Issue 25 • 1 July 2016
Destination of the Month Namaqualand
Fern of the Vine & Explore Sideways Whale Watching, Safaris & Wine
CHINA
WIN
Discover the Art of Tea and much more A week-end away with Cape Country Routes R200 Voucher with Fern of the Vine & Explore Sideways Tickets to the Franschhoek Bastille Festival A Case of Hydro Coco Coconut water
Travel | Tourism | Industry News | Food & Wine | Entertainment | Books 1
Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
EMAIL: info@idube.com WEBSITE: Idube Game Reserve: www.idube.com Tel: +27 11 792 6165
•
Fax: +27 11 792 5026
P.O.Box 2617, Northcliff, 2115, South Africa
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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
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From the Editor...
Publishers Details: Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc, Johannesburg, South Africa
This month Trafalgar takes us to China to learn more about the art of tea making, and entices us to discover the cultures of Beijing and visit the Xi’an Wall. Closer to home we venture into the world of flowers and butterflies in exquisite Namaqualand, a place like no-where else in the world; the flower season is almost upon us. Cape Country Routes has a thrilling prize at the Supertubes Collection in Jeffrey’s bay for one lucky reader, Hydro Coco is giving away five cases of delicious, refreshing Coconut Water, two lucky readers can win tickets to the fabulous Franschoek Bastille Day, and don’t forget to book your Explore Sideways Tour, and enjoy your discount voucher, as Fern of the Vine once again entices us into the wine lands. Meet Ryan Peter our Author for July, and discover some new titles on the shelves this winter. Enjoy the holidays and don’t miss out on the production of Joseph, a family adventure at Disney on Ice Worlds of Enchantment, and book Slava’s Snow Show for the child in you!
Love Justine
The word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105 “There are no shortcuts to any place worth going to.” “The Lord has promised that His word is a lamp unto our feet. He is the One who gives us direction. There are no shortcuts to heaven. Put your Trust in the Lord Jesus and keep asking Him if this is the road to walk. Then Go For it! “(Angus Buchan, A Mustard Seed).
Contents Idube Game Reserve
INSIDE FRONT COVER
SuperTubes Collection Competition 3 Food / Wine / Travel
4
Franschhoek Bastille Festival
7
Destination of the Month
8
Local Industry News
11
International Travel 12 International Industry News
14
Theatre
17
Book Reviews
18
Author Interview
19
Hydro Coco
InsidE Back Cover
Iwakwe Isizwe
Back Cover
Publishing Editor: Justine Engelbrecht justine@findingfabulous.co.za Celll: 074 440 8668 Contact for all Editorial & Advertising enquiries. Editorial Design Concept, Production & Layout: Eye-4-Design • Eva Govender eva@eye-4-design.co.za 071 059 8301 Contributors in this Issue: Penelope Jolliffe – CT Freelance Writer Fern Ostrowick – Jnb Freelance Writer e-Published 2016 © Monthly by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA cc. All rights reserved. Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous is registered by Cherry Berry Blue Publishing SA ISSN 2220 – 413X While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy of information in this 25th edition of TravelmagSA, no responsibility can be accepted for quality of goods and services supplied by advertisers and sponsors. The publisher accepts no responsibility for material submitted by any client for reproduction, in regard to all relevant laws and regulations. Concept, text, covers and title of TravelmagSA is Copyright © and may not be reproduced by any process without the prior written permission of the publisher. The Publisher would like to thank all photographers, contributors, sponsors, advertisers and all parties involved for this exciting 25th edition.
On The Cover: Issue 25 • 1 July 2016
Destination of the Month Namaqualand
Fern of the Vine & Explore Sideways Whale Watching, Safaris & Wine
CHINA
Discover the Art of Tea and much more
WIN
This issue has really got the travel bug itching, with clear blue waters in abundance, with Crystal Lagoons enticing resorts in Mexico, Indonesia and Egypt, the new and beautiful Club Med Sanya in China, the Maxx Kemer resort in Turkey, and more locally a yacht cruise on the recently launched Serenity One in Cape Town - my bags are unofficially packed.
A week-end away with Cape Country Routes R200 Voucher with Fern of the Vine & Explore Sideways Tickets to the Franschhoek Bastille Festival A Case of Hydro Coco Coconut water
Travel | Tourism | Industry News | Food & Wine | Entertainment | Books
click here to Book Accommodation on our website
Read our Blog: www.findingfabulous.co.za for Latest Travel & Tourism News, Articles and Posts. Follow us on
@JustFindFab and Like us on
/Travelmagsa Finding Fabulous
/Justine Engelbrecht Download or Print TravelmagSA: www.issuu.com • Download on Google Play:
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Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
Competition
Supertubes Collection
C this Winter Catch your Wave
atch your wave in Jeffrey’s Bay at the Supertubes Collection this winter. The property overlooks the world famous Supertubes surfing beach. There are three different types of accommodation available: the Supertubes Guest House, Supertubes Self-Catering Apartments and Khaya Zinza Self-Catering. The best part about this super property is that it is pet-friendly! There are so many fun-filled activities for the whole family, including surfing, horse riding, sandboarding, hiking in the beautiful nature reserve, scuba diving, mountain biking, canoeing/kayaking, and windsurfing. More tranquil activities include angling, bird watching, dolphin & whale watching or visiting the revitalising Aqua Spa for ultimate relaxation and treatments. With activities like these, you won’t even want to use our free WIFI! There is also entertainment for the young ones such as a cinema, puttputt, supertube waterslide, jumping castle, mini-motorcycles, paintball games, pedaloes and canoes, skateboarding, surfing lessons or just good fun on the lovely beaches. This delightful Supertubes Guesthouse offers personalised service, friendly staff and is owner-managed. Offering luxury rooms, beautifully styled with en-suite bedrooms that promises a relaxing stay. Four rooms upstairs with private balcony’s and stunning sea-views, two located downstairs, which opens up onto the garden with beautiful sea-views. Ideal communal area downstairs with braai facilities, full kitchen and a beautiful view overlooking Supertubes Beach.
One lucky person can win two nights accommodation for two people in a luxury room in the Supertubes
Collection including breakfast. Value of the prize: R3560 T&C: Prize is valid for 1 year, is not redeemable for cash, is not transferable, and is not applicable during high season, October to April. Entering the Competition, denotes acceptance of these T&C’s.
Email your name, address and tell us where Supertubes Collection is situated. Email justine@findingfabulous.co.za
www.capecountryroutes.com www.supertubescollection.co.za
Supertubes is a proud member of Cape Country Routes. Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
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food / wine / travel A few weeks ago, Holden Manz Wine Estate was combing social media, searching for volunteers to taste their 2012 red blend called Visionaire. Being the gallant wine writer that I am, I just had to offer my services for this noble cause and “take one for the readers”.
S
urrounded by towering mountains, overlooking the Franschoek valley, Holden Manz wine estate is an ultra-modern winery, boasting a state-of-theart cellar, and an elegant luxury country house hotel for those looking for a weekend city escape. Their ‘Visionaire’ is a veritable smorgasbord blend of six varieties, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Shiraz, Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It’s almost a Bordeaux blend except for the inclusion of Shiraz - my favourite spicy red wine for a cold winter’s night. I decided that a big, bold red such as this deserved to be paired with an equivalent rich and meaty repast. The perfect dish - a rustic six hour slow-braised red wine lamb neck served with buttery cauliflower mash, and a creamy cheesy cabbage gratin. While perusing through my tasting history on the Vivino app, I discovered that I had actually tasted this wine at a festival last year. I did not rate it well, nevertheless, I was hoping that another year in the bottle was going to give it that extra edge and I was not disappointed. A gorgeous deep violet hue, in the glass, enticed me to savour the overwhelming sweet aromas, which on greeting my olfactory glands made my mouth water in anticipation. Violets, spring blossoms with some oak and vanilla bean notes dominated, and there was even a hint of ripe bananas begging to be noticed. I could happily bottle this exquisite nose as a perfume with its delicate floral flavours, violets and freshly picked berries wash
over the tongue, nicely balanced by a firm acidity and that yummy oaky taste you expect from a big red. Shiraz gives this wine a solid backbone with those little spicy notes adding some extra complexity. Tannins are juicy, but providing that leathery feeling in the mouth – a worthy opponent to temper the rich lamb jus. The finish lingers satisfyingly, but by then it doesn’t matter because you’ve already had to have your next sip. An elegant, refined little number, one I would not hesitate to drink again.
Where/When/How Would I drink this: I would blissfully
convert all the taps in my home to dispense this wine to me every time I was thirsty.
Person most likely to drink this wine: Free State mealie farmers’ wife, Mrs. van der Merwe will serve this sophisticated wine to her husband of 24 years and 9½ months, Piet, with his evening meal of lamb chops and roast potatoes. This is her last ditch attempt to bring out the more sensitive, romantic side of her husband and convince him that the fishing trip to Loskop Dam he has booked for them is not the way she had envisioned celebrating their 25th wedding anniversary. She has the travel brochures for Paris prepared (the one on the Seine, not the one on the Vaal) as well as the waterworks in reserve, in case she has to resort to guilt trips. Empty Bottle Rating: “Bottle?!? What bottle? I didn’t see
any wine here.” (Hides bottle behind back and sidles out of the room backwards).
Take the Wine Route Less Travelled with this fabulous offer! Don’t Miss out on this ‘fabulous’ opportunity with Explore Sideways and Fern of the Vine. Experience the South African wine lands like never before, and enjoy this special discount.
R200 off any full-day private tour booked before November 1st, 2016. All you have to do when you book is quote the unique voucher code
“fernofthevine”. Explore Sideways offers a bespoke collection of Sideways tours that are outfitted for discerning and curious travellers seeking unique experiences and unforgettable moments. There is a ‘fabulous’ tour for everyone whether you’re a highflying wine connoisseur seeking out the best of SA or you’re a family looking for fun and adventure, they have a spectrum of activities, sights and tastes!
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All tours are ‘Sideways approved’ and what this means is that the Sideways team brings years of experience from both the wine and events industry, allowing guests insider access to exceptional artisan wineries, culinary delights, barrel tastings, and access to private estates and gardens. They treat every private day tour as a personalised event and consider everything, even down to the perfect seat in each tasting room. Whether you’re a sip-savvy surfer or a discerning wine connoisseur, they have an accredited guide that cannot wait to share in your passion, and show you the incredible sights of South Africa. The Southern African Cape coast, and especially Hermanus is one of the best land based whale-watching spots in the world. It’s also one of only a handful of places in the world where it’s possible to see whales from coastal footpaths, beachside eateries or even from your sea-view hotel window. I have been privileged enough to stand on the side of the picturesque R44, which snakes its way along the coast between Gordon’s Bay and Hermanus - the fynbos-covered peaks of the Kogelberg Nature Reserve behind me, and the endless Atlantic Ocean in front - watching the majestic scene of a pod of Southern Right Whales frolicking in the surf below. Elatedly, I imagined they were so close that I could almost reach out my hand and touch them. It is a breath-taking wildlife experience comparable with nothing else, and a sight that must be experienced at least once in your lifetime. With Explore Sideways’ Whale Watching & Wine Tour you can experience this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle combined with wine tasting in the renowned Hermanus
region. This jam packed full day private tour starts with a drive down the famous coastal Whale Route through Gordon’s Bay, Pringle Bay and Betty’s Bay where you will stop off to see if you can spot these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat (seasonal – most commonly found from June to November). Stroll through the quaint seaside town of Hermanus, and have lunch (on own account) and then spend the afternoon tasting the wines of two boutique wineries that specialise in cool climate chardonnay and pinot noir. Rate Includes: Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town, private guide/driver, drive down Whale Route, Hermanus town orientation and two wine tastings. Rate Excludes: lunch and optional visits.
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food / wine / travel Of course, there’s no better way to experience Africa than the thrill of witnessing her majestic wildlife up close and personal. When you combine this with tasting great wine, it can only be an amazing day. The full day Wildlife Safari & Wine Tasting Tour will give you a unique, truly African experience exploring wine and animals in the South African wine lands. The great news is that this tour is for the whole family with something for all ages. Kids love the wine lands too. They will have the time of their lives while you relax and sip on top class wines. Start by enjoying a two hour safari game drive in the Villiera Nature Sanctuary to see giraffes, zebra, wildebeest, and more, followed by a tasting of a superb variety of MCC’s (sparkling wine) at the Villiera Estate. Get face to beak with exotic birds, and other wildlife, at Eagle Encounters, a rehabilitation and conservation centre situated on the picturesque wine estate. Then taste wine overlooking the estate pond as your kids get their very own juice tasting. Lastly, rub scales with crocodiles at a local Croc Farm or meet cheetahs at the Cheetah Outreach rehabilitation centre. Rate Includes: Pick up and drop off from your accommodation in and around Cape Town, private guide/driver, 2 hour safari game drive, entrance fee to Eagle Encounters Wildlife Sanctuary, entrance fee to a crocodile farm or Cheetah Outreach, two wine tastings. Rate Excludes: lunch and optional visits.
E-mail: info@exploresideways.com or call +27 (0)21 201 6424. Quote “fernofthevine” for your discount of R200 and Enjoy! www.exploresideways.com
LOCAL TRAVEL
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v e vine nts fern of Ethe
Franschhoek Bastille Festival Berets in hand. Check √ Red, white and blue outfit planned to perfection. Check √ French flare. Check √ Now you’re ready to celebrate this year’s Franschhoek Bastille Festival, 16th and 17th July, in style!
T
he Food & Wine Marquee, set against the backdrop of the historic Huguenot Monument, is the place to be this July. As winter sets in, the marquee is guaranteed to keep out the cold, yet still offering exquisite views of the mountain. Ample parking on the grounds allow for comfortable walking distance to and from the village. Sample the superb Franschhoek wines on offer, or tickle your taste buds with the selection of delicious gourmet fare, available to purchase from some of Franschhoek’s well-known eateries. Add the quirky caricature artist who captures your Bastille experience, the popular Porcupine Ridge Barrel Rolling Competition, and a dedicated children’s area, and you have all the ingredients for a fun filled festival. Tickets to the Food & Wine Marquee cost R220 person and include entry, a complimentary tasting glass, a booklet of five wine tasting coupons as well as a R20 wine voucher to be redeemed at the festival. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day. Tickets are limited and to avoid disappointment on missing out on all the action pre-booking through http://www.webtickets.co.za/ is advised.
Win
Two Lucky readers can 2 tickets, valid for Sunday, 17 July only. The tickets will allow entry to the Food & Wine Marquee, a complimentary tasting glass, and five tasting coupons. Additional coupons can be purchased on the day.
To Win email: justine@findingfabulous.co.za no later than Sunday 10th July 2016. www.franschhoekbastille.co.za /
@Franschhoek_SA.
Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25 Travelmagsa 7 - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
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D e s t i n at i o n o f t h e M o n t h
Namaqualand
By Penelope Jolliffe
N
amaqualand, “South Africa’s outback” is a place where many of nature’s secrets are hidden, for most of the year, and are only revealed in the spring. The region of Namaqualand known as ‘Little Namaqualand’ in South Africa, extends from the Northern Cape Province into ‘Great Namaqualand’ in the North Karas region of Namibia. This endless semi-desert, an arid and barren wilderness with its vast plains that stretch as far as the eye can see, with majestic mountain ranges in the background, show nothing of the fanfare that the change of season will bring. People flock from around the world, from July to September, to feast on this wonder of nature, as the desert explodes forth with its hidden jewels. Travelling five hours out of Cape Town along the N7, teasers of what is to come, can be seen along the coast line and in the areas around the West Coast National Park
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in Langebaan. The true action however is in and around the towns of Garies, the chief town of Namaqualand and the agricultural centre, Springbok the largest town in Namaqualand, Kamieskroon found at the foot of the ‘Kroon’ (Afrikaans for crown), almost in the centre of Namaqualand, Sneeukop the second highest Peak in the area and the Boesmankop Mountain, which has an appearance of a San Bushman lying on his back. Port Nolloth the seaport of the area, has a vibrant fishing industry, and is the gateway to the Richtersveld National Park a major resort for holiday makers. Springbok is an interesting town to visit, lying at 1007 meters above sea level, it is set between the high granite domes of the Small Copper Mountains ‘Klein Koperberge’ in a narrow valley. Mining the copper mountains, is what brought the early settlers to the area, and some mining is still done today. Springbok is a favourite stop over for visitors especially as the earth vibrates with life after the winter rains.
Destination of the Month
Close by is the Goegap Nature Reserve, which is not only famed for its bird species such as the lordly Black Eagles, and is a special treat for any bird lover, but also the spectacular Giant Quiver Trees, a subspecies of the Aloe, which are critically endangered. Their attraction is not so much their yellow flowers, but the trees’ sculptural forms and fissured goldish bark. The San Bushmen used to use the bark as the quivers for their arrows. A number of other destinations to visit include the Namaqua National Park, which is found just west of Kamieskroon,
and situated in one of the two arid biodiversity hotspots, here you will find the famous springbok, South Africa’s national animal, hartebeest and oryx roaming freely. It is also home to the Namaqua’s Speckled Padloper, the world’s smallest tortoise, and the Namaqua National Park conserves the world’s richest succulent flora. Driving along its roads there is an overwhelming diversity - of birds, butterflies and carpets of exquisite and colourful flowers. Within the park lies the Skilpad Wild Flower Reserve, and from the ‘Roof of Africa’ viewpoint one has panoramic
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D e stination o f the Mo n t h views of the reserve and the Kamiesberg mountains, a great place for mountain biking enthusiasts. The Richtersveld National Park with its striking and colourful flora, is a world heritage site and is home to many animals, birds and plant species including the strange Halfmens Succulent, which resembles a human silhouette. If that doesn’t keep you enthralled then you can go river rafting down the Orange River, try your hand at Desert fly fishing and catch yellow fish, mudfish or barbel. Being the region with the highest percentage of Afrikaans speakers in the world, 95%, it is an idea to learn a few Afrikaans words or take a dictionary along. You might even get to hear the original Khoekhoe language spoken by the Nama people, which has an intricate system of click sounds. Your Namaqua travels will entice you keep driving and discovering.
Geniet jou reise! (Enjoy your travels)
Namaqualand – the lesser densely populated region in our country - is a name that is more familiar than the place itself. Most people know about the beautiful flowers that grow in this arid land, every August to September, converting it into an exceptional garden that people traverse continents to come and experience. Few people know that Namaqualand is a beautiful place, even without its flowers. It’s not that much further to drive down to the Cape using the N14, passing through Upington and Springbok, you will get to experience the beauty and serenity of Bushmanland and Namaqualand. We invite you to come and explore our region, feast your eyes on the rugged mountains, experience the quiet and vastness, hear our people speak distinctive Afrikaans. Come and see why Springbok is called the capital of Namaqualand. The Olive Tree Guest House in Springbok offers exceptional accommodation in 16 en-suite, uniquely-decorated rooms, spacious living areas where you can relax, swimming pool, internet, DSTV, limited conference facilities, a superb breakfast and great views.
Be part of our world, our community, our friendliness and hospitality. Carl and Elna van Niekerk • Cell: 083 305 5602 • Fax: 086 609 6916 Email: info@tot.co.za • www.tot.co.za
Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
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Local Industry News
Serenity One – see Cape Town as all mariners have viewed the city for centuries!
F
or visitors to Cape Town, two attractions are foremost on the long list of attractions: spectacular Table Mountain, and the iconic V&A Waterfront, the revamped dock area that is now a bustling, thriving hub of restaurants, historical tourist attractions and shops. As indicated by the name it is also the perfect place to charter a boat or take a seat aboard a scheduled cruise, and see Cape Town as all mariners have viewed the city for centuries. Serving this need is the Waterfront Charters Company, who are the longest serving cruise charter company in the V&A, and have been operating continuously from its quays since 1991. In this time Waterfront Charters have witnessed the phenomenal changes to all aspects of waterfront life that development has wrought; the combination of historical preservation and modern innovation and commerce has produced a working harbour that is best viewed from the deck of a boat, giving unobstructed views of the attractions. Even more rewarding is boarding a state-of-the art cruising vessel and venturing out to sea to get a fish’s eye view of the mountain, the harbour, the city and the coastline. Waterfront Charters have kept pace with the innovations of the Waterfront, and with great excitement and satisfaction have recently launched their new yachting flagship: the Serenity One. Serenity One is a 12 metre Sailing Catamaran, a purpose built day charter adventure yacht that was built for Waterfront Charters by Scape Yachts. Serenity One can carry up to 40 passengers and three crew in complete safety. With full sailing rig of mainsail and jib hoisted she flies under 88.8 square metres of sail, providing a thrill
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even vastly experienced sailors appreciate. If the Cape winds are not cooperating she has the back-up of twin 55 hp motors that are powerful enough for anything the Atlantic can dish up, and they will power the catamaran through the swells whilst guests admire the unparalleled views from the Atlantic Ocean. For those more interested in the leisure aspects of cruising the ocean, Serenity is a single decked vessel with a covered cockpit area and an open trampoline area that give all guests comfortable and if necessary, sheltered viewpoints; for thirstier guests there is a fully stocked bar that seats eight people. Safety on-board was a primary design feature, and Scape Yachts have built Serenity to stringent safety standards; a world-class design using the highest grade Lloyds approved materials. Her written specifications look like they belong to the Queen Mary; suffice it to say that no expense was spared in building this beautiful vessel. Waterfront Charters are extremely proud of their new addition: Craig Girdlestone, joint owner of Waterfront Charters, says “Serenity One offers a unique experience on the water off Cape Town. There are two three hour charter trips daily that take guests to the magical Clifton Bay; and we also offer the opportunity for groups to charter Serenity, and we will tailor-make a trip that will provide stunning opportunities for parties or incentive groups. She’s a beautiful boat that sails like a dream.” Serenity One is the perfect addition to the V&A Waterfront, and supplements Waterfront Charters already extensive fleet; she will no doubt grace the seas off Cape Town for many years, providing dazzling sailing memories for locals and tourists alike.
Tr av e l I n t e r n a t i o n a l
Discover China
- A Gentle, Genteel Giant
D
espite its mighty economy, China is a historically important country where ancient customs and gentle politeness are particularly significant, and even making a cup of tea is a sacred art form.
The art of tea
The Tea Ceremony is a beautiful custom that travellers will encounter across Asia, and in China it is often associated with literature, arts, and philosophy, and is closely connected with Taoism, Buddhism and Confucianism. Tea is prepared and served for a number of reasons such as family gatherings, to show gratitude, to apologise, and as a sign of respect. In traditional Chinese society, members of the younger generation show their respect to their elders by offering a cup of tea. When sons and daughters leave home for work or marriage, they may spend less time with their parents; therefore, going to restaurants and drinking tea becomes an important activity to re-establish ties at family gatherings. Every Sunday, Chinese restaurants are crowded with families enjoying tea, which showcases the strong Chinese family values. In Chinese culture, tea may be offered as part of a formal apology. Children who have been naughty or have misbehaved in some way may serve tea to their parents as a sign of regret and submission.
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One of the loveliest reasons of all, the Chinese observe the tea ceremony during their marriage service to show gratitude. The bridal couple will kneel in front of their parents and serve them tea to thank them for raising them. Often the couple will also serve each other’s parents, as a way of joining their families.
The other wall of China
The Great Wall of China might be the most famous, but it is certainly not the only defensive wall in China. The city wall in Xi’an is one that is definitely worth a visit. It’s the only city wall in China that’s still in its complete state. It was first built by Zhu Yuanzhang, the first Emperor of the Ming Dynasty, in order for him to make the town of Xi’an safe against possible invaders. Until then the wall was made of dirt, lime and even rice extract, but after Zhu Yuanzhang’s fortifications, the Xi’an’s city wall would have looked very much the way it does today. The wall is not exactly in the same state as it was back then, because throughout history it was destroyed a couple of times and then renovated a couple of times until it fell into decline. The last time was in 1983 when the provincial government restored it to its current state. Today the wall is 12 meters high and 12-18 meters wide. It encircles the rectangular, historic city centre of Xi’an and measures 14 kilometres in length. There’s a deep moat
Tr av e l I n t e r n a t i o n a l surrounding it and four gates that are beautifully built in pagoda style. Between these gates you’ll also find many watchtowers and turrets. The south gate is the most ornate and the place where most people start their visit to the wall. Between the gate towers, you’ll find sentry buildings, which were built for soldiers to take cover when the city was under attack. They are about 60 metres apart, which gave the soldiers’ arrows enough range to reach the enemy. The wall is a much friendlier place these days. Instead of soldiers and flying arrows, you’ll find tourists and locals walking on the wall or even riding bikes taking in the town of Xi’an from the top. From the wall, you’ll have a good view onto the Bell and Drum Towers located in the centre of Xi’an as well as many other sights. When the sun sets, the entire wall and every gate, tower and turret lights up with thousands of colourful lights, which is something every visitor to Xi’an should go and see.
Exploring Beijing’s Hutongs
In Beijing, the best place to soak up traditional Chinese culture is in the little alley ways you find dotted around this giant metropolis. These hutongs, as these alleys are called, are formed by clumps of siheyuan, also known as traditional courtyard residences. Back in the day one family built their siheyuan next to another, which gradually formed a hutong. Then when one hutong joined up with another, an entire neighbourhood was formed. Chinese residences are built according to set rules. Simply said, a siheyuan consists of four houses that are set around two courtyards, an inner and an outer courtyard and was inhabited by one family. These days some of the siheyuan are home to multiple families, if they’re not being leveled and replaced by high rise buildings that is. Some areas in Beijing are protected by the government. One example is the area near Qianhai Lake, which is best discovered on a traditional rickshaw tour. There are many small shops, restaurants and eateries lining the hutongs. Some might say that these western-style establishments have taken away the authenticity of the buildings, but if you venture away from the main tourist drag, you might get a chance to peek inside the courtyards, and get a glimpse into Beijing’s day to day life. There are several siheyan located in the Qianhai Lake area that have been turned into museums, such as Prince Kung’s Mansion. Although this siheyan is probably slightly larger than an average family home would’ve been, it’s a great way to see what living in traditional Beijing must have been like.
with departures from now until October 2016. This guided holiday includes sightseeing highlights such as a city tour of Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, a visit to Tiananmen Square, the Forbidden City, Temple of Heaven and the Terracotta Warriors and City Wall in Xi’an.
Mei Lanfang Memorial is another traditional residence that is open for visitors. Mei Lanfang was a famous opera singer during the last century, but even if you’re not familiar with his work, his former house will give you a good impression of how the wealthy lived in his time.
You will also enjoy a cruise on the Huangpu River in Shanghai, and view the Great Wall near Beijing, the Shanghai Acrobats and witness locals practicing Tai Chi in the morning. Guests will also enjoy breakfast daily, six lunches (including the Be My Guest) and three dinners. Accommodation will be in hand-picked 4 or 5 star hotels, and will include all porterage and restaurant gratuities.
Visit Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai on Trafalgar’s Classic China, which is priced from R35 606 per person twin share
To find out more visit www.trafalgar.com. Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
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i n t e r n a t i o n a l t r av e l LUX* Resorts and Hotels helps people celebrate life by delivering consistently on the promise of a different kind of luxury; hospitality that is Lighter Brighter. Star ratings are all very well but we do more than tick boxes in the way conventional resorts and hotels do. Traditional classifications may hint at excellent service and first-rate facilities but it’s the surprises, together with the spontaneity and sincerity of our team members that inspires so many of our guests to keep coming back. Since luxury means different things from person to person, we focus on perfecting the priorities. So share in our experiences with our Reasons to Go: Start the day with our special blend of coffee, connect mind, body and soul with the LUX* Me approach to wellbeing, indulge in the bursting flavours of our home-made ice cream or explore the grounds and find our message in a bottle, holding a surprise just for you.
Island Light Holidays • 011 770 7821 info@islandlightholidays.co.za www.Luxresorts.com
i n t e r n at i o n a l i n d u s t r y n e w s
Club Med Sanya
Is A Tribute To Nature
Pics courtesy of www.studiomhna.com
I
n an exceptional location on Hainan Island in Southeast China, the Club Med Sanya resort celebrates nature to its fullest, set on a stunning beach amongst lush vegetation. Designed by Parisian Interior Design Agency Studio MHNA, the project combines sophistication with tropical playfulness. The entire project was designed to be bespoke for Club Med, with everything manufactured and produced locally by local manufacturers and craftsmen. Emphasising comfort, innovation and luxury, the Studio used rich materials and vibrant colours to create an inspiring ambience.
holidays with friends and families. The Lobby celebrates nature with plants on one side and the ocean on the other, the main restaurant also pays tribute to the elements with its earthy buffet showcase. The village centre is an ode to the seaside atmosphere, which includes a main bar, indoor and outdoor lounges, play areas (billiards and mahjong), outdoor areas that lead to the beach and an outdoor scene that allows to present daily beautiful shows. The All Day Dining Restaurant, which pays tribute to the world of yachting, is located upstairs and offers a splendid view of the beach.
The new Club Med village celebrates nature, a meeting place of land and sea, in an atmosphere bathed by the sun. Its exceptional location and wide beach, allows for privacy as there are no immediate neighbours.
The Mini Club and Petit Club are part of the operation of a Club Med village, and children are treated like Kings, with various games rooms and an outside playground.
In developing this project for CLUB MED, the STUDIO MHNA wanted the project to be rich, luxurious, easygoing, creative, innovative, comfortable, colourful, and full of life and fun, hence it is designed for couples, and
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The Discovery Centre offers many excursions to the surrounding areas and the Club Med Boutique. Many other activities are also available: water sports, the main pool, a climbing wall, archery centre, spa, fitness area, Nightlife, and karaoke rooms.
I n t e r n at i o n a l I n d u s t r y N e w s
The Maxx Royal Kemer Resort
M
ultidisciplinary architecture and brand development agency GeoID are responsible for bringing to life Turkey’s first and only “Grand Boutique Resort”, the Maxx Royal Kemer Resort. Located on the beaches on Antalya at the foothills of the Taurus Mountaines, the resort’s unique design concept was strongly influenced by the four elements of the universe.
and possesses a smart suite control system, allowing guests to have complete control over the variables of their room, even from a distance. Positioned directly before the spectacular 400 m long beach, the Maxx Royal’s Beach Villas are 9500 m², with optional sizes ranging from one to three bedrooms. Each area boasts a private Laguna Pool with a secluded garden and Jacuzzi on the terrace.
GeoID used this source of inspiration to create a group of 24 motifs exclusively for the project. In hues of Azure, Bronze, Emerald and Tangerine, these inspirational designs signify – respectively – Water, Earth, Air and Fire. These patterns can be seen repeated throughout the hotel in diverse forms, from wallpaper to bed sheets, in staff uniforms and restaurant menus, and are symbolic of the fundamental components of the cosmos.
The Maxx Royal Kemer also offers its guests a choice between four originally and luxuriously designed restaurants; Azure Türk, Azure Italia, Azure Fish and Azure 24, (and every villa also has the option of private dining with 24-hour service and a personal butler). With great attention paid to each aspect of this majestic hotel, gigantesque in size, but boutique in experience, everything from the restaurants, to the accommodation and unbeatable sea, garden and forest views surpass expectation.
The resort fits in seamlessly with the surrounding landscape, where the picturesque Taurus Mountains meet the Mediterranean Sea. GeoID’s major design objective was to make the Maxx Royal Kemer experience an incomparable one. Even the logo stands as a tribute to the Ibexes, a breed of wild mountain goat that inhabits the natural surroundings, and which are often spotted roaming amongst the scenery, giving the guests a close interactive experience with nature.
GeoID have adeptly brought a vision created on paper to life with seamless functionality and exceptional style.
www.geomim.com
Guests of the resort can choose from an extensive selection of magnificent suites. Each one measures 105 m² in size
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Industry News
Crystal Lagoons M
ultinational innovation company Crystal Lagoons have developed an environmentally-friendly and sustainable technology, which enables them to create and maintain manmade lagoons of unlimited size at very low costs. The lagoons utilise just half of the water required by a park of the same size, and 30 times less water than a standard golf course. Building an oasis in the middle of the desert, using brackish water from desert wells, used to be just a dream. The world’s top amenity has revolutionized that idea. In Egypt, there is such an oasis in an area where the land was previously unusable and had very little commercial value, but now it is a beautiful project in the middle of the Sinai desert, 5 km inland from the famous tourist spot Sharm El Sheikh. There are 300 existing projects in various stages of development in 60 countries, and Crystal Lagoons have recently brought their award-winning technology to South Africa, with offices in Cape Town, and we look forward to South Africa’s first Crystal Lagoon. These impressive bodies of water consume only 2% of the energy needed by conventional filtration systems, and require up to 100 times less chemicals to keep the water clear at all times. They also boast very low construction and maintenance costs and can use any type of water fresh, salt, or brackish. The Citystars Sharm El Sheikh Resort, Egypt This lagoon accesses salt water derived from underground aquifers, productively transforming unusable land with very little commercial value, into a beautiful amenity for residents and visitors of the well-known Egyptian resort town of Sharm el Sheikh. Forming part of a new 750-hectare resort that will be made up of 30 000 residential units, hotels, golf courses, museums, restaurants, and a shopping mall. This Guinness World Record breaking body of water (the largest of its kind in the world at 12.5 hectares), is inland from the Red Sea, boasting views of the iconic diving destination as well as beautiful mountains, desert and Tiran island.
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The lagoon is perfect for swimming, water sports and catching some sun on its pristine white sand beaches – making the high life of Ancient Egypt’s rich and famous possible for the modern tourist. Diamante Cabo San Lucas Resort, Mexico Mexico tops the bucket lists of many seasoned travelers, as one of the most visited countries in the world, the traveler’s paradise boasts rich history, delicious delicacies, incredible landscapes, and a variety of accommodation options from backpackers to the ultimate luxury resorts. A Mexican getaway comes with fun in the sun, and it’s worth a visit to the 10-hectare Crystal Lagoon in the heart of the luxury Diamante resort in Cabo San Lucas. This lagoon boasts majestic views of the Pacific Ocean, and offers sailing, swimming, and SUP (stand up paddling) for the whole family. Treasure Bay, Indonesia The Treasure Bay resort has everything a traveler could want from an island paradise – relaxing leisure activities by day and fun entertainment and nightlife. It also boasts, the archipelago island paradise of Indonesia’s (and South East Asia’s) first Crystal Lagoon. This 6.3-hectare Crystal Lagoon in Bintan, part of the Riau Islands province is dubbed as the next Bali, as the resort’s popularity continues to grow, and it’s under an hour by catamaran to Singapore. While there is no shortage of sea in the area, the lagoon offers resort-goers safe fun in the sun, and crystal-clear perfect water at any time – with a wide range of recreational and interactive water activities, including swimming, kayaking, paddle-boarding, and sailing.
www.crystal-lagoons.com.
THEAT R E
GO GO GO JOSEPH! Pieter Toerien presents Tim Rice and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s sparkling family musical. On stage at the Pieter Toerien Theatre, Montecasino, from 29 April to 7 August 2016 and returning by huge demand from 10 November 2016 to 29 January 2017. Retelling the Biblical story of Joseph and his coat of many colours, this magical musical is packed full of unforgettable songs including Any Dream Will Do and Close Every Door to Me. Joseph And The Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat features a stunning local cast of 23 of the best musical theatre performers and dancers, and promises to be “A TECHNICOLOR TRIUMPH” for the whole family to enjoy!
Book at http://online.computicket.com/web/
B OO K S 4X4 TRAVEL GUIDE: EASTERN AFRICA MAUREEN DAY
Zambia – Malawi – Tanzania – Uganda – Kenya – Ethiopia An invaluable guide for 4x4 explorers to these less-travelled – but hugely rewarding – parts of our continent. This comprehensive planning guide to 4x4 travel through eastern Africa is based on firsthand travel experience. Introductory chapters give detailed general information and guidance on itineraries, what to take, potential costs, fuel availability, road conditions, security issues, requisite documentation, medical precautions, check lists, bush recipes and more. This is followed by descriptions of the routes traversed by the author and her party through six countries. Route maps and detailed, sensible advice equip future travellers with all the necessary information required to plan and carry out a trouble-free trip through the region.
ISBN: 978 0 6206 7051 7 / R230.00
BAOBABS OF THE WORLD: THE UPSIDE-DOWN TREES OF MADAGASCAR, AFRICA AND AUSTRALIA ANDRY PETIGNAT & LOUISE JASPER
A photographic masterpiece, this beautiful book is a fitting tribute to the baobab – an extraordinary and majestic tree found principally in Madagascar, and peripherally in Africa and Australia. The first section offers a short introduction to the classification and general description of baobabs, details of their life history, biogeography, dispersal and their role in people’s lives. The second section comprises a guide to each of the eight baobab species, including botanical description, details of their habitat, distribution and principal uses, accompanied by clear images and line drawings of the leaves, flowers, fruits and growth habit of each species. Interesting text and lavish photographs throughout make this book irresistible for specialist botanists and lay enthusiasts alike, and it will have particular appeal for tourists too.
ISBN: 978 1 7758 4370 2 | R230.00
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B OO K S Guide to Trees Introduced into Southern Africa Hugh Glen & Braam van Wyk
Southern Africa is home to more than 2,000 introduced (not indigenous) trees. These non-native species are encountered daily and form a familiar part of our urban landscapes, growing successfully in parks, gardens, along road sides, and in other open spaces. This guide features nearly 600 of the most common and familiar of these and, using the same model of identification as FG Trees of Southern Africa, facilitates ID based on leaf and stem features. The book provides the country of origin for each species and offers key information on cultivation and uses. Each entry is supported by colour images that depict key features, and a shaded map that shows the plant’s cold tolerance (where the species can grow). An essential guide for landscapers and gardeners as well as tree enthusiasts who will struggle to find these trees in their guide to indigenous trees.
ISBN: 978 1 77584 125 8 /R390.00
POCKET GUIDE: BUTTERFLIES OF EAST AFRICA DINO J. MARTINS & STEVE COLLINS
Butterflies are among the most familiar and popular of all the insects, and butterfly watching makes an absorbing hobby. This handy, compact guide serves as an introduction to East Africa’s amazing butterfly diversity. It introduces 246 of the more common, spectacular and interesting species found in Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi. Each species account features concise text describing key identification features, habits, habitat and larval food plants; full-colour photographs; distribution maps showing each butterfly’s range. This handy guide should prove invaluable to beginners and more experienced butterfly enthusiasts alike.
ISBN: 978 1 77584 242 2| R150.00
Quiet Power: Growing Up As an Introvert in a World That Can’t Stop Talking Susan Cain
The highly anticipated follow-up to the sensational bestseller Quiet – empowering introverted children, teens and young adults. Susan Cain sparked a worldwide conversation with Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World that Can’t Stop Talking. She inspired millions of people, and permanently changed the way we see introverts – and the way introverts see themselves. Now she takes the Quiet Revolution to a younger audience. Childhood, adolescence and your early twenties are times wrought with insecurity and self-doubt. Your search for your place in the world can seem daunting. Focusing on the strengths and challenges of being introverted, Quiet Power is full of examples from school, family life and friendship, applying the breakthrough discoveries of Quiet to readers that so badly need them. This insightful, accessible and empowering book is eye-opening to extroverts and introverts alike. Unlock your hidden superpower and give yourself the tools to make a mark – in your own quiet way.
ISBN: 978 0 2412 7355 5 | RRP: R320.00
Africa Solo - My World Record Race from Cairo to Cape Town Mark Beaumont
In the spring of 2015, Mark Beaumont set out from the bustling heart of Cairo on his latest world record attempt - solo, the length of Africa, intending to ride to Cape Town in under 50 days. Seven years since he smashed the world record for cycling round the world, this would be his toughest trip yet. And he would set a new mark that would simply break the limits of endurance. Despite illness, mechanical faults, attempted robbery and stone-throwing children, as well as dehydration in the deserts and unprecedented levels of exhaustion, Mark completed the journey in just 41 days, 10 hours and 22 minutes, after cycling 6,762 miles, spending 439 hours in the saddle (sometimes up to 16 hours a day) and climbing 190,355 feet through eight countries. It was an astonishing journey, and one that will fascinate and grip the reader. From the obvious dangers of Egypt, Sudan and Kenya, over the unpaved, muddy, mountainous roads of Ethiopia, through the beautiful grasslands of Tanzania and Zambia, to riding at night in Botswana in the company of elephants and giraffes. Mark brings Africa to life in all its complex glory, friendship and curiosity, while inspiring us all to question the bounds of what is possible.
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Author Interview
TravelmagSA Finding Fabulous chatted to Ryan Peter Author
of When Twins War, Jesus Crushes Sin, and Your
Ryan Peter
Single Happiness.
Ryan Peter is a writer, journalist and ghostwriter from Johannesburg, South Africa. He writes fantasy and sci-fi and anything to do with the “weird” while he enjoys conversing (and writing, of course) on topics such as faith and theology. His books are widely available at Amazon and other major online retailers. He is the author of “When Twins War”, a fantasy epic; “Your Single Happiness”; “The Butcher’s Shadow”, an upcoming ghost story thriller; “Jesus Crushes Sin”; and a sequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic, “Treasure Island”. He also serves on the New Covenant Ministries (NCMI) translocal team. Why E-books, and why would you encourage people to read books online in the future?
E-books are meant to be the new, cheaper paperback - what the paperback used to be. Many of us are avid readers, but we can’t fork out R250 at a time. I know many publishers don’t follow this philosophy, but I do with my own books. I still like printed books, but I want to find a way to appeal to everyone and not just those with lots of expendable income.
When Twins War is a fantasy – who would most enjoy these books, and what makes them different to the many popular fantasy stories on the shelves?
Fantasy can take you on an adventure that helps you see the beauty and wonder of our own world. Almost everyone who has read When Twins War has told me they simply love its world - and the mystery that world invokes. There is a spiritual, mystical quality to the two books that are meant to make you think about our world differently. I’ve also tried to move away from the typical European mythology in popular fantasy and mixed things up with Arabic and African mythology. As the series develops, the mixing up will get even weirder.
When do you plan on releasing the sequels?
Hopefully next year I’ll release the next book, titled “The Flight of the Prince”. I’ve got most of the plot down and am pretty excited about where the story has developed - it’s certainly surprised even me. Outside of that I’m working on a sci-fi novel about immortality, and a sequel to Robert Louis Stevenson’s “Treasure Island”.
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Author Interview
Is Jesus Crushes Sin for everyone? How will non-believers benefit from the message within, and why would you encourage them to read this book?
It’s a very theological book that asks the question: Can we really be good people? We all see ourselves as more moral, more righteous, more in tune with the issues of the day, more on the right side of history, or more affirming to others, and so on. But all this “I’m more moral, or I’m more affirming, or I’m more [whatever]” business all point to our universal issue: we’re all self-righteous and we’re constantly trying to justify ourselves, set ourselves up as having it together, or as some kind of victim to our chemistry or whatever. We actually think we’re more righteous than God when we get down to the details. I believe Jesus came to sort out this self-righteousness problem before he came to sort out any of the other things people generally classify as ‘sin’. The book explores that topic, and then explores how Jesus came to set us free.
Does your book Your Single Happiness imply that single people are not 100% happy, or does it imply that we are better off pursuing being married, while adhering to Gods principles? In short, how can your book benefit unmarried men and women?
The title is a bit of a play on the question: what is the one thing that makes you happy above all? What is your single happiness? When I was single I had to realise that getting married wouldn’t bring the kind of joy and contentment and peace that I was looking for. I’m a romantic at heart and I wanted someone else to make me whole, and so I romanticised women so badly, and put them on such a high pedestal, that most women were actually turned off. If you’re content with being single, you’ll be much more content when you get married, because your marriage won’t become about your marriage, but will be part of the greater adventure of life you’re on - a life with God, and a greater purpose outside of your own emotional or physical needs. We tend to make relationships very insular things, when in fact they can be much more than that. The book tries to encourage single people to just enjoy themselves, their relationships, and get on with getting married and be realistic about a lot of our idealism.
Are people ready for the hard questions, and how do believe your books Jesus Crushes Sin, and Your Single Happiness can make a difference in people’s lives?
I think people are ready for the hard questions, they just need to know they’re not the only ones asking them! Our social-media driven world tends to make us want to project some sort of have-it-all-together attitude. This plays out in our surface-level posts, as well as our posts of outrage on the latest topic or fad. Social media is definitely showing us how self-righteous we are about ourselves! So in terms of my own writing, I hate the idea of writers being seen as experts or gurus or ‘authorities’ (hence the word ‘author’) - I hate contributing to the have-it-all-together culture. People are asking questions, why should we pretend as if they’re not? Why should we all subscribe to what’s politically correct? In my writing, I try to help people think about things differently - for themselves. That’s really my aim. I’m not out to convince anyone to subscribe my point of view, but I want to engage people in conversation through what I do, and have them say, “I never thought of it that way. That’s changed the way I approach this question.”
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Competition
REAL COCONUT WATER 5 lucky Johannesburg readers can WIN a case of Tell us why you would like to try Hydro Coco, along with your name and address and email justine@findingfabulous.co.za to WIN.
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NATURAL Replace Body Fluids
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(Potassium, sodium, magnesium, calcium, phosporus)
T&C’s: This prize is not redeemable for Cash, and may not be exchanged or transferred, entering the competition denotes acceptance of the terms and conditions. Imported by: Kalbe International South Africa, Unit 4, Eden Office Park, Wagenaar Road, Sebenza Ext 3, Gauteng Distributed by: Health Connection Wholefoods (Pty) Ltd., Unit 17 River Park, 77 De Waal Road, Diep River, Cape Town www.health-connection.co.za Travelmagsa - Finding Fabulous | Issue 25
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Make a difference and donate to change lives
‘BUILDING THE NATION’
PBO
Working into various developmental issues such as community development, education, orphans, and nutrition. Ukwakha Isizwe functions as an umbrella organization for several initiatives, covering a broad range of
BEE
NPO
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developmental issues. Currently there are 9 initiatives, ranging from a place of safety for abandoned babies, funding for high school and tertiary education, nursery schools, feeding scheme, homework centre, entrepreneurship program and more. View the www.uifoundation.co.za for more information on all the initiatives.
Banking Details: Ukwakha Isiziwe Association, Nedbank (Current Account), Eastgate (192405), Acc # 1002758351
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