership. Many law enforcement officials are supporters of the movement.4) People are curious about guns. My friend asked me if I knew any Americans who own guns, and I just chuckled. Then I told him what I own in the US and he got excited. He is a Glock in 9mm (I forgot to ask which model), and he said he's one of the rare officers here who gets a Glock and that it's one of the most coveted among officers. We talked about how long I had been shooting, what I like, and what guns I've had experience with. I expected it to be a bit of a taboo subject, but he is not the first person to quietly ask me about my thoughts on gun ownership.Hopefully things will change here in the near future, but I'm not holding my breath. At least I am getting the opportunity to discuss responsible gun ownership with people who are curious. via /r/CCW http://ift.tt/2ndTshZ