When a Shield is a Shelter

Finding shelter in the Cathedral's doorway.

An afternoon downpour caught these riot control police exposed on Plaza Bolivar. City policy seems to be to call out the cops whenever there's even a hint of protesters - even when, like today, they're peaceful. But the poor young police generally have to stand around all day, anyway.

Since they don't have umbrellas, these guys turned their plexiglass shields, which are supposed to protect them from rocks, smoke bombs and paint balls, upward against the sky instead.

Bogotá's Cathedral was well-defended from the rain.

The Casa del Florero provided a meager shelter.

Across the street, pedestrians were better prepared.

By Mike Ceaser, of Bogotá Bike Tours