Stonehenge

Estimated at being over 5,000 years old, Stonehenge continues fascinating scientists today who continue speculating the reasons for the site’s construction. Some suggest the structure served as a means of worshipping the sun, while others believe the location provided a place for receiving healing. The monuments perfect alignment with the summer and winter solstices remains a feature that holds spiritual significance for thousands of Pagans who travel to the location every year. Guests regularly take audio tours and visit the site’s gift shop and cafè. The area also boasts many ancient burial mounds, earthworks and other circular monuments created by early civilizations.

Stonehenge by mari

Avebury

The countryside of this community has what many believe to be the largest stone circle on the planet. The location also has a mysterious stone avenue that may have been used for navigation. Archaeologists date the circle at around 4,500 years old. A 17th century barn houses a portion of the Alexander Keiller Museum, which houses artifacts found around the circle. The Old Farmyard also has a cafè, dovecote and shop. Many also make a stop at the Avebury Manor. Keiller lived in and restored the 16th century estate while investigating the Avebury monument. The occupants welcome guests to tour the home and gardens. Avebury additionally remains famous for the many crop circles that regularly develop in the area.

Avebury by Adam Piontek

Salisbury

The medieval city lies along the banks of the River Avon and features many different destinations of interest. The most celebrated being the stunning English Gothic cathedral that lies in the heart of the community. Surrounded by eight acres of lawns and gardens, the architectural wonder boasts the original Magna Carta, the oldest functional clock and a living water font. Another destination includes the St. Thomas Church, which has a beautiful 1475 painting over the chancel arch that depicts Christ on judgement day. The community also has a famous playhouse that continues offering live entertainment in the present day.

Salisbury Cathedral by Ashley Pomeroy

Lacock

The quaint English community has a number of half-timbered stone houses, a 14th century barn, a medieval church and a 15th century inn. However, the Lacock Abbey remains the most famous landmark in the village. Established in 1232, the estate became a country manor in 1540. The chapter house, medieval cloisters, monastic rooms and sacristy remain intact. More recent renovations include a bake house, brewery, clock house and the 16th century stable courtyard. The community also boasts the Museum of Photography, which commemorates William Henry Fox Talbot. The former Abbey resident invented the negative/positive photography process.

Lacock abbey by Frerix

Castle Combe

Touted as being the prettiest village in England, Castle Combe served as the location for filming the 1966 movie Doctor Doolittle. In recent years, Stephen Spielberg used the community for filming the War Horse. The movie The Wolf Man also filmed here. The village’s main feature is the street that travels from the Market Cross to the By Brook. Here lies a series of old stone houses bearing flower boxes. A stand of mature trees surrounded the homes. There are a number of great hotels in Wiltshire such as the Old Manor Hotel near Bradford on Avon or a range of self-catering options if you prefer to travel with full independence.

Castle Combe, England, UK by Karen Roe

Whether a fan of history, archaeology, or looking to escape the noise and hectic environment of the city, Wiltshire offers much to visitors. Explore centuries old locations and enjoy a walk along one of the many country paths. Relax and have a memorable holiday.

Darren Kyle is a freelance journalist working for the travel sector. He has been interested in the history of sites such as Stonehenge since childhood; when not exploring ancient sites, he can be found reading and of course writing.

The post From Stonehenge To Salisbury, The Crown Jewels Of England appeared first on Europe Explored.

It seemed like a cheery place to live before the zombie apocalypse didn’t it? Just your average road, complete with a local newsagent and ignorant neighbours… But, change happens, and certainly hoards of zombies are an unwelcome change for Simon Pegg and Nick Frost – shame they couldn’t give us a more thorough tour of the area isn’t it?

Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone – King’s Cross Station and Leadenhall Market

Now,  how many of us have wanted to visit King’s Cross Station to see if platform 9 ¾ really does exist? Whether you run into the wall yourself or simply sit back and watch others do it is irrelevant, it’s a must-see for any Potter fan.

However, it’s not just King’s Cross Station that featured in the Harry Potter films. Leadenhall Market, a relative unknown in comparison to King’s Cross Station, features more than one might expect. The curved entrance to the Leaky Cauldron is set at 42 Bull’s Head Passage, which is actually an opticians. This wizarding pub is not only hidden to the eyes of muggles, but leads to the mysterious Diagon Alley and fascinating shops like Eeylops Owl Emporium and Quality Quidditch Supplies.

Platform 9 3/4 by Laura Bittner / License: Creative Commons

A Hard Day’s Night – Various London Locations

The 1964 Beatles film, starring all four members of the Beatles, was filmed across a vast number of different landscapes (around 30), including 15 in London. They include various train stations; Marlyebone station, Crowcombe Heathfield Station, Paddington Station and Taunton Station. Other noticeable locations that featured in the film are Charlotte Street, Les AmbassadeursClub in Mayfair, and the Hammersmith Odeon. So if you’re a Beatles fanatic, get yourself down to London and start touring!

The Italian Job (1969) – Various London Locations

Although the plot of the film revolves around events in Turin, London was actually used for a lot of the film.  Alembic House, 93 Albert Embankment, in Vauxhall is one location used, where Charlie Croker (Michael Caine to you and I) introduces the team members to each other. Other locations used include Harley Street in Marlyebone, Portobello Road on Notting Hill and Du Cane Road, where the Wormwood Scrubs Prison can be found. Neat huh?

Casino Royale – Big Ben, Canary Wharf, Houses of Parliament

It goes without saying that all three of these locations had previous fame before the 2006 Bond film starring Daniel Craig. However, what you might not have known, is that M’s house, (James Bond’s boss to those of you who aren’t familiar with the Bond films) is actually located in Canary Wharf.

Canary Wharf is a fantastic place to go and visit, and there are some cracking hotels near Canary Wharf that are well worth the price!

So there you have it; a whole host of London destinations that you may, or may not, have seen on the big screen. Regardless of whether you’re a film fanatic or not, I recommend that you get yourself down to London for a historic and culturally pleasing bit of sightseeing!

Jack McCourt is a 17 year old, writer, with previous experience of published poetry in anthologies. A keen and eager traveller, he is looking forward to experiencing a vast selection of different cultures and lifestyles, both in England and abroad. He Recommends BHRC for last minute London accommodation and attractions.

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Tower of London

Garrison, jewel house, king’s bed champers, zoo, royal palace, defensive structure, offensive structure, prison and place of execution – this 900 year old structure is a gold mind for lovers of history. The Tower was built by William the Conqueror during the Norman Conquest, and stands as an ever looming example of the Norman Conquest. Discover layers of history as you explore the 27 m tower and all of its different complexes. To truly experience the Tower of London I recommend getting a tour, because guides really do unlock a lot of interesting historic, architectural and cultural aspects of the Tower of London.

Tower of London, England, UK by Garry Knight

London Eye

The London Eye soars 135 meters into the London sky to give viewers 25 mile view of London in every direction. This world famous ferris wheel is one of the best ways to experience London’s skyline, but is a particularly stunning view if you go from sunset to night fall. More than 10,000 people visit on average per day, so plan to deal with crowds. Each capsule holds 30 people per vehicle, so don’t expect to get to intimate at this site. Due to the popularity of this site, I recommend purchasing tickets in advance. Maybe even consider paying for the premium tickets that allow you to skip through the lines.

London Eye at Sunset by Garry Knight

Shakespeare’s Globe

This theatre is based off of the plan of the Globe Theatre where many of William Shakespeare’s plays were first staged. Shakespeare also happened to co-own the Globe Theatre. The original Globe Theatre burned to the ground in 1613, but 400 years later the theatre was rebuilt. Due to the authenticity of design there are no seats for the crowd, so if you catch a show be prepared to stand through the entire performance.  Every year there are seasonal festivals outside of the theatre that can be quite entertaining if you just happen to be in town.

The Globe Theatre, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

Buckingham Palace

You know that we couldn’t skip this internationally recognizable landmark when writing about London. The Buckingham Palace is the famous royal palace where Queen Elizabeth II currently resides. Although the royal family still uses some of the house, a lot of it is open to the public. Visitors can admire different memorabilia of gift to the throne, including drawings from Salvador Dali. The 29 acre gardens are also available to visitors for those who want to take an outdoor stroll in royal style.

Buckingham Palace, London, England, UK by Leonard Bentley

National Gallery

Located in Trafalgar Square, this gallery offers a huge range of art that dates from 1260 to 1900. Few places in the world exhibit so many important paintings in one place. The admission is free to all, and make sure to check for their extended opening hours. The Gallery is huge, so do not try to see everything in one visit. It is best to pick out a handful of exhibits you want to see then work your way from there. One could spend an entire week with no rest wandering the Gallery and still miss some of the exhibits.

Sainsbury Wing, National Gallery, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

Holly Williford is a travel writer who has gone to several places all around the world. She has just booked a tour to the landmarks of Senegal and South Africa with Palace Travel.

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The Café Royal Hotel

The Café Royal Hotel is certainly one of the most appreciated and most sought-after hotels in London, not only because of its great location near the most glamorous restaurants, clubs and boutiques, but also because of the impeccable services that customers can enjoy here. All the bedrooms and rooms are amazing and the entire hotel has been sensitively restored. The hotel is known for fine dining and for its hospitality, it is perfect for banquets and meetings and it includes an indoor pool, a spa facility as well as a fitness center for guests who want to stay fit while on holiday.

The Café Royal Hotel, London, England, UK by Ewan Munro

The Wellesley Hotel

Another popular five-star hotel is the reputable Wellesley Hotel, which is famous for its heritage and for its exquisite, unique art deco style.
The hotel is luxurious and glamorous, and this is what makes it one of the most prestigious locations of its kind in the city of London. The breath-taking architecture and the art deco themes will surely appeal to tourists, and the overall ambiance is pleasant and comfortable. The rooms are uniquely decorated with different finishes and luxurious furnishings, and all rooms have a great room to the park nearby.

The Ritz

No list of renowned five-star hotels would be complete without mentioning the renowned Ritz hotel in London. The Ritz London is part of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company which operates over 80 luxury hotels all around the world. This one has been operating for more than a century and it has made a reputation for itself through sophistication, elegance and irreproachable services. The great attention to detail and the individually decorated rooms have made The Ritz London the first choice for many stars and celebrities that travel to the capital city of England.

Some of the most popular hotel amenities include an executive retreat, a room perfect for meetings and banquets, high-quality and high speed Internet connection, a fully equipped fitness center as well as exquisite dining rooms for guests.

The Ritz, London, England, UK by Herry Lawford

Summary

There are tonnes of amazing hotels in London and even in the rest of the UK. With the plethora of information available on the internet now it seems silly to select a hotel that you will have a poor experience in. With a simple search in google or one of the many travel comparison sites you can get all the information you need to finding a great deal, even on these extremely fancy 5-star hotels. Never settle for a less than ideal sleeping situation when you’re away from home!

Jimmy Rollins has been living in London his whole life and loves to explore the city. He has built a site, CompareHotelPrices, to help people find hotels not only in London but in the rest of the UK as well.

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London aerial photo, England, UK by Doc Searls

The only problem with planning London trip is the cost that this city could have. Especially if you’re from European countries where the change euro/pound is not so convenient, the good planning of your London tour is crucial.

Start to cut the transfer costs such as Airline Company choosing low cost ones and considering bus transfer to City center. Bus transfer can be cheaper than trains, give you a more panoramic view of the landscape and also let you choose other airports where low cost Airline companies arrive at such as London Stansted. Plan also how many quarter you would like to visit creating your personal city tour and the list of the most important places. After this try to count how many subway trips you should pay. If they are too many consider to buy an Oyster card that can be charged at your arrival and save you money and time.

Moreover while you list all the attractions, museum or restaurants you want to visit always take a look at their site: they can give you the chance to book online your seat or your ticket giving you a great advantage to save time and have a free space for the last minute ideas, photos or snacks. This is particularly suggested for well known attraction like London Eye where you can find yourself bottled in a very long cue to take the ticket and then to jump on their experience.

Planning your London trip on your own needs of travel and city tour will help you to manage in a correct way your money, your time and have the best of the most unique capital of the world also in a weekend escape!

Bio: Valentina is a weekend traveler who enjoys low cost trip to take street photography of unique places in Europe.

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Anchor pub, London, England, UK by Garry Knight

Bree Louise

Don’t let the pun fool you, this pub doesn’t need a silly name to gain customers. Its beer list is what people come here for , including  16 real ales, 8 cask ciders and a house brew of organic pilsner. Bree Louise is perfect for the beer taster on a budget, because they offer 1/3 portions for the price of a pint. The staff sucks, the customers are not all that attractive and it is definitely off the beaten path, but this pub is truly a beer lover’s paradise. I recommend for the most part skipping the food, because when a place offers Heinz baked beans you know their kitchen is not going to be exemplary. One additional note is that there are outdoor heaters, so that you can enjoy the outdoors even if it is a bit chilly out.

The Earl Ferrers Pub

If you really don’t dig the tourist scene, this is a top notch pub that is not in any of the guide books. The ale is locally sourced with a large selection of brews that even the most schooled beer junkie has never heard of. There is also an acceptable wine list, from which my favorite is the Berry Estates Unoaked Chardonnay from Australia: it has the crisp and clean notes of the grape without the overbearing oaky flavors of most Chardonnays. I recommend getting a bite of the slow roasted pork belly and crackling, apple sauce, roasted potatoes and roasted root vegetables with the mind blowing cider gravy. While you relax you can pick up a game of pool or old school arcade game (Pong and Night Crawlers are available).

French House

This place screams French in décor, food, staff and wine. You almost expect “La Marsellaise” to play as you walk through the door. Once you are inside, it does have the same feel of a dark, small English Pub. French House is truly a pub for wine lovers with 30 fantastic choices of wine that match any budget. The staff is quick, even a bit brusque. It is also rumored to be  historically gathering place of the criminal and cultural underbelly of society. Charles de Gaulle supposedly ran his London base from here, and you’ll notice the rather large photo of him here. It does tend to be a bit crowded, so you should arrive expecting to wait a bit for a seat. If you don’t like a cramped, crowded room, this is not the place for you.

Ye Old Chesire Cheese

This pub is older than the United States! There has been a pub at this location since 1538 making it one of the oldest pubs in London. Charles Dickens even wrote here! Oliver Goldsmith, Mark Twain, Alfred Tennyson, Sir Arthur Conan Doyle and G.K. Chesterton were also said to be regulars. As you can imagine, that also makes it a huge tourist trap. There are multiple floors of dining areas in the basement. You order food and drinks at the bar, and they give you a buzzer to pick the food up when it is ready. A casual joint with darkwood covered panels that give it a dark feel that is perfectly complimented by the fact that basically no natural light gets into this pub.  It offers delicious traditional pub grub like Fish and Chips and Shepherd’s Pie that will raise your standards for what qualifies as decent bar food.

The Heights

This is one of those places you go mainly for the view, and you also pay premium prices on food and drink to enjoy the view. It is perched 15 floors up above central London with ceiling to floor windows that are perfect for the setting. It is the perfect place to watch the sunset over the city while enjoying lounge fair of tapas, light dishes and small sandwiches. I recommend the scrambled egg foccacia with smoked salmon if you are hungry. The wine list and beer list are okay, but nothing to write home about. The Heights is a perfect place to have a quiet relaxing evening with family or a loved one that doesn’t require bustling through the riff-raff.

Holly Williford lives in the Washington D.C. area with her three cats and fiancé. She plans to travel to South Africa with Palace Travel to visit their pubs, and looks forward to comparing them to some of the remarkable pubs she experienced while in London in 2011.

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Palace of Westminster, London, England, UK by DAVID ILIFF. License: CC-BY-SA 3.0

British Museum

This is the country’s primary and largest museum. It is one of the oldest museums on the planet. The British Museum features vast Egyptian, Greek, Etruscan, Roman, European and Middle-Eastern art galleries. Entry is free of charge but special exhibitions usually require passes.

National Gallery

Located next to the glorious beauty of Trafalgar Square, the National Gallery is a huge space that is loaded with Western European paintings and art works from the 13th to 19th centuries. In this famous art gallery, you will find art works by masters like da Vinci, Van Gogh, Botticelli, Renoir, Constable, Stubbs and Titian.

London Eye

The London Eye is a major attraction of London’s skyline. It is the planet’s highest observation wheel, with thirty two capsules, each holding up to 25 people. Climb on-board for a spectacular experience, with wonderful views of over 55 of London’s famous landmarks and buildings. The ride takes just 30 minutes. During the night, when the city is lit up, the view is even more incredible. If you buy a Fast-Track ticket in advance you can skip the lengthy queues.

London Eye, London, England, UK by Kevin Gibbons

Buckingham Palace

Buckingham Palace is a must see in London. Queen Victoria moved to this huge mansion in 1837; since that time, generations of queens have made this building their home. Though roaming around the grounds and taking photographs of the lavish exterior are normally popular, the palace’s interior is a treasure chest of fine art, furniture, bronze sculptures and ornamental goods.

The Tower of London

The Tower of London is one of the major architectural structures in the history of Great Britain. It is more than 900 years old. The Tower has served variously as a treasury, an armory, a public records office, a prison, a palace. Today, the Crown Jewels are kept in the Tower of London.

Tower of London, England, UK by xiquinhosilva

National History Museum

The highlights of National History museum include the Dinosaurs gallery, a giant model blue whale and also the breathtaking Central Hall, home to the famous Diplodocus skeletal frame. Do not miss the Cocoon where you can see a huge selection of exciting specimens.

St. Paul’s Cathedral

Come and feel the honor of St. Paul’s Cathedral and see how its legendary dome rules the London skyline. The highlight of St Paul’s Cathedral is the impressive Whispering Gallery which is famous for its acoustics. You can also enjoy spectacular panoramic views of London city from the Golden Gallery which is situated 180 feet above the Whispering Gallery.

As one can see there are plenty of things to do and see in London, England. The options listed above are just a few of the key highlights that many tourists have high on their priority list to go see when they are in London. There are many historic places to visit, and yet, there are several modern art museums, popular restaurants and unique nightclubs and bars that are worth checking out. Overall, a visit to London will provide something for people from all walks of life to enjoy and experience.

Chad A. Hagy is a travel and history enthusiast who enjoys writing about various destinations around the world.

The post Enjoying London: A Visitor’s Guide appeared first on Europe Explored.

The Grosvenor – Chelsea

The Gloucester Casino is located in Chelsea, and as you would expect, it offers the highest levels of service. They provide superb large screens and casino dealers tailored to your table needs. You’ll find an excellent bar serving the best in cocktails and drinks – sip your drink whist overlooking all the action below. Food is also available in their amazing restaurant, so everything you’ll ever need to accompany your gambling is catered for. Although it’s situated in London, you won’t have to worry about parking as they provide underground parking at the Millennium.

Casino At The Empire – Leicester Square, London, UK by Elliott Brown

Gala Casino – Soho

Gala Casino offers all the gambling and casino experience you’d expect to find in Sin City. The most popular gambling here is the poker and roulette, attracting a wide variety of crowds inside. Gala can be located along Tottenham Court Road, a road known for its bars. At Gala you can experience their fantastic bar, where they show live sport. And like most good bars, Gala boasts a 24-hour restaurant.

Casino At The Empire – Leicester Square

This casino is London’s most prestigious gambling establishment, also claiming status as the largest too. Empire is located in the heart of Leicester Square, where you’ll find yourself surrounded by grandeur when you venture inside. With bars and fine restaurants, a break from the tables is something to look forward to. Whether you want to hit poker tables or spin the roulette wheel, Empire has it all. The cherry on top of the cake is their Icon bar, where after a hard day gambling you can chill with a cocktail or three and admire the views of Leicester Square.

The Hippodrome – Leicester Square

The Hippodrome Casino in Leicester Square is fairly new, opening only a year ago. However, spanning five floors this stylish building has redefined the casino experience with its 5-star hospitality services. The Hippodrome is a spacious venue capable of holding 2000 people. Food and drink are provided at their Heliot Restaurant, Bar & Lounge, where the finest contemporary British brassiere food and cocktails await you.

The Hippodrome – Leicester Square, London, England, UK by Paul Hermans

So whether you are a serious poker player and want stiff competition, or you just fancy a flutter and a few cocktails at a bar, London’s casinos offer it all without any compromise in quality. Why not hit the smart phone or pad after retiring to you hotel room to carry on the buzz with best mobile casinos at MobileCasino.mobi that way you can be areal high roller into the night and in the comfort of your own room. Pour a large Jack and coke and carry on hitting the tables.

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Tower Bridge, London, UK by siddhu2020

When to visit

Spring and summer (somewhere from April till August) are normally considered to be the best times to visit this magical city. Though even during this time layering in clothes is advised. Personally though, I love the British winter- when you can actually feel the spirit of London dwelling in every nook and corner of its streets.

What not to miss

The city definitely deserves leisurely visits to many of its endowments. However, there are a few things that are blasphemous to miss. If you are on a scheduled trip, make note of a few things that ought to be visited. There are always the guided tours, but again personally, I prefer discovering a city at my own pace. Do the basic background research but then let the city itself make you discover her. Be impulsive; turn a street you don’t the destination of. Eat everywhere- from the most delectable restaurant to small eateries to roadside kiosks. Let the city guide you where to go next. But even among these, the must-dos include the following-

• It would be a sacrilege to come from London without visiting the abode of the Queen- the Buckingham Palace. Experience the royalty first hand. The State rooms in the palace are open to visitors during a few months of the year.

Buckingham Palace & Queen Victoria Memorial, London, UK by shining.darkness

• If looking for a good time to able to appreciate all that the city offers, take a walk along the embankment form the London Eye to the Tower Bridge.

• Go up the London Eye (preferably at night) to get a spectacularly breathtaking view of the city.

• A bit hidden jewels of the city include the Churchill War Rooms and markets like the Borough Market, Spitafields, and Portobello etc.

• If you’re with the love of your life, the Kew Gardens are not to be missed at any cost. The entire city is spotted with several fascinating gardens. But the Kew Gardens, the royal botanic gardens, is the best place for a couple to spend a quiet, blissful evening.

Temperate house at Kew Gardens, London, UK by Heather Cowper

• When in need of a little solitude, choose to walk by yourself in the Hyde Park- watch life go by and sit around for a little introspection and retrospection.

• For the shopaholics, London brings in some special gifts. The Selfridges, the King’s Road and Notting Hill/Westbourne Grove bring you the best of fashion, interiors and technology. Shop around and have fun!

Moving around the city

The amazing transport facilities in the city make it easy to move around at any time of the day and even at night. My personal favourite being the feet, I always prefer walking around the city to take in the true flavour of the place. There are also the options of the 8000 buses, the trams networking 39 stops around the city, the black cabs and the underground tubes. If your budget allows, you can always go for a little luxury like hiring a Bentley chauffeur in London.

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Thames, London, England, UK by Jim Linwood

The city is also full of architectural wonders to visit and see. There is the London eye, the Big Ben, St Paul’s cathedral and the beautiful London Bridge. People can visit these monuments destination and have fun with friends. The unique Buckingham Palace is another architectural wonder in the city of London. The palace is open to tourist as from the months of August to September. The palace has a very exceptionally beautiful garden that one can visit and have a good life experience. Apart from the above mentioned destinations, London city has many parks and walks that one can enjoy.

The Royal Court Theater is also one of the exotic destinations in London where you can enjoy yourself and see a good theater performance. The experiences in the theaters are good and unforgettable. The city has various lavish departmental stores that are well equipped with all the local brands and the national brands. The nightlife at London is absolutely cool and rocking. Most pubs in the city remain open all night in Fridays and Saturdays. Therefore these are good destinations to go with your friends, party and have fun.

The British Museum is also found in London. This is a good destination that you cannot miss to visit when you are in London. It is the museum that is famous all over the world because it has good collections and displays. Plan to visit it when you are in London. The Tate Gallery is another destination in London where you can visit when you are traveling with your kids. The city is full of exotic range of foods. It is where you can find any cuisine ranging from that of the Chinese, Italians, Indians and many others. Esta is the electronic system for travel authorization. The esta authorization is an online process and all the applications are made online. Esta form therefore are obtained online and all the requirements are completed online.

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