Sandals Resort Sale - Fly Free and Save 30%

I just got this email notice from Sandals… Wow this is a pretty good deal! But with anything great, it’s a Limited Time Offer of course.

For the first time ever, Sandals Resorts is offering a limited-time Fly Free Promotion! They replaced their 50% off offer with this new offer in an attempt to offset rising airline costs. Guests who book a minimum three-night stay by September 2, 2008 will receive an air credit of up to $550 per person! This offer is available at all 12 resort locations in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and The Bahamas.

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Limited Time - St. Thomas Travel Deals

Wyndham Sugar Bay Resort & Spa 4 Nights from $499 including Air

Travel September 1 through October 31 to get the best savings to St. Thomas, USVI, however other travel dates are also available.

These are great travel deals to St. Thomas, but Hurry because these offers are for a Limited Time!

All packages include Air-fare and some also include all-inclusive options. This is a 4 start resort where guests enjoy a secluded beach with extensive water sports including snorkeling, scuba diving and kayaking; three interconnecting freshwater pools with a waterfall and grotto; mini-golf, tennis complex; bumper boats, on-site spa; state-of-the-art fitness center offering aerobic and yoga classes; video slots, live entertainment nightly and a comprehensive schedule of daily activities.

Need another reason to go?

The U.S. Virgin Islands do not require a passport for entry if you are a US Citizen, so if you haven’t gotten your passport yet this is your chance to see the islands!

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Carnival is Having a Huge One Day Cruise Sale AGAIN - June 26!

Have you heard?

Carnival Cruise Lines is doing it again!

ONE DAY SALE!

On a wide variety of “Fun Ship” cruises and itineraries Thursday, June 26th!

If you are looking to take a cruise within the next year, check out these great deals from Carnival. These are some of the best deals I’ve seen in a while, including FREE stateroom upgrades on virtually all cruises through March 31, 2009. You can’t beat that. They are offering cruises of varying lengths, including 3-day cruises to the Bahamas, to 8-day cruises to the Western Caribbean or Mexican Riviera, and everything in between. So there is something for every taste. Any of these cruises would make for a wonderful romantic get-away, fun family vacation, or now maybe is the time to book that honeymoon!

Carnival Cruise Lines 1 Day Sale Thursday, June 26th Only! Click HERE to book now!

Here’s to great cruising! Book your cruise now and enjoy!

PS… if you are looking for tours, activities, tickets, or things to do in your port’s of call… make sure to check out Viator for Unforgettable Travel Experiences and Unbelieveable Deals. You can book ahead of time on Viator.com Just pick your port of call, and check out all the different things to do.

70% Off on Travel Deals to Barbados - Limited Time Offer!

Blue Horizon 7 Nights from $389 including Air

The Best of Barbados Deal has been EXTENDED - but it ends soon. Some Hotels are Selling out, so Book NOW for the best selection on the best vacation deals to Barbados!

Get the following and more:
>> 7th night free
>> free daily breakfast for two
>>discounts on attractions and car rentals

You can save up to 70% on these Barbados vacation packages. These deals are at some of the best hotels and resorts in Barbados. But book now, because these travel deals to Barbados are selling out fast.

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St. Lucia Deals You Can’t Pass Up and This Is a Destination You will Love!

Stay at the Sandals Grande St. Lucian located in Castries and escape to your very own peninsula that juts out into the remarkable Caribbean Sea and gives you panoramic views from every single vantage point imaginable. On one side, gaze out at enormous Rodney Bay, replete with colorful sailboats and backed by luscious, cone-shaped, volcanic mountains. Get 1 Night FREE plus save up to 50% at Sandals Grande St. Lucian! Find out more.

BOOK NOW! With this St. Lucia deal, you can pick the Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort and Spa and you will find a resort that is set along a half-mile crescent-shaped beach. This 210-acre enclave spares no detail to bring you an infinitely romantic getaway. Amenities such as one of the largest freshwater pools in the Eastern Caribbean,it’s own rolling fairways and the magnificent new Villa Suites on Sunset Bluff bring Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa to the pinnacle of perfection. BOOK NOW –> Sandals Regency St. Lucia Golf Resort & Spa: Luxury Included Resort for couples.

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St. Lucia is the type of island that most travelers to the Caribbean dream about. It’s a small, lush tropical gem that is still relatively unknown. St. Lucia is one of the Windward Islands of the Lesser Antilles, and is located midway down the Eastern Caribbean chain, between Martinique and St. Vincent, and just north of Barbados. St. Lucia is only 27 miles long and 14 miles wide, with a shape that is said to resemble either a mango or an avocado. The Atlantic Ocean sweeps past its eastern shore, while the beaches of the west coast owe their beauty to the calm Caribbean Sea.

In natural beauty, St. Lucia is more like an island that was plucked from somewhere in the South Pacific and set down in the Caribbean. Its dramatic twin coastal peaks, the Pitons, soar 2,000 feet up from the sea, sheltering magnificent rain forests where wild orchids, giant ferns, and birds of paradise flourish. Brilliantly-plumed tropical birds abound, including endangered species like the indigenous St. Lucia parrot. The rainforest is broken only by lush fields and orchards of banana, coconut, mango, and papaya trees.

St. Lucia has been inhabited since long before colonial times, and its cultural treasures are a fascinating mixture of its rich past and its many different traditions. The island’s people have earned a well-deserved reputation for their warmth and charm, and the island itself is dotted with aged fortresses, small villages, and open-air markets.

There is a broad array of exciting and exotic activities available on St. Lucia. The island’s steep coastlines and lovely reefs offer excellent snorkeling and scuba diving. The rainforest preserves of St. Lucia’s mountainous interior are one of the Caribbean’s finest locales for hiking and birdwatching. Of course, the island also possesses excellent facilities for golf, tennis, sailing, and a host of other leisure pursuits. Not to be missed is St. Lucia’s Soufriere volcano, the world’s only drive-in volcanic crater.

St. Lucia’s temperature ranges from 65-85 degrees (Fahrenheit) from December to May and 75-95 degrees from June to November. The winter is relatively more dry as well. Visitors should bring cool, comfortable clothing. While jacket and tie are rarely required, overly casual beachwear is rarely appreciated off the beach though.

The currency of St. Lucia is the Eastern Caribbean Dollar. US Dollars are readily accepted throughout the island, however. Most hotels will exchange reasonable amounts of foreign currency, and there are change bureaus in Castries. The National Commercial Bank (NCB) has a branch at Hewanorra International Airport where EC Dollars can be exchanged for foreign currency. It is open daily from 12:30pm until the last flight departs. A passport and ticket are required as proof of returning visitor status. There is a Departure Tax of EC$54 for all passengers leaving the island.

• Best Time to Travel/Best Prices The best time to travel to St. Lucia weather-wise is December-May. The best time to travel for pricing is May and then September - December 15 - which is considered the “off-season”. However June 1 through November is also hurricane season in the caribbean. You should also be aware that during this “off-season” many restaurants may close for weeks at a time or shorten their dining hours. Hotels, meanwhile, may also use these slower months for needed renovation or construction. If you are considering traveling to St. Lucia during this period, you may want to place calls to hotels and recreation services to check availability and the status of any renovations that may be going on at the hotel.

• Climate: St. Lucia’s climate is hot and tropical, with an average annual temperature of 26? C (79? F) and mild trade winds for a good portion of the year. Lying in the path of the trade winds St. Lucia has year-round temperatures of 70? to 90?F. Humidity ranges from 66 - 94%. Summer temperatures range from 75 to 95 F and in the winter from 65 to 85F. Temperature is never an issue in St Lucia, making it a year-round destination for beach lovers. The average daily high is always within spitting distance of a balmy 80?F (27?C). December-May is the driest and coolest time, with day temperatures in the 70s-80s F/23-32 C and night temperatures in the 60s-70s F/15-27 C. During the hottest time of year (June-August), daytime temperatures can reach the 90s F/32-37 C. The rainy season is June-November, but don’t expect a constant downpour. Rather, there are numerous short but incredibly intense showers. Trade winds provide breezes year-round, regardless of the season.

• Awards: St Lucia was voted the ‘Worlds Leading Honeymoon Destination 2006′, through the World Travel Awards.

• Electricity: Electric current is 220 volts, 50 cycles AC. (A few hotels are 110 volts, 60 cycles.) Most sockets take 3-pin square plugs (UK standard) but some take 2-pin round plugs or flat American plugs which are more rare. Adapters are generally available at the hotels.

• Language: St. Lucia’s principal language is English, but a French-based patois is widely spoken.

• Local Time Greenwich Mean Time minus four hours; Eastern Standard Time plus one hour.

• Service Charge and Tax There is a government tax of 8% on hotel and restaurant bills, in addition to a service charge of 10%. In some cases, these charges are included in prices quoted.

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Exploring St. Lucia’s Cities

St. Lucia has some of the most overwhelmingly beautiful scenery to be found anywhere in the world. Amongst the natural beauty of its splendid forests and soaring peaks are ancient fortresses, gem-like fishing villages, and gracious town squares, places waiting like buried treasure to be discovered by newcomers.

• Castries St. Lucia’s bustling capital is home to several of St. Lucia’s historical sights, like the La Toc Battery, and beautiful architecture, including the uniquely decorated Cathedral and the Central Library. There is excellent shopping in the town market and Bagshaws, where the art of silkscreening can be observed.

• Morne Fortune (Hill of Good Luck) Overlooking Castries, this was a key battleground during the period of skirmishes over colonial possession of St. Lucia. The French began constructing a fortress at this strategic outpost in the 17th century, but it was the British who finished it when the French surrendered in 1796.

• Marigot Bay Another vital wartime base, where a British Admiral once ambushed the French by camouflaging his fleet with palm fronds. This picturesque bay is now a yacht haven and one of St. Lucia’s most beautiful spots.

• Derek Walcott Square Located in the capital, Castries, a 400-year-old samaan tree shades the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, built in 1897.

• Anse-le-Ray & Canaries An afternoon visit to these tiny fishing villages offer an interesting study of one of St. Lucia’s main traditions, fishing in dug-out canoes. Located in the south, it is the oldest town in St. Lucia, established by the French in 1746. Of particular note is its unusual marketplace, decorated with colorful murals and gingerbread trim.

• Choiseul Midway between Soufriere and Vieux Fort on the southwest coast, this village is rich in history, crafts and spectacular views. It is home to a petroglyph carved centuries ago by the island’s early inhabitants and Fort Citreon, where only a single cannon remains.

• Gros Islet Like Cinderella preparing for the Ball, this fishing village transforms itself every Friday night into a colorful carnival scene, featuring soca and reggae music and a “jump up” (dancing in the streets).

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Plantation Tours

• Errard Plantation The drive to Errard, near the village of Dennery, crosses the interior of the island and borders the rain forest. The tour includes an introduction to the various fruit crops, a “cocoa dance,” which polishes the beans, and a Creole lunch featuring local fruit juices.

• La Sikwe Historical Sugar Mill & Plantation Bordering the village of Anse la Raye, the 400-acre estate is set in a beautiful botanical garden. The tour features an onsite museum and cultural theatre with a 40-foot water wheel depicting the sugar-growing years of the 18th century. Tours must be scheduled in advance and can be arranged through any hotel.

• Marquis Estate St. Lucia’s largest estate is located just outside of Castries. This working plantation offers insights into the production of St. Lucia’s present export crops, banana and copra, as well as the principal crops of previous years, coffee and cocoa. The tour includes a scenic drive along St. Lucia’s northeast coast to the countryside, a visit to an old sugar mill, a boat ride on the Marquis river and lunch at the plantation house.

• Morne Coubaril Estate Overlooking the picturesque town of Soufriere, the tour includes a demonstration of cocoa, copra, and manioc processing, a walk on an original street formerly used by mule carriages, and a visit to a workers’ village.

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Natural Attractions of St. Lucia

St. Lucia possesses a topography and ecology of stunning beauty, matched by no other location in the Caribbean. The island’s pride in its natural resources is evident in the country’s ongoing protection and conservation efforts. In the mountainous interior lies the enormous National Rain Forest, and the island’s protected coastal sights include the breathtaking, unforgettable spires of Les Pitons. All sorts of nature hikes, tours, and programs have been developed to showcase these peerless assets, allowing visitors to enjoy the island without harming its complex and fragile environment.

St. Lucia’s environmental philosophy also extends beyond its shoreline to the protection of its beautiful coral reefs, with their rich and diverse tropical sea life. The government has created four preservation areas, encompassing all of the island’s outstanding reefs. Watersports enthusiasts, divers, and boat owners are required to purchase a permit before entering the reserve, and the fees are used for repairs to the reef and preserving threatened marine species.

• The Pitons Located near Soufriere, these primeval twin peaks, topping 2,000 feet, are St. Lucia’s most famous landmark. Only the most daring climbers have ventured an ascent to their summits, but they can be seen in all their glory from Mt. Gimie or from the decks of a boat offshore.

• National Rain Forest Of particular appeal to bird watchers, hikers and nature lovers, it covers 19,000 acres of lush mountains and valleys. It is home to giant ferns, birds of paradise and many other indigenous tree species, exotic flowers and fruits, and its paths are strewn with tiny bromeliads, wild orchids and mushrooms. Among the rare and beautiful birds adding color to the scene are the brightly-hued St. Lucia Parrot, known locally as the “jacquot,” the White Breasted Thrasher, the St. Lucia Peewee, and the St. Lucia Oriole.

• The Sulphur Springs Now dormant, it is the world’s only drive-in volcano. A tour of its bubbly, steamy sulphur springs offers a unique and fascinating lesson in the violent geology of the Caribbean Rim.

• Mt. Gimie At 3,117 feet, it is the highest point on St. Lucia. One of the best eye-filling views of this peak is to be had just as you emerge from the rain forest. Guided tours are conducted up the mountain.

• Diamond Falls France’s King Louis XVI had bathhouses built for his troops at these natural, mineral-rich falls. An invigorating shower under the cascading waters will make for a refreshing break.

• Latille Gardens This beautiful hidden treasure of St. Lucia is filled with luscious fruits, blooming flowers, thriving plants, shade trees, and vibrant waterfalls. A walk on the waterfall trails, or a relaxing night under the moon and stars amidst the scent of healthy vegetation, are definite experiences not to be missed.

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Click this link to view the official St. Lucia Tourist Board Calendar of Events.

If you are looking for other great tours or activities such as a romantic sunset champagne cruise, a high adventure canopy ropes adventure, or maybe just a relaxing tour of the rainforest be sure to check out our page of St. Lucia tours provided by Viator - Click Here.

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Two Free Nights at Sandals Resorts!

Hurry LIMITED Time! Up to TWO NIGHTS FREE at Sandals Resorts! Find out more.

The Ultimate Luxury Included Sale. Get 2 Nights Free plus save up to 45% or Get 1 Night Free and save up to 50%!

But hurry, because it won’t last much longer!

Click Here to get up to TWO FREE NIGHTS at Sandals Resorts plus Save up to 50% off !

Win a 7 Day, 6 Night all-inclusive Vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort of Your Choice

Win a 7 day, 6 night all-inclusive vacation at a Sandals or Beaches Resort of your choice (no purchase necessary) !

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Jamaica * St. Lucia * Antigua * Bahamas * Turks & Caicos

* All Meals	* Watersports	* All tips and gratuities
* Gourmet dining	* Scuba diving	* Roundtrip airport Transfers
* Premium brand liquor	* Luxurious accommodations	* Exchange privileges
* All drinks	* Golf in Jamaica and St. Lucia	* All hotel taxes

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Enter Today to Win an All-Inclusive Vacation for Two to Any Beaches or Sandals Resort !

Book Now for Best Savings to Mayan Riviera

Great Deals to top resorts for travel to the Riviera Maya. Book Soon for the best savings, however. All packages include round trip airfare and hotel.

If you are looking for a Vacation Rental property, check out these Great Deals. They are perfect for a private setting, or a small group! Get away from the crowd and enjoy yourselves!

Riviera Maya Information

This region is known for the tranquility of it’s uncrowded beaches, a unique network of underground rivers, over 100 cenotes, abundant eco-adventure sports including kayaking, mountain biking, scuba diving, snorkeling, trekking, bird watching and deep sea fishing. It also sports close proximity to Mexico’s Mayan archeological sites, the varied activities of the eco-archeological parks, plus golf, shopping, gourmet dining and a range of accommodations to suit every lifestyle and budget.

The climate in the Riviera Maya is semi-tropical, with an average yearly temperature of 80° degrees Fahrenheit (26 ° Celsius), which can rise to 100° degrees Fahrenheit (37.7° Celsius) in the hot summer months. June 1st is the official start of hurricane season and it ends on November 30th. From November to April, which is considered peak season; it is hot and sunny during the day and cool and breezy at night.

* February to May
February, March, April, and May are beautiful in The Riviera Maya. The Caribbean Sea is calm and clear and as summer approaches the water temperatures gradually rise. With warmer waters by May it’s usually the time that the jelly fish, or “agua mala” come to the Riviera Mayan shores. So May is a perfect time of year to go cenote hunting, instead! Nights can still be cool, but a sweater is rarely needed.
* June to August
During the summer months Playa del Carmen and The Rivera Maya are extremely HOT! The humidity rises, so afternoons are steamy and hot. It is highly recommended that you stay close to a water source. The Caribbean is so warm you can float the day away, and the cenotes stay at an even 78 degrees (25.5C) which is always refreshing. There is some rainfall in the afternoon and evenings, but it never lasts very long. The nights do not get much cooler so for a truly good night sleep air-conditioning and a good fan are highly recommended.
* September and October
September and October are considered the height of the hurricane and tropical storm season. At this time the Mayan Riviera can also get a fair amount of rain, however it doesn’t rain everyday. It is still hot and humid with days and evenings registering similar temperatures.
* November to January
These are the coolest months in Playa del Carmen and the surrounding areas, which means it is warm and sunny during the day and cool and breezy in the evenings. Rain is very rare during this time of year, but evenings can bring temps in the high 60’s (15.5C) so a sweater is recommended.

Make sure to take advantage of some of these great Activities and Tours when traveling to the Riviera Maya!

Hot Deals to Los Cabos

55% OFF ALL INCLUSIVE Resorts in Los Cabos - Meals, Drinks, Activities & Airfare included! Free Room Upgrade & Spa Discounts! From $599 for a luxary resort - Villa Del Palmar. 4 night minimum Stay and travel from April 1, 2008 through December 22, 2008.

Los Cabos Information

Los Cabos, which is located at the southern tip of the Baja California peninsula actually means “the capes” and consists of four main areas - the towns of Cabo San Lucas, San Jose del Cabo, the Tourist Corridor and the East Cape.

The average year-round temperature is 78°F. During October to April, the temperature is typically 80°F. The climate is arid with over 300 days of sunshine. Average annual rainfall is 5-10 inches.

During the winter In Los Cabos you can admire one of the most extraordinary natural phenomena to occur on Mexico’s coasts - the courtship process of the gray whale. It is estimated that 20,000 of these whales migrate to the Mexican coast each year. You can also spy blue, humpback and sperm whales.

East Cape

(Rustic, Out of the Way, Nostalgic Mexican Villages)

Generally, the East Cape covers Los Barriles, Buena Vista, Punta Colorado, Cabo Pulmo National Park and Bahía Los Frailes.

Forget about golf, exciting nightlife or phones. The East Cape may not be for everyone, but that’s the whole point. If you love being removed from the outside world then you will find the East Cape very appealing. From December to March, the beaches of Los Barriles swarm with brightly colored hi-tech windsurfers. Wonderfully inspiring sunrises replace the more familiar sunsets of Cabo San Lucas. One thing that Los Barriles does boast about is the East Cape Smoke House, which will pick up your fresh catch at the boat, transport it to its facility, smoke it and freeze it for your trip home.

The waters of the Sea of Cortez offer world renowned fishing, snorkeling and diving. Along with over 200 species of tropical fish which are protected within the Cabo Pulmo Marine Park, the fishing outside the park is a fisherman’s paradise. Game fish include Blue Marlin, Striped Marlin, Sailfish, Slapjack, Grouper, Sierra, Pargo, Cabrilla, and Jack Crevalle among many others.

The water temperatures from January to May and October to December range between 65 and 75 degrees. It rises to between 75-85 degrees in June through September for excellent scuba diving and snorkeling. Cabo Pulmo Marine Park boasts the only living Coral Reefs in the Sea of Cortez with eight major fingers of reef starting at the beach and stretching over a mile long.

The marine preserve lies between Los Barracas Bay (north) and Los Frailes Bay (south). Other interesting sites aside from the reef include a sea lion colony, “caves” with different varieties of coral and tropical fish, the shipwreck of an old tuna boat and miles of pristine beaches that make this area a truly beautiful get away!

The Tourist Corridor

(Refined, Exclusive, Discriminating)

Are you looking for pampering and luxury?

Then this is the place for you. Image yourself in this superbly and meticulously planned 20-mile long environment conceived just for the elite.

Explore the gorgeous and privileged terrain as you listen to the soft waves lap at the rocks and sands of the beaches in front of you.

Meanwhile your tee time is closely approaching, and from your balcony you can even see that particular green where yesterday, that “birdie” made your day. All this goes through your mind while you calmly savor a wonderful gourmet breakfast; but hey, no need to rush, since everything has been previously arranged for you to enjoy.

San Jose del Cabo

(Traditional, Picturesque, Original)

Do you want to feel you are actually in a cozy Mexican Town? Then San Jose del Cabo with it’s historic flabor and picturesque charm will be the place for you.
San Jose del Cabo has skillfully preserved the natural charm and romance that is so typical of small and colorful Mexican towns. Old customs and traditions prevail here. Its main plaza, the Parroquia San Jose Church and historic buildings whisper peace and remind us of what a relaxed environment should be.

San Jose del Cabo is a gourmet’s paradise positioned to provide sophisticated and memorable dining experiences; there is enough variety to suit all tastes, impeccable service and wine lists suitable for even the most demanding connoisseurs.

The absence of wild nightlife and loud bars encourages you to relax, take your time and enjoy life with no rush, no schedules waiting, and no timetables to meet.

All this is found in quiet and discreet elegance, complemented by the courtesy and smiles of the inhabitants of this lovely town.

The estuary, a natural environment unique to this region, enables the visitor to explore a series of paths where nature has built a sanctuary for all kinds of migratory birds to periodically dwell amongst the unique vegetation that flourishes in the area.
Cabo San Lucas

(Challenging, Exciting, Active)

Are you looking for action? Then just as San Jose del Cabo speaks to quiet, relaxed, charm - Cabo San Lucas screams nightlife, action sports, and exciting fun activities.

Cabo San Lucas has it all! In the mornings you have challenging water sports such as wave runners, parasailing, scuba diving, skiing and surfing, where your skill is contested by the dazzling waves and bright sun.

Maybe you are looking for something more daring?

How about chartering a boat and try fighting a marlin! But maybe you’d prefer taking a romantic stroll along the most surprising beaches where privacy is easily found and your imagination can just run free.

If you find yourself getting hungry, everything under the sun will be there, from simple tacos to sophisticated fare in exclusive restaurants. You can even have lunch served right on the beach in the shade of a big umbrella.

Spend some time shopping around the town where all kinds of stores offer not only souvenirs, but also surprisingly fine art, jewelry and apparel.

Ok, it’s time to find some nightlife! Not a problem in Cabo San Lucus. The nightlife will exceed all your expectations with some of the craziest, most entertaining bars on the planet and the chance to meet all kinds of interesting people. Dance, sing and forget you have a care in the world!

You may still be going when the first rays of sun rise over the horizon; but then a new day starts and all the fun starts all over again!

Make sure to check out these fantastic things to do while in Cabo!

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