MALDIVES ON A SHOESTRING - 8 DAYS
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MALDIVES ON A SHOESTRING – 8 DAYS
THIS BUDGET MALDIVES TOUR EXPLORES INHABITED
LOCAL ISLANDS TO DISCOVER THE CULTURE, BEAUTIFUL
SCENERY, FRIENDLY PEOPLE AND ATMOSPHERE OF THIS
TROPICAL PARADISE. ACCOMMODATION IS IN FRIENDLY
LOCAL GUESTHOUSES. SNORKELLING, BEACH BBQS,
DESERTED SAND BANKS, FISHING TRIPS AND MUCH
MORE AWAIT YOU.
HIGHLIGHTS
Boat trips, snorkelling over the coral reefs, uninhabited islands, cultural shows, beach barbecues and diving options.
Detail: Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrive in Malé
Upon arrival at Malé International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred by the airport shuttle
taxi to your guesthouse on Hulhumalé, just 15 minutes away. Settle in after your flight before taking your first steps on the
sands of this tropical paradise. The beach is 3 min walk away, with several local cafes and local restaurants, plus a
watersports centre. For travellers arriving before 5.00pm there is an optional visit to Malé for sunset mocktails at the top
of the highest building in Malé which provides panoramic views of the city and surrounding islands
Overnight: Guesthouse – Newtown Inn or similar
Extras: International Flights; extra days pre-tour
Meals: N/A
Day 2: Malé Tour, public ferry to Guraidhoo
Following breakfast served at the guesthouse you will transfer by public ferry to Malé, a 20 minute journey, where a guide
will accompany you on a tour of the capital city, providing opportunity to visit places of interest including The Friday
Mosque, The National Museum and Sultan Park.
After lunch, transfer by local ferry (approx. 14.30) to your guesthouse on the local island of Guraidhoo, South Malé Atoll,
120 minutes from Malé. Sit up top on the ferry to view the beauty of the many Maldives islands that pass you by whilst
keeping your eyes open for dolphins!
Upon arrival you will have time to settle in before either relaxing on the beach or on the terrace of your guesthouse to
watch the sun go down, followed by dinner freshly cooked at the guesthouse.
Overnight: Guraidhoo guesthouse – Ifja Inn or Guraidhoo Corner Guesthouse
Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 3: Breakfast with local family, Guraidhoo tour, sandbank visit with dinner
Breakfast this morning is taken with a local family allowing you true access to Maldivian local life.
Accompanied by a guide the morning is spent exploring Guraidhoo with the opportunity to learn about the local way of life
including a visit to the Mosque, perhaps participate in a lesson at the school and at the boatyard learn how the common
wooden boat known locally as a ‘dhoni’ is built.
The afternoon is at your leisure to relax on the beach or enjoy optional watersport activities before being taken to a
deserted sandbank at around 4pm (exact times depend on the tide as the sandbar is covered at high tide!) where with
nothing but a few birds in sight you will be able to swim and snorkel in the waters surrounding the sandbank before
enjoying dinner served Robinson Crusoe style!
Overnight: Guraidhoo guesthouse – Ifja Inn or Guraidhoo Corner Guesthouse
Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 4: Picnic Island, BBQ lunch, dinner with local family
Following breakfast you will be taken by speedboat to an uninhabited picnic island, approximately 1km long, with a picture
perfect sand bar. Here you have the opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax before enjoying a BBQ lunch
and then enjoying more of the same! Timing approx. 10.00-16.00, toilets & washroom available, island landing fee
included. Dinner this evening is spent with a local family trying more traditional Maldivian food, just don’t expect silver
service as traditionally meals are eaten without the aid of a knife and fork!
Overnight: Guraidhoo guesthouse - Ifja Inn or Guraidhoo Corner Guesthouse
Extras: N/A
Meals: Breakfast, lunch & dinner
Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.comDay 5: Transfer to Maafushi, Snorkelling half day boat trip, Free time, Bodu Beru dinner
Start early today for breakfast and then a transfer by local ferry to the local island of Maafushi, just 20 minutes away. After
checking into the guesthouse, this morning you will have the chance to enjoy the underwater beauty of the Maldives. The
coral reefs of the Maldives are inhabited by diverse marine life and are teaming with colourful fish and corals. A half day
snorkelling excursion (approx. 09.00-13.00) takes you out to some of the best reefs to discover this underwater world for
yourself.
On return to Maafushi enjoy an afternoon at your leisure to relax on the screened tourist beach or enjoy optional
watersport activities. Dinner this evening will be a selection of local dishes accompanied by traditional dancing and the
beat of the ‘bodu beru’ where a group of men sit around the ‘bodu beru’ – big drum and sing to a rhythmical beat until
they reach a crescendo.
Overnight: Maafushi guesthouse - Arora Inn or similar
Extras: Various water sports & diving options available locally
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 6: Maafushi. Snorkelling trip and sunset Dhoni trip with evening fishing
Following breakfast served at the guesthouse, we’ll head out on another snorkelling trip perhaps in search of manta rays,
which are often seen on nearby the coral reefs. The rest of the day is yours to enjoy as you please, relax on the beach or
for those feeling energetic participate in the various optional watersport activities on offer. Optional diving trips can be
organised for certified divers.
Just before sunset you will board a traditional Maldivian fishing dhoni in order to cruise the Indian Ocean and weather
providing enjoy a Maldivian sunset with the possibility to catch a glimpse of schools of dolphins. You can also try your hand
at fishing Maldivian style. The Maldives is unique in that its history depends on tuna fishing and the locals are excellent
fishermen using pole and line and are happy to share their line fishing skills with you. Your catch will be freshly prepared
for you to enjoy as a BBQ dinner.
Overnight: Maafushi guesthouse - Arora Inn or similar
Extras: Full day resort visit (various resorts available), full or half day diving trip for certified divers
Meals: Breakfast & dinner
Day 7: Maafushi. Free time
Following breakfast served at the guesthouse today is a day of relaxation on the beach. Again, resort visits, snorkelling
boat trips and diving excursions are available.
In the afternoon, a visit to a local cafe is included to sample traditional ‘hedika’ - Maldivian savoury and sweet short eats
served with black tea.
Overnight: Maafushi guesthouse - Arora Inn or similar
Extras: Full day resort visit (various resorts available), full or half day diving trip for certified divers, boat trip to Manta Ray
Point
Meals: Breakfast
Day 8: Transfer to Malé airport for departure
After breakfast you are transferred back to Malé by public ferry (approx. 07.30-09.00), across town, and on to Malé airport
where the tour ends. You should expect to arrive at the airport by around 10.30am.
If you have a flight departing earlier than 1pm then we recommend taking an earlier speedboat transfer from Maafushi to
the airport (at extra cost).
If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting at
the airport, then day-use rooms are available at the Hulhumalé Inn. Alternatively, there are day package options at
Hulhule Airport hotel to use the swimming pool, restaurant, bar etc. or a half day visit to Vilingilli local island which is 15
minutes from Malé. Other snorkelling trips or other watersport activities are also available.
Those travellers booking a resort extension will transfer from Malé airport on to their resort via the resort’s own transfer
boat. Our guide will assist you with meeting this transfer though there may be a short wait depending on the resort boat’s
schedule.
Overnight: None
Extras: Speedboat transfer to Malé airport for early flight departures, day-use + airport transfer at Newtown Inn, day
package at Hulhule Airport Hotel, half day visit to Vilingilli local island including transfer back to airport, tourist passenger
submarine trip
Extensions: A range of resort extension options are available – see below for details
Meals: Breakfast
EXTENSION OPTIONS:
The following extension options may be added to the end of your tour. Prices are given on the reservation form on our website or on
request and are subject to availability and seasonal variations. Prices are based on base level rooms (upgrades available) and include
the meal plan shown (upgrades available on request) and transfers to and from Male airport (Note - the distance the resorts lie from
the airport makes a large difference to the transfer costs and thus the total price).
Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.comTraditional Dhoni Safari
Ideal for those wanting some peace and tranquility at the end of their stay and to spend more time sailing between the islands taking
in more snorkeling and diving spots. Pricing on our website is based on a minimum of 4 travellers booking this option as you will be
taking over the whole boat. Per person prices are given on our online reservation form which cover 1 to 8 people booking together. If
there are less than 4 of you booking together, then we can put you on a wait list to see if other people join you on the boat and then
reduce your price accordingly.
Day 8 : Board Safari, cruising
Upon arrival back at Malé International Airport you will be greeted by our representative and transferred to your safari
dhoni, home for the next 4 days. You will be settled into your cabin and given a full tour of the boat before beginning
your voyage of discovery!
After lunch cruise to Maniya Faru, Malé Atoll, during which, time is yours to do as you please, relax on the sundeck, sit
in the shade of the sun canopy and watch the beauty of the Maldives pass you by and maybe catch sight of dolphins.
When at anchorage you can choose to do as much or as little as you please. Options include snorkelling and swimming,
fishing or just relaxing.
Overnight: On board Tropic Breeze Dhoni
Extras: N/A
Meals: Lunch on board, Dinner on board
Day 9 : Cruising, Picnic Island, BBQ dinner, option to camp overnight on deck
Following breakfast depart to a beautiful uninhabited picnic island, with a picture perfect sand bar. Here you have the
opportunity to swim, snorkel or just lie back and relax.
This evening enjoy a beach dinner ‘Robinson Crusoe’ style before having the option to spend the night camped on deck
under the stars!
Overnight: On board Tropic Breeze Dhoni
Options: N/A
Meals: Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, BBQ beach Dinner
Day 10 & 11: Free time
The next two days are mainly free with various snorkelling stops. One morning an early start before sunrise is required
in order to experience the art of Maldivian fishing! The Maldives is unique in that its history depends on tuna fishing
and the locals are excellent fishermen using pole and line and are happy to share their skills with you. Your catch will be
freshly prepared for you to enjoy later in the day. Following breakfast the day is one of relaxation on board or on the
beach. For those feeling energetic snorkelling and swimming are available.
Overnight: On board Tropic Breeze Dhoni
Options: N/A
Meals: Breakfast on board, Lunch on board, Dinner on board
Day 12 : Transfer to Malé airport for departure
After breakfast you are transferred back to Malé International Airport where the tour ends. You should expect to arrive
at the airport by around midday.
Earlier departures can be arranged if required (at extra cost).
If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting at
the airport, then day-use rooms are available at the Newtown Inn (price includes an airport departure transfer to meet
your flight). Alternatively, there are day package options at Hulhule Airport hotel to use the swimming pool, restaurant,
bar etc. or a half day visit to Vilingilli local island which is 15 minutes from Malé. Other snorkelling trips or other
watersport activities are also available.
Overnight: None
Options: Speedboat transfer to Malé airport for early flight departures, day-use + airport transfer at Newtown Inn, day
package at Hulhule Airport Hotel, half day visit to Vilingilli local island including transfer back to airport, tourist passenger
submarine trip
Meals: Breakfast on board
Resort Island extension option (3 nights / 3 days)
Ideal for those wanting some more luxury for the end of their stay. Our preferred options are located close enough to Malé
airport that expensive sea plane transfers are not required.
- Biyadhoo Resort (3-star - BB) – small & simple mid-range resort, excellent snorkelling & diving around the island itself,
40min speedboat transfer from the airport
- Bandos Resort (4-star - BB) – another good mid-range resort with good snorkelling & diving, a wide range of activities
and excursions available including its own private uninhabited island, 20min speedboat transfer from airport
- Paradise Island Resort (5-star - BB) – a good value 5-star resort close to Malé airport with beach bungalows and more
luxurious water villas and a full range of activities available, 20min from airport
Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.comDay 8 (Sat): Transfer to Malé airport and on to your resort
After breakfast you are transferred back to Malé by public ferry (approx. 07.30-09.00), across town, and on by ferry to
Malé airport where your resort transfer will pick you up. Our guide will assist you with meeting this transfer though
there may be a short wait depending on the resort boat’s schedule.
Overnight: Resort
Options: Various resort options
Meals: Breakfast at guesthouse, lunch at resort (own cost), dinner at resort (own cost)
Day 9 & 10 (Sun & Mon): Resort island. Free time
Your time is free to relax at your luxury resort, and to take advantage of any of the excursions and activities available
(at extra cost subject to options and prices offered by the resort).
Overnight: Resort
Options: Various, subject to resort offering
Meals: Breakfast at resort, lunch at resort (own cost), dinner at resort (own cost)
Day 11 (Tue): Transfer to airport for departure
Your resort will transfer you back to Malé airport in time for your departure flight.
Overnight: None
Options: N/A
Meals: Breakfast at resort
INCLUSIONS
All accommodation as stated in the itinerary in comfortable local guesthouses
All transport and transfers
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Services of local tour leaders, boat crew and reps
Meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 lunch and 5 dinners
Free 30 day-day tour tourist via on arrival to all nationalities
Entrances fees as required for sites mentioned in the itinerary
EXCLUSIONS
International Flights (available on request)
Travel Insurance (compulsory, available on request)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Drinks, snacks, tips and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Any other items not mentioned above
MALDIVES NOTES:
WHY CHOOSE ENCOUNTERS TRAVEL IN THE MALDIVES?
Guaranteed small groups (max 14)
Well trained local guides
Optional budget or 5-star beach resort extension
Deserted island experience
A range of different snorkelling boat trips
Great local interactions and insights into Maldivian culture
Sunset Dhoni trip
Fish guaranteed!
EXTRAS:
A range of optional Extras are available on this tour. All accommodation based options should be booked and paid for in advance
to guarantee availability. Other options may be arranged while you are on the tour if you wish, though we recommend booking
in advance to guarantee availability and a smooth schedule during your tour. Many more water sports, snorkelling boat trips and
diving options are available locally through your guesthouses and local dive centres.
Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.comSingle room supplement
If you would like to guarantee yourself a single room throughout the tour, then we will add this single room supplement fee to your
booking. If you are a single traveller and are happy to share a room, then we will aim to join you with other travellers of the same sex
in a twin room. Triple rooms are not generally available. We will arrange room shares in the order that bookings are made. If we are
not able to pair you up then you will need to pay the single room supplement.
Extra nights in Hulhumalé
Is your flight arriving early or departing late? You can easily add an extra night in Hulhumalé either at the start or the end of your
tour. Prices are based on 2 people sharing and include your airport transfer (single room supplements will apply if required).
Day-use room & airport transfers in Hulhumalé on Day 8
If you have a late afternoon or evening flight departure on Day 8 and understandably do not want to spend a long time waiting
at the airport, then day-use rooms are available at the Newtown Inn. Prices include an airport departure transfer to meet your
flight.
Speedboat departure transfer on Day 8
If your flight departs Malé airport before 1pm on Day 8, then you will need to book a speedboat transfer from Maafushi to the
airport instead of using the local ferry as per the standard itinerary. Prices range from US$350 for one person or US$175 per
person for 2 or more people travel together on the same boat.
Manta Ray boat trip from Maafushi
The Maldives is one of the best places in the world to swim with and view Manta Rays and this boat trip takes you out to one of
the locations where they are well known to congregate, often for cleaning by smaller fish. The exact destination visited may vary
seasonally. Snorkelling equipment is included.
Half-day scuba-diving boat trip from Maafushi – certified divers only
This boat trip includes two dives at one of the Maldives great scuba-diving locations. Destinations and species targeted vary day
by day. All equipment is included.
Full-day scuba-diving boat trip from Maafushi – certified divers only
This full-day boat trip includes three dives at one or two of the Maldives great scuba-diving locations. Destinations and species
targeted vary day by day. All equipment is included.
TRAVEL INSURANCE
Travel Insurance policy
Travel insurance is compulsory on all our tours and having travel insurance in place is a condition of travelling with us.
You may either take out a policy through us, or arrange your own. If you arrange your own insurance, we must receive full details of
your policy (policy number, issuing company, emergency telephone number) at least one month before you travel.
Our own travel insurance is offered through Endsleigh Insurance Services in the UK, and is available to citizens and residents of the
USA. This comprehensive travel insurance policy has been designed to be suitable for our cultural and adventure tours, including this
trip. Key benefits are shown below, and full policy details are available on request and will be provided before purchase. More
information is also available on our website... http://www.encounterstravel.com/travel_insurance.php
- Emergency and medical service - Medical expertise to arrange emergency medical assistance or transport home following
an accident or illness or if you are informed of a serious illness of a close relative at home whilst on holiday.
- Cancellation or curtailment charges - Cover for costs against unavoidable or necessary cancellation or curtailment of the trip
before completion due to, death, bodily injury or illness. The maximum we will pay under this section is £5,000 per person.
- Emergency medical and other expenses – Emergency medical, surgical, hospital, ambulance and nursing fees up to
£10,000,000 outside of your home country.
- Hospital benefit - Up to £15 for every completed 24 hours in patient hospital stay up to a maximum of £300.
- Personal accident - Up to £30,000 for death, loss of limb or sight and permanent total disablement, subject to age - Please
refer to policy wording for full details of the cover available.
- Personal money, passport and documents – Accidental loss, theft of or damage to personal money including foreign currency
up to 72 hours prior to departure - Please refer to policy wording for full details of the cover available. Up to £500 for
reasonable additional costs for travel and accommodation incurred whilst obtaining a replacement passport or visa abroad.
- Personal liability - Personal liability for any compensation you become legally liable to pay up to £2,000,000.
- Delayed departure - Delayed departure for at least 12 hours from the scheduled departure time. £20 for the first complete 12
hour delay and £20 for each completed 12 hours following, up to a maximum of £100. Up to £5,000 for any irrecoverable
travel and other pre-paid charges if you choose to cancel your trip once 12 hours has elapsed.
Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.com- Missed departure - Up to £500 for additional room only accommodation and travel expense should you miss your departure
due to the failure of public transport or an accident or breakdown of the vehicle you are travelling in or strike.
- Overseas legal expenses and assistance - Legal expenses and costs in pursuit of a civil action up to £50,000.
ACCOMMODATION
The guesthouse accommodation on this tour is designed to provide a balance of comfort, local atmosphere and value for
money. These are not luxury properties, but are clean, comfortable, have friendly staff, and often provide some excellent local
food. A range of mid-level and luxurious island resort stays are available as extensions at the end of the tour for those looking
for some extra comfort and luxury.
If you are a single traveller, you may share a twin room with another single traveller of the same sex or pay the single room
supplement fee (see Extra section above for more information). Couples will be provided with a private double room.
Occasionally double rooms may consist of two single beds pushed together.
GROUP SIZES
We are committed to being a small group operator, as we feel this gives everyone in the group the best chance to get to know
their fellow travellers and to hear and make the most of their guide. There’s no point in us providing great guides if you’ve got to
peer over 30-40 shoulders to see them! So, we won’t ever put you in a 50-seater coach or boat with 49 other people and just
one guide. Instead, we set our Maldives group departures to have a maximum of 14 travellers.
TOUR LEADERS/GUIDES
We provide a fully trained local guide to escort you throughout this tour. Tour guiding in the Maldives is a fairly new concept but
our guides are keen, friendly, speak good English, and are delighted to be able to provide tourists with a different experience of
the Maldives to the normal resort island holiday. A range of boat crews are also used for the various water-based activities. A
permanent rep is based in Hulhumalé to assist at the start and finish of the tour.
At Encounters Travel we aim to only use local tour guides as we feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the
sites you are seeing as well as supporting the local population.
TRANSFERS AND TRANSPORT
Private vehicles are used for sightseeing tours and airport transfers. Public ferries are used for crossings between local islands.
Speedboat transfers are used for transfers to and from island resorts. A range of motor boats and Dhonis are used for the water based
activities included in the tour. All boats carry sufficient life jackets for our travelers. Safety/emergency procedure briefings will be
provided by your guide or the boat crew at the start of each journey.
INTERNATIONAL FLIGHTS
We want to give you as much flexibility as possible when it comes to booking your holiday with us. So, to take account of people with
varying travel plans, we don’t include your international flights in the main tour price. We are however very happy to book your flights
for you, and our ATOL (UK flight sales license) covers all holidays booked together with a flight from the UK.
Please contact us with your preferred dates and departure airport and we’ll give you a selection of airlines, times and fares to choose
from. Your airport arrival & departure transfers are included whether you book your flights independently or through us.
Flight departures before 1pm on Day 8 will require a speedboat transfer to the airport at extra cost – see Extras section above.
Some resort islands may require an extra sea-plane transfer to be taken if you have an early departure flight from Malé. This will also
be at an extra cost - please ask for details.
ENTRANCE FEES
All your entry fees and permits are included in your tour price.
TIPPING
While an accepted part of the culture and customs in the Maldives, tipping is always optional, and any amounts paid should
reflect excellent service.
It is normal and accepted for people to tip differently, and you should not feel under any pressure to tip any particular amount.
We are often asked for advice on common amounts however, and suggest that up to approx. 5% of the tour price would be a
suitable budget for this tour. More information will be provided in your pre-departure information.
Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.comHEALTH Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting, and where you are travelling from. You must obtain professional advice from your medical practitioner or a travel clinic on current vaccinations needed for your destination. More information is available on the UK NHS Fit4Travel website – http://www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk/destinations/asia-(east)/maldives.aspx In general, most recommendations for the Maldives include: Diphtheria, Hepatitis A, Pertussis (Whooping Cough), Tetanus and Typhoid. You are required to carry a Yellow Fever vaccination certificate if you are arriving from a destination with a Yellow Fever risk. VISAS Many nationals can obtain their Maldives tourist visa free of charge in Malé airport upon arrival (including UK, European, US, Canadian, Australian, New Zealand and South African citizens). The visa is valid for stays of up to 30-days. If you wish to extend your stay you should obtain the appropriate visa prior to departure. DATES & PRICES We run limited small-group departures on this tour, normally starting on a Saturday. Departure dates and prices are listed on our website and in our brochures. Please check the website for the most up-to-date prices and any special offers available. HOW TO BOOK If you would like to book a place on this tour, please complete the online reservation form on our website. We will then contact you with more details about how to complete your booking and payment. You can also contact us on 0800 088 6002 or by email at: tours@encounterstravel.com FINANCIAL SECURITY We are a UK registered company and you can be confident when booking with us that your money is safe and protected. If you book a flight departing from the UK from us with your tour then your entire package is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL number is 10467. Additional financial protection is also provided through International Passenger Protection for EU passengers not booking flights. Please see our website or booking conditions for more information. We are also members of ABTA (Y4447). RESPONSIBLE TOURISM It is impossible not to have an impact on the local environment, cultures and eco-systems when you travel. However, it is very possible to try and ensure that these impacts are as limited, or positive as possible. We are committed to ensuring that we try to leave our host countries in a better state than we found them and encourage and assist our travellers to help us with this. Alcohol: Maldivians, being Muslims, are prohibited by law from consuming alcohol; hence there is a total restriction on alcohol being available on inhabited local islands; this includes the capital Male and the islands of Guraidhoo and Maafushi which this tour visits. We have tried where possible to take this into account on this tour by providing opportunities to visit picnic islands and resorts where alcohol can be made available. All tourist resorts, safari yachts and hotels stock alcohol for guest consumption. This does not include the guesthouse accommodation used on this tour. Bikinis: Whilst the law restricts the wearing of bikinis on local islands, some guesthouses do provide a private sunbathing area on the beach or on the terrace of the guesthouse, your local rep will advise when and where this is possible. FOLLOW US ONLINE You can stay in touch with us online by following us on Facebook and Twitter. We post updates on relevant travel news in our destination countries, special offers and discounts and other interesting travel related news and information. www.facebook.com/encounterstravel www.twitter.com/encounterstravl (yes, without the ‘e’) Tel. 0800 088 6002 www.encounterstravel.com tours@encounterstravel.com
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