Written by Peggy Crawford

Written by: Peggy Crawford
SouthAmerica.travel

Dearest Vera, We are newly returned from our WONDERFUL South American adventure, and I am SO THANKFUL to you for all your planning and ideas. The trip surpassed even my highest expectations. Everything went SO smoothly and safely, with spectacular scenery and good health and amazingly lucky good weather. ALL of our travelers said it was marvelous in every way!!   The Santiago part was an excellent start to our journey great hotel -- and the lunch near Patio Bellavista was the best meal we had on the whole trip and it wasn't just the pisco sour drinks!!  The winery was in a lovely setting and we were able to see Vina del Mar (even the statue from Easter Island!), as well as Valparaiso. Guides were VERY good, too. We loved Buenos Aires, seeing it through Gabriella?s enthusiasm and knowledge. I am still in awe of how she guided 44 people through the streets on a walking tour! I especially loved the time in La Boca, even though it was touristy, the visit to the Pink Palace, and the Tango show. And the visit to the cemetery was a highlight. You made a perfect choice of hotel, too, with a great location in a safe place, with cafes near-by. The hotel staff was very pleasant and helpful. But the best part by far was getting to meet you in person. Thank you SO much for taking time to visit with me and treat me to a drink at La Biela. No wonder I felt a connection with you from the very first email! Iguazu Falls was beyond belief wow, wow, wow! Analia Espino was our guide there, and she was among the top guides we have had in our 21 years of doing trips! Her patience with border crossings, upbeat attitude, excellent English, warm personality, and sensitivity to the travelers were amazing. On the second morning the bus wouldn't start and she had another bus and driver there in 10 minutes! Rio was much safer and more beautiful than I imagined. Visits went smoothly and the views from Sugar Loaf and Corcovado will be in my memory forever. The soccer stadium was mostly torn up, but it was very interesting to see the work and the plans for renovation and the museum and displays were very well done. Our group also liked the visit to the Cathedral a lot, too. It should be on every tour because of its unique architecture. The samba show was not as marvelous as the tango show, but I am glad we did it. And being provided with cold water on the bus was a plus. Restaurant choices were ALL good. Loved the Colombo and the one near our hotel. The staff was VERY welcoming even with a drink on the roof as we checked in and did everything possible to make our stay there pleasant. The location was perfect, right in the middle of beautiful Copacabana Beach. And when I opened the curtains in the room and saw we had oceanfront rooms, I was overwhelmed. I spent much time gazing out over the beach and saw sunrise each morning. And I said a silent thank you to YOU for that added special treat that was icing on the cake of our South America trip. You ARE a miracle worker! Please let me know if there is any other feedback that would be helpful. I will write AAA and the Boston travel agency which makes our Europe arrangements to recommend your agency with NO reservations!! And please lets stay in touch. I will miss you! And again, thank you from the bottom of my heart for your energy, your expertise, and your friendship. Love, Peggy

SouthAmerica.travel