Chile Forum

Hi, gang...

Just wanted to briefly introduce myself now that I'm a registered user. My name is
Miles. I am an American student in his late 30s, very much interested in the world
outside the USA, and totally intrigued by Chile. I am in awe of the Admin's skills and
energy in putting this website together and helping form an online community of
Chile-enthusiasts.

Like others here, I find myself increasingly disenchanted with the fading allure of the
American Dream and - much more importantly - the post-9/11 decline in the USA's
image, reputation and moral authority. Although I'm in no financial shape to withdraw
from the USA at this time, the attraction has never seemed stronger, so it makes sense
for me to plan ahead and have intensive discussions with people who are actually walking
the talk and making things happen. That's what brings me here.

I'm unusually confident about my ability to eventually turn plans into action, if for no
other reason than that I grew up abroad as the son of expatriates and am totally un-
intimidated by the thought of packing everything up and flying 3,000+ miles away to
foreign shores for a new start. It's been done before; I can do it as well. And a place
which most Americans have never heard of, cannot drive to, and will find it awkward
to travel to, sounds almost heavenly!! Give me a large spray can of Gringo-B-Gone!
LOL I have no children here to hinder me - only a spouse who may not be nearly as
thrilled as I am by a Chilean future. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

Perhaps the most exciting thing about Chile is the sense that something grand, new
and exciting lies around the corner as Chileans try to navigate their way into that
exalted condition formerly known as First World, and now simply called 'developed' status.
For those of you with skills and talents who've made a decisive long-term commitment
to Chile, this must be a very interesting and fascinating phase of your lives. I'm truly,
truly envious. Okay - enough chatter! I'll shut up for now.

Definitely looking forward to chatting with all of you and soaking up your collective wisdom
regarding all things Chilean.

Best Wishes,

Miles

Welcome to the forum.. this is a great place to get an idea about Chile even before you place one foot on the ground .. so read and when you dont get what we are on about just ask questions..but be warned - Chile is no paradise it's simple another country with different and equally challenging opportunities.. but it is what it is and those that are here love it.. and good luck convincing your other half about Chile..

We share a common background, Miles, in terms of ease of psychological adjustment as a result of growing up largely abroad. Nevertheless, my move scheduled for early next year will come after long, careful planning: different people require different approaches to the same end.

Welcome.

I wish I had a resource such as everything under the allchile.net domain before I moved. Make good use of it in your planning.

amyle002 wrote:......as Chileans try to navigate their way into that
exalted condition formerly known as First World, and now simply called 'developed' status.
....
Miles

developed status? Chile is a long, long way from that; or maybe I`m misunderstanding the meaning of the phrase as pertains to Latin American countries. IMO, reports of Chile`s "First World" or "developed"status are insanely hopeful, if not entirely fictional. If somone is telling you that Chile is a first world country ...... I want to know what they are selling, caveat emptor. I used to believe it myself but living here has disabused me of that fantasy.

It`s a nice place to live or retire but this first world stuff is waaay over done.

Welcome to the forum Miles.

cheers.

Gloria, Tony, RWS, Charles, eeuu and Chuck:
Thank you all for the welcome. Definitely looking forward to chatting more with such a thoughtful bunch.

Chuck, got the warning about the 'developed' hype! I'll take note of that. lol
Thanks again, everyone.