Dream Home in Bahrain?
Author: Yellow Duckie
•13:25
In every country, I believe there is a place where one would love to reside. In Bahrain, I believe it would be the Al Masra or known as the floating city.



Every bungalow unit here has a waterfront where one can dive into the sea water or have your yatch park right in front of your house.

Most unit, I was told is actually quite small and unsuitable for a family or more than 2. However, I was lucky to be able to view one of the unit where it was considerably big, with 4 bed rooms in three floors and ample balcony space for a BBQ at the roof top on the 3rd floor overlooking the canal.

Each unit has got a beautiful balcony space of its own and it is quite pleasureable to be sitting out there during this cooling season. I am not too sure if I will enjoy it during summer where heat literally consumes you. Whatever the season may be, it would be great to own one of these units here.
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Sneak peek @ the local bakery
Author: Yellow Duckie
•14:01
While strolling along the main street of Aadliya, I came across a bakery. Out of pure curiousity, i brought myself into the bakery and have a look at what they sell. Instead of being greeted by the sight of pastries and bun, i find myself staring at the shelves full of cookies and baklawa.



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Winter Market at Kiruna Town
Author: Yellow Duckie
•12:01
Just as there is a summer market , there is also something which is known as the winter market. According to the locals, this is a small scale winter market compared to the real thing. It was the last day of my visit to the North and I intend to grab some local souvenirs before leaving this place. However, it was not quite a perfect day as it was -31 degree celcius, not a condition to be outdoor. Not that I have a choice, so I have decided that despite the harsh weather, I have to get myself to the winter market.



Like many market I have been to in sweden, i find this one disappointing. Although you still can find some swedish goods at a cheaper price, it was more like a market with full of china made goods. Some of the fascinating stores includes the store which sells wool clothings and leather goods. Word of advise, if you plan to enjoy the artic, perhaps it is a good idea to make a pit stop at the winter market first to get your wool clothings as it is known as the best insulator in trapping your body heat. I must admit, things are generally cheaper here compared to Stockholm.


I was quite glad that made it to he winter market as it is actually right next to the famous church in Kiruna. Built entire on wood, it was quite a beauty standing in the midst of the snow. Indeed the architecture was impressive!

Although I left the market without any souvenirs, I am glad that I did not leave my fingers and toes behind. They were quite frozen by the time I got myself to the taxi office to wait for my airport transfer. After these few days in extreme temperature, I was actually looking forward to Stockholm where temperature don't go below -5 degree celcius this time of the year...I can it the normal winter.
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Chasing after the Northern Light
Author: Yellow Duckie
•00:29
So why would anyone in the right frame of mind would pick a -25 degree Celcius vacation destination (Apart from seeing the Ice Hotel)? As mentioned in my previous entry, to pursue the Northern Light. Given the short frame of time here, it's either I see it tonight or I will leave this place only with the bitter sweet memory of the harsh weather here.

Perhaps it was fate that brought me to Poultsa. Situated 25 km away from Kiruna, this outskirt town is perfect to chase after the lights as it is far from the city lights. I wouldn't have even pick this place to stay if it the other place in Kiruna is not fully booked. I must say that I am glad I choose to stay in Matti & Kerstin's Farm in Poultsa. (http://www.ofelas.se/)

My fondest memory about the farm is that I actually slept there on the first night without the heater. I accidentally plug it off to charge my phone and camera that I didn't realise one of the plug was actually the heater. It was not a pleasant sleep i must admit.


Sunrise at Matti & Kerstin's Farm in Poultsa


They provide guided services in Kiruna mainly on horseback riding and at the same time, taking the lead as a single point to arrange for dog sledging and accommodation at the spare unit in their farm. I must say that they did a good job in keeping my budget low and even providing me with the proper clothing to withstand the extreme weather.

I was quite hesitant about staying away from town as I thought it would be boring however, I hardly had anytime to relax by the fire as I have initially intended to with all the arranged winter activities lined up for me. Besides, the scenery at the farm is mesmerizing and you will get to see moose hanging around freely. Truly a photography paradise i must say (provided you can withstand the cold with your hand out of your glove)

Dog Sledge



It was extremely fun to enjoy the dog sledge ride. One advise: Dress warm...really warm. Nicholas was the owner and guide for this husky safari (as it is know) and definitely knows a great deal about handling these huskies. He was really nice to warn us not to lick any yellow snow ;P. The trip includes you strapping the dogs on the harness and a great warm lunch in the modern sami hut where you could also thaw your fingers and toes after the first leg of the journey.




Lunch by the fire: A real comfort after the icy trip

Horse Riding



Matti has arrange for a horse back riding Northern Light tour to fill in the evening activity. Proudly presenting to us his precious Icelandic Horses, and I got to ride on Hildur, my snow princess. The journey was bearly longer than 2 hours but it felt like eternity when your fingers are freezing and your leg is hurting. I must admit that it was a magical feeling riding in the woods with the snow flakes falling from above. Matti with his cape on was leading us through the woods and I can't help it but to feel like I am in some war movie running away in the middle of the night escaping the claw of the tyrant.

Although it was dark, one could clearly make out the scenery around you and I must say, it is really mesmerizing. It captures you in a magical sphere and could easily get you carried away. However, the frost biting at your fingers and toes will also pull you back to reality. After the agony ( for me a Non-horse rider) of enduring the paint in my leg and the cold, it was a great comfort to enjoy a nice warm dinner at a modern sami hut where it's warm.

I did not actually see the Northern Light until , half past 11 when Matti came knocking furiously at my door informing me that the Northern Light has indeed decided to feast my eyes before I leave to Stockholm tomorrow. Given the fact that I was already all wrapped up in bed, i was rushing clumsily trying to put ALL my layers on before jumping into the overall and putting my boots all at the same time. I was glad that I did not fall flat while dressing up in that hurry. I am glad I saw it, right above the farm, the manifestation of the Northern Light takes place.

Arranged in a rib-like pattern across the sky. It was magnificient. Although it stayed less than 10 mins, I am glad that I finally saw, I found what I came looking for.
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From +25ºC to -25ºC: Visit to the Artic
Author: Yellow Duckie
•23:19
I have been to countries where the temperature drops below freezing point. However, I could never imagine how cold it can be at the temperature of minus (-) 25ºC. It’s unimaginable. Just the day before I was soaking calmly in the temperature of plus 25 ºC and some of my friends thinks that I am beyond my sanity when I told them of my vacation plan to the Northern part of Sweden during the coldest month of the year, February. My motivation: The Northern Light (Norrsken) or also known as the Aurora Borealis.

Arrival at the Kiruna Airport

I was all prepared (so I thought): A set of thermal, a layer of cashmere and in additional to that, another layer of fleece before putting on my thick skiing jacket and 3 layers for my bottom. It didn’t take more than 5 minutes at the outdoor to realize that I needed more warm clothing to shield me from the wrath of the wicked snow queen. I literally hard ice formed around my eyes and inside my nostrils.

The view from the plane as it descent was simply breathe taking. It looks as though God accidentally pour a bucket of white sand all over creating ripple like patterns on the ground amongst the pine tree.

Still overwhelmed by the beauty of the landscape of the North from the sky, I find myself surrounded by a group of British travelers (given the fact that now there is a direct flight from London to Kiruna, British are the only travelers I bump into) on my way to the world famous work of architecture of the Nordic, the Ice Hotel in Jukkasjärvi (“järvi” means lake in swedish).
Inside the Ice Chapel

Built by the ice freezes from the Torne River, this piece of “art” is simply stunning. Each block of ice indicates the cleanliness of the river and you definitely feel safe to just lick any part of the hotel (of course, not the ground you are trampling on). The design of each year is different and this year, instead of an arch roof, they did a flat one. This is the 19th design (the 19th year).


It’s hard to imagine how one could get comfortable sleeping in the temperature of -5 degree but I supposed it’s an experience. There are art suites where artist from all over the world are invited to decorate it with their own theme and be sweep off by their creativity.


I believe that if my fingers and toes didn’t start to hurt and threatened to leave me any time soon, I would have enjoyed my visit more.


Night View of the Ice Hotel
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Driving in Nairobi: Beware of Pedestrians
Author: Yellow Duckie
•12:10
After 5 and half months in Nairobi, I finally took the courage to drive. All this while I thought my fear of driving in Kenya are the massive amount of cars or as my driver would say, the Matatus (public van in Kenya as they drive like dare devils), but i was wrong. As I sat behind the wheels, I realise what I am most fearful of while driving is the PEDESTRIAN.

The size of the road is already a challenge for a Toyota Fortuna to cruise by without worrying about hitting the oncoming cars and at the same time, one has to ensure that the pedestrians walking at the side of the road is unhurt when we passes them by. Somehow, the pedestrians are oblivious of the cars around them and takes time in gliding gracefully on the road without worrying about getting hit. It's a test of your patience I must say. A friend of mine had a lady walk into her car door while she waited for her turn at the junction as the lady was too occupied when she was crossing the street....amusing.

The traffic is Nairobi is well known, that I will have to surrender to the driver in taking me around. Apart from that, driving in Nairobi is pretty much like driving in KL.
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Obituary headlines
Author: Yellow Duckie
•11:51
I can't help but to notice the obituary section in the newspaper as the titles given does not quite show any sign of grief to the deceased but rather a celebration of life. It usually reads...

"Promotion to Glory"
"Celebrating Life"
"Celebrating A life Well-lived"
"Celebration of the Life of an Angel"

Their outlook of death is pretty much shaped by the major religion in this country: Christianity, as death of a physical body is the birth of an eternal life in Christ. Perhaps it is also a way to cover their grief of the loss of their beloved ones.
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Tendering goods in Kenya
Author: Yellow Duckie
•21:03


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A taste of Kenya: Nyama Choma
Author: Yellow Duckie
•23:13
Apart from the safari, one should never leave kenya without tasting the famous BBQ goat: Nyama Choma ( and no, I am not swearing).

Roast Goat is what a Nyama choma is all about. Initially I was a little skeptical about trying the authentic Nyoma Choma as I have had quite an unpleasant experience (tasteless and chewy meat) in Carnivore, the famous Nyama Choma restaurant. However, I am glad I tried the real deal.

Although some parts of the meat is chewy, it was compensated with the tasty meal that was slowly grilled in the open fire till perfection. You can taste the smoked aroma of the charcoal that gives the taste of the meat a positive kick! Dip it with a little bit of salt and you'll have your taste bud twirling in wild fantasy.

And the price.. definitely a lot cheaper than in Carnivore. Only 400 KSH (Kenyan Shilling) per kg and 700 KSH for the whole chicken!

Steps to enjoy your choma:
Step 1: Select your choice of meat from the butchery (from now on, you can sit back and relax)


Step 2: Let the chef does his magic...


Step 3: Let the expert serve you


Step 4: Enjoy it with your favourite beverage

Tusker is a kenyan locally brewed beer. Not that I enjoy beer but I've included the tusker in this pic to amplify the kenyan touch.
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Swahili Lesson : Animals in the Safari
Author: Yellow Duckie
•21:47
First you learn the swahili names of the animals

Tembo (Elephant)
Simba (Lion)
Puma or Chui (Leopard)
Kifaru (Rhinoceros)
Nyamu Ngunihi (Hippopotamus)
Punda Milia (Zebra)
Punda (Donkey)
Farasi (Horse)
Nyani (Baboon)
Twiga (Giraffe)
Sware (Gazelle)
Nyati (Buffalo)
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Mukuyuni: A real kenyan experience
Author: Yellow Duckie
•00:15
My dear friend said that her first few days in Nairobi is like being in a glass, shielded away from the real Kenya life. I have to admit I totally agreed with her. Not until I had the priviledge to visit Mukuyuni Village (near Kangundo) that I realised, I have not seen Kenya.

Breakfast at Thadeus' (our host) brother's chapati shop

Situated about 1 hour drive from Nairobi, a dear friend of ours showed us what life in kenya really is. The adventure began at his farm where you will be greeted by his Grandmother, who finds it hard to part with her life working in the farm that in her old age now, her family members will sometimes need to come and look for her at the field as she may conveniently forgets to come home.

Granny at work :)

The Coffee
Thadeus was giving us a tour of his parent's first house which started with just a single unit and now has expanded to a couple of building around the area.


Thadeus' dad's first unit


Mixed beans in the kitchen
We had the pleasure of having a real kenyan lunch: githiri (mixed beans boiled with green), tomato soup and rice.

We had quite a heart warming experience when we visited the nearby school. It's quite an ironic scenario: School at its obvious state of poverty and a bunch of smiling school children.

The teacher's room is in quite a sorry state that it would have been easily mistaken to be an unused store room in the backyard. The classroom itself is filled with tables that I thought was made out of the mandarin orange boxes.
Despite the lack of facilities for the school, the children, although some were clad in torn uniforms and barefooted, they seems to be oblivion of their lackings. Either that, they were simply too overwhlem by the presence of two Japanese (as I was told Asian are not qualified to be called Mzungu but known as Japanese). I believe it was the latter. There were some kind souls that have donated a couple of computers to the school but the sad fact is that there is no electricity that reaches the school area yet.

At the end of our visit, we were then taken to a cliff in Kanzalu . The hike towards the cliff was too much of an adventure for a weak heart, that's us, the "Japanese". Both of us were cladded in our hiking boots, else our tour guide was only in their slippers but they seems to be strolling easily on the tiny path that requires its tracker to be precise on their steps and we were both holding on to every single branch for our dear life. An inch off track, you'll be rolling down the ravine. Despite the "adventurous" trail, it was all worthwhile.
Thadeus, our host, is placing quite a heavy burden on his shoulder to improve life of his village in Mukuyuni. He has explained about the works he has done, in bringing electricity to the village, building water resevoir for the animals and plants, spreading IT knowledge to the school and etc. It's funny how we, who have enjoyed all these facilities in our life, has indeed taken these for granted and others in the under developing country is striving to get it. If you would like to give any form of assistance, you are more than welcome to.
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Lamu: A journey down history lane
Author: Yellow Duckie
•23:44
Out of so many ancient town I have visited, I have to admit there is absolutely nothing like Lamu. The reason why I choose to visit Lamu is to experience the ultimate coastal life of kenya and I was not quite prepared to what I was about to experience...a couple of days living in a live museum.


The beauty of the ancient town of Lamu can be seen right for the shore of Manda Island (where the air strip is). With just less than 10 mins boat ride from Manda Island, it will take you to the busy port of Lamu. The moment we step foot onto the Lamu Port, i felt as though time has been reversed and the re-enactment of the coastal arabic town comes to life. The bustling port were filled with loads of people offering their dhows to take you on a safari ride or across to the islands nearby.
Dhow
You will soon find yourself walking amongst the donkeys along the shoreline of the island and the hustle bustle of the busy port is overwhelming. Threading on the dusty lane filled with "traps"(donkey dung), we were really hoping hard that the nicest building we saw from the sea would be the hotel which we are going to lay our heads on...thank God it was.
Here in Lamu, the Swahili architecture, design and style is manifested all over the town. It is indeed a feast to the eyes , especially a virgin eye towards the swahili culture. The wooden doors of Lamu are heavily crafted with flora design and sometimes even with verses from the Quran.
One of the interesting fact I've learnt of the swahili design is the hole in the wall. In a swahili house, in the room behind, there is usually a wall with holes (resembles little gate) where the lady of the house will keep their Chinaware in each of the hole. It is said that this is to protect the house from the evil spirits. If ever any of the chinaware is broken, it is said that the evil spirit has been sucked in and leave the house free from it.
Just like back in those days, the core source of economy of this town is wood carving, fishing and of course, now, tourism. The architecture and interior of the buildings are so well preserved that it literally makes no difference between what is within the museum and what's out there. I wonder why we even bother paying 500 KSH to visit the museum.

Wood Carving
I read an article about having some of these "ruins" being purchased by foreigner where they refurbished it to a beautiful vacation home. They battled between the issue of selling their ancestral property to a foreigner and keeping it. The earlier has proven to provide the owner the capital for a sustainable income when they invest it in something else.
In the midst of this ancient town, somehow there are one or two hang out place which you are comfortable with and I must admit that it shelters you from the reality behind the walls of the courtyard. For us it was our hotel, The Lamu House (http://www.lamuhouse.com/) and the Whispers Cafe. The reality was too harsh to be digested.
Lamu House
Poor sanitation is of a major concern here in Lamu. In the midst of the refurbished buildings, stood building where time has eaten away it's youth and resembles a war-torn country. As we venture further into the town, truth revealed itself. The house's condition of the villagers simply cannot hide their state of poverty.

College
Many has come to Lamu and stayed at Shela beach where it is a beach seekers paradise.However, due to the poor sanitation in Lamu, I can't help be to be disgusted and would rather die than dipping myself in the water. Shela is within walking distance to Lamu (about 40 mins). My advise for those who seeks a tranquil beach vacation, stay at Shela and make a day trip to Lamu.
As much as I have loved this place in the beginning when I first arrived, I have find that the harsh reality of life here is simply appalling.
"Watoto wangu wawili kutwa wagombana bali usiku hulala salama salimini - Mlango" ( My two children quarrel all day but sleep peacefully together at night - the two halves of a door) Swahili Proverbs
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Malindi: Italian town in Kenya
Author: Yellow Duckie
•23:27
Known to many as the "Italian" town as this is a favourite spot for many of the Italians. I must admit that I was preparing for a "zanzibar" experience. Instead of the white sandy beach and clear turquoise water we were greeted by a run down town and a beach piled up with sea weed. This is the first African coast town visited by the great explorer, Vasco Da Gama.

There is practically nothing to do in Malindi except to lead a "pole pole" (slow) lifestyle and do absolutely nothing. Word of advise: find an excellent resort and chill out there. I was disappointed with our choice as the accommodation condition was below my expectation, it reminded me a lot of those budget Port Dickson resort (beach in Malaysia).



The town itself has nothing much to offer and what fascinates me is the buildings in town. It reflects the Arabic architecture and I must admit that the House of Column, which is also the National Museum of Malindi is a great building whereby you can catch the coastal house structure. Although what they seems to boast about in the museum was the mysteriously catch : Coelancanth fish, we nevertheless got a great tour of the museum from Salim (caretaker of the museum).
First Church in Malindi planted by the Portuguese
For those that are bored of pasta and pizza, I would strongly recommend a dinner at "The Old Man and the Sea". Adopted its name from Ernest Hemingway's book, this place offers great seafood and gives you a taste of the Swahili house architecture.


Since we were not in the mood for a beach vacation (wrong place to be...I know) so we made some excursions from Malindi:
Hell's kitchen
This place got it's name from the heat which one could experience once you explore within the wonderful soil formation. The work of nature can never be questioned and I will not attempt to explain how it happened but whatever that happened, it has definitely got a great sense of creativity. The hiking trip takes about 40 -45 mins and it is quite an interesting journey as you will come across the interesting geographical features.





Natural Cosmetics: Used by the Masai to colour their skin

Gede Ruins
Reminded me a lot of the ruins in Cambodia, the Gede ruins is actually the ruins of one of the oldest town in Kenya. It is interesting how a town can be abandon just like that. The theory that sticks to my head (there are actually 3 theories) is that this town received the attack from the Portuguese because they were suspected be to involved with the rebel group against the them.


Funny thing is that, there are no recorded documentation about the existence of this town. This explains a lot that the function of each room is determined by what is found there and also through tales from the town folks nearby.
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Masai Mara: Starting the new year under the African Sky
Author: Yellow Duckie
•20:47
After so many safari trips, I have to admit that all I was seeking from this trip is a relaxing time at a luxury tent and at Karen Blixen Camp, you have it all. Although I must admit that this is probably not the most luxurious camp in Masai Mara but it was good enough. It is in this tent that I literally bath underneath the sky smeared with thousands of stars above my head... I was so mesmerized by the sight of it that the chill air did not seem to bother me.


Karen Blixen Camp
The landscape of Masai Mara was surprisingly quite different from Serengeti ( as I would thought that they are the same). The vast land were surrounded by the mountains which gives this place a slightly different look compare to Serengeti. Instead of the umbrella Acacia which is commong in Serengti, Masai Mara carries a different type of acacia which is rounded and appears neatly arranged in the field.
Like mentioned, after so many safari trip, the animals no longer fascinates me, instead is was the landscape of Masai Mara that hold my attention. It is no wonder that out of so many safaris, Masai Mara is well known... for its beauty.

Last Sunset of Year 2008


First Sunrise of Year 2009


First Sunset of Year 2009
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Lake Manyara: A Malaysian rain forest?
Author: Yellow Duckie
•10:33
Last leg: Lake Manyara ~ Arusha ~ Nairobi
After couple of days chasing the Big 5 in the safari, I must admit that I have had quite enough of the wildlife and can't wait to be home. However, this last safari stop : Lake Manyara, is quite different from the first two (Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Serengeti National Park). Upon entering the Lake Manyara National Park, it reminds me alot of the rainforest in Malaysia. It is an area densed with tropical trees.
What is magical about my safari moments here in Lake Manyara is to be surrounded by a pool of elephants (loads of them).


Catching the sunset and sunrise is something one shouldn't miss. and I must admit it's a sight no one can get bored with.

Sunset at Serena Lake Manyara


Sunrise at Serena Lake Manyara
Our safari trips ends at Lake Manyara and one of the interesting place which we stopped by for some Masai blankets really caught my interest: Mti wa Mbu (Mosquito river) . However, the feeling of being there as a tourist (not that I can disguise to be a local) is not a pleasant feeling. You will definitely be slashed through your throat and you literally felt like a piece of meat walking amongst the hungry lions.

One of the interesting fruit that is commonly found is the red bananas. Out of pure curiousity, I have decided to buy some for a try and it costed my 2 USD for 3 pieces of bananas... that's right... 2 USD for 3 pieces (not combs) of banana...obviously I still have not quite gotten over the fact that I have been ripped off. All I can say about the bananas is that there is nothing special about it.
All i can say after three days of hardcore safaris trip is that apart from the safari the journey there is part of the adventure.
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Serengeti: The journey continues...
Author: Yellow Duckie
•10:24
Second leg of my tanzania Safari trip: South and Central of Serengeti National Park
The journey from the Ngorongoro Conservation Area to the Serengeti National Park was plain: cruising through the gravel roads stirring up dust as we go by surrounded by vast green land which has no clear boundary between the earth and the sky at the horizon. Zebras, wild beast and the various types of gazelles are found graving with cautious eye resting on our vehicle as we pass through.

By now, you would have thought that one will be exhausted and bored of seeing these wild animals. I must admit that the excited of spotting the big fives (Lion, Buffalo, Rhinoceros, Leopard and Elephant) still lingers.
The scenery in the Serengeti National Park changes drastically from that in the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The vast piece of flat land in the Serengeti National park is defined majority by the common existence of the umbrella accacias.
Highlight of my trip in Serengeti is the catching the sunset..this is definitely a MUST-DO to be added in your safari list.

We did a little side trip to the Olduvai (Oldupai) where the footprint of the existence of the early humankinds was discovered. This side trip was kind of "forced" into our itinerary but I have to admit the sight was quite remarkable. We were at the museum, which I must admit was just a pathetic little shack that house some historical information on the discovery of the footprints, the replica of it and the detail explanation of the excavation works done in the area. I seriously was not intrigued but i supposed it was not too bad as there was a local which gives us some lecture on the area and also the history.


One thing I took notice of while cruising in the Serengeti is the insect repellent which they set around the forest. Thus far, it is here that I saw them and no where else.

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