Summer 2012 – Page 2 – Creative Meanderings

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – Kamala Beach and Surviving…

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Jul 192012

Okay, so…most people who know me know that I’m not the most adept on two-wheels. I have balance problems and control issues (literally and figuratively), so these alone are bad characteristics when behind the controls of a motorized two-wheeled machine.

We had just had a lovely dinner a little north of Patong and decided to check out the Kamala beach area to see what kind of place it was. It was almost dead and not a place we would want to return to in the daylight. The bars on the main street were mostly empty except for the occasional old white expat and his Thai friend. Or, sometimes just Thais hoping for a customer to stop by for a drink or massage or something.

This was the only/most crowded bar in Kamala.

This was the only/most crowded bar in Kamala.16-Jul-2012 06:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800

The only attraction in Kamala is Phuket Fanta Sea. It’s their attempt at an amusement park like Disney Sea or something like that. I imagine in the high season it is a draw for the Asians and the Arabs. However, we did a drive-by…(again no video… :*( )

Too bad this is so dark, but it was a great display of a tribute to the King and Queen....

Too bad this is so dark, but it was a great display of a tribute to the King and Queen....16-Jul-2012 06:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800

Don't miss your chance to see Phuket's FantaSea!

Don't miss your chance to see Phuket's FantaSea!16-Jul-2012 06:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800

Everything was going grand. A few nights before, R had gotten me to try out driving the scooter and it went reasonably well. I did warn him that it might not be a good idea due to my track record on a bicycle, but it seemed okay. So, we decided to give it another go. Things seemed great and then we took a big turn, the front began to wobble, and panic set in….The next thing I know, we’re on the ground and I’m in pain….

It’s a long story (writing it up for later), but I was put into an ambulance and rushed to Patong Hospital. Thankfully, there were no broken bones and nothing majorly injured – just some pretty torn off skin…

So, we’re alive and well. It could have been so much worse and the timing is okay as we don’t leave until Saturday (the 21st) for Hong Kong and I should be able to walk normally again by then. Luckily, R got away with just a few minor injuries….

And then.... we survived me attempting to drive the scooter...

And then.... we survived me attempting to drive the scooter...16-Jul-2012 08:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 800

He got a nice bulbous bump

He got a nice bulbous bump16-Jul-2012 08:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800

...with a little scratch (and soreness later... :*( )

...with a little scratch (and soreness later... :*( )16-Jul-2012 08:30, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 800

The morning after...oozing....

The morning after...oozing....16-Jul-2012 22:57, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.004 sec, ISO 800

Went in to get the dressing redone....This was the worst of it before they cleaned it again...

Went in to get the dressing redone....This was the worst of it before they cleaned it again...17-Jul-2012 00:06, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.3, 10.73mm, 0.01 sec, ISO 800

My poor knee...how many times has it been battered?

My poor knee...how many times has it been battered?17-Jul-2012 00:06, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.1, 5.4mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 800

After return visit to get dressing changed

After return visit to get dressing changed16-Jul-2012 14:26, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 160

This was like the stretcher they took me to the hospital on.

This was like the stretcher they took me to the hospital on.16-Jul-2012 14:26, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 64

This is the ER waiting area for Thais - with beds outside and all!

This is the ER waiting area for Thais - with beds outside and all!16-Jul-2012 14:27, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 80

The scooter needed a few touch-ups, but overall nothing too bad.

Time to fix up the scooter...

Time to fix up the scooter...17-Jul-2012 01:00, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.006 sec, ISO 800

Seems like it will be okay with a few touch-ups....

Seems like it will be okay with a few touch-ups....17-Jul-2012 01:00, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.008 sec, ISO 800

The moral of this story is – Never let Tara drive a two-wheeled machine…EVER! 😛

We’re just thankful it wasn’t worse. 🙂

-T 😀

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – Karon and Kata beaches

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Jul 182012

The days blur together and I rarely know what day or date it is, which is how vacation should be, right? 😉

So, sometime last week, when the weather broke (thankfully!), we went exploring the island a bit. A Thai lady recommended that we see Karon beach and others had mentioned it before. Also, one of R’s former colleagues had raved about it all the time, so we wanted to see what the fuss was about. Plus, when we were in Bali, we didn’t explore much until late in the holiday and found out that the ‘pretty’ people were staying in a whole other section of the island. We didn’t want that to happen to us again. 😉

When we first drove through Karon, we didn’t think too much of it as it’s a quiet little town. However, when we saw the beach and sand, we realized it really was much nicer than Patong. We continued on down through Kata beach, which is literally about a minute away and scooted through that town, which was also quiet, but seemed to have a lot of good restaurants and was more family-friendly. There were also more younger people and one might even say they are ‘prettier’ than the ones we see in Patong.

After a stop for lunch, we discussed and thought that perhaps we just might think about staying there for the second half of our Phuket summer. So, we started looking around at hotels and different places….

Here’re some pics:

Off to explore the island a bit...

Off to explore the island a bit...12-Jul-2012 00:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

12-Jul-2012 01:18, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

12-Jul-2012 01:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

12-Jul-2012 01:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.7, 13.09mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 100

Karon beach

Karon beach12-Jul-2012 00:50, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 160

12-Jul-2012 00:51, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 160

Look at the clean sand!

Look at the clean sand!12-Jul-2012 00:51, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 160

In front of Kata beach resort, which isn't far from Karon beach

In front of Kata beach resort, which isn't far from Karon beach12-Jul-2012 01:08, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 125

For some reason the videos that I took, which are more interesting are not appearing to be uploaded…Will check it out and add later if I can.

-T 😀

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – 36 days to go!

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Jul 172012

I think I’ve sort of forgotten what pics I have posted and which ones I haven’t. So, there may be some repeats. For now, I’ll just put up the pics that aren’t related to anything in particular (mostly food and driving scenes!) to catch up. I’ll cover the ‘themes’ next!

The pool at B-lay Tong

The pool at B-lay Tong02-Jul-2012 09:47, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, ISO 64

02-Jul-2012 09:48, Apple iPhone 4S, 2.4, 4.28mm, ISO 64

The English teachers in us enjoyed the menu boo-boos

The English teachers in us enjoyed the menu boo-boos16-Jul-2012 05:08, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

16-Jul-2012 05:09, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1250

Missed the sunset, but it's still a nice view!

Missed the sunset, but it's still a nice view!16-Jul-2012 05:14, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.769 sec, ISO 100

View of Patong

View of Patong16-Jul-2012 05:14, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.625 sec, ISO 100

16-Jul-2012 05:17, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800

Mmmm... fried crab

Mmmm... fried crab16-Jul-2012 05:23, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 11.0, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 100

Dinner! Chicken cashew nut, prawns and curry, pork egg over steamed rice and plain steamed rice.

Dinner! Chicken cashew nut, prawns and curry, pork egg over steamed rice and plain steamed rice.16-Jul-2012 05:29, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 100

Don't miss your chance to see Phuket's FantaSea!

Don't miss your chance to see Phuket's FantaSea!16-Jul-2012 06:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800

Too bad this is so dark, but it was a great display of a tribute to the King and Queen....

Too bad this is so dark, but it was a great display of a tribute to the King and Queen....16-Jul-2012 06:20, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.5, 6.45mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800

This was the only/most crowded bar in Kamala.

This was the only/most crowded bar in Kamala.16-Jul-2012 06:22, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 800

-T 😀

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – 37 more days!

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Jul 162012

I’m a little behind in sharing what we’ve been up to other than our daily studying, swimming and overall enjoying of vacation.

So, I’ll try to catch up a bit.

Last week, we caught a break in the rainy weather and decided to head over to Phuket Town, which is quite close in terms of distance. It was about 5km away and took just about 20 minutes to get there by scooter. We were on our way to the Bangkok-Phuket Hospital for R to get some dermatological things taken care of.

Just as we were talking about leaving, the rain returned and so we decided to get our teeth cleaned in hopes of the rain stopping before we headed back to Patong.

Dentist visit at Bangkok-Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town

Dentist visit at Bangkok-Phuket Hospital in Phuket Town09-Jul-2012 13:13, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 200

09-Jul-2012 13:14, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 400

It was a cleaning experience like none I had ever had before. Normally, I have no fears or issues with going to the dentist. They always tell me how nice my teeth are, but the lady who cleaned my teeth – old-school style – was not gentle and caused newly experienced pain. When I went to spit there was so much blood that it freaked me out. I asked her why it was so bloody and she explained that I had a lot of plaque and gingivitis. When I explained this had never happened before, she retorted by saying that most dentists don’t clean thoroughly and just scratch the surface, but it’s better to get in deep. I partially believed her and partially wanted to just not like her for the poor experience. 😉 In any case, my teeth were cleaned and though traumatized, hopefully, are a bit healthier….

Despite a slight break in the rain, it started to pick up again, so we made a pit stop at the Tesco Lotus supermarket, which seemed to be a larger mall-like center, which we didn’t get to check out saying we’d go back another time.

That was the excitement for our day. Below are some random pics:

Very cute orange rain jacket

Very cute orange rain jacket09-Jul-2012 14:07, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 200

this truck was loaded with people and they unloaded here

this truck was loaded with people and they unloaded here09-Jul-2012 15:16, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.02 sec, ISO 200

Even in Patong, we can't escape the Arabs!

Even in Patong, we can't escape the Arabs!09-Jul-2012 15:16, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 26.4mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

Juxtaposition of covered woman checking out the VW Bug drinking bus

Juxtaposition of covered woman checking out the VW Bug drinking bus09-Jul-2012 15:32, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.8, 12.6mm, 0.077 sec, ISO 200

Yummy, bird's nest drinks!

Yummy, bird's nest drinks!09-Jul-2012 19:03, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.025 sec, ISO 100

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – The Wine Connection

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Jul 132012

One of our discoveries in the JungCeylong mall in Patong is The Wine Connection. When we discovered it, we thought it looked like a chain, but thought the menu looked good especially with their deal of being able to pick a bottle of wine from the shelf and drink it with your meal.

When I found a bottle of Cotes-du-Rhone there, we decided to try it out. This happens to be one of my favorite types of wine, but it is quite difficult to find, for some reason. It has a very light flavor, thus making it quite easy to drink. 😉 However, R wasn’t as much of a fan…more for me!

Anyway, we also enjoyed some of the food and have been back. In our explorations of the island, we’ve found more branches, which means that it seems to be doing well. 🙂

Here’s our first visit:

I've been wanting to drink this wine since I discovered it in NY many years ago

I've been wanting to drink this wine since I discovered it in NY many years ago07-Jul-2012 05:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100

It's as I remembered...easy to drink (too easy!)

It's as I remembered...easy to drink (too easy!)07-Jul-2012 05:43, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

Arugula pizza

Arugula pizza07-Jul-2012 05:44, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

Salmon-filled ravioli

Salmon-filled ravioli07-Jul-2012 06:39, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 100

Bottle 2 - new white wine for me (Voignier), which was pretty good

Bottle 2 - new white wine for me (Voignier), which was pretty good07-Jul-2012 06:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100

07-Jul-2012 06:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 125

Someone might be a little bit 'happy'

Someone might be a little bit 'happy'07-Jul-2012 06:40, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100

The Wine Collection Deli & Bistro

The Wine Collection Deli & Bistro07-Jul-2012 07:26, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100

The Wine Collection

The Wine Collection07-Jul-2012 07:26, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.2 sec, ISO 100

The Wine Collection Deli & Bistro

The Wine Collection Deli & Bistro07-Jul-2012 07:27, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

Dessert - yum!

Dessert - yum!07-Jul-2012 07:33, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.167 sec, ISO 100

07-Jul-2012 07:34, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

And, our second one:

Post tattoo drinks

Post tattoo drinks10-Jul-2012 16:49, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 1600

and dinner

and dinner10-Jul-2012 16:52, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.04 sec, ISO 1600

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – 41 days to go and 8 until Hong Kong

Going Mental No Responses »

Jul 122012

I’m long overdue to post some pics. Sorry…

The really good news is that the rain seems to have broken for a bit and we’re back in sunny weather. The past couple of days we’ve been out on the scooter for most of the day exploring the island of Phuket. I’ll post more on that when I get the pics uploaded.

For now, it’s time to put my computer into lower temperatures before it explodes from the heat!

More to come – promise!!!

-T 😀

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – 46 days to go!

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Jul 072012

I gotta say I’ve had enough of the down pouring rain. This Oregon-girl left it behind because of the rain…. For the first couple of days I was staying positive about the change of pace and climate, but four days straight of this nonsense is starting to give me a little cabin fever and grey skies blues.

It doesn’t seem to look promising in terms of clearing up, though…guess that’s the risk of being in this area during the low season (aka rainy season). 😉 At least it has been reasonably quiet in the evenings so that we are still able to go out and enjoy dinner out and riding around.

So, here are some videos and pics of nightlife:

Main street along Patong Beach

Main street along Patong Beach

Main street along Patong Beach03-Jul-2012 06:50, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

Main street along Patong Beach

Main street along Patong Beach

Main street along Patong Beach03-Jul-2012 06:50, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800

There are always scooters or cars for rent

There are always scooters or cars for rent

There are always scooters or cars for rent03-Jul-2012 06:50, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 17.22mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 800

Our wheels

Our wheels

Our wheels03-Jul-2012 06:51, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 6.07mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 800

Bangla Street - Tiger land

Bangla Street - Tiger land

Bangla Street - Tiger land03-Jul-2012 07:15, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

Smacking Ass fun in Suzy Wong's (there's even a Suzy Wong's II!)

Smacking Ass fun in Suzy Wong's (there's even a Suzy Wong's II!)

Smacking Ass fun in Suzy Wong's (there's even a Suzy Wong's II!)03-Jul-2012 07:26, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.033 sec, ISO 640

Scooters everywhere!

Scooters everywhere!

Scooters everywhere!03-Jul-2012 07:36, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.7, 7.28mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800

Banana - perhaps the only real discotheque in town

Banana - perhaps the only real discotheque in town

Banana - perhaps the only real discotheque in town03-Jul-2012 07:38, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 800

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – Weissbier & Wine Restaurant

General, Meanderings Abroad No Responses »

Jul 062012

R is always on the lookout for good food and good beer. So, we had passed a sign for Weissbier (Wheat beer) a few times on our nightly rides. The other day, R decided to check out the menu and see if it was any good. Well, Weissbier and Wine Restaurant is a cute little place hidden back off the main road. The food is a delicious German/Austrian fare and both the beer and wine is up to our standards. R was quite pleased to be reminded of eating and drinking in Munich and I love a good meal any day!

For the past week, they have been having a 2 for 1 deal and so we’ve been twice. I did put my foot down to going three days in a row, but I know that we shall be back again in no time at all!

First meal at Wiessbier restaurant

First meal at Wiessbier restaurant

First meal at Wiessbier restaurant03-Jul-2012 05:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 100

Rabbit companion at Weissbier

Rabbit companion at Weissbier

Rabbit companion at Weissbier03-Jul-2012 06:05, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.4, 15.06mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 200

Second meal at Weissbier (two for one until the 8th and delicious food!)

Second meal at Weissbier (two for one until the 8th and delicious food!)

Second meal at Weissbier (two for one until the 8th and delicious food!)04-Jul-2012 06:15, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.4 sec, ISO 100

Next time, I’ll try to get some photos of the place as well.

-T 😀

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – 48 days to go!

Going Mental No Responses »

Jul 052012

Just a few pics to show what we’ve been up to. It’s not all, but just a few tasters:

Big beer Lil' glass

Big beer Lil' glass28-Jun-2012 16:40, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.625 sec, ISO 400

Pizza night

Pizza night28-Jun-2012 16:50, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 400

Beach chairs from B-lay Tong

Beach chairs from B-lay Tong01-Jul-2012 01:02, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

Our new digs

Our new digs01-Jul-2012 01:02, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.8, 7.73mm, 0.002 sec, ISO 80

01-Jul-2012 01:19, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 5.1, 10.0mm, 0.001 sec, ISO 80

The library - head of the class!

The library - head of the class!01-Jul-2012 12:32, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.1, 15.7mm, 0.067 sec, ISO 400

02-Jul-2012 06:46, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 3.9, 5.0mm, 0.333 sec, ISO 100

02-Jul-2012 15:57, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.1, 15.7mm, 0.017 sec, ISO 200

02-Jul-2012 15:58, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.3, 6.3mm, 0.125 sec, ISO 400

02-Jul-2012 16:01, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 4.2, 18.9mm, 0.5 sec, ISO 400

02-Jul-2012 16:02, NIKON COOLPIX S51, 3.6, 9.4mm, 0.05 sec, ISO 200

Main street along Patong Beach

Main street along Patong Beach03-Jul-2012 06:50, OLYMPUS IMAGING CORP. TG-610 , 4.6, 6.83mm, 0.1 sec, ISO 800

-T 😀

Summer 2012: Phuket, Thailand – 50 days to go!

Going Mental No Responses »

Jul 032012

Just realized that I missed writing yesterday as I spent it at the pool. I had meant to do some writing and work, but instead just enjoyed spacing out, watching people and relaxing. It was a good alternative. 🙂

Today is rainy, so I have no excuse not to get some things done. Unfortunately, I forgot to upload pictures and videos from the last couple of days, so will save that for the next posting. 😉

As you can see from the title, I’ve decided to go for the countdown rather countup method of marking the passing of time. Somehow it feels better. 😀

‘Tis all for now!

-T

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