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dmc555
when you are thinking of 10 to two weeks in egypt then you MUST do hurghada - red sea. this is so different from the rest of egypt! snorkelling and other water sports or just relax in your hotel overlooking the clear blue waters of the hotel's private beach. the way to get there is by road after you disembark from the cruise at luxor. and you can go to abu simbel by a coach from aswan and return to aswan to stay overnight there. next day you embark the cruise. march the weather is good and a nice time to travel. v |
I have lived in Egypt for 7 years now (American Expatriate) and would definitely councel that although the khamsims can be a nuisance (I'm about to replace my fourth windshield), they are way too unpredictable to plan around to avoid. I do always have some swim goggles in my car for when they kick up as well as a long cotton scarf to wrap around my face and nose.
I have not taken the train south, but prefer to fly and have traveled twice to Aswan and about 6 or 7 times to Luxor. There really aren't any really nice hotels in Aswan. There is a government run place within a few hundred feet of Abu Simbel which is convenient, but very basic with just ok food. I have also flown in during the morning where they put you on a bus, drive you to the temples and give you about 1.5 to 1.75 hours to see the sights, then herd you back to the airport. In Aswan, I don't care for the Old Cataract hotel--they can be really snitty and the rooms can be fine or quite seedy. We have stayed at the Oberoi in wonderful suites that are their own villas in the back, on the river. They have just been bought out by the Movenpick chain, and there is major construction going on, so I don't think I should recommend it at this point, although the villas would probably be fine. We have done two cruises on the Oberoi Philae, and have been quite pleased both times. It is one of the boats most used by the expatriate community, along with the Abercrombie and Kent offerings. The expats also use the Sonesta boats. We have never had a hint of food poisoning on the Philae and the individual decks are small, but lovely to enjoy. I understand that there is no smoking anywhere inside on the A&K boats--the Philae was polluted continually by cigarette smoke, 90% of the time by the Egyptian guides. Instead of making entire floors non-smoking, they have opposite sides of the halls non and smoking rooms. DUH. The A&K boats have significantly smaller rooms. I absolutely love the Movenpick Hotel Jolie on Crocodile Island. That and the Movenpick at El Quesir on the east coast are two of my very favorite resorts in Egypt. They do provide a boat shuttle back and forth between downtown Luxor two or three times a day. They also have posted taxi fees, so you know exactly what you will be paying for the ride. Their food is safe as well. I would plan to stay at least a couple of extra days in Luxor and go back to the West Bank to see Hatshepsut Temple (Deir el Bahri), the Tombs of the Nobles and perhaps the Workmen's Village. Also, don't miss the lovely small museum located on the east side of the corniche on the East Bank between Luxor and Karnak temples. The snorkeling can be brilliant, but every year we see more and more reefs compromised by development, rubbish and bleaching. I think that March is the coolest month to snorkel as the water can be a bit brisk with some very cold sections. Bring a shortie wet suit for a bit more comfort. We have always enjoyed the snorkeling at the Movenpick El Quesir (they do the best job of trying to protect their section of reef), but I have been there twice in the last three months, and for the first time in all of these years, the water was milky with sediment and there were plastic bags floating all over. Simply disheartening. The east coast has been slow to develope due to the problems with land mines. As these get cleared, more and more resorts go up and there is more and more sedimentation. Some days were better than others, so perhaps it is worth a try. There is a wonderful Roman/Mamluke archaeological site across the road from the resort. There are only three suites in the resort, and they are quite simple but have lovely patios overlooking the Red Sea. The food is good and again, I've haven't had any problems with upset stomachs in many visits. You can arrange to take transportation from Luxor to El Quesir in a convoy for security reasons. I've had guests do it and they liked the experience. The Mena House has a lovely view of the Giza Pyramids, although people do complain about mosquitos there. I have been to the Four Seasons by the Giza Zoo for meals, but never stayed there. They have a lovely and reasonable Thai restaruant as part of the complex. Have a great trip. If you want more information about the travel agent/tour guide I use, please drop me a line at [email protected] I also have a lovely young man who I use as a driver that I pay 30LE an hour. The car is clean, air-conditioned and he is very safe--a big concern in Cairo. Happy trails! |
Fayum; Is April less likely to see the dust stirms if they occur? What temperatures high and low in F and the water temperature, for we are avid snorkelers, in Mid-April and cannot go much later? If it is too cool we might skip it unfortunately.
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Fayum,
Thanks for a very informative post. One question though: If a person could travel to Egypt for the typical tour, Cairo, Abu Simbel, Aswan, etc. what is the best time of the year to be there? The most pleasant -- not too hot or cold? Thanks. |
I really wouldn't worry about the dust storms. They are usually over in a day, and just not that common. They are sporadic from December to May, although the Egyptians think of March/April is the Khamasin period. Khamasin means 50, and refers to a period of 50 days when they are most likely to occur. I just talked to my Egyptian housekeeper and he agrees that in his lifetime, they happen sporadically from December to May. We will get dust storms from the north, but they are not technically khamasins. Khamasin ONLY refers to hot/humid windy conditions originating from southern deserts. For us, they are of most concern when we are on desert camping trips.
The overall water temperature does not vary too terribly much; I think that the range is given as about 72-75* F. But, as we snorkel from the period December-April, we will be in the sea and hit very cold pockets. We have had quite a chilly second half of December this year. Today the high will be 60* and low will be 46*. (We rely on www. weather.com for fairly accurate forecasts. You can type in Egypt, then follow the links for the different cities.) Throw in some wind and it can be quite uncomfortable getting in and out of the water. There are areas of the east coast and the Sinai that are regularly very windy and favored by wind and kite surfers. The Romans acutally abandoned their Red Sea port cities after they found it too difficult to sail north against the prevailing winds. We do snorkel with shorties on, and survive, but it is much more pleasant in the period from May to November. Personally, I feel the best month for travel throughout the ENTIRE country is November. The water is still pleasant from the summer, winds are usually calm and the areas of Luxor/Aswan/Abu Simbel, otherwise known as Upper Egypt have cooled down allowing all day and comfortable exploration. By May, Upper Egypt can be uncomfortably hot, although millions of people visit there in the middle of the summer. Heartier souls than I. Cairo is extremely humid in the summer with temperatures between the mid 90's to over 100. I just previewed this and noticed that when I typed in the web address for weather it appears twice and in a form I did not type. Advice on how to do this correctly? I will try again: www.weather.com |
Jane B - I, too, prefer independent travel. I was just wondering how you were finding the fares. Three nights at the Mena House Oberoi in a pyramid view room and a 4 night cruise on the Oberoi Phillae alone are more than many of the higher end trips I've looked at, including some with private charter air travel. Am I doing something wrong?
Are you going to Egypt and Jordan alone, or with someone else just not on a tour? I went to Africa a couple of years ago, totally by myself, and not part of any tour. I went the week after the bomb threat on the American Embassy (the trip had already been planned and paid for. Flights into Nairobi were still cancelled so I had to fly from Atlanta to JoBurg, then take Kenyan Air to Nairobi. There were all sorts of travel alerts and people told me I was nuts. However, I was treated like a queen. Locals were happy to have the tourism dollars, and because it wasn't crowded I received alot of personal attention I would not have otherwise. Don't be afraid to go where you want, when you want, and with (or without) whomever you want. To All: Thanks for all the info about the winds. If the possibility of strong desert winds is from December until May, then it won't factor into my plans, because after May it will be too hot for me. And, thanks for all the info about getting to/from Aswan and Abu Simbel, as well as lodging (or lack thereof). Fayum-Thanks for so much detailed information. See my note to Jane above. If I use a travel agent to book a custom trip will I get cheaper rates than if I book it on my own? We want to travel independently, but I would like to be a "traveler" in Sandi's sense of the word. I would like to have all of my accomodations and flights arranged before we leave. Thanks for the warning about the Old Cataract. Do you have another suggestion for a hotel in Aswan? You also mention construction at the Oberoi. Is that the Mena House Oberoi in Cairo? If so, we probably don't want to stay there, although the view of the pyramids I heard is fantastic. Veneetha-thanks for the suggestion of the Red Sea. Since my original post we have discussed adding it to our itinerary. The more I read, the longer the itinerary gets. Plus, we're trying to add on a few days in Paris on our way over since we'll likely fly through CDG. To All: So, so far I still haven't figure anything out, and I almost started a fight on this site. The holidays were a little too busy for me, and I'm just getting back to trip planning. I am going to take everyone's suggestions seriously, and will provide an update when we have a better idea of what we're doing. THANKS TO ALL. |
Hello, dmc. I have put my Egypt/Jordan planning on hold for now--but not as a result of any negative responses on this thread!!! We leave on Jan 15 for 6 weeks in southern Africa--made all of the reservations on the internet--will only take organized tours as day trips from our hotels.
I think Egypt/Jordan trip will be one of those places that we arrive with a detailed plan in hand and go to a local TA to purchase the tickets and make our hotel reservations (with the exception of arrival/deparature hotels). We had done this with no problems on several trips. I do want to take a Nile cruise, take a Lake Nassar cruise, spend the night at Abu Simbel, spend at least one night in Alexandria, and then move on to Jordan. We can fly into Cairo and return from Amman on American Airlines FF miles. I have been to Cairo and I know it will be like independent traveling in India--the touts will wear you down every day. You are VERY brave to travel alone. My husband and I make a great team for traveling. I do the planning and he does all the rest, except that I do have to carry my bag. If I were traveling alone, I would be tempted to join an organized tour--but then, I am 70 years old! Best of luck to you and Happy New Year. Jane |
Jane B - Well, 6 weeks in southern Africa is a very good reason to put the Egypt/Jordan planning on hold. Are you going on safari, the winelands, Cape Town? If you're flying into JoBurg you should see if you can get a connecting flight to Livingstone and see Vic Falls. It's incredible. I stayed on the Zambia side of the river at a place called Sussi and Chuma. What a delightful place. I hope you're going on safari while in South Africa. Phinda and Sabi Sands are fantastic. Please tell all when you return.
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"If I were traveling alone, I would be tempted to join an organized
tour--but then, I am 70 years old!" I'm glad you wrote that. I see so many posters extolling the virtues of "independent travel" or "traveling on one's own" then it becomes "we" and "our." I wonder how many of these women would travel to exotic sites if they were going solo. I've gone to several cities in Europe alone but prefer going with a group to places that are unfamiliar to me. There are too many unknowns, language included, and doing all the driving holds no appeal to me. I don't mind getting lost in Paris or Rome, but do not want that experience in Egypt or Jordan. |
Luisha: I love to travel and can't always find a friend who is able to go when/where I want. So, sometimes I travel with a friend, and sometimes I travel by myself. But, I've never been on a group tour. I don't think I'd like it much. When I was younger I'd just "wing it" but now I'm a little more particular about my accomodations, and my time is more precious (translated more scarce), so I tend to arrange a lot in advance. That's why all the questions about Egypt. I've been to Paris a couple of times, and also to Rome, but would love to know other places you enjoyed traveling as a solo female.
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Hello Dmcc,
I do the same, sometimes travel with friends and sometimes alone. I've gone solo to France -- Paris, Marseille, Arles. To Prague and London, to Ireland where I rented a car for a week, and to Italy where I traveled by train and bus. A few times I've traveled solo, spent some time on my own, and then met with a group when they were going to places that would be difficult for me to get to. I don't like driving on unfamiliar roads or on narrow mountain roads, and after a week or so with my own company it's nice to share the experience with like-minded people. The cons of group travel, even when the group goes everywhere you want to go is that you can't linger when you want. On the other hand, I was pleasantly surprised visiting sites that I'd had no interest in and would not have gone to on my own. If you're traveling with a friend to Egypt I think there's so much information on this board that you can put together a trip to suit your interests. I hope it works out well for you. |
Thanks Luisha. Yes, I've found this board quite informative. I've even posted a number of replies to other threads. Thought I should give back some info for all the great advice I've found. I still haven't booked the Egypt trip, but I think we have the itinerary pretty much figured out. When we have it finalized I'm probably going to call the travel agent that booked my African safari (even though she does not specialize in Egypt) and have her book everything for me just to make it easy on us. Thanks for all of your help.
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Anybody know of the tour company Egypt Uncovered? I know there are many companies out there, just wondering if anybody had any info on them. I am an American living in Germany booking the tour through a UK company so I am looking for all the help I can get. Thanks.
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We did a ten day independent trip to Jordan and Egypt in Aug of 05. Amman to Petra by private air conditioned car, two nights at the Movenpick Petra, right at the entrance, horse ride in petra, guide in petra, private drive to the Dead Sea, back to Amman, flight to Cairo, stayed at Le Pyramids for two nights, camel ride at the pyramids, day tour in Cairo with driver and guide, day tour to pyramids with driver and guide, overnight train to Aswan, 5 day river cruise on 5 star nile boat with private guide, flight to Abu Simble and back to Cairo. It was $1600 each and I went through Golden Egypt. I looked into doing all the arrangements myself but Golden Egypt was able to price the hotels i wanted much cheaper. It was just the two of us with a driver and guide. I would do that again- Egypt would have been very hard on our own. Let me know if you have any questions.
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Hi ,
We are a family of 4 and we will be traveling to egypt in march as well. This is our itinerary .Costs about 800$ per person and is a little condensed but it is what we like.Take a looka nd see if is anything that You can find useful! 14 Days / 13 Nights Day One: 30/03/2007 Arrival at Cairo International Airport (Send us your flight details to make the necessary procedures for your arrival) ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you inside the Arrival Hall, holding sign with your name. He will instruct you through the passport control formalities, luggage's identification & customs procedures. You will be transferred to your Hotel for the check in Overnight at the Hotel. (No Meals) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Two: 31/03/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel Check out from the Hotel (07.00) Meet ICAN TRAVEL Tour Guide to drive early morning from cairo to BAHARRYA OASIS by 4x4 jeeps 365 km passing the new city 6 of October. Arriving the Oasis of Baharrya. Enjoy your lunch in the Baharrya Oasis, then visiting Baharrya sightseeing’s (English Army Castle - The very famous Baharrya Mountains Eldess and Maghrafa - the hot spring of Elghaba - and the sand dunes in Baharrya Oasis ) . Dinner on the fire and camping. (Breakfast at the Hotel + Lunch at Baharrya Oasis + Dinner at Baharrya Oasis) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Three: 01/04/2007 After breakfast, visiting the VALLEY OF MUMMIES which dated to the roman era excavated 1997. Continue driving & during driving there’s a chance to make a photo stops in the BLACK DESERT and ROSE DESERT and in a nice place which called ELLAQABAT where stones collectors enjoying their happy collecting the nice colored stones. Return back to Cairo. (18.30) ICAN TRAVEL Representative will Transfer you to the Railway Station to take the Air Conditioned Sleeping Train to Luxor (Train Number: 84 - Departure Time: 20.00). Take Dinner & overnight at the Train. (Breakfast at Bahrrya Oasis + Dinner on the Train) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Four: 02/04/2007 Breakfast on the Train. (08.15) Arrival Aswan. ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you at the Railway Station & holding sign with your name. You will be transferred to your Nile Cruise for the check in (Official time for check in is 13.00) Embarkation before Lunch. Meet ICAN TRAVEL Tour Guide to start your day tour in Private Air Conditioned Car with the HIGH DAM which is considered one of the biggest dams in the world. It contains 18 times the material used in the Great Pyramids of Cheops. At the end of the tour, move to PHILAE TEMPLE which was partially submerged until the High Dam operations threatened them with total disappearance, then UNESCO saved them. Return back to the Cruise & Overnight on the Cruise. (Breakfast at the Train + Lunch on the Cruise + Dinner on the Cruise) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Five: 03/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast on the Cruise. Sail to Kom Ombo Meet ICAN TRAVEL Tour Guide to start your day tour with the double Ptolemaic temples of SOBEK "the Crocodile God" & HAROERIS "the Falcon God" Return back to the Cruise & sail to Edfu. Upon arrival to Edfu, visit the TEMPLE OF HOURS which is the Falcon God & dynastic symbol of Egypt that combines the Pharaonic & Greek architectures. At night on the Cruise, you may enjoy with one of the activities such as: Nubian Show or Belly Dancing or Tanora Show. Overnight on the Cruise. (Breakfast on the Cruise + Lunch on the Cruise + Dinner on the Cruise) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Six: 04/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast on the Cruise. Sail to Luxor & upon arrival time, Meet ICAN TRAVEL Tour Guide to start your day tour at the West Bank with the VALLEY OF THE KINGS where almost all new kingdom pharaohs were buried in it such as the tombs the boy - king Tut Ankh Amoun with all its golden treasures. Then, proceed to the foot of the cliff to visit HATSHEPSUT TEMPLE at EL DEIR EL BAHARI which is located at the head of a valley overshadowed by the peak of the Thebes. Hatshepsut named her temple "Djeser Djeser", a hieroglyphic expression meaning, the splendor of the splendors. At the end of our tour, visit COLOSSI OF MEMNON , Two gigantic statues (Shammy & Tammy) Known in Ancient Greek times for their Haunting Voices at Dawn. Return back to the Cruise. At night on the Cruise, you may enjoy with one of the activities such as: Nubian Show or Belly Dancing or Tanora Show. Overnight on the Cruise. (Breakfast on the Cruise + Lunch on the Cruise + Dinner on the Cruise) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Seven: 05/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast on the Cruise. (10.00) Disembarkation from the Cruise. ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you to transfer you to one of the most charming cities on the Red Sea, Hurghada. Arrival Hurghada. ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you inside the Hotel for the check in Dinner & overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast on the Cruise + Dinner at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Eight: 06/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel. Free Time for Optional Activity Tours Dinner & overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast at the Hotel + Dinner at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Nine: 07/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel. Check out from the Hotel (Official time for check out is 13.00) (07.00) ICAN TRAVEL Representative will Transfer you to the Ferry Boat Port to go to one of the most charming & famous cities on the Red Sea, Sharm El Sheikh. (Departure Time: 08.00) (11.00) Arrival Sharm El Sheikh ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you on the Port & will transfer you to your Hotel for the check in (Official time for check in is 13.00) Dinner & overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast at the Hotel + Dinner at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Ten: 08/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel. Free time for Leisure Dinner Meet ICAN TRAVEL Representative to transfer you to St. Catherine at night (There's a free opportunity to climb the MT SINAI at night. To appreciate the wonderful desert landscape you must climb Mt. Sinai either for sunset of sunrise. It takes a good 3 hours and strong thighs since the path is rocky and rigorous near the top). Dinner & overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast at the Hotel + Dinner at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Eleven: 09/04/2007 After descending from the mountain, ICAN TRAVEL Representative will take you to visit the MONASTERY OF ST. CATHERINE Greek Orthodox Monastery that's built like a mediaeval fortress in the mountain. Breakfast Box Return back to Sharm El Sheikh Free Time for Optional Activity Tours Dinner & overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast Box + Dinner at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Twelve: 10/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel. (14.00) ICAN TRAVEL Representative will Transfer you to the Super Jet Station (Public Air Conditioned Bus) to go to Cairo (Departure Time: 15.15). (20.30) Arrival Cairo ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you & will transfer you to your Hotel for the check in Overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Thirteen: 11/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel. (09.00) Meet ICAN TRAVEL Tour Guide to start your day tour with the EGYPTIAN MUSEUM , which houses around 250.000 antique pieces which extends over the past Five Thousand years. Then, drive to Giza to find one of the Old Seven Wonders the THREE PYRAMIDS , erected by Cheops, Chepren & Mycerinus. They are also guarded by the nearby SPHINX , a mythical statue with the body of a lion & human head to guard these Pyramidal tombs. You will have free time for shopping in Pyramids Area to move between the PAPYRUS SHOPS & the PERFUMES SHOPS At the end of the tour, we will go to the KHAN EL KHALILY BAZAAR which contains many stores that exhibit wonderful collections of jewelry, wooden products & attractive hand-made products. Overnight at the Hotel. (Breakfast at the Hotel) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Day Fourteen: 12/04/2007 Buffet Breakfast at the Hotel. Check out from the Hotel (Official time for check out is 13.00) ICAN TRAVEL Representative will be waiting for you at the Hotel to take you to Cairo International Airport for Final Departure, The Representative will instruct you through the Boarding Procedures & Customs Formalities. (Send us your flight details to make the necessary procedures for your Departure). (Breakfast at the Hotel) E N J O Y Y O U R V A C A T I O N -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- This program includes the following items: 03 Nights accommodation in Cairo with Buffet Breakfast Meals in Delta Pyramids Hotel. (4* Stars) 01 Night accommodation in Baharrya Oasis with Buffet Breakfast Meal + Buffet Lunch Meal + Buffet Dinner Meal in Western Desert Hotel. 03 Nights accommodation in Crocodile Nile Cruise with Buffet Breakfast Meal + Buffet Lunch Meal + Buffet Dinner Meal with all entrance fees for the above mentioned sightseeing in Aswan, Kom Ombo, Edfu & Luxor. (4* stars) http://www.travelways-egypt.com/Nile...20Cruises.html 02 Nights accommodation in Hurghada with Buffet Breakfast Meals + Buffet Dinner Meals in Gaysouim Hotel. (3 Stars) 03 Nights accommodation in Sharm El Sheikh with Buffet Breakfast Meals + Buffet Dinner Meals in Cataract Laylina Hotel. (4* stars) http://www.cataracthotels.com/docs/layalina/front.asp 01 Night Accommodation in the Air Conditioned Sleeping Train with Dinner Meal + Breakfast Meal in your cabin for (Cairo - Aswan). 01 Day Tour for the main sites of Cairo & Giza in Private Air Conditioned Car visiting (EGYPTIAN MUSEUM + THREE PYRAMIDS + SPHINX + PAPYRUS & PERFUMES SHOPS + KHAN EL KHALILY BAZAAR) with all the entrance fees for these sites. 01 Day Tour in St. Catherine to visit (ST. CATHERINE MONASTERY + MT. SINAI) Private Air Conditioned Car (Luxor - Hurghada). Ferry Boat Tickets (Hurghada - Sharm El Sheikh). Public Air Conditioned Bus "Super Jet - Recliner Seats" for (Sharm El Sheikh - Cairo). Private Expertise Tour Guide licensed from Ministry of Tourism for your day tours. Meet & assist service with all the Pick Up Services at Cairo International Airport, Giza Railway Station, Aswan Railway Station, Hurghada Ferry Boat Port, Sharm El Sheikh Ferry Boat Port, Sharm El Sheikh Super Jet Station & Cairo Super Jet Station through ICAN TRAVEL Representative. Taxes & Services Charges. This program excludes the following items: Any items not specifically mentioned in "Program cost includes". All expenses of personal nature like tips, laundry charges, telephone charges, food and drinks not forming part of the group menu. Egypt Entry Visa. Entrance of the Pyramids from inside. Mummification Hall at the Egyptian Museum . Video Camera Fees. International Tickets. Tips & gratuities. |
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