Posts tagged: Travel

Enjoy An Awesome Ferrari Experience In Spain

It used to be an exclusive luxury reserved for the wealthy and the famous, but these days, virtually anyone can enjoy a drive in a high-end sports cars, such as a Ferrari or Lamborghini, at a range of professional racing tracks in Spain. The most popular circuits are Montmeló near Barcelona and el Jarama near Madrid due to their prime locations and rich racing histories. However, as you will see later in this article, there are plenty of other jewels that are worthy of your attention!

The National Circuit of Cataluna, Montmelo

El Circuito De Cataluña is the best known circuit in the whole of Spain. The Spanish Grand Prix has been held there since 1991 and in recent times the circuit has also been chosen as the winter testing ground for F1 teams.

Special challenges for the drivers include tough breaking sections, a mix of fast and slow corners, and exciting combinations of slopes and climbs.

To enjoy the full experience of driving at a grand prix level circuit and to follow the footsteps of some of Formula One’s most legendary names, then Montmeló is unquestionably the ideal choice.

The Circuit of El Jarama

Jarama’s circuit, which is located not far from Madrid, also has a history to be proud of. It has held the Spanish Gran Prix on 11 occasions between 1967 and 1981. Superstars of F1 racing history such as Nicki Lauda and James Hunt have all taken the checkered flag here. With its numerous elevations and tight twisting corners, Jarama is among the most challenging racing tracks in Spain.

In Spanish motor racing, the names ‘Rampa Pegaso’ and ‘Bajada Bugati’ are legendary and you can experience them for yourself at Jarama. To drive this circuit well, you`ll need to have a strong nerve, determination, and obviously a little bit of skill would be useful!

The Cheste Circuit

This particular track was named after Ricardo Tormo, a motorcycle racing superstar from Valencia. The mild winter conditions, and the exciting, quick track make Cheste a favorite location for teams testing F1 cars in the off season.

Cheste offers a nicely balanced mixture of fast and slow curves as well as a long straight of 876 meters. It’s famous too for being one of Spain’s few racing tracks that drive counterclockwise. We guarantee an intense, demanding drive!

Circuit of Navarra

The youngest track in Spain is the circuit of Navarra near Los Arcos, having opened in 2010. It has already played host to some top quality events such as the Super League Formula. The on-site amenities are exceptional as you might expect from a modern, constructed track.

There are 13 curves, five of them left and eight of them right and an 800 meter straight which is ideal for generating some serious, velocity and acceleration!

The circuit at Kotarr

Opened in 2008, the circuit at Kotarr can assume several different layouts, according to the vehicles involved and sort of event that is being held. One other distinctive characteristic is that Kotarr is the only Spanish circuit where it is possible to drive in icy, conditions.

The track in its longest version features a good blend of 15 fast and slow curves and a layout that encourages fun and aggressive racing. There are a number of challenging curves and long straights, prefect for putting the pedal to the metal.

The circuit at Jerez.

Another track with an illustrious pedigree is Jerez, having played host to the Spanish Grand Prix between 1986 and 1990. It has developed a well deserved reputation since its debut for having one of the fastest and best tracks in Spain.

A wide, quick circuit, you’ll require nerves of steel and lots of skill to handle famous corners like Sito Pons or Alex Crivillé. It is a rather flat circuit and has no blind corners, and this makes it a favorite with drivers.

So why not enjoy a few laps in your dream car the next time you are searching for some weekend excitement in Spain. Spanish driving experiences can be bought through a number of online retailers, with Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and even genuine F1 cars at your disposal.

So why hang around? Just choose your car and select your venue and we’ll meet you in pit lane!

The author of this article happens to be a life-long Ferrari addict and motorsports enthusiast, and has a profound appreciation for driving experiences. If you’d like the chance to drive the car of your dreams at a geniune, world class Spanish speed circuit, such as the Circuit de Catalunya, then you can find many more tips and advice on his website www.conducirunferrari.es.

Barcelona – A 2000-Year-Old Ethnic Hotspot

Several components of Spanish culture come together in its second-biggest city, Barcelona. Fashion, science, art, and entertainment combine here to make it one of Spain’s most engaging and exciting cities, and it’s 2000-year history only make it all the more interesting. Barcelona has something for everyone: nightlife, beaches, culture, and more. All travel outside the US means needing to have a US passport though, but any passport service – including expedited passport name changes – can be quickly done online.

You Will Need A Passport To Get There

Regardless of what is wrong with your passport, you can get the problem rectified with online passport services. For instance, if you recently got married or divorced, you might need an official name change on your passport. Or maybe your passport has expired or gotten lost. Regardless of the issue, it can be fixed online. You can even get passport cards online, which allow people to spend less in order to travel to countries around the United States.

Barri Gotic – The Gothic Quarter

A very cool place to begin your exploration of Barcelona is the historical area, Barri Gotic, or the Gothic Quarter. Many of the buildings in this neighborhood date back to Medieval times, and some even go back to Roman times. The streets are excellent for exploring, as they are often too thin for cars to get through. There are many important landmarks around the Barri Gotic, including several large squares and old churches. Another good place for exploring on foot or on bike is the long walkway that runs along the Mediterranean Sea.

El Palau de la Musica Catalana – Palace of Catalan Music

One very significant site in Barcelona is the Palace of Catalan Music, known in Spanish as El Palau de la Musica Catalana an official UNESCO World Heritage Site. This absolutely beautiful building was designed by a renowned local architect, Lluis Domenech i Montaner. Full of breathtaking details and stunning assemblages, the Palace is a spot you cannot miss while in Barcelona. Another UNESCO World Heritage Site is the Church of the Sacred Family (Templo Expiatorio de la Sagrada Familia), a famous Gothic-style building known for its breathtaking interior and exterior details.

Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya

As one might imagine, Barcelona has some famous museums. One very popular one is the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya. With hundreds of artworks spanning from Medieval times to the 19th century, this museum is one of the most visited in the city. The City History Museum, or El Museu d’Historia de la Ciutat, spans all of Barcelona’s 2000-year history through its exhibits.

Don’t Forget To Try The Food!

One thing Barcelona is recognized worldwide for is its food, so be sure to take advantage of it. The best way to do this is by simply asking the local people. They are able to direct you to places with authentic, delicious,and inexpensive food, ensuring you get the best possible gastronomic experience while in the city.

Spending some time in Barcelona guarantees unforgettable memories. Don’t let getting your passport slip your memory though. Go online and tackle all your passport issues plenty of time in advance. For example, if you plan on getting married or divorced, make sure the name on the passport is correct. If not, Expedited US passport name changes can get it fixed. Or, if you are looking to get passport renewals, replacements, or pasport cards, be sure to go online to get it done.

Sun-kissed Vacations In Lanzarote In The Canary Islands This Autumn

There are lots of wintertime vacation hot spots to select from around the globe. From the Hawaiian islands to the fantastic shoreline of the Caribbean. But for British consumers looking to escape the chill and gloom of our winter months the Canaries are the easiest to reach, mainly because flights – that can easily be arranged from most British airports – take just four hours.

There are seven islands inside the Spanish owned chain and Lanzarote is amongst probably the most common, located just off the African coast. Its climate and terrain are a lot more arid than the other islands, reflecting the truth that it can be situated close towards the Sahara has quite little precipitation and is volcanic in origin. The weather here is just fantastic as a result – with tourists able to get pleasure from temperatures that reach into the mid 20´s Celsius throughout the winter months.

In recent years the recognition of self-catering breaks on the island has increased enormously, creating elevated rental demand for holiday villas, both inside the primary resorts and across the island. The majority of these holiday rental properties boast their own personal private swimming pools and numerous other mod cons like hot tubs, Jacuzzis and high speed internet connections. Costs are pretty cost-effective too, with a week’s rental beginning from about €600 for a two bedroom property with pool.

Anybody that has visited the island previously will certainly have a favorite resort, but for many this really is Puerto del Carmen. Holiday accommodation options here are exceptional, covering anything from low-cost apartment rentals to an exceptional choice of decently furnished Lanzarote villas and apartments just waiting to be booked. Here guests will enjoy impressive views down to the coastline and out across the Atlantic below to beach island of Fuerteventura.

This extraordinary residence has now been restored to a very high standard and provides you with 5 bed rooms that have been painted in a modern day and chic manner. Plus an enormous private pool, plenty of sunbathing terraces and then a Barbecue and outdoor dining area that is just simply ideal for taking pleasure in al fresco meals.

If Puerto del Carmen doesn’t appeal then Playa Blanca may be the subsequent very best option – as this resort is also home to some excellent beaches and a lot of decent accommodation. On the accommodation front many Playa Blanca villas to hire also have their very own private pools together with air conditioning, a much needed necessity as this is the warmest location on the island.

The island provides a plethora of holiday attractions that help to increase the lists of reasons to visit the island and it’s worthwhile to see these for yourself, so with so much to offer Lanzarote car hire is without a doubt the easiest way to get round the island, but if you don’t like driving abroad then guided trips cover most destinations, visiting the top attractions the island provides on a pretty regular basis. Additionally there are loads of sports to enjoy, such as mountain biking, wind sailing and also strolling if you prefer to keep your exercise low key.

So there you have it, a brief introduction to this amazing island. In the event you would like to learn a lot more an excellent resource will be the islands own Lanzarote guide book website, which has everything you need to know should you are preparing pay a visit to the island.

Lanzarote Flights – Consider Some of the Alternatives for Visitors

There exists a walkway that runs for several kms alongside the shoreline of Puerto Del Carmen, the key holiday resort on Lanzarote. At one time, it does take you past the runways of Arrecife (Lanzarote) airport terminal, close enough to the actual point exactly where arriving in aircraft land to make it an amazing experience viewing these cross a handful of meters above top of your head.

For this small island (just fifty kilometres from top to very end) presently there are generally a lot of aeroplanes touchdown and also departuring, mainly because Lanzarote welcomes many visitors each and every month equal to or perhaps greater than the size of its permanent inhabitants.

Despite the fact that those aircraft come to Lanzarote from a number of places, quite a few flights each day carry visitors to the region from airports inside England, like:

  • Glasgow
  • Cardiff, Bristol and Exeter
  • Luton plus Stanstead (Easyjet not to mention Ryanair)
  • Birmingham
  • Gatwick
  • Manchester (quite a few with Jet 2) Newcastle as well as Leeds Bradford

Although Lanzarote is just not a lot more than a hundred or so kms from the coast of Africa, therefore warm throughout the year, the direct flight time out of United kingdom is only about 4 hrs, and that makes it a really interesting vacation spot for British travellers, particularly since ticket prices are affordable for this type of trip.

An additional benefit of the plentiful supply of realistically priced deals is actually that it really is entirely possible that friends and family to come away in order to visit citizens who may have gone to live in the region permanently.

Lanzarote can be a year-round getaway but is definitely significantly less busy in the UK winter time and flight tickets are often better value then. If you need to go in the summertime, purchase in advance since prices tend to get more pricey, not cheaper, through the peak season.Low-cost airways providing the lowest priced flight tickets give a no-extras travel experience, which may be a bit cramped and uncomfortable – nevertheless for 4 hours, it’s not at all too horrible.

Instead of arranging your flight tickets as well as accommodation individually, you could possibly consider buying a package holiday break, with flight tickets, transfers, accommodation, food, beverages and often a few things to do included in the cost.

In addition to the benefit, such as set up might even cut costs since vacation providers can purchase airline seats cheaper than you possibly can.However if you prefer the wider choice out there whenever you design your individual vacation package deal, and also when your travel times tend to be to some extent flexible, you’ll be able to organize the comparison of airfare ticket prices, not only for for your first preference travel date but in addition for periods before and after that date, making use of, for example, internet price comparison sites.

If you are looking for great offers on Lanzarote flights why not check out hottest deals for Flights to Lanzarote at http://www.elanzaroteflights.com/, which include flights to Lanzarote from Manchester

Savour A Vacation In The Canary Islands

Planning a holiday vacation in the Canaries this fall? These seven Spanish islands are the most well-liked destination for foreign holidaymakers after Catalonia, and offer incredibly good weather year-round due to their ideal location.

The largest and most commonly known island is Tenerife, boasting Spain’s highest mountain Mount Teide, that rises majestically to 3718 metres above the island creating an extraordinary contrast in temperature between the snowy mountain top and the hot sandy beaches dotted along the coastline at sea level. Just like the other main islands in the Canary islands chain, the southern reaches are home to many of the most popular holiday hotspots and resorts, whilst the northern reaches of the island are a lot cloudier, so is ideal for the commercial side of Tenerife’s infrastructure.

In contrast Lanzarote is a relatively small island, roughly speaking size wise measuring 40km by 60km– and a major attraction here is that it hasn’t been scarred by mindless commercial development.

So if you are looking to get some way from the maddening crowd in the Canaries will find Lanzarote the most appropriate getaway, as they will be rewarded with spectacular landscapes and vistas, in particular in the north. Much like Tenerife all of the major vacation resorts are found in the south of the island and this is typically where you can find the best choice of accommodation to rent– with 1000′s of condos and Lanzarote holiday villas for hire.

Of the islands two largest holiday resorts Puerto del Carmen is probably the most popular, promising a lot of excellent beaches and additionally the atmospheric harbour that’s worth a visit. In addition there are an excellent selection of hotels and villas in Puerto del Carmen for anyone searching for places to stay.

Playa Blanca is somewhat smaller and calmer and serves as a welcoming, chilled out location which is definitely not seen as being night life central as quite a few of the significantly more active parts of the island, amazingly , instead the focal point here on the whole is attempting to keep the appeal and comfort of its old and long established fishing port. But fortunately you’ll still find a extensive choice of apartments and villas available for rent all year round

The mixture of wonderfully laid out resorts, top class beaches and breathtaking natural countryside make Lanzarote a one of a kind and remarkable vacation destination, so ensure that it’s on your shortlist.

Lanzarote Car Rental – should you rent a vehicle on your holiday break in Lanzarote

All the motivation to set up rental car for Lanzarote for the entire time of ones holiday break is usually that the isle at sixty kilometers long plus about half as wide – is large enough to actually contain a bunch of fascinating areas to see however small enough for it to be feasible to reach some of them out of any other part of the isle where ever you happen to be lodging getting right there and also back effortlessly in a day.

You can also find another benefits associated with rental car for Lanzarote. Ability of mobility, making it a lot easier to do your shopping (if you are self catering) stop by restaurants that aren’t very close to your hotel and get to your hotel or maybe rental quickly and easily from the airport. And also while petrol is comparatively low-cost, driving oneself all-around can be an inexpensive method of checking out the scenery.

Car rental for Lanzarote is just not hard. There are numerous of companies at the arrivals area of the airport terminal also in hotels and also other areas in the resorts. You may get a car when you arrive here or maybe, if at all possible, book on the net first and then get the vehicle when you arrive here.

Leasing a car can certainly furthermore add to the number of options available. It’s really challenging, for instance, look around the impressive clfs as well as promontories of the Papagayo seacoast should you not possess your very own transportation. With your own transportation, additionally you can make your way to a variety of points of interest that you might normally just be able to visit as part of an organised excursion.

One of the most pleasant aspects of driving by yourself all-around Lanzarote is that there exists hardly any traffic on the roads. It can be pretty much unknown to have a scenario that could be named a traffic jam.

Another factor is that the condition of the roads is generally excellent, many different of which giving the impression that they may have just been surfaced a short while ago.

And a third positive point is when your own SatNav is set in EU it can work as well on Lanzarote as in UK.

In contrast, signposting may not be as clear or maybe as coherent as it might be and various other motorists are inclined to utilize left or right indicators to mean slowing down.

Native motorists do as well sometimes pay little attention to lines along the road at entrances to roundabouts plus exit paths tend to be astonishingly regularly built at strange angles which make exiting the roundabout just like driving round a corner. But as the road conditions typically thus benign this could be really the only element of rental car on Lanzarote which drives you round the bend.

In case you are seeking excellent specials on Lanzarote Car Hire why not have a look at hottest deals for Lanzarote Car Hire at http://www.elanzarotecarhire.com/, which include Car Hire Lanzarote Airport

Summer Annual Vacations In Dazzling Lanzarote

As the summer approaches, more and more people are deliberating spending the sunny season abroad. After all who really wants to really rely on the great British summertime? And as usual Spain stays probably the most preferred destinations for British tourists, with the Costas, the Balearics and the Canaries all eager for business.

Lanzarote is the nearest island to Africa and is located as the east of the Canaries. The location provides excellent weather which falls between summer and winter and Lanzarote Flights are readily available these days from all UK airports, with a journey time of just four hours. And with returns starting from as little as €100 this makes this popular holiday island available to all.

Hotels and attractions in Lanzarote are also incredibly high standard with a wide range of accommodations to choose from. Whilst for those who prefer to book self catering accommodation there is a wide range of Lanzarote holiday villas available for rent in all of the main resorts and towns across the island, as well as in the countryside too.

The fact that the Lanzarote island is a bit small means that tourists will have the time to explore the area. Lanzarote car rental is an excellent way to get around the island to see the sights, rental costs are very cheap plus some roads seem totally devoid of traffic..

So what are the best places tourists can go to? Lanzarote boasts of some of the best beaches with stretches of sand for the tourist. Although the Canary Islands come with stretches of black sand, the Lanzarote beaches boast of golden stretches of beach. This is perhaps a little strange as Lanzarote is in fact more volcanic than say Tenerife, having experienced eruptions as recently as 300 years ago. Those who want to try out the black sand can find those around the El Golfo or the Playa Quemada.

Thanks to the influence of the local artist César Manrique all of the buildings on Lanzarote are painted a universal white colour in order to create a pleasing overall aesthetic. Tourists will find that the island boasts of a palette of colors with white buildings blending perfectly with plants and flowers.

The south of the island is where the eruptions really made themselves felt – and here visitors can tour the eerie scenery of the Timanfaya National Park – home to hundreds of spent volcanoes which are known locally as the Fire Mountains. This is the first location to see within the island. The view is breathtaking and a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Some restaurants prepare their food using the heat from the volcano, something tourists would definitely enjoy.

Temperature In Barcelona

Barcelona is sited in the perfect place to enjoy masses of sunshine and warm summers.
It is found in the north of Spain on the Mediterranean coast. Across the year there’s usually masses of sunshine and little rain. In the winter months temperatures are of course cooler but often mild compared with the rest of Europe.

In turn, the summers are generally warm and can reach the mid 30s. In truth this year the weather has been hot much earlier than usual. In April temperatures generally reach round the high teens however the 1st week of April saw temperatures reach 30C. This however is usually bizarre though not unusual.

Though the sun is wonderful, you will of course get days when the weather is much cooler and rainier. But generally the rain is very rare, with customarily only 1 day of rain instead of successive days.

Spring and autumn in Barcelona, generally follows the same weather pattern and the days are dry and fine. In truth in October temperatures can still be in the mid-teens. Like has been mentioned before even spring ( April ) can see temperatures hitting high summer temperatures ideal for a spring getaway in one of the many Barcelona Hostels
The summers bring high temperatures and the city can get very busy. You should always wear suntan / sunblock making absolutely sure that you stay safe in the sunshine! The beach is a great spot to go to take five from the hot weather and take a swim in the ocean.

Why not stay in a variety of Hostels in Central Barcelona that the city has to supply all comfortable and reasonable to make your stay a pleasant one.

Most places are air-conditioned which creates a nice rest break from the heat of the summer. In winter, however the weather you do not always need a heater making it convenient.
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In Barcelona Never Rains..Almost

So you arrive in Barcelona with your flips flops, shorts and sun hat prepared to hit the beach. But wait ; is this rain you’re feeling on your face? Oh no, certainly not! This undeniably doesnt slot in with your plans and you definitely didn’t pack your wellies and raincoat. What to do?

Although nothing like almost all of Northwards Europe, it does occasionally rain here in Barcelona but there’s no necessity to panic as there are plenty of things worth doing without getting wet. We have put together a variety of Barcelona’s top indoor activities to keep you nice and dry.

Train Yourself

Barcelona has so many great museums you might find it tough to select from them all. The most well liked are the art museums of Dal, Picasso and Mir, as well as Barcelonas modern art museum, the MACBA. If art isn’t your mug of tea, then what about the entrancing Cosmo Caixa science museum, or even the Camp NOU soccer museum and stadium tour?

Discover The Mediterranean

If you want to explore the strategies of the sea and dive into the Mediterranean without getting wet then the Barcelona Aquarium is the place to do it. Wonder over the 450 different species of sea life, wave at the sharks thru the glass tunnel or if youre feeling brave then take a swim with them.

Self Indulge! You Are On Vacation After All!

With so many amazing places to eat in Barcelona, its tough to resist, and so what if you dont? With standard Catalan cuisine, flavorsome tapas, Paella, mouth watering crepes, waffles and ice-cream, the diet can start the week after next. Sit by the window and watch the rain while you are warm and cozy.

Relax And Unwind

This is what a holiday is supposed to be all about right? Getting away from the strain and strains of everyday life? Aire de Barcelona offers thermal baths, aromatherapy, massage, scrubbing, hamman and other therapies and treatments. Sounds like perfect exhilaration to us!

Shop Till You Drop

Barcelona is a surplus of big name brands, tiny boutiques and high-street chains ; so if its a new wardrobe your after, then you have actually come to the right town. To avoid spoiling your new purchases in the rain head to one of Barcelona’s indoor shopping centres.

Lilla is located on the Diagonal and this centre is filled with restaurants so you can make a day of it and luxuriate in a leisurely lunch after a hard mornings shopping.

Diagonal Mar features a big choice of shops, restaurants, a hyper market and even a bowling street which is another great wet day activity.
You need to take the metro to La Maquinista as its a bit further from the centre. Here you will find the Apple store as well as many other enormous name shops.
Just about all shops are closed on Sundays in Barcelona, aside from the Maremagnum shopping centre. So if you are flying home on Sun. night and can’t remember to buy a gift for your friend, then head down to the port area at the end of Las Ramblas for an impulse splurge.

Buff Up On Your Movie Information

There are a big choice of cinemas all over Barcelona but if you Spanish talents arent up to much then dont worry. Keep an eye out for V.O and V.O.S which mean the films are shown in their original language version with Spanish or Catalan subtitles. Most titles aren’t literal translations so it could be worth checking out the films preview image on the internet so you know what is what. You don’t want to observe Lord of the Rings for the 3rd time do you? The Alexis, Cines Verdis, the Renoir chain, Icaria-Yelmo ( down by the beach ) and Imax are the main cinemas offering the most recent releases in their original language.

Naturally if you’re determined to stick to your original plans then just grab an umbrella and don’t let the rain spoil a single thing!

David Brydon has been living in Barcelona for ten years and writes about Apartments for rent in Barcelona and continually makes a contribution to this Great Barcelona Guide.
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Barcelona Shopping 2011

So you will of heard the phrase shop until you drop one thousand and one times, but in Barcelona you really can do this. A mass of shops, boutiques, chain stores, markets, stalls and street vendors line the entire town and your credit card should prepare itself for some abuse!

So lets begin with Barcelonas most well liked shopping street, found right in the guts of the city centre. Portal d’Angel has the highest footfall in Barcelona and it’s little wonder with the gigantic chain stores of Zara, HM, Bershka, Pull & Bear, El Corte Ingles and many lots more to choose between! Hostels near plaza catalunya Barcelona are the perfect way to spend your time in the city. Right in the heart, amongst everything!

You can follow this street into the Gothic Quarter of Barcelona and blend your love of shopping with the citys striking Gothic design. Here you’ll find smaller stores and one-off boutiques, the area has a way more traditional feel.

But if its roomy shop floors and designer brands that tease your fancy, then head in the opposite direction towards the Eixample community which is guaranteed to have you ooing and arring at the gorgeous fabrics, colours and products!

If you are a lover of all things vintage then head on down Las Ramblas to the Raval community, which hosts numerous vintage boutiques selling timeless pieces at fantastic costs.

On the way to the Raval you actually need to check out La Boqueria market, which is one of Barcelonas highlights. Fresh goods is at its best here and the colours and smells will make your mouth water. I dare you to leave without purchasing something ; )

On the theme of markets, which are rather well-liked in Barcelona, you need to also take a look at the painters stalls at the base of Las Ramblas ( towards the port ), you may also have your portrait done. Also worth checking out is the farmers market in Placa del Pi which while it is rather pricey, the sweet honeys, mouth-watering cheeses and home made products are scrumptious and really worth the ticket. If you are looking to sun yourself then the are some beautiful hostels near beach in Barcelona.

And if your feet can take any more then head on up to Gracia for more boutiques and a well deserved meal after a tough days work.

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