The Best Holiday Present: Another Journey

It's the holiday season and the best time to plan a trip to South America for Jan and Feb 2008, thanks to United frequent flyer miles. A notice from United that all my miles go away if not used by the end of 2007 prompted the trip. The flights are booked from Florida to Sao Paulo Brazil to Santiago Chile and back, but hopefully the trip will include side ventures to Argentina, Uraguay, and Paraguay. Brazil has been booked to include a trip on the scenic cliff hanger railroad from Curitiba to Paranagua and back as well as a trip to see the Iguassu Falls. The falls are supposed to be spectacular, and also, happen to be located on the borders of Brazil, Argentina. and Paraguay: a chance to see one world class site and 3 countries. Planning the Chile portion is next and should be interesting. The country isn't that wide, but runs almost the entire length of South America. It could involve a lot of mileage to see a few sites. Any suggestions are appreciated.........One other dream trip in the making - thanks to Delta frequent flyer miles - is another trip around the world in the fall of 2008. This time it will hopefully include the trip to Abu Sibel Eqypt to see the special sunrise on the monuments that happen only twice a year; Feb 21 and Oct 21. Egypt was also the home of the yearly presentation of the opera Aida at the foot of the pyramids in Cairo, but this may be a thing of the past. In recent years, productions have been cancelled because of international tensions. E-mail requests to Egypt have gone unanswered but research is ongoing. In the meantime, Happy Holidays and Happy Trails to you.