USA - OutboundHolidays

North American Tour Operators re-discover Sri Lanka

As Sri Lanka gears up for the arrival of more tourists in peacetime, a campaign to showcase the island as a tourist destination of great value to potential leisure travellers in the USA and Canada was kicked-off last month.

Visitors to Sri Lanka from the USA and Canada between January – August rose by 25.2 percent and 21.1 percent respectively in 2010 compared to the same period in 2009, registering a positive swing to discover the much-talked about paradise island in the Indian Ocean. Several agents are now keen to re-discover Sri Lanka’s long denied attractions for leisure seekers and the country’s renewed appeal for the large segment of ethnic travellers, resulting from the progressive stance taken by the government to reconcile and re-build the nation.

SriLankan Airlines’ Chairman, Mr Nishantha Wickremasinghe said “the airline welcomes the move by travel and tourism promoters to win the hearts of the discerning American travellers and on behalf of the airline I pledge full support to promote Sri Lanka in the USA and Canada”.

The Chairman continued “there is no better time to invest in the North American region as SriLankan Airlines is set to expand its business in several areas including the purchase of new aircraft, introduction of new destinations, increased frequencies and the commencement of the air taxi operations”.

CEO of Sri Lanka Travel Inc. Mr Dillan Ariyawansa said “We are eager to bring Sri Lanka back on to the map as a tourism hotspot as we have kept travellers away from this little isle for too long”.

Responding to this call, and for the first time after decades, nine reputed Tour Operators from North America and Canada embarked on a whirlwind 5-day familiarisation tour conducted by United Holidays, to experience a few of Sri Lanka’s many attractions, combining the Cultural Triangle and its World Heritage Sites; Wildlife Sanctuaries; historic City of Kandy; famous Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage; salubrious tea country in Nuwara Eliya; sandy beaches of Bentota and cosmopolitan Colombo.

Sri Lanka is being recognised as a ‘new destination’, especially considering the recent article in the New York Times, which listed Sri Lanka as First, among the ’31 Top Destinations to Travel in 2010′. Similarly, the National Geographic ranked Sri Lanka second among its ‘Top 25 Places to visit in 2010’. These endorsements, among others, have triggered a renewed interest in the leisure segments in USA and Canada, which are constantly seeking new, unique and exotic places to travel.

SriLankan Airlines is currently working in tandem with its interline partners’ American Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, United Airlines and Malaysian Airlines to provide connections to the airline’s gateway points in Europe and the Far East. SriLankan also offers convenient onward connections between the Colombo Hub and India’s popular IT cities.

The tour group included US agents’ Expedia, Eastquest Tours, Avia Tours, Orbitz and Canada agents’ Serendib Travel 1, Voyages Skylawn, Goway Travel, Jet Travel and Voyages Professionals Canora. The agents’ tour culminated in the SriLankan Airlines’ Agents Awards Night for North America sponsored by the airline’s General Sales Agent, Sri Lanka Travel Inc. at the Galadari Hotel where the best performing agents were feted.

SriLankan Airlines together with its General Sales Agent, Sri Lanka Travel Inc. and Sri Lanka Tourism are working together on a strategic plan geared for the North American and Canadian leisure market.

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The Waikiki Beach holiday

Located on the sun drenched Island of Oahu, Hawaii, Waikiki Beach is one of the best known beaches in the entire world. The luxurious hotels and beach clubs set right on the beach offer sanctuary to 4.5 million visitors each year. There’s also the famous Kalakaua Avenue, which runs parallel to the beach, offering visitors a unique shopping paradise garnished with an array of fine restaurants and plenty of nightly entertainment.

Although the setting itself is attractive, Waikiki Beach is best known for its gentle waves which are ideal for beginner surfers. Surfing is the vibe, and the key attraction of Waikiki. You can rent surfboards on the beach; even take lessons if you have never surfed before, and generally get into the surfing thing.

Catamaran rides to and from Diamond Head are also popular and offered by several operators at varying departure times. Other activities on your Hawaiian holiday include kayaking, swimming, and outrigger canoeing.

Restaurants – Hawaiian cuisine is a true fusion of multiethnic dishes, and the seafood is not to be missed for anything. There are several restaurants located right on Waikiki Beach, the more famous being Duke’s Canoe Club and the Surf Room. Evenings are always magical here, you will watch the sun set over the beautiful Pacific Ocean and enjoy exquisite fine dinning in truly romantic settings.

Waikiki Beach hotels – The island of Oahu offers visitors approximately 30,000 hotel rooms, mostly located in Waikiki. As you travel along the beach from west to east beginning at Diamond Head, you’ll encounter several first class hotels including the Hilton Hawaiian Village, Sheraton Waikiki, Outrigger Regency Hawai, the Royal Hawaiian Hotel, and several others.

Popular Oahu attractions – There are many attractions for visitors to Oahu and you might do well to pickup a local brochure from your hotels travel desk. The attractions that consistently draw the most visitors each year are the U.S.S. Arizona Memorial, receiving a staggering 1.5 million visitors each year – the Polynesian Cultural Center, with up to 1 million visitors – Honolulu Zoo 750,000 visitors – Sea Life Park 600,000 visitors, and the Bernice P. Bishop Museum hosts 500,000 visitors.

The Hawaiian difference – While there are several other beach holiday options on offer, few manage to capture the pure magic and tranquillity of a holiday at Hawaii’s Waikiki. There’s a sort of character to the place that probably comes from a “hang loose” kind of surf culture. Actually, Hawaii has long been known as a tropical surfing paradise, with Maui, Waikiki and the North Shore being closely associated with the origins of surfing in the fifty’s. The surf themed art deco, the famous Hawaiian shirts, and the miniature parasols on your cocktails are all very much part of the Hawaiian deference.

So, if you’ve been looking for the ideal place for your next beach holiday, you shouldn’t have to look any further than Waikiki. There’s always a deal to be found, and there’s many high street tour operators offering discounts on hotel rooms around the year. Hawaii is also widely promoted as a family friendly holiday destination, and a little shopping around for the right deal can often save families a pretty penny.

Note that the island of Oahu is in the County of Honolulu, and is governed by the mayor of Honolulu. Technically speaking the entire island is Honolulu.

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US agree on aviation security cooperation

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) hosted an historic aviation security summit with the US Department of Homeland Security (DHS). IATA Director General and CEO Giovanni Bisignani and DHS Secretary Janet Napolitano spearheaded a new era of industry/government cooperation to improve aviation security around the world.

‘The aviation industry is committed to keeping the global skies safe and secure. We live in a global world with global connectivity and global threats.

The challenge is to protect the benefits of aviation connectivity and eliminate the threats. Governments and industry have the same goals but different expertise. Governments understand the threats and the tools needed to mitigate them. Industry has the operational expertise for effective implementation.

Working together is the only way forward,’ said Bisignani.

The summit was held at IATA’s headquarters in Geneva and included the Secretary General of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), top executives from 25 airlines as well as participants from the US government.

Bisignani commended the fresh approach of the Obama administration to proactively engage industry. ‘We applaud Secretary Napolitano’s commitment to engage industry and find workable and effective solutions.’ A single meeting cannot solve all the security challenges we face but it is a major step in the right direction. We had a lot to teach each other and today is the start of a regular high-level dialogue on this critical issue.
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Top 5 Kid Friendly Holiday Destinations in USA

Although there are a multitude of destinations considered kid-friendly, here are our top 5 you may want to consider on your next family holiday.

1. Disney World – This ultimate family holiday has been the source of great joy for adults and kids alike. Whether you stay several miles from the theme park or enjoy the onsite amenities, this holiday affords you an endless array of activities designed for the entire family. From Epcot Centre to Sea World; from Disney Village to Universal Studios; Water parks to Wildlife parks; no time is wasted at this world-famous resort.

Moreover, on this travel site we are offering special packages to Disney World as well as Universal Studios and others. In addition, you can save quite a bit of money by selecting hotels that offer free stays for children, as well as free meals for the little ones. This is one destination where you can easily book a trip based on your budget and stick to it.

2. Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch – From Alaska to Wyoming, there are a multitude of dude ranches perfect for a family holiday. But, one of the most notable is the Sylvan Dale Guest Ranch in Colorado, approximately 20 miles from Rock Mountain National Park. Here, your family can engage in an array of activities including: horseback riding, hayrides, nature walks, and a host of amenities provided by the ranch. It’s a cowboy/girl kind of experience as well.

This dude ranch is perfect for families who love the outdoors as well as enjoy visiting such historic sites as Fort Collins, Old West Museums, and Cheyenne (where you can buy tickets to the world’s largest rodeo held from July 17 to the 26th).

3. Hawaii – While Oahu has always been a popular destination, it is Maui that attracts family holiday makers more than any of the other islands. The reason is that it offers a wide variety of activities such as whale watching (seasonal); Lahaina, a famous whaling village; and Maui Ocean Centre, home to the largest aquarium in Hawaii.

Your family can also take a ride on the Sugar Cane Train, circa 1890; visit Oheo Gulch to marvel at the spectacular waterfalls; spend a day at Iao Valley and view the Iao Needle; or visit the black-sand beaches at Waianapanapa in East Maui.

For fabulous weather, magnificent sunsets, and beautiful beaches; Maui is the perfect spot to unwind and enjoy spending quality time with your family.

4. New York – Probably the most exciting holiday spot for families is New York. The “Big Apple” has something for everyone; from Broadway to Rockefeller Centre, you will never run out of things to do here. Among the many sites to visit is Radio City Music Hall where you can take in a show; Madison Square Garden; the Empire State Building; the Village; 42nd Street, the Theatre District; museums; shopping, fabulous cuisine; the list is endless.

Spend a day walking along Fifth Avenue and stop at St. Patrick’s Cathedral; take a tour of NBC Studios; spend an afternoon in Central Park and visit the zoo there; go to the South Street Seaport or take in a matinee performance on a Wednesday afternoon.
Whether you stay uptown or downtown, you will always be in close proximity to the many historic sites and sounds that comprise Manhattan. Moreover, your kids will enjoy all this city has to offer.

5. Las Vegas – The city that never sleeps offers a wide range of attractions for kids. This is why it is among our top 5 family holiday destinations in the US today. Moreover, it is an affordable holiday because the hotel packages and meals will fit any budget.

Among the many attractions offered for families include: M&M’s World, the Lion Habitat at MGM, Adventure Canyon, Game Works (a video game-playing wonderland), Sports Park, Circus rides; Dolphin Habitat at the Mirage hotel; Shark Reef; New York, New York’s roller coaster; Madame Tussaud’s; Lake Mead; Children’s Museum (the largest of its kind); and Adventuresdome, the largest theme park in the U.S.

Many of these attractions are free and are well worth visiting. Don’t forget the Flamingo Habitat at the Flamingo hotel or the spectacular water fountain show across the way at Caesars Palace.

For great fun and awesome rides and venues, Las Vegas is a wonderful choice for your next family holiday.

Above are our top 5 family holiday destinations in the US, and we have chosen these locations based on available activities and things to do for the whole family. If you would like to add your thoughts or ideas for the perfect family holiday in the us, please feel free to add your comments below.

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Best Family Beach Holiday Destinations in America

The best beaches in America can be found along the Atlantic and Pacific Coasts. Here are a few ideas you may wish to consider for your next family beach holiday in the US.

Florida – From Ft. Lauderdale to Miami Beach, Florida is a prime resort area for family holidays. With perfect weather and miles and miles of beaches, this area is affordable, diverse, and has a wide variety of water-sports, restaurants, and a myriad of activities for children. Cocoa Beach is only an hour away from the Kennedy Space Centre, Universal Studios and Disney World. In addition, Disney’s Vero Beach Resort is considered one of the best in Florida.

Myrtle Beach – Among the many favourite activities for children include: Ripley’s Aquarium, Le Grande Cirque, a show quite famous for its acrobatics and other circus performers; and Myrtle Waves Water Park – For older children and patrol heads, a definite must-see is the NASCAR Speedpark.

With a myriad of dining options, shopping, and other historic sites; Myrtle Beach has often been named the number one choice for family beach holidays in the U.S.

Hamptons – One of the most affordable holidays for beach-loving families is East Hampton, New York. The best place to stay is at the East Hampton House. The rooms are available in one and two bedroom units that contain fully-equipped kitchens and/or kitchenettes. Moreover, you have guest privileges at the nearby beach.

Although this holiday spot does not offer food, it does have an indoor gym and offers morning coffee as well. But, across the street is a deli that has an array of items on their breakfast menu and is very affordable. In addition, there is a Chinese restaurant across the street as well as a take-out barbeque, and deli.

The grounds are impeccable and there is a very large pool (one for the kiddies, too) where you can lounge in the sun. A tennis court is also on the premises. Every room has its own balcony with lounge chairs and a table.

If you stay in the New York area, it is a 90-minute drive by car. The East Hampton Inn is centrally located – five minutes from town, restaurants, shopping, and a movie house. You can even take a short tour to Montauk and visit the historic lighthouse or spend time at the beach there.

Hawaii – Of course, nothing can compare to the beaches that are in Oahu, Maui, and Kauai. No matter what island you choose, Hawaii has the most pristine beaches anywhere in the U.S. Moreover, there are black-sand beaches on the island of Maui as well as a myriad of activities for the entire family.

San Diego – Shifting to the west Coast, your family might enjoy a stay at any of the wonderful beach hotels. This site offers numerous amenities such as water sports, biking, as well as an amusement park. For the kids, San Diego Zoo and Sea World are not far from the beach hotels.

Centrally located to restaurants and shopping, the hotel district is an affordable holiday spot where the family can enjoy the sun, the surf, and a whole lot of other activities. In fact, you can also book studio apartments that offer a fully equipped kitchen.

Redondo Beach – Located on Santa Monica Bay, this resort haven is perfect for family beach holidays. Here you can enjoy water sports, fishing bicycling, kayaking, as well as fine restaurants and shops located not far from the Santa Monica Pier. There are many hotels that are situated across the street from the beach or within walking distance. Each has its own set of amenities that are geared towards families.

There are possibly many other fantastic beach holiday destinations suitable for families, so if you feel we have missed some destinations feel free to add those in the comments below.

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Romantic Weekend Getaways to America

The lure of America has always been romantic and irresistible to us Brits, and with more couples jetting off across the Atlantic to enjoy a holiday in America, we thought some pointers for a romantic holiday might help you decide on your next destination. Some of the most romantic weekend getaways exist in the most populated destinations in the US. Here are a few to consider.

Let’s look at Manhattan. You can spend a fabulous weekend in New York City and stay either at the Marriott Marquis Times Square Hotel, for example, which is right next to the Theatre District; or you can book a weekend at the Plaza Hotel overlooking Central Park. Perhaps you would like to stay at the Mandarin Hotel and Spa where you can both be pampered for the weekend – very romantic. No matter what your budget is; Manhattan is more than accommodating.

Needless to say, Manhattan is considered one of the most romantic spots in the U.S. Whether you enjoy dinner in your hotel suite or dine at any one of the five star restaurants, the night is always young for lovers who seek solitude in a city that hosts millions of tourists each year. Whether you take a carriage ride through Central Park, enjoy an opera or symphonic performance at Lincoln Centre, or walk along Fifth Avenue during the evening hours; the city offers something for every romantic.

San Francisco. With its rolling hills, fantastic cuisine, and friendly people; San Francisco offers hotel stays that are sure to enhance your romantic side. Among the most notable hotels are the Fairmont hotel, located in the Nob Hill area; the Mandarin Oriental, which is known for its best views of the Bay and the city; or the downtown Intercontinental Hotel San Francisco that is close to cable cars, shopping, restaurants, and theatres.

Stroll along Fisherman’s Wharf and stop by Ghirardelli Square where you can pick up some of their famous chocolates before having dinner at one of the many seafood restaurants on the wharf such as McCormick and Kuleto’s, where the panoramic view of the Bay, as well as Alcatraz island; both of which are a stunning backdrop. You may also wish to stop by O’Neill’s Irish Pub for an after-dinner drink. You may leave your heart here after departing this great city by the Bay.

We shall move on to Las Vegas – about which much has been written on this site. Time will stand still at this resort destination. With a myriad of hotels to choose from you can enjoy your time here without having to worry about time, because there are no clocks in the casinos in Las Vegas.

With great weather year round (hot, but always dry), you can wile away the early morning hours at the hotel’s pool and enjoy the evening attending a fabulous show or visit lady luck at the casino.

Whether you take a stay at the Venetian Hotel and enjoy a romantic ride on a gondola; enjoy the Spa and Salon at the world famous Hotel Bellagio; or marvel at the lush indoor gardens, aquarium, and the Secret Garden at the Mirage; Las Vegas is both affordable for any budget and is the perfect weekend romantic getaway.

Lake Placid is by far my favourite US romantic getaway. Far away from the maddening crowd, you will find comfort and romance at the Mirror Lake Inn. With gorgeous mountain and lake views, fireplace, and very large tubs, you will find the accommodations more than satisfactory. In fact, they are quite conducive to a romantic weekend.

Among the many things you might like to do is to take a walk to the neighbouring town of Lake Placid, only two miles away. Here you will find shops along the Main Street and you can stop at the Cottage for lunch. Swimming, fishing, canoeing, and kayaking are some of the romantic activities available at Mirror Lake Inn.

Above are just some ideas for a romantic getaway for you and your partner in America, but surely there must be many more romantic getaways we don’t know about. If you have any other suggestions for a romantic escape in the US, please let us all know in the comments below.

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Nickelodeon Blast Zone at Universal Studios

If you are taking younger kids, aged twelve and under, to Universal Studios, they will probably be most interested in the Nickelodeon Blast Zone. Featuring three attractions in one, this is one of the few attractions that really appeal to the younger crowd at Universal Studios, so you can expect them to spend a great deal of time there.

Shaped like a huge orange rocket, the Nickelodeon Blast Zone is a big hit with the little ones. This is a huge play area basically – and it is unlike any playground that your kids have ever experienced. There are three sections of the playground: The Wild Thornberry’s Adventure Temple, Nickelodeon Splash, and The Nick Jr. Backyard.

The Nick Jr. Backyard is the only place in Universal Studios that will be of any interest to toddlers. In fact, it is the only safe place for toddlers within the park. If you bring a toddler with you to Universal Studios, plan to spend the entire day here.

Nickelodeon Splash is a water area. Bring a towel and change of dry clothes, because the kids will get soaked here. They can fill buckets of water in a fun variety of ways, create waterfalls, and stand under waterfalls. There are also many mounted water guns to be used and enjoyed.

The Wild Thornberrys Adventure Temple is an extensive playground. While here, you will have foam balls flying through the air all over the place – the kids are able to shoot and throw them, and since they are made of soft foam, they are safe.

The kids can also meet many characters here, including the Rugrats and Blue’s Clues Characters. The attraction is located on the upper lot, and is open everyday. If you don’t want your child to get wet, avoid this attraction altogether, because with all of the water flying around and being dumped, there is really no way to avoid getting wet. If your child is too young to enjoy the attraction by themselves, you will be getting wet as well.

Overall, this is the only attraction that younger kids will enjoy at Universal Studios. As a parent or guardian, you should expect to spend most of your time here, and you should never leave your child unattended. This is not a place to drop your kids off for the day while you go enjoy other attractions. Instead, use the buddy system with other responsible adults in your party – one should stay with the kids, while the other adults go enjoy the attractions, and relieve each other often so everyone has fun.

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Universal Studios Hollywood Tours – Behind the Scenes

If you are planning to visit Los Angeles on a business trip or even your next holiday, you should definitely make time for a Universal Studios Tour. The Universal Studios is for everybody both young and old, and there is no better way to begin your visit to the theme park than by doing the Universal Studios Tour. This will not only provide you with a day filled with fun and excitement but you will also get a behind the scenes look at what it really takes to produce the Movies that we all wait anxiously to see.

If you are really interested in the world of movie making, don’t miss the Universal Studios Tour. The tour takes about one hour, and you will visit the sets of many famous movies and television shows. You will see the stars dressing rooms, and you may even run into a star or two along the way, or get to see an outdoors filming session in progress.

The Special Effects Stage, located inside the park, is another attraction you won’t want to miss. Here, you will learn how Hollywood creatures are made, how sound effects are produced, and how visual affects are designed and implemented. This is an interactive attraction, and it only takes about thirty minutes to go all the way through it. Even though it doesn’t last long, there is a lot of information to be learned here – quickly! The interaction with the visitors makes this one of the most popular attractions at the park.

For a slightly more exclusive and personalised look behind the scenes you should definitely consider purchasing a VIP Studios Pass. The VIP Studio Pass does not cost a lot and it is worth every penny! This will entitle you to a private tour of Universal Studios, and you will be allowed in areas that standard tour visitors won’t see. You will also have the right to move right to the front of the line for all rides and attractions with the VIP pass, which will save you loads of time and help you to see and do more during your time in the park. VIP passes can be purchased online, by telephone, or at the park – but they are limited to a certain number of VIP passes that are issued per day, so get yours as soon as possible.

Universal Studios is more than an amusement park, it is an interesting and amazing learning experience that you will never forget – no matter what age you are. The next time you watch an action movie, you won’t think ‘how did they do that?’ You will already have some idea as to how those special effects were created! You may even get so much out of your Universal Studios Tour experience that you think of ways that you could have done it better!

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Universal Studios Hollywood Hotels

When planning your Universal Studios Tours holiday, you may wish to stay at a hotel that is within walking distance of the park. There are only two hotels within walking distance, and they are both world-class hotels that are highly recommended.

The Universal Sheraton Hotel is located at 333 Universal Hollywood Drive. The hotel has served visitors to Universal Studios since 1969, and it is known as the Hotel of the Stars. The hotel literally sits on the back lot of the studio.

Featuring 436 guest rooms and suites, the hotel has often played host to many famous guests. There is no telling who you might run into! Although it is within walking distance of Universal Studios, the hotel staff believes that everyone should be treated like a star, and therefore, complimentary tram rides to the park are offered.

The guest rooms feature high speed Internet access, air conditioning, an alarm clock, cable television, and a coffee maker. Hotel services include a valet service, a business centre and business services, a car rental service, a concierge service, and room service. There are 21 meeting rooms on the property, as well as a lobby lounge and the Baja Beach Club Poolside Lounge.

The Hotel of the Stars is the most popular hotel to stay at, but if there are no rooms available, you should consider the Universal City Hilton Hotel. The Universal City Hilton is located at 555 Universal Hollywood Drive. The Hilton offers guests fine dining in several on site restaurants, and has several lounges on the property as well. The hotel features a health and fitness centre, a business centre, and deluxe room accommodations. Each guest room at the Universal City Hilton features a view of the Hollywood Hills, including the San Fernando Valley and Universal Studios.

These two hotels are highly recommended by Universal Studios due to their close proximity and the high level of quality guest amenities and service. Because of their popularity, you should book your trip well in advance, and make sure that you make any special requests for additional amenities or services at the time that you make your reservation.

Other hotels are available within driving distance of Universal Studios Tours, but if possible, you should plan to stay at one of these fine hotels. Again, the proximity to the park and level of quality service cannot be topped.

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VIP Pass for Universal Studios Tours

Unlike Disneyland, reservations cannot be made for any of the attractions within Universal Studios. But, you can get a VIP Studio Pass, which will allow you to skip many of the lines, and will even provide you with a personal tour of the back lot.

The cost of the VIP Studio Pass is quite affordable, and it entitles you to many special perks….you get to see everything, including many things that are not part of the standard Universal Studios Tour, although the VIP tour actually starts with the standard Universal Studios Tour – then it just gets better.

If you are in possession of VIP passes, you will be allowed to get off the tram and wonder around the movie sets. You will be allowed to visit the props department as well, which is great fun. You will also be entitled to prime seating at all of the shows, and have the opportunity to meet the cast members after the shows.

If you will be going on a Universal Studios Tour and visiting the theme park, the VIP Studios Pass is definitely the way to go!

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