I´ve always loved spicy food. When I quit Corporate, 20 years ago, I started a company which made chutneys, marmalades and hot sauces. Without actually trying very hard, I became known as the " Spice Man" in Venezuela, and in 2011, gave 3 lectures on chiles at the International Gourmet Convention. The fact that I love Indian food also helps.
Venezuelans in general, like their Colombian cousins, are not great chile eaters. Perú, Bolivia, Ecuador to certain extent, Guatemala and Mexico - yes. Hot stuff all over the place.
I grow chiles in the garden and currently have a wonderful harvest of Naga Jolokia - about 1.3 million Scoville units. I treat the fruit with due respect; it´s not exactly something you´d want to snack on while watching Mary Poppins...