I have just arrived in Santiago, Chile. The spacious city includes several broad treelined avenues and parks with landscaped gardens. The land is stretched out more than 4,300 miles down South America's western coast. Because of its north to south distance, Chile has many different climates and landscapes. Chile's seasons are opposite from North America. So summer is between December and March. The temperatures vary so you should bring pants, shorts, long sleeve and short sleeve shirts, coats, lightweight jackets and so on.

The people in Chile are the best educated in Latin America. School is required for children 5-17 years of age. They have private schools, commercial schools and industrial educational institutions. Spanish is the official language. Currently, healthcare is nationalized. However, private insurance institutions are taking over. Citizens have a choice as to whether they use the private or public healthcare. Water is potable in most areas.

If you are dining the hostess is complimented on the meal. National dishes are prepared with seafood, chicken, beef, beans, eggs and corn. Your hands should be kept above the table at all times. When you eat, your fork should be kept in your left hand and your knife in your right hand. The main meal is eaten at midday, between 12:30 and 2:30 P.M. A lighter meal is eaten between 8:00 and 10:00 P.M. When you meet someone, it is necessary to give a handshake, a hug, or even a kiss on the right cheek. Eye contact is essential. Hand gestures are avoided. People usually work from 9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M.