Ron:

I like to think about a trip for a few months before I comment about it to the owner.  When the memories of a trip stay with me every night while trying to sleep, I know that I have experienced something very memorable.  Just look at the pictures - Argentina and Chile are fantastic places to visit, let alone in which to ride a BMW bike.

I never felt like a tourist in South America.  The people I talked to were very grateful that we would come to visit their country, unlike the general attitude one might experience in the U.S.  

Tourists are very safe in the countries we visited as well. Case in point - at the hotel in Mendoza I left a small gift for the maid, worth about $5.  As I was checking out, the maid came to the front desk and said (in Spanish) that she could not accept it.  Speaking no Spanish, I insisted that she take it.  Before it was all over, the maid, her boss, and the hotel manager (who spoke English) had me sign a piece of paper saying that she could keep the gift.  I think I was thanked in three or four different languages, and the heartfelt "gracias" from the maid was the best.  These are things I will remember the rest of my life.

I had such a good time that I signed up for your next Rendezvous in Rio Adventure. Consider your company whole-heartedly endorsed!

John Dinges
(South American Splendors 2/10/06)