Translation of sofisticado

The lack of political stability is not new to South America and I believe that the different views among them added up so much that conflicts are not avoidable anymore. Look for example what happened.
Please write me from your home as soon as your are back. My Spanish is better than that of most Americans, but my English is worse than that of most people here. It is a strange position that I am in.
Unfortunately, the boat's maneuvering system broke down and we were told that we could not take it. We were furious, but decided to make the best out of the situation. The offered to take the Red Dragon instead.