[corkoman]

Santiago and Valparaiso are delightful places. Chileans are for the most part industrious + hard-working. They speak rapid Spanish but are sympathetic to gingos who make the effort to habla. The Chilean economy is on fire as they have a capitalist system unspoiled (so far) by the looters and moochers.

[JohnnyP]

Ah, yes, reminds me of the time I was in Patagonia.../wcfields

[Javeth]

Great to hear you got that impression about Chile, too. I think sometimes that country might be the ideal place to work, reside, invest and retire in. Seems to have a well-balanced combination of a hard-working, capitalist culture with friendly people, great climate, that old-fashioned European character and unbeatable natural beauty. I was stationed for a brief while in Malaga many years ago, and remember enough basic Spanish that I could probably build upon it.

I’ve visited Santiago before though not Valparaiso, sounds like something worth looking into. That’s in Central-North Chile, correct?

[Javeth]

Talked to an old business partner who’s been living in Valparaiso, confirmation about how splendid the place is. Chile really seems to have many of the ingredients that are best for conservatives and libertarians- a real free market, capitalist focus, hard work, good communities, distinctive European feel and natural beauty. We’re looking seriously now at San Miguel and Panama but especially so at Valparaiso. Might be the ideal place to get set up in.