The other side of the Chilean postcard

Chile has been a great experience thus far. Spent three years in the north in Antofagasta and now in Santiago.  Antofagasta, although it is improving, is a gritty city that is becoming congested due to the population explosion and expansion in the mining industry and somewhat transient as people come there to make a buck. I would say it tis the Chilean equivalent of Fort MacMurray.

The diversity in geography is fantastic, from the Atacama desert to the glaciers in the south really have a great range of things to see. I have found the people to be generally friendly, although Chilean culture is very much family oriented so we don't have many true Chilean friends that we are close with.

The country is well organized and although there can be some bureaucratic idiosyncrasies once you are set up everything works. Getting the RUT solves everything. Obviously you have to watch for petty crime like car theft, house breakins etc. But I think this is true of everywhere. The police here are very serious and courteous, and don't mistake them for other police forces in Central and South America who would not be opposed to bribes. If you do that here you will be in serious trouble.

If you are planning some serious time here I advise learning Spanish it will really help.

Cheers,
LSB