Coincidentally, the mass displays of bloom in South Africa were the best in twenty years, or so said the locals. The rains came at exactly the right time, from what I gather. We took more of a gamble than the Chile travelers, as our trip had to be booked *before* the rains instead of after. Spectacular, awe-inspiring, intense, and jaw-dropping at times--just about every superlative applied. Unlike Jane, however, I have about 4500 photos to sort through. It *better* be a long winter. Whether you go to South America, or South Africa, or Southern California, it really doesn't matter. Go far away from home someday and enjoy the flowers and the people. --Roy Jane McGary wrote: > > If this note makes anybody get on a plane to Santiago tomorrow, I > won't be surprised. This spectacle is something every plant lover > should see at least once. >