OT: Should I go?

coinlieutenant · October 13, 2004 3:08AM

Hello all.

Just wanted to run this by some people.

As most of you know, I am a Naval officer. I am currently stationed in Monterey,CA where I am getting two masters degrees, one in physical oceanography and one in meteorology. I am essentially finished, I graduate in December.

We (Liza and I) have been slated for a while to move to Hawaii in January to be stationed at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center, forecasting Tropical Cyclones. Have wanted to do this for quite some time.

Just today, I was offered an alternative. The Chilean Navy has extended an offer to one U.S. Naval oceanographer that is semi-fluent in Spanish to come to Valparaiso, Chile for two years of study for another masters degree in hydrography. I fit the bill (received my minor in Spanish at Annapolis) and have been offered the job.

Assuming that career wise, the choice is equally beneficial, which would you do? And...to keep it on topic, are Chilean coins beautiful and/or cheap?

Vr,
John

mgoodm3 · October 13, 2004 3:12AM

personally I would go to HI. What's your gut say?

Russ · October 13, 2004 3:15AM

Hawaii.

Russ, NCNE

Stuart · October 13, 2004 3:17AM

Hi John: Hawaii Doing?? You have 2 excellent options from which to choose! What do you want to do?

Tootawl · October 13, 2004 3:17AM

Hawaii

mhammerman · October 13, 2004 3:17AM

I'm sure that if you tour the old markets and shops you will find some old US coins that have been there forever. Maybe you can even get a metal detector license or permit and find a bunch of draped bust halves or old saints or trade dollars...hummmm, that ought to scare the pants off all the forum members with rare dates? It certainly can't hurt your career to have foreign government experience (think diplomatic post). p.s. I am available for military escort duty.

mgoodm3 · October 13, 2004 3:19AM

Oh, one of my partners went fly fishing in Chile a couple years, there's some beautiful country there.

dthigpen · October 13, 2004 3:23AM

Hawaii's a great place to visit but a horrible place to live (If you're in the military). I'd go with Chile.

Tsimmerdown · October 13, 2004 3:28AM

Chile

goose3 · October 13, 2004 3:30AM

I think I'd go to Chile!
Heck it's only 2 years and you get to further your education while basically being on a vacation!

I assume that you can always come back in 2 years and go to Hawaii!?

cladking · October 13, 2004 3:40AM

It's usually a good idea to get more education and more exposure to new things, but
it's something that always has to be considered on a case by case basis. Chile has a
fairly dynamic economy and a growing middle class. Valparaiso has one of the best re-
putations in the area.

Chile is one of the few countries in the world with pretty boring modern coins.

There are
probably some rarities among them but I don't know what they are. Despair not though,
their older coins are among the most interesting in the continent and they encompass a
broad price range.

kieferscoins · October 13, 2004 3:54AM

Hawaii.

Cameron Kiefer

RYK · October 13, 2004 4:11AM

I personally would choose HI, but that is because I am fairly conservative, now grounded by two small children, etc. If I were younger and more adventurous, I would choose Chile. You probably will not make the wrong decision either way. Make sure your wife is 110% on board with either decision. In fact, your best bet is to let her make the decision.

From a coin collecting/dealing standpoint (to stay on topic), you are as good as dead in Chile, as I expect you know.

EVillageProwler · October 13, 2004 4:20AM

John,

I would choose Chile for two big reasons: Hawaii is a great place to visit, but not to live; and, international experience looks great on the resume in pretty much any field!

I have a 3rd reason to go to Chile, but it won't apply to you since you're attached.

Man, do I envy you!!!

EVP

PS Don't worry about coins; they'll always be around when you get back.

Longacre · October 13, 2004 4:21AM

Your message was unclear as to whether you will also be working while in Chile and getting real-world experience, versus just going to school full time. Assuming that you are getting good practical experience in Chile, I would vote for Chile. Being in an international field myself, I would always give an advantage (in terms of hiring a candidate) to someone who has worked abroad and received international experience.

SarasotaFrank · October 13, 2004 4:23AM

Chile is a better choice, one you get used to water circling the drain in the wrong direction.

SDCollector · October 13, 2004 4:30AM

Take it from someone who works in Human Resources, international experience is almost always a significant plus on anyone's resume.

And for what it's worth, I know a few people who lived in Hawaii and couldn't wait to get off the island. Seems strange to me because we've been to Hawaii several times and it's my favorite place in the world. But I wouldn't want to live there either.

cohodk · October 13, 2004 4:31AM

If you can go to Hawaii in two yrs then why not further your education and go to Hawaii 2 yrs later. Also there can be no substitute for living in a foreign county. It makes you appreciate what we have here and gives you an understanding of other cultures that will only benefit you in the future.

mhammerman · October 13, 2004 4:32AM

"You probably will not make the wrong decision either way. Make sure your wife is 110% on board with either decision. In fact, your best bet is to let her make the decision."

You da smart one RYK!

eyoung429 · October 13, 2004 4:33AM

Take it from me (8yr military) HI is an awesome place to vacation again and again.....it is also easier to get to

BUT LIVING THERE SUCKS MILITARY-WISE

Go to Chile and have a wonderful time, learn new things, enjoy a wonderful culture, EXPLORE!!!! There are some awesome sites to see.

dragon · October 13, 2004 4:40AM

I'd pick Chile......

A) Your Spanish will improve

Cuban cigars are widely available in Chile

C) You can always go to Hawaii afterwards

ms70 · October 13, 2004 4:46AM

Chile

GoYankees · October 13, 2004 4:49AM

Hawaii

earlwbollinger · October 13, 2004 4:50AM

Heck I'd go to Chile myself.
On Hawaii you are just another person. in Chile you are more like a celebrity.
Besides it puts you close to Peru and Bolivia and Argentina.
Lots of pretty neat coins from those places.

The old 8 reales and pieces of eight.
Just think of the history, checking out coins from North and South Peru, the old Bolivean Coast Line, etc.
Remember Chile won the war way back then.
Chile flies a lot of people down to Antarctica too, you might be to visit the Antarctic some too.

nalamolly5 · October 13, 2004 4:56AM

In my short 43 years on this planet, I have learned that doing the once in a lifetime opportunity, generally makes for a better experience, than doing something that can be put off to another time. Go to Chile!

ARCO · October 13, 2004 4:58AM

John - I need my vomit bag!!

Would you mind sending me your lucky rabbit's foot so I can rub on it for a few months? I promise to send it back (fingers crossed) Chile or Hawaii huh? I spent three weeks in Santiago Chile, and toured the middle third of the country. I haven't been to Valparaiso, living in Utah I know many who served their LDS (Mormon) missions in that part of the world and really loved it.

in Chile, you would have the security of a US naval installation, but the ability to live like a tourist. Even though I think Hawaii would be more beautiful, the touring options would be greater in Chile. Of course snorkeling and surfing wouldn't be too bad either.

I can't decide, but it seems to me that Chile is the scarcer of the two opportunities and you could hone your espanol. You could always just live in Hawaii after you retire at age 39 as a multimillionaire!

Tyler

I just looked at the map of Chile. you could discover the Andes mountains just two hours away. Visit Bariloche in Argentina (I lived in Buenos Aires) and really love Argentina. The lakes region of Chile by the city of Puerto Montt is like visiting Europe. THe area was settled by German immigrants and the whole place has the arquitecture and feel of Bavaria in Germany.

Map of Chile

nankraut · October 13, 2004 5:01AM

What Doug Thigpen said:

SethChandler · October 13, 2004 5:17AM

Screw it! Move to New York and get a job at Stacks.

Seth

dorkkarl · October 13, 2004 5:26AM

be adventurous! go for it!!!

K S

Goober · October 13, 2004 5:27AM

Wanting to purchase from your fine selection I'd say Hawaii. Truth be known, I'd take Chile. I spent 6 years active duty, and a mixture of 6 more guard/reserve. I gave up choices for better assignment selection and I've regretted it to this day. Go for the gold.

JRocco · October 13, 2004 5:31AM

You only get one crack at this thing called life John. Chile first then Hawaii in 07'. Win Win situation as I see it.

DesertRat · October 13, 2004 5:36AM

Chile! Hawaii will always present the opportunity for you to be stationed there at some point in your career. The Chile offer is a once in a lifetime opportunity and you get a third degree in the process. No brainer for me.....Chile then when that is done put in for Pearl.

tmot99 · October 13, 2004 5:38AM

First of all, congrats to be in such a demand. It shows that you are well respected, well educated, damn lucky.

I would be sure your wife would be comfortable in Chile. I would think Chile would be a great opportunity for you, but as someone who doesn't know Spanish, it would be scary for me until I learned the language. You know it so you would be fine. Could she get around ok? Would you get home sick being in Chile for 2 years? Family? Friends? That's something else to think about.

Finally, with all this moving, you should lighten your load and let me house your coin collection until you return.

Good luck in whichever venture you decide. Either way, I'm sure you will come out ahead. Keep us informed.

relayer · October 13, 2004 5:49AM

I tend to avoid the 3rd world for a number of reasons.

Besides only in Hawaii and England you can still get a center breast at KFC

DocMortar · October 13, 2004 5:59AM

If I had to make the choice I would base it on which choice will make me more valuable in the future.
How prestigious is working at the Joint Typhoon Warning Center? Will that make you more valuable to the Navy or will the third degree with a marked improvement in your Spanish as well as exposure to the Chilean way of doing things enhance your career more. I think only you know the answer to that question.
I envy your choices. Good luck and thanks for your service to our country.

beartracks42 · October 13, 2004 6:20AM

If your wife is in agreement, I would take Chile. Chile for 2 years exposes you to as much of South America as you want and uncle is paying the way. Very easy way to travel to areas that many Americans never get the chance to visit, let alone experience.

ccr · October 13, 2004 6:27AM

I`d go to Chile for pretty much the same reasons as everyone has stated. You`ll have time later on if you want to go to Hawaii.

mrearlygold · October 13, 2004 6:29AM

Assuming that career wise, the choice is equally beneficial, which would you do? And...to keep it on topic, are Chilean coins beautiful and/or cheap?

Vr,
John >>

Do it John! Great life experience.

Sample for ya, 1803 8 Esc, NGC MS-63, $3950.00

You tell me if it's cheap or not.

I think so!

Rgrds
Tom

ms70 · October 13, 2004 6:36AM

Chile.

CarlWohlforth · October 13, 2004 6:50AM

It must be exciting to have a choice like that! Of course your wife's opinion matters more than all ours put together. If it were my choice and my wife agreed I'd pick Chile.

dldallen · October 13, 2004 7:14AM

I'd have to say Chile. Besides the education, you get to live like a king for a couple of years which won't happen in Hawaii. I've been here in Brazil for over nine years now and haven't regretted a day. Some days are better than others but stacking them all up, it's been a great time.

If you need any POCs in Santiago or Valp, drop me a PM. I can get you connected to some of my colleagues in our offices in Chile.

Good luck either way with your decision. Dave

airplanenut · October 13, 2004 7:42AM

I'm leaning to HI... that way shipping won't be as expensive or taxed (unless you're at an APO/AFO

)

Myqqy · October 13, 2004 8:51AM

No contest- go to Chile and experience something new!!

islemangu · October 13, 2004 8:52AM

agree with APN, would depend if APO shipping from Chile..you would have a hard time with US coins if inter.

only in Hawaii and England you can still get a center breast at KFC

paging paigojohnny, isn't there a void of good coin shops in Hawaii touristy areas...I've considered mover there myself.

dldallen · October 13, 2004 9:09AM

Santiago has an APO: APO AA 34033

No customs or duties, and best of all, no tax on anything you purchase in the USA to be mailed to you. Registered Mail service will be a problem as they discontinued it at most APOs.

A little slower than US Mail but that's the price of living in paradise! Dave

Cladiator · October 13, 2004 9:15AM

Go to Chile. That is an opportunity to really "learn" about a diff. culture society that will most likely not present itself again. You can go to Hawaii anytime, it's just Hawaii.

Neptune · October 13, 2004 9:56AM

I would consider the pay, the housing, the neighborhoods/atmosphere/cost of living, etc. Good luck wherever you go - do what your gut/heart tells you to do ....... and ask God to guide you. Sounds like you have an interesting career ahead of you.

ConstellatioCollector · October 13, 2004 9:59AM

I once was offered a job in the "Outback" of Australia. Though it wasn't in my career plans at the time but, I took it and I never looked back. It was a fantastic opportunity and I have made quite a few lifetime friends. GO FOR IT!!!!!

ER · October 13, 2004 10:13AM

Go.....stay........go........stay......go.............stay. Who cares.

Just kidding, John.

Just do what the boss (wife) says.

Congrats on you successes.

coinlieutenant · October 14, 2004 12:44AM

Thanks guys for the advice and support.

Looks like we wont be going due to the wife being a bit nervous about it and some career implications that I hadnt thought of.

HI will be great I'm sure...thanks again.

Vr
John

ccr · October 14, 2004 1:12AM

That`s cool.

I hope you do well at your new Base.

OT: Should I go?

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