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Dubai Great Destination for Holiday and Shopping

Dubai is a perfect holiday destination for family as well as business tourists. The cheap hotels in Dubai give royal hospitality to people who visit here. Dubai is a perfect destination for family holidaying. The world’s richest horse race is held in Dubai where horses of different continents compete with each other; there are million dollar lotteries that are held at periodic pace, there are other more attractions such as international tennis, golf tournaments and months long shopping festivals. Dubai presents the most impeccable lavish hotel – the Burj Al Arab shaped like a billowing sail-perched on an artificial platform in the sea. Some of the sightseeing places noteworthy to mention are Creek side Park, Wild Wadi Water Park, bird sanctuary, an indoor ski resort and the gold souk.

From attractive and enormous shopping malls to active and pulsating souls… shopping in Dubai is quite an incredible experience. Dubai Shopping gets you the best deals at affordable prices. Be it high fashion merchandise, most modern of all gadgets, home appliances, jewelry, furnishing products or any other products and manufactured goods available you will get the best of products. The two central attractions of Dubai Shopping consist of Dubai Summer Surprises and Dubai Shopping Festival. Being shopping oriented these festivals attract millions of tourists and visitors predominantly during the months of July and January, February. Boasting of several shopping malls, Dubai’s cater to each shopper’s requirements and need.

Recognized as ‘Layali Dubai’ in Arabic, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), came into being in the year 1996 by the Dubai government as a trading event that was primarily intended to promote trade and tourism in Dubai.

Dubai Holidays have evolved onto the world stage over the past few years solidifying Dubai as a multiple holiday destination.

Dubai was once professed as an unproductive land and a parched region, today it is among the most needed after holiday destination, mainly during the months of Dubai Shopping Festival. Once acknowledged for Desert Safari, nowadays Dubai boasts of providing a superb shopping experience. Beyond these you may as well pander to in different adventure activities like sea tours, parasailing, mountaineering, , skydiving, surfing, parachuting, golfing, sand over the desert, underwater adventures… fun, frolic ands excitement are in abundance here.

Visited by millions of tourists globally each year, the shopping festival of Dubai is a much sought after festivity. Heavy discount prices on recognized and designer clothes, tastefully done jewelry, electrical and technologically advanced gadgets, gizmos and machineries are available, lip luscious food to gorge, intermingling with interesting cultural events, wonder and awe inspiring fire works in the night…For staying purpose tourists are dotted with cheapest hotels in Dubai.

Dubai makes the most excellent of times. Also sought after by daring adventurers and daredevils, the city of Dubai provides exciting activities to indulge in. From sand surfing on the renowned golden dunes of Dubai desert, motto-crossing across challenging trails, and skydiving from a knee weakening height of 12,000 feet or swimming and foundling underwater life… you would comprehend that fun was never like this before until and unless you visited Dubai

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Cheap flight to Australia from UK ? Enjoy a Great Holiday

Australia is one of the favourite holiday destinations among the travelers world wide. It is the only country that has a continent itself. Cheap airline tickets are being offered by many airlines and travel companies. A large number of travel companies are offering cheap flights to Australia from UK.

Famous for its natural wonders and wide open spaces, its beaches, deserts, “the bush”, and “the Outback”, it is a beautiful country. Cheap flights to Australia are available with both domestic and international flights. Australia is known for its thriving nightlife, sandy beaches, friendly people and wide cultures.

Cities like Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Cairns, Brisbane, Auckland and many others are most livable cities in Australia. Travelers from all around the world visit Australia and its cities. To visit there, you can look for different online airfare packages catered by various airline companies. It offers a lot to do, see and explore. There are many cheap flights to Australia from UK available search around to find a good deal.

There are various skiing and surfing spots that people enjoy visiting, only in Australia. Uluru in the red centre, Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House in Sydney are the cultural icons. Visitors from all over the world visit Australia for enjoyment and relaxation, they are attracted by Sydney Tower, Luna Park, The Royal Botanical Gardens, the Great Barrier Reef and a lot of beaches.

Cheap flights to Australia from UK are available online with various travel companies. You should be very careful while booking flights online. Search the companies providing best deals for your travel and book cheap flights to Australia. Most of the travel companies offer not only cheap flights, but also different hotels, car rentals and city tour activity packages.

Enjoy Hot Air Ballooning, Rock Climbing, Mountain Biking, Sky Diving, Skiing, Snorkelling, etc. Take a trip to Great Barrier Reef, swim in the beaches, rivers and man made pools. It will be a lovely experience to have a vacation in Australia. To get cheap flights always avoid last minutes flights, peak season visits and prefer cheap holiday packages.

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10 Great Reasons for a Holiday in Cyprus

There’s more to Cyprus than sun, sea and sand. It’s difficult not to fall madly in love with Cyprus, blessed by Aphrodite, goddess of love. The locals are extremely friendly and hospitable, the atmosphere is relaxed, the food is fabulous and you can enjoy everything from jeep safaris and wine tours to walking and even snow skiing in winter. Cyprus is a place where you can discover hidden UNESCO churches and mountain villages or join in the Greek dancing at a family-run taverna.

Here are are 10 tips and reasons to visit Cyprus to help start your holiday planning and further research together with some “lifestage” destination recommendations to check out.

Beaches: From gently-shelving white sand beaches in the east around Ayia Napa and Protaras to fun-filled bays with water-skiing and kite-surfing in the west, you will find everything from deserted coves to busy holiday resorts.

Nightlife: Dance the night away in one of Ayia Napa’s trendy clubs or hang out on Bar Street in Paphos. Away from the neon, join in the Greek dancing at a local taverna or chill in a café on Larnaca’s fashionable mile-long beachfront promenade.

Food: Cypriots are happiest when eating so join them for a meze, a slow banquet of Cypriot delicacies such as grilled halloumi cheese, dolmades (vine leaves stuffed with rice and meat) and delicious kleftiko, lamb slowly baked till it drops off the bone. Freshly-caught fish and seafood are delicacies too.

Wine: Drive into the Troodos foothills to taste crisp white wines and hearty reds at family-run wineries. Follow a wine route or check out the island’s long wine-making heritage at the Wine Museum just outside Limassol.

Art: Watch local artisans at work in their workshops in Larnaca, producing beautifully-crafted ceramics, tiles and jewellery. Lefkara is the place to buy hand-crafted lace – see the ladies dressed in black ply their craft outside their shops.

Cities: Visit Europe’s last divided capital, Lefkosia (Nicosia) for shopping and museums. Wander Laiki Geitonia’s narrow streets, sweat in a restored Ottoman hamam and stroll along Venetian city walls for great views. You’ll find Richard the Lionheart’s Crusader castle in Limassol old town.

Nature: The stunning Troodos mountains with Mount Olympus at its peak offers a cool retreat in summer with its charming hilltop villages, vine-blessed slopes and hiking trails. For unspoilt nature, the rugged Akamas national park is stunning.

History: Venetian walls, Crusader castles, ancient tombs and Roman mosaics are testament to Cyprus’s 10,000 year history. The Green Line in Nicosia separating the Greek south from Turkish north, now open to tourists, is a reminder of its recent political past.

Shopping: From big city stores in Nicosia to designer boutiques and jewellers in Limassol, you’ll find shops selling souvenirs to take home all over the island. The markets in Limassol and Paphos are worth checking out too.

Touring: Cypriots drive on the left and the roads are fast and well signposted so getting around by car is easy. A jeep safari is the best way to go off-road and explore remote Akamas or mountainous Troodos. Car rental in Cyprus is reasonably priced, and easy to arrange.

A holiday in Cyprus is up there with the best of travel destinations in terms of great climate, friendly people, history, adventure and good living.

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Shoulder season a great time for ski resort deals

Shoulder season a great time for ski resort deals
Ever dream of seeing how “the other half” lives by staying at a luxury condominium or lodge at a local ski area?

Read more on The Salt Lake Tribune

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5 Great Places to Hike in Vancouver

Stanley Park - Vancouver

Holding the title of Vancouver’s largest park, Stanley Park contains an extensive network of hike-able trails. As this park is located right outside the downtown core, many people consider it a great place to start or end their Vancouver Seawall journey. Third Beach, Lost Lagoon, and Beaver Lake are all popular attractions located inside the park. For first time visitors, Stanley Park is a great way to experience many of the sights and sound of Vancouver in one day.

Brunswick Point – Delta

Brunswick Point is located in the suburb of Delta just a short drive south of Vancouver. Here lies a relatively flat trail that stretches 8 kilometres across a Fraser River dike. Views of the serene local farmland are available on one side of the trail, while views of the calm marshy shoreline are available on the other. A large metal gate separating industrial roads and train tracks from the walkway mark the end of the trail. From here, hikers must turn around and head back on the same beautiful trail. This trail is dog friendly and takes approximately one hour to complete.

This trail is a must see for people with an affinity for bird watching as it very close to Westham Island, a Reifel Bird Sanctuary. Westham Island is home to dozens of coastal bird species which tend to frequently pass by Brunswick Point making for some rare photo opportunities.

Pacific Spirit Regional Park – Vancouver

A large network of hiking trails can be found at the Pacific Spirit Regional Park which is located inside the University Endowment Lands on the west side of Vancouver. Hikers should pre-plan their route as this park stretches across 750 hectares of untouched forest. Most of the trails here are dog friendly and some even allow horse access. Trails here can take anywhere from 15 minutes to several hours to complete depending on which route is taken.

Grouse Grind – North Vancouver

The Grouse Grind is the hardest and steepest trail on the list and should only be attempted by hikers who are confident in their personal fitness level. This trail snakes its way up the side of Grouse Mountain, a local ski-hill during the wintertime. Hundreds of local Vancouverites challenge themselves every day by racing up the mountain for the best time. Typically, the Grouse Grind can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 2.5 hours to complete depending on how hard hikers wish to challenge themselves. Atop the trail lies Grouse Mountain’s lodge which features a fully licensed restaurant to cool exhausted hikers off. To get back down, you must take the gondola for a minimal fee.

Burnaby Lake – Burnaby

Burnaby Lake holds the title for the Lower Mainland’s largest lake and is only a short drive from Vancouver. The trail surrounding the perimeter of the lake is very flat and takes roughly two hours to complete. Although there isn’t much shade, the tranquil lake itself is almost always viewable which makes the trip well worth it. Burnaby Lake is also connected to the SkyTrain (Millennium Line), Vancouver’s light rail system, giving tourists from Vancouver easy access to a great half day trip.

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Travelling to Portugal and Some of the Great Resorts to Visit

Portugal is a diverse country in which you can drive from verdant fields through impressive mountains and along a staggeringly beautiful coastline within a day.

Situated alongside the North Atlantic Ocean on the Iberian Peninsula (along with its neighbour Spain which borders Portugal to the north and east), Portugal used to be a major naval power which colonised large countries such as Brazil and Angola.

Today there are still some Portuguese autonomous territories which make great holiday destinations such as the Azores islands and Madeira, both gorgeous outposts in the Atlantic Ocean.

Many tourists come to Portugal in the summer to enjoy its wonderful beaches in locations such as the Algarve, but the country has fine conurbations which should not be neglected by the traveller.

These include Faro, the administrative centre for the Algarve and an attractive old city surrounded by Roman walls.

Car hire Faro is an ideal way to connect with the numerous cultural events put on in the Algarve region or get to the beach and beyond.

Of the many pretty towns which can be reached by car there is the ancient bronze hilltop fort of Santa Barbara de Nexe. Vale de Lobo and Quinta Do Lago are five star holiday resorts located to the west of Faro which have many of the attractions which bring tourists to Portugal such as tennis courts and 18 hole golf courses.

If you are flying into the Algarve you will use Faro airport where you can prearrange your car hire with major companies such as Avis and Hertz.

Portugal has marketed itself as one of the world’s top golfing destinations and was named as the best golfing location world wide for 2006 by the British publication Golfers Today. The country has 14 golf courses ranked among the world top 100 golf courses and with a climate to die for it is no wonder that golf flourishes in Portugal.

Portugal’s capital city is Lisbon, known as the city of the Seven Hills. Lisbon has a flourishing culture with many museums, old castles and public parks for the visitor to wander around, and a buzzing nightlife too.

Lisbon is the closest city to Portugal’s main airport, the Aeropuerto de Portela, which serves as the main hub for national airline TAP Portugal.

Car hire Lisbon lets you explore Lisbon and the surrounding areas such as the town of Sintra which is half an hour away by car. Sintra has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it can count a Royal Palace and an old Moorish castle as part of its amazing architecture legacy.

There are marvellous nearby seaside resorts to be explored such as Praia de Macas which is a good manageable size to visit for a day trip and has calm seas making it family friendly. Praia de Macas is suitable for couples who are looking to spend some time together and what could be more romantic than visiting the wineries in neighbouring Colares for tasting sessions of rare wines.

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Colorado: A Great Place For Skiing

For the traveler Colorado is an excellent mix of both urban and natural attractions. Although the main attraction of Colorado is the Rocky Mountains which are located in the western half of the state and offer excellent skiing opportunities. Among these skiing destinations are the top names such as Aspen, Breckenridge, Steamboat Springs and Vail.

Although if urban travel is more of your thing then Colorado still have something for you. Denver is an excellent place where you can visit many city attractions including museums and theatres. Denver has an excellent reputation for art and culture. The place to go if you want to experience this is the Denver Art Museum. Another attraction for Denver is the fact that it has seven professional sports teams which is popular with those who enjoy sports.

If you prefer the outdoors, but want a more calm approach than the place to go is Boulder which offers many natural preserves. There are many open space and mountain trails that you can choose from to spend your days in outdoor recreational activities. In addition, the many college institutions around the Boulder area offer a great selection of theatrical and cultural performances.

There are a variety of lodging options in Colorado. Everything is include from chain motels to luxury hotels, from Victorian style B&Bs to small independent motels and cabins. Although when traveling to Colorado the best lodging experience you can have is at a historic hotel. There are many of these to choose from in Colorado and many come with a wonderful breakfast and reasonable rates. Often times you can stay in a wonderful historic B&B for about the same price that you would pay for the standard hotel rooms and breakfast out each morning. Three of the best options include the Brown Palace in Denver, the Strater in Durango and the Broadmoor in Colorado Springs.

Although the number one activity that many come to Colorado for is the skiing. There are number of top class skiing resorts to choose from in Colorado that offers excellent accommodations and attractions. Aspen has become known as one of the best skiing locations in the United States and offers runs for all experience levels. The cheaper option is Breckenridge which offers excellent trails for all levels of experience while set is an old fashioned gold-prospecting settlement. This ski lodge will give you a more rustic feel than the other ski resorts in Colorado and is also an excellent choice for families since it also has a number of non ski activities as well. Then there is Vail which is one of the largest ski resorts in the United States with over five thousand acres, close to two hundred trails and over thirty ski lifts. Although this is the more expensive ski resort so you should be prepared for the cost.

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Breckenridge Lodging… How To Find Comfort At A Great Price!

You can’t find any condo at the ski resort, if you are in need of cheaper lodging at ski resort, you have to stay at a motel or hotel a few-minutes-drive away. You may also consider staying at a ski hostel. There are in large quantity hostels near popular ski resorts at exceptionally low prices. While it’s fact in such hostel there are mostly dorms rooms with shared bathrooms.

Breckenridge lodging… the search for a low cost yet high quality lodge in the historic and winter resort town of Breckenridge, Colorado, at the foot of the majestic Rocky Mountains is not at all a daunting task because there are quite a number to choose from. The following living accommodations in Breckenridge are suitable to vacationers running on a tight budget of under $100 a night.

For about $60 a night, staying at the 60-room, 3-storey Super 8 Dillon Breckenridge Motel is a good idea for vacationers and travellers who enjoy the outdoors while working on a severely restricted budget. The 8 Dillon is only minutes away from Breckenridge’s five ski resorts and already features amenities such as facsimile and photocopying services, free continental breakfast, free round-the-clock hot beverage bar, and free parking and local phone calls. Rooms of the lodge have cable television, phones, coffeemakers, hairdryers, and alarm clocks that function dually as AM and FM radio.

The Lodge at Breckenridge is a low-cost lodge with extraordinary features and amenities giving visitors and vacationers alike true value for money for as low as $65. This low-cost accommodation is located half a mile from the Stephen C. West ice rink and about two miles from downtown Breckenridge and is constructed of peeled log beams, fieldstone fireplace, and a wraparound balcony that give it a truly classic mountain shelter. The rooms have windows that provide a spectacular view of the lush forest, mountain and ski resorts in the Rockies. Getting to the many famed ski slopes and trails is a breeze with the lodge’s complimentary shuttle services.

The Summit Country Days Inn Silverthorne is another budget-friendly living accommodation that offers instant and ready access to virtually all the wonderful mountain resorts of Breckenridge, as well as the commercial and historical establishments, for only $76. Its knowledgeable and friendly staff can assist travellers with everything from purchasing discounted lift tickets to making reservations for dinner. The Days Inn has a round-the-clock sauna and hot tub to allow guests to relax and rejuvenate after a very taxing day.

The Quality Inn and Suites offer impressive views of the Blue River mountains and Lake Dillon for only $77 plus hotel amenities such as free deluxe continental breakfast, business center, exercise room, laundry services, indoor heated pool, and voicemail and data ports, among others.

Other budget-friendly lodge and hotel accommodations in the Breckenridge area include the Great Divide Lodge for $89, the Best Western Ptarmigan Lodge for $80, the Breckenridge Mountain Lodge for $80, the Ramada Limited Frisco for $84, and the Holiday Inn Frisco Summit County for $89.

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Ten Great Things To Do When You Visit Ecuador

Ecuador is a South American country. It has a Pacific coastline, and it extends over both sides of the equator. Ecuador is known as the home of the Incas with cultural influences of Spanish colonialism and pre-Columbian traditions. It is a place to visit if you are looking for rich culture and tradition and lots of nature.

1.) Ecuador Amazon Jungle

The Ecuador Amazon offers different water sports such as swimming, canoeing, white water rafting, and kayaking. You can join rainforest walks to visit jungle communities and bask in the wide varieties of fauna and wildlife. This is a true nature exposure.

2.) Galapagos Islands

The name of the island means tortoise in Spanish. It is an island that houses a fascinating collection of colorful aquatic, plants, and animal including reptilian species which differ from island to island. This is a place where you will appreciate the beauty of nature.

3.) Avenue of Volcanoes

It is a 325 km long valley that stretches between Cordillera ranges. The snow-capped volcanoes provide an enthralling structure against the lush greenery of the valley. Mountaineers can have the opportunity to climb to a very high altitude without much difficulty.

4.) Cuenca

It is the third largest city in Ecuador. If you are into old churches, there are two cathedrals in Cuenca. The New Cathedral which was built in 1800s features a series of sky-blue cupolas, and the old cathedral known as El Sagragrio built in 1500s.

5.) Quito

Quito is the capital of Ecuador and is the first city to be named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is divided into three parts – the Old City in the center and the Northern and Southern district on either side. The Old City has no less than 40 churches and convents, 17 squares and 16 convents and monasteries, and the Northern district houses the international airport as well as museums, urban parks, restaurants, and nightlife while the Southern district houses the working class. Quito is a place for culture fanatics.

6.) Baños

Baños is in a small city in the Andean highlands. Here, you will find an active volcano named Tungurahua that have small eruptions of lava and ash. As the name implied, there are a lot of hot spring baths that are popular to both the natives and the tourist alike, so hotels and restaurants line the city to accommodate tourists’ needs.

7.) Esmeraldas

For those who love the beach, Esmeraldas is where the most popular beaches in Ecuador are. It is a coastal city where tourists come to enjoy the warm topical weather. There are hotels and bar and restaurants for the tourist to enjoy.

8.) Cotopaxi National Park

This national park is located near Latacunga, a cone-shaped, snow-capped volcano. It has a small museum, and it houses different wildlife specie such as wild horses, deer, llamas, pumas, and Andean condors. It is also a perfect place for bird watching.

9.) Otavalo

It is a small quiet town north of Quito. There is a market in the Poncho Square every Saturday mornings where natives bring out their colorful and interesting wares and goods to sell. They sell everything from belts, hats, blankets, and different trinkets all created with the skills of their hands.

10.) Archeological Sites

If you are interested in archeology, Ecuador has a rich resource of archeological sites, and there are several ruins in Ecuador left by the Incas or other Amerindians, and the main site is Ingapirca. Others are Rumicucho, near Quito; La Tolita, near Esmeraldas; and Tomebamba in Cuenca. Then there are Real Alto, San Isidro and Santa Elena where the ancient Valdivia vulture left remains. Santa Elena is noted as the world’s oldest known cemetery.

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What?s Great About Breckenridge

Situated in the core of Summit County, Breckenridge Colorado is a jewel of a town. It gained its first popularity as a major part of Colorado’s historic mining industry and maintain its reputation today as a world-class skiing and snowboarding site. If you haven’t been to Breckenridge before, a quick overview of the landmark will give you the rundown you’ll need to know for a marvelous vacation.

Breckenridge is nestled in a strategic location. With an area of just over seven miles long and two miles wide, Breckenridge can be classified as a small town which probably constitutes the laid-back attitude of locals. Unique compared to other mountain towns in Colorado, Breckenridge blends the convenience of restaurants, bars, shops, and lodging with the adventure experience of parks, developed trails and a world-class ski resort. Breckenridge is accessible from the international airport in Denver since the town is just about a hundred miles west of the city. Sitting at about 9,600 feet, Breckenridge has an average of 250 to 300 inches of snow and 300 sunny days annually. Daytime winter averages at around 28 degrees with nighttime falling to about 15 degrees with the sun helping cold months of winter feel much warmer. During summer in Breckenridge, daytime averages between 70 and 80 degrees while nighttime lowers to around 50 degrees. Although the town is more famous during winter especially for skiers and snowboarders, Breckenridge is still flocked by visitors during summer to enjoy the countless summer activities it offers.

Breckenridge is a charming Victorian-style town with endless options for shopping, dining, entertainment and history. However, the ambiance is only a compliment to the real reason why people choose to visit Breckenridge which is the sport. Whether you’re visiting in the summer, winter, or any other months in between, Breckenridge is Summit County’s playground for outdoor sports. Long and challenging trails are perfect for hiking and biking while nearby access to whitewater is popular for kayaking, rafting and fishing. Operating since December of 1961, Breckenridge’s four peaks offer a variety of trails on its 25 acres of terrain for all experience levels in skiing and snowboarding. In addition, horseback riding, snowshoeing, sledding and a spectacular recreation center all contribute to the active lifestyle enjoyed by Breckenridge visitors.

Preparing for your visit in Breckenridge can prove to be valuable on making your vacation as convenient and comfortable as possible. Bringing the right types of clothes during packing, for instance, can help you adjust well in the shifting temperatures of Breckenridge. A strapping raincoat and fleece jacket are good companions in the summer while a water-resistant winter coat will keep you stay warm and dry during the winter. Of course, you also need to bring protection for your extremities such as hats, gloves, and wool socks. It’s more handy to bring layers of clothing and just leave your cotton clothes at home. Pack quick-drying materials that will keep you warm and dry throughout the day. It is also expedient to bring with you a lip balm and sunscreen to protect your skin since the sun is intense all year round in Breckenridge. Altitude sickness is another usual problem for some visitors in Breckenridge so prevent this from happening by drinking plenty of water before, during and after your trip. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as well in the first couple of days that you adjust to the high elevation of the place.

With the mountains providing a picturesque backdrop to the town and with the countless activities that promote a laid-back attitude that’s potent and addictive, it’s no wonder why a lot of vacationers choose Breckenridge as their holiday and trip destination every year. See for yourself why Breckenridge is a premier vacation spot by planning your own family trip there and it’s more than likely that you won’t regret it.

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