crefloors-
I'm flying from Chicago O'Hare direct to Copenhagen. I understand your sentiments about London. My deal through SAS allows a $99 flight from CPH to London, and it's killing me not to take advantage of it. But, I can't take that much time off.

Spain! Madrid, Cordoba, Sevilla, Granada, and Barcelona...December 28-January 16.

Two and a half weeks of vacation-I can't wait!

Dear spouse announced today that it's off to Belgrade and then Warsaw November 14 - 25.

Plausible to think of Capetown so soon thereafter?

Fingers crossed... but I won't hold my breath...

If not, then I am going to treat myself to a good winter holiday: Venice? Rome? Paris?

aschie30: well, i'll drink a toast to you over dinner. I just ordered a long coat, think I'll need it. I envy you going direct to Copenhagen..I"ll be you'll beat me there!!!

Byrd -- Michael gave me your nice note -- sorry we missed! We had a lovely day in Auvers Sur Oise [Van Gogh's last days]

I'm back now [and a bit jet-lagged] -- had a lovely low-key time and will try to do a small report soon.

Welcome back Sally, we wait to hear it all.

Off for a mini-trip to Cologne and A'dam next week. (11/8-13)

Sally, you're BACK! And you went to Auvers-sur-Oise? I'm determined to go there this February.

Tell me all about your shopping forays.

My husband and I leave for Egypt and Jordan on Sunday, we'll be gone 3 1/2 weeks. Another fodorite and her husband are on our trip as well.

Just back from Algarve.....

Muck

crefloors- Long coat would be good - go for thinsulate linings, whenever possible. I'll raise a toast to you, too (I'm thinking something warm, like glogg).

Tuscan sorry for delay.

We have no set plans. We do want to do a day trip to Sedona but other than that just sort of poke around and see what is happening. Hope to have some good food and drink. I do see there is a Trader Joe's in Scottsdale and since we do not have those there want to make a visit and drag home some two buck Chuck wine!

We are looking forward to it and hope to have good time.

I'm going to Phoenix/Sedona next weekend as well.... so that's why it's hard to book hotels/cars, it's because of the Nascar race! Thanks for the heads up Tuscanlifeedit.

I'm headed to Phoenix/Scottsdale for Thanksgiving. Just bought a condo in the town of Fountain Hills, AZ east of Scottsdale so its my new favorite destination and much closer than Paris so I can make weekend trips.

I love, love, love hiking Pinnacle Peak in north Scottsdale. Check it out if you get a chance. It is a 1 3/4 mile trail up and down, up and down then you turn around and go back. There are several nice lookouts where you can stop for a break and you certainly don't have to do the whole path. Glimpse beautitul homes with beautiful pools hanging onto the side of Pinnacle Peak.

I enjoy Bloom restaurant on Scottsdale Rd. and for a view with dinner try elements at Sanctuary on Camelback.

Munich in the Spring and then "himself" wants to drive me down to his favorite place, the St. Tropez area.

Thanks for the recommendations! I'm trying to decide between Elements and Michael's for dinner. Can't wait to go hiking too.

Hey SammyC, I'm having Thanksgiving Dinner at Michael's! Have you looked at their website? There is a menu complete with food photos that make my mouth water. I visit regularly just to review the Thanksgiving Day menu.

Yes, I did check out Michael's website. Anything on the menu that you recommend? Everything looks yummy!

Bon voyage, everyone wherever you are off to, in the USA or acros the pond.
keep it coming.

SammyC- Haven't been to Michael's yet. Have two sets of friends who go but don't know of any specific "must haves" on the menu. Perhaps you can fill me in when you get back from your trip.