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Natural Wonders in North America You Need to Visit at Least Once

It’s easy to look for destinations that are far away, remote and very different to your everyday life. But keep in mind that you can find all sorts of amazing things to see and do closer to home in North America… CONTINUE READING >> 

When you’re an empty nester planning vacations around the world, it’s easy to look for destinations that are far away, remote and very different to your everyday life. However, keep in mind that you can find all sorts of amazing things to see and do closer to home, too, in North America.

While the continent boasts excellent adventure activities, romantic escapes and great shopping, restaurants, bars, museums, galleries and entertainment, you can’t go past some of the incredible natural wonders found in this part of the world. Read on for some of the best ones in North America you need to visit at least once, to put on your itinerary for this year.

Niagara Falls

Of course, one of the biggest natural wonder tourist attractions in all of North America is Niagara Falls. Situated on the Canadian-U.S. border between Ontario and New York, this natural phenomenon is composed of three separate waterfalls which, combined, lead to millions of cubic feet of water thundering down each minute.

There are numerous ways to see this awe-inspiring site, so check out Niagara Falls packages for vacations which include things like hotel rooms with a view of the Falls, rides on the Niagara SkyWheel (where you can see the waterfalls from up high) and trips on the popular boat tours that take off from either country’s side of the natural wonder. These excursions transport passengers up so close to Niagara Falls that they can get drenched by the water.

Mammoth Cave National Park

If you’re looking for somewhere truly atmospheric to explore, head to the state of Kentucky in America. Here you will find Mammoth Cave National Park, a World Heritage Site and U.S. National Park that happens to be an underground destination. The park is part of the Green River Valley and the longest known cave system in the world.

As you walk through this area, you’ll have a wide variety of fascinating chambers and subterranean passageways to choose from. In fact, more than 400 miles of caves have been discovered to date (though there is plenty that still hasn’t been explored). This historical spot is thought to have been visited by humans for at least 6,000 years, according to researchers.

During your time in Mammoth Cave, you need to ensure you get to the Frozen Niagara section. This part gets its name from Niagara Falls, as the flowstone formations resemble waterfalls. In addition, make your way to the popular Gothic Avenue. Here you’ll get to see a ceiling covered with signatures of people who have trekked into the cave from the 19th century onwards.

Hopewell Rocks

It pays to get to the province of New Brunswick to see the Hopewell Rocks. These unique formations are one of the most visited spots in New Brunswick because they showcase the power of Mother Nature. The Rocks have been carved out by erosion over thousands of years as tides empty in and out of the Bay of Fundy around Hopewell Cape.

Exploring this attraction gives you the chance to check out the bottom of the ocean without having to scuba dive. At low tide, when billions of tons of water flow out of the bay, you can make your way along the ocean floor, with the “flower-pot” sculptural rocks towering above you. There is more than a mile of beach to explore. Make sure you spend time in the nearby interpretative center; it’s reached by just climbing back up the stairs from the beach.

Everglades National Park

If it’s wetlands you’re interested in, plan a trip to the Everglades National Park in Florida, U.S.A. This International Biosphere Reserve is the largest subtropical wilderness in the nation, and both a World Heritage Site and a Wetland of International Importance. The Everglades National Park is huge, covering almost 1.5 million acres; however, it still only protects a fraction of the total Everglades ecosystem (20 percent).

Listed as a specially protected region in the Cartagena Treaty, this Park is vital as it’s a crucial habitat for all sorts of endangered creatures. Here live animals such as the American alligator, Florida panther, sea turtles, Cape Sable seaside sparrow, manatees, American crocodile, bald eagles, wood storks, Everglades snail kite, wood storks and many others. The Everglades is home to many threatened flora species too, like Krug’s holly, the Florida thatch palm, tree cactus and buccaneer palm.

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5 Ways to Help You Move to a New Country

Looking for some helpful ways to provide ease in your moving process? Well, there are many useful ways that can make moving to a new country effortless… CONTINUE READING >> 

Amongst the major transitions of life that one can ever make is moving to a new country. As a matter of fact, it is daunting and equally exciting. Whether it is for your personal reasons or for professional purposes, being prepared beforehand is going to help you a lot in this regard. Looking for some helpful ways to provide ease in your moving process? Well, there are many useful ways that can make moving to a new country effortless. Here are five such ways that will aid this type of life transitioning to a greater extent.

1. Make Research About the Culture of The Country in Advance

It is essential to have prior knowledge about the culture and norms of the country you are deciding to move to. You can read relevant blogs, articles as well as watch related videos in order to adapt to a new culture in advance.

2. Have Prior Knowhow Regarding Language Basics

If you are switching to a new country and you don’t know about its language, it is favorable to have prior know-how about the basics. Although the language learning process would be easier when you start interacting in it with the natives there, knowing the basics and pronunciation is advantageous. You can take advantage of the many available online tools for learning a new language. For instance, you will easily find one or more online tools for learning Spanish Pronunciation and Vocabulary in case you are moving to Spain.

3. Participate in Some Volunteer Work

You form a strong relationship with new people by getting to know them when you take part in volunteering. It is a marvelous way of building good contacts particularly for those who want to participate actively in the new community. In order to find positions for volunteer, you can check related online ads. Or else, you can ask yourself about it by going out in the community. Teaching people a new language or certain skills that you might possess can be a good idea regarding volunteering.

4. Take Advantage of Social Media

It will actually be supportive to be a part of the relevant social media groups when heading towards a new country. In this way, you will have a platform to know about the people, culture, language and a lot more about that particular country. Different social media platforms like Facebook and Quora provide some useful forums to ask queries and concerns regarding a new place. However, sharing too much personal info is not necessary in this regard since some strangers can ruin your privacy. Beware of scammers and try to avoid trusting any stranger who wants you to pay for his helpful services. When we move to a new country, we need a guide, a native, or a translator to help us out with the initial stuff. But, trusting a stranger at that point is not a good option.

5. Explore New Places as Much as Possible

You will probably be going to have an entirely different experience of living when moving to a new country.  Hence, exploring the new places there as much as possible will hugely benefit you. In fact, it is an interesting way to familiarize you with new things. To serve this purpose, you can head towards a long roadside walk, visit attractions and observe the happenings in your surroundings.

About the Author:

Lara Smith has worked for Wall Street English for 20 years. After studying at Stanford University and subsequently doing a CELTA course, she began her career in teaching. She is obsessed with languages and currently writes blogs at https://www.mimicmethod.com/.

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3 Reasons Why Empty Nesters Should Travel to New Zealand

New Zealand is a fascinating place that blends dramatic natural landscapes with modern luxury. Whether you’re a thrill seeker or someone who’d rather read a book by the beach, there is plenty for you to enjoy… CONTINUE READING >> 

New Zealand is a fascinating place that blends dramatic natural landscapes with modern luxury. With views fitting for a fairytale, it’s hard not to appreciate what you have when you are there. It’s perfect for new empty nesters who have a sudden jump in freedom–you’ll find a balance between relaxation and adventure!

After all, New Zealand is packed to the brim with exciting spots. It’s a great place for a fun new start, whether you are looking to settle into one spot or explore all the country’s hidden gems. The laid-back atmosphere here lets you choose your own pace.

Whether you’re a thrill seeker or someone who’d rather read a book by the beach, New Zealand will have plenty for you to enjoy. You’ll find your corner of the country and be calling yourself a ‘Kiwi’ in no time. And with sites like www.movingtonewzealand.com to guide you along your travels, you won’t have to worry about coming up with ideas of things to do!

If you’re still on the fence, check out these three reasons to see exactly why New Zealand might be the perfect destination for you after becoming an empty nester. You may also want to check out this guide to emigrating to New Zealand.

1. The Delicious Food

While New Zealand might not be the first thing that springs to mind when you think of food capitals of the world, you would be totally in the wrong if you discounted this country. Whether you choose to dig into the delicious and wide-ranging Maori cuisine, feast on the abundance of fresh seafood, or even tuck into some classic New Zealand lamb, you won’t be sorry. You can eat as exotically as you’d like or stick to the classics of home.

Just make sure to save room for dessert! After all, you deserve the sweets once you’ve made the trek, and what could be a better way to celebrate life than with dessert? With the classic Jaffas (satisfying sugar-coated orange chocolate balls), Hokey Pokeys (decadent caramelized Honeycomb flavor ice cream) or the time-tested Pavlova, you’ve got tons of choices. And no matter what you choose, you are sure to walk away from any table happy and totally bursting at the seams.

2. Incredible Nature to Go Wild In

Once you’ve eaten your fill, it’s time to explore. New Zealand is home to stunning seascapes, towering trees, and magnificent mountains – for such a small country, there’s a lot to take in.

A third of the country’s land is designated as nature preserves or parks. There are hundreds of unique flora and fauna species to be found. It’s easy to see why people flock to New Zealand to seek out breathtaking hikes.

New Zealand is a sort of pilgrimage spot for naturalists. It’s perfect for anyone to get a look into the great and truly awe-filled world of the outdoors. Whether you prefer to do that on foot, on a pair of skis, or from the end of a bungee cable, you’re sure to enjoy it.

3. A Feeling of Safety 

Another reason to consider traveling to New Zealand is the country’s excellent standard of safety. When you’re thinking of calling a new place home, it’s important to feel safe. In New Zealand, anyone can feel secure as they walk around the cities. The country has a low rate of violent crime and is recommended by many for solo female travel.

All in all, New Zealand is a great place to call home for many different reasons. If you’ve got a deep desire for adventure, this country will call your name until you decide to book your ticket there!

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5 Unusual Places to Stay in Scotland But Is Definitely Worth The Trip

Try some unique accommodations to immerse yourself in the history of Scotland. Here are some of the most unusual places you can stay that you definitely don’t want to pass up… CONTINUE READING >> 

You travel because you want to explore and experience different things. Usually, you browse for hotels where there’s an available room for you. When you visit Scotland, you’ll find lots of options in a Scottish accommodation website, but skip the hotels. Try some unique accommodations to immerse yourself in the history of that place fully.

Here are some of the most unusual places you can stay at in Scotland that you definitely don’t want to pass up:

1. Cottages

Experience Scotland as if you are a local in one of their cottage accommodations. Stay in a Scottish village and cook meals made from local produce and ingredients. Scotland’s self-catering cottages let you experience the place at your own time. You get to prepare your meals and explore the surroundings whenever you want.

You can look for cottages near the Lochalsh peninsula and enjoy leisurely walks on the coral beaches. You can also try ones that are on the outskirts of Glasgow to see the beautiful culture, architecture, and festivals in the city. Staying in cottages will make you feel like you are at home.

2. Castles

Have you always wondered what it would be like to live life as a royalty? Unless you have a royal bloodline, the royal status may not be easy to achieve for ordinary citizens, but you can experience living in a castle. Scotland offers accommodations in their historical castles.

One of the places you can try is the Inverlochy Castle Hotel. It was built in 1863, and it used to be a private residence back then. It was only in 1969 when it was turned into a hotel. There are many activities you can do while you stay here, like water sports, tennis, and clay pigeon shooting for example.

You can learn a lot by staying in Scotland’s castles. You can get to know its history and how the people who once lived there lived their lives. And you get to gain some knowledge while you experience what’s left behind of a past era.

3. Modern Brochs

Brochs are stone structures that are supposedly roundhouses that are complex. The historic brochs of Scotland are mostly in ruins since they are believed to have been built when the Romans invaded Britain which is around 100 BC to 100 AD. You may not be able to live in those ancient structures, but you can stay in modern ones that are suitable for living.

You can try the Brochs of Coigach. It is situated at the end of a private farm track with four acres of ground. The view of the surrounding area is quite lovely with mountains and coastlines that is considered as one of the most unspoiled regions in Europe.

You can also learn about contemporary Scottish painters because the interior has artworks. Aside from that, there are also activities you can do like sailing, motor cruising, and seeing animals like minke whales, dolphins, and porpoises.

4. Farm

If you’re looking to take a break from the busy city life, why not try living the farm life? Breathe some fresh air, interact with adorable farm animals, and bask in the peaceful country life. Scotland has lots of vast farming areas and a lot of those offer accommodations so you can experience an authentic working farming life.

One of the farms you can stay at is the Drumbuie farm. It was the home of the Urquhart family who was the same clan as the one who lived in the Urquhart castle. The farms have lands that are suitable for growing crops, and it houses animals such as horses, sheep, and cattle.

The farm also has an overlooking view of Loch Ness. You never know, maybe you’ll be able to get proof that the Loch Ness monster really exists.

5. Traditional Inn

Scotland has a lot of historical places where you can stay, including inns. Back in the day, travelers in Scotland who had horse-drawn stagecoaches sought inns where they can pass the night before heading on their way come morning. Inns have a pub-style setting complete with log fires and hearty meals.

The Inn On The Tay is one of the traditional inns you can find in Scotland. It has six family-sized rooms which are maintained to the utmost standard. From the bar, you will be able to see the Tay river.

Final Thoughts

Scotland indeed has a lot of unusual places which you will not find from anywhere else. Those places are even rich in history, and you can learn so much simply by staying in and talking to some of the locals. Blessed with magnificent views, these unique places to visit in Scotland will bring you a memorable trip.

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How to Improve Focus and Concentration

Productivity is closely tied to your ability to focus and concentrate. Without adequate focus, you might find yourself struggling to reach your full potential… CONTINUE READING >> 

Productivity is closely tied to your ability to focus and concentrate. Without adequate focus, you might find yourself struggling to reach your full potential. Luckily you’re not alone as many people struggle to focus on their work on a daily basis. We’ve compiled a list to help you find some of the best methods that will help you improve your concentration. Let’s start off with one of the key things you should be trying:

Meditate

The key to focus and concentration is the elimination of excess noise in the brain. Properly focusing on one thing means that you’ve made a decision to forgo distractions for the moment and deal with the issue at hand. While this might seem simple at first, it quickly becomes apparent how difficult this can be in the multifaceted and connected society in which we live. This is where meditation comes in. While we too often tie meditation to yogis on spiritual journeys, the truth of the matter is many of us can benefit from a daily practice.

Meditation forces participants to quiet their minds and focus on the moment. This makes you more mindful and present, which in itself offers an improved quality of life. Multiple studies have found that regular meditation can reduce stress levels which leads to better mental health and UC Berkeley’s Greater Good Science Center found it increased overall self-awareness. Needless to say that these are all fantastic outcomes, but in regards specifically to better focus, meditation teaches you how to eliminate distractions, be self-aware of your distracted tendencies, and make the decision to concentrate solely on the moment. You are then able to apply these techniques to other areas of their life and work.

Eliminate Distractions

So the next questions become; “what are these distractions?” and “what causes them?” These are important questions to ask yourself and you’ll probably find that your answers are very similar to many others’.

We are very lucky to live in such a connected world where we are able to reach our loved ones at the touch of a button. Unfortunately, this also serves as one of the main sources or procrastination and distraction to many people. The best way to avoid these tempting distractions is to eliminate them before they even become one. For instance, if you know that you have a busy day of work ahead of you put your phone out of sight, in another room, or even turn it off before you begin. By keeping your phone at a distance you might find you are less tempted to use it than you would be with it in the corner of your eye at arm’s reach.

A few other simple but great ways to reduce distractions include:

• Turn off Wifi on your computer: If the work you’re doing does not need Wifi, turning it off will keep you on task and away from unrelated internet browsing or social media.

• Reduce Noise Levels: Loud noises bother some people more than others, but in the end, they are distracting to all. Do what you can to reduce noise levels. This can be as simple as closing a door or wearing noise-cancelling headphones. Check reviews here.

• Verbalize: Let people know that you’re trying to focus on your work so that they can do their part to minimize the distractions the cause and not interrupt your flow.

Declutter

Our physical environments impact our mental states. It often plays a larger role than we realize, but if you’ve ever cleaned your room and felt significantly better in it afterward you’ll have an idea on the impact it can have. Physical clutter can lead to mental clutter vice versa, so if you are having a hard time focusing on one thing maybe try tidying up your environment. At the very least it will be one less distraction to worry about and can “jump-start” your productivity.

Read a Book

Everyone should make reading a part of their routine. You can find study after study listing the benefits that reading regularly offers to you. This list includes everything from higher cognition to increased lifespan and, you guessed it, improved concentration. It is important to note that most of these studies specify that these benefits come from long-form reading like books rather than newspapers and articles.

Reading books require long-term attention and focus in order for you comprehend what you’re reading and to get through the book. Similarly to meditation, reading forces you to get into the habit of concentrating and focusing on the task at hand without giving into distractions. Otherwise, you will constantly be losing your spot and rereading passages. Over time you might find you are able to focus longer since you get used to the lack of constant visual and auditory stimulation. You can even measure your concentration by keeping track of how many pages you read before your mind begins to wander.

The beauty of reading lies in the fact that it is not a temporary solution for focus, rather it trains your brain how to concentrate on the task in front of it. Whether you decide to read on your daily commute or before you fall asleep it is also easy to fit into your daily routine. You can visit your bookstore on the way home or even order books online at your convenience to get started.

Conclusion

So there you have it! These are all some simple, but incredibly effective, ways to increase your level of focus. If you dedicate yourself to these practices you’ll see your focus sky-rocket in no time at all. So grab a book, find some quiet time, and put away your phone to achieve your full potential!

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When in Hong Kong Travel Like A Local with These Tips

Hong Kong has made itself an increasingly popular tourist spot owing to its affordable travel options and excellent facilities for tourists. If you are travelling to Kong for your vacation, here are some tips and tricks that will help you… CONTINUE READING >> 

Hong Kong is a rapidly growing tourist spot which has lately got itself on the top international travel radar over the recent years. The former British colony is unique in its amalgamation of past and future, of various cultural influences, of heritage and cutting-edge technology, of nature and modern civilisation. They all come together in perfect harmony in Hong Kong, which makes this place so beautifully unique. A Special Administrative Region under the People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong has made itself an increasingly popular tourist spot owing to its affordable travel options and excellent facilities for tourists. If you are travelling to Kong for your vacation, here are some tips and tricks that will help you have the best and the most authentic local experience.

Take your time

One of the most underrated words of advice would be to take your time and not make it a very rushed trip because there are tons of things to see, do and of course, eat in Hong Kong. Moreover, owing to jet lag, long flights, weather change and time differences, give your body the well-deserved rest so that you are rejuvenated for your travels from the next day or so, else you will end up feeling sore and tired through your trip. Keep adequate time in your schedule so that you can simply make any impromptu plans and additions or even relax and go shopping without having to sacrifice any of your pre-planned tour programme.

Make the best use of your phone

Your phone is the best friend that you can have on your tour, therefore, make the best use of it. Down some of the most essential apps which help you translate in real time, know about the weather of the places you aim to visit, currency conversions, check your flights and booking status etc. Make sure that you also have a map application which will aid you not only with directions and distances between your destinations, but also know of the best probable routes, traffic congestion, public transport options, restaurants, toilets etc. on the way and more so that navigate through your travels without a hitch.

Pack according to the weather

Check the tentative weather of the place around the time of your travel and pack accordingly. It is important to understand that Hong Kong has a more or less temperate climate which means it is neither very hot, nor very cold throughout the year. Therefore, it is safe to pack lightly. Carry your raincoat if you plan on visiting during the rainy season to avail the off-season discounts. Even if you are not planning to travel during the off season carry an umbrella or a raincoat as the weather can be quite unpredictable. Hong Kong gets over a 100 days of rain per year. When you visit temples and other holy places it is advisable to wear decent clothing, preferably covering your shoulders and knees, as a sign of respect. Try to carry a light shawl or a wrap in case you need to cover up or feel a nip in the air.

Get yourself an Octopus Card

If you plan to use public transport options for your travel, it is highly advisable to get yourself an Octopus card for the duration of your stay in Hong Kong An octopus card is basically a prepaid debit card which works on all the MTR stations, the Star Ferry as well as on the iconic Peak Tram, and thus, you can travel on most transport options without worrying about standing in queue for a ticket for every ride. If you are unable to spend all of your balance on the card, it does not go to waste as you can spend it on your shopping at 7Eleven or even at Mc Donald’s. While a Mc Donald’s is not a usual part of a Hong Kong food tour, you can gorge on some of the local specialties which are not available in one of the chains outside Hong Kong.

Skip the Peak Tram queue

One of the most iconic, romantic and beautiful experiences of Hong Kong is undoubtedly a ride on the Peak Tram but what no one tells you beforehand is that your entire experience can turn quite sour due to the serpentine queues that line up to simply purchase the tickets, which often go up to 2 long hours or even more. You can skip the lines by simply taking a cab or an Uber to the peak and enjoy the lovely view from the top. If you are insistent on taking the tram, book the tickets online to save yourself some trouble. You can simply show an online voucher as a proof of your purchase of the ticket and avoid the long queue. Some popular apps also offer excellent discounts if you book your Peak Tram ticket in advance.

Street Food is the best bet

Walk through the streets of the city and explore for a satisfying Hong Kong food tour. Popular street food in Hong Kong is not only pocket friendly, but also super delicious and safe. Enjoy tons of fresh meat, seafood, noodles, rice and dim sums on the streets. While your stomach might need some time to adjust to the sudden change, so it is best to avoid tap water and stick to bottled water at all times. Carry some antacids and common medicines for stomach problems.

Hong Kong is a delight for travellers and tourists from all parts of the world, irrespective of age. It has a plethora of exciting and fun things to do, see and experience, which makes Hong Kong such a huge crowd puller.

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Edinburgh — Caledonia’s crown jewel

The Scottish capital Edinburgh is truly something special — so if you’re planning a visit to the “Athens of the North”, here are a few top tips… CONTINUE READING >> 

Simply put, it’s a sin to visit the UK without seeing Scotland.

For many neutral observers, Scotland’s natural beauty, fascinating history and rich culture endow it with a magnetic attraction the rest of Britain struggles to match.

And Scottish capital Edinburgh is truly something special — main thoroughfare Princes Street is framed by a fairytale castle perched atop a dormant volcano, there’s an atmospheric medieval Old Town and a Georgian New Town that’s the epitome of elegance.

If you’re planning a visit to the ‘Athens of the North’, here are a few top tips.

Edinburgh Castle

Be sure to visit Edinburgh Castle during your time touring the city — it’s an imposing edifice which dominates the skyline from its foundation on Castle Rock and positively bursts at the battlements with blood and fire history.

There’s been a royal castle at the same site since the 12th Century and it’s played a pivotal role in the Scottish Wars of Independence, several Jacobite uprisings and countless tales of romance and intrigue.

If you’re strolling the grounds at 1pm you’ll hear the blast of the One o’clock Gun — it was first fired in 1861 to allow ships in the nearby Firth of Forth set their maritime clocks accurately and is still fired every day except Sundays, Christmas Day and Good Friday.

Literary pub tour

Edinburgh was declared the world’s first UNESCO City of Literature in 2004 and has been home and inspiration to a host of influential writers like Robert Louis Stevenson, Arthur Conan Doyle, Walter Scott, JK Rowling, Irvine Welsh and Ian Rankin.

The Edinburgh International Book Festival is held each August and is the world’s largest, showcasing around 800 authors annually and attracting over 225,000 visitors according to organizers. And it’s a city which has always strived to spread reading to the masses — the world’s first modern library opened there in 1725 and it still boasts over 50 bookshops.

As well as literary pursuits, Edinburgh locals love to drink and be merry — so you can combine these two passions by taking a literary pub tour where you’ll learn all about world-famous wordsmiths and return to your lodgings feeling suitably refreshed.

Edinburgh flights

Edinburgh’s well-connected to many US airports — there’s one non-stop flight from JFK per day and one stop flights available from Boston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Los Angeles.

But with a bit of prior planning, it’s also reasonably simple to arrange Edinburgh flights with a couple of convenient layovers from practically any location across the States.

If you want to save cash, scour sites like Kayak and Skyscanner as soon as possible to compare fares from different carriers and book ASAP for an early bird bargain.

And if you prefer to reach the airport in your own ride, whether you’re leaving from Anchorage or Atlanta, you’ll find airport parking at Looking4.com to secure your vehicle safely.

These recommendations are simply the tip of Edinburgh’s tourist iceberg — once you arrive, you’ll realize that there’s something new and exciting to discover every day.

Have you been to Edinburgh? Share your travel tips in the comments section.

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