Jordan Tours

Jordan Entry Regulations /COVID-19.

seif● — Thu, 06 Oct 2022 09:38:00 +0000

All restrictions have been lifted!

Nonetheless, please purchase health insurance that will cover your stay.

TRANSPORTATION OPTIONS:

Jordan’s airports are open and functioning. Public transport is also operating as normal, with no social distancing. Jordan’s land border crossings are open but smooth travel is dependent on regulations set by the differing countries.

Note: All the above regulations are subject to change as per the Jordanian government’s regulations. All updates will be posted and our team is always ready to assist you.

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A Rose-Red City Half As Old As Time

seif● — Tue, 15 Mar 2022 07:49:16 +0000

John William Burgon (1813-1888) was a British clergyman who later became the Dean of Chichester Cathedral.

Like Percey Shelley in Ozymandias, Burgon was very taken by the beauty of a place despite never actually casting an eye upon it. Burgon entered the Newdigate Prize competition three times and won on his third time in 1845. Other winners of the prize include Oliver Wilde and John Buchan of ‘The Thirty-Nine Steps’.

The theme that year was the up and coming destination of Petra, famed for its hugely rewarding destination- albeit after an immensely tricky journey. Petra had been gaining popularity after the more adventurous western tourists who had undertaken the journey wrote about their treks after arriving home.

Buron did actually visit Petra in 1862, seventeen years later as a guest of Miss Elizabeth Frances Webb. The group of seven set off from England on 10 September 1861. After a cruise down the Nile and sightseeing in Suez and Mt. Sinai, the group reached Aqaba on 5 April. Their trip to Jordan involved a taxing, month-long camel trek.

Burgon spent four days in Petra over the Easter weekend 16-21 April. He made sketches of Petra; sadly, it is unknown if these survived. He commented in a letter that Petra was ‘the most astonishing and interesting place I ever visited, and may well stand alone.’ The sandstone cliffs … in colour unrivalled’ but goes on to say: ‘… there is nothing rosy in Petra, by any means’.

After departing from Petra, Burgon’s group traversed through Wadi Araba to Hebron before reaching Jerusalem on 29 April 1862. Their journey by camel had totalled 50 days. Upon arrival, Burgon fell ill and as a result missed the rest of the trip to eastern Jordan. He was carried by mules and then lifted onto a boat that took him to Beirut. Deathly ill, he spent more than a month recovering before catching a steamer to Marseilles, France in June and arriving home in July 1862.

He is buried in Oxford along with many notable others including Kenneth Graeme of The Wind in the Willows fame.

The last couplet of Petra has become one of the most famous in poetry, and the poem is 370 lines in its entirety.

An excerpt of Petra, a Poem:

It seems no work of Man’s creative hand,
by labour wrought as wavering fancy planned;
But from the rock as if by magic grown,
eternal, silent, beautiful, alone!
Not virgin-white like that old Doric shrine,
where erst Athena held her rites divine;
Not saintly-grey, like many a minster fane,
that crowns the hill and consecrates the plain;
But rose-red as if the blush of dawn,
that first beheld them were not yet withdrawn;
The hues of youth upon a brow of woe,
which Man deemed old two thousand years ago,
Match me such marvel save in Eastern clime,
a rose-red city half as old as time.

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The Jordan Direct Guide to Driving in Jordan

seif● — Thu, 20 Jan 2022 23:13:38 +0000

Considering a self-drive trip to Jordan? Maybe think again. Whilst many drivers abide by the rules, many do not. Jordanian roads are often governed by laws of mutual understanding between locals, built over decades of experience. Let us guide you through some of the slightly anarchic things you should expect if you choose to self-drive Jordan.

Stop Signs

Expecting a stop sign to mean stop? Not in Jordan. Right of way is a grey area here. Never assume traffic will yield. Always be on the lookout for drivers in a hurry, and double check your rear. Drivers often don’t leave enough space to anticipate your sudden stop.

Traffic Lights

You may think that, of all highway infrastructure, traffic lights are the simplest to understand. Not in Jordan! Even though running a red light is an offence in Jordan, it’s not uncommon. City roads can turn into drag strips haunted by super tuned pick-up trucks and muscle cars. If your reactions aren’t on par with a fighter pilot on the green, expect a melee of frustrated car horns in your direction.

Roundabouts

Again, we come back the issue of yielding. Whilst on a roundabout, don’t expect drivers to give way. The legendary formula one driver Ayrton Senna once said: “if you no longer go for the gap that exists, you are no longer a racing driver”. Jordanian drivers have taken this to heart. On roundabouts always be prepared for others to join you with little warning.

Pedestrians

While the government is working towards more pedestrian friendly streets in Amman, there are a few clear pedestrian crossings, and jaywalking is very common. Sidewalks in Jordan are not always conducive to walking, and even on very fast roads, pedestrians will risk life and limb to save half a minute until the next gap. Always be prepared to brake suddenly and watch your rear.

Speedbumps

Foreign drivers are often caught out by Jordan’s spine shattering speedbumps. These are littered all over the countries road network and warning is usually only provided immediately before the speedbump (when we say immediately – we mean it).

Expect the Unexpected!

Anything is possible while driving in Jordan. Expect a sudden change in lanes, double parking in major streets and cavernous potholes. Welcome to the wild west!

Driving in Jordan is manageable, but often stressful. To get the most out of your trip, we recommend booking with a driver who knows the country’s roads inside out and has insurance should anything go wrong.

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Why Jordan Should Be Your First Country To Visit Post Pandemic

seif● — Wed, 15 Sep 2021 06:02:11 +0000

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted lives more significantly than anybody anticipated. People around the world essentially had to stay inside their homes for months on end. That’s led to many people dreaming about not just being outside somewhere, but traveling abroad again.

Now that international travel restrictions are easing up, more countries are starting to accept tourists. While you might want to wait a while before actually traveling, the process could have you dreaming of a vacation. A holiday in Jordan might be the right one for you.

Before the pandemic, tours of Jordan had been quite popular, with more people visiting the country every year. Jordan tours can be appealing for a variety of reasons. Though you might know what some of these are, you could wonder why you should go for a private Jordan tour for your first holiday after the pandemic.

Outside of potentially being a more affordable vacation choice, there are multiple reasons why you should consider it.

Top Reasons To Visit Jordan After The Pandemic

Its Underappreciated Gems

Few people might be able to name Jordan’s sites off the top of their heads. Despite this, the country is one of the most beautiful in the world. Petra, a location in the south, is one such example of this. In fact, the historical masterpiece was named one of the new Seven Wonders of the World.

Located in the Arabah valley, the carved structure was built by the nomadic Nabatians for them to settle in. One of the most fascinating things about this is that Petra was carved into the side of a mountain. That makes it one of the more visually stunning places that you can visit.

Couple this with the location’s historical context, and it’s somewhere that everyone needs to visit. With a private Jordan tour from a local travel company, you can find out much more about Petra’s history and its context.

There are multiple similar locations across Jordan, all of which can be recommended if you’re on holiday in Jordan.

The Dead Sea

People often talk about wanting to visit some of the highest peaks of the planet. That’s why so many people want to climb Mt. Everest. Few people are physically able to do that, however. Why not visit the lowest inhabited place on the planet instead?

The Dead Sea is the lowest place below sea level that’s not actually under the sea, despite what the name would suggest. This is a huge salt lake that spans as far as the eye can see, which is how it got its name.

If you’re religious, then the biblical connotations alone could be enough to persuade you to visit. The location is also where the Dead Sea Scrolls were found. These should give all history and religion buffs more than enough reasons to visit the place, as you might be able to tour some of the caves that litter the area.

If you can, then that could make your private Jordan tour one of the more memorable holidays that you’ve been on.

Aqaba

While you might expect Jordan to be a relatively landlocked country, that’s only generally true. It does have one outlet to the sea, which is found at Aqaba. As a result, the city is rife with watersports, alongside the many other attractions that you might associate with the Middle East.

That could give the city somewhat of an old-world meets new atmosphere. The city is also regularly visited by cruise ships, which should start picking back up again after the pandemic. As a result of this kind of activity, there are quite a few tourist activities to take advantage of.

There are also many other sites that you can visit while you’re there, alongside countless amenities. That could make Aqaba a must-see destination for any holiday in Jordan.

The Food

Food mightn’t be the first thing you think of when you imagine Jordan. Despite this, the country offers world-class cuisine that’s been inspired by many of its neighbors. That makes food across the country similar to Lebanese, Syrian, and Egyptian, although it features its own unique blend of flavors.

If you’re a foodie, then that’s something that you should find appealing. You shouldn’t have to go too far out of your way to find some incredible food, as there are restaurants almost everywhere you look.

Fans of spice will especially like the food, and there are a few unique dishes that might be worth exploring.

Amman

Jordan’s capital city is Amman, which should be near the top of your list if you plan on a vacation in Jordan. Having once gone by the name of Philadelphia, the city has a fascinating history dating back thousands of years. That history includes being destroyed and rebuilt on at least one occasion.

If you’re planning any historical tours of Jordan, then Amman should be the first place you visit. That doesn’t mean that history is the only reason you should visit. There’s an extensive nightlife, an active arts scene, and world-class food, among many other attractions.

No matter how long you’re in Amman for, you shouldn’t get bored, as there’s always something new to find. With a private Jordan tour, that’ll be especially true.

Book A Post-Pandemic Holiday In Jordan

If you’re thinking about a holiday in Jordan after the pandemic, then you should book with Jordan Direct. You can take advantage of Jordan tours that are catered specifically to your needs. If you want to skip the obvious sites and see some of the lesser-known attractions during your private Jordan tour, then that wouldn’t be an issue.

Any tours of Jordan should be tailor-made to your interests and schedule, which is what you get with Jordan Direct. Tour consultants help you plan out your private Jordan tour, while a guide and driver will show you the sites while making sure that you have an enjoyable time.

Booking a holiday in Jordan doesn’t need to be complicated or cost an arm and a leg. What’s stopping you from having enjoyable guided tours of Jordan?

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Why Use A Local Travel Company Like Jordan Direct For Your Jordan Petra Tour?

seif● — Tue, 14 Sep 2021 06:00:00 +0000

Holidays to Petra, Jordan, have been popular for quite some time, although the city is relatively under-visited. The same can be said for the country itself, although tourist numbers are starting to pick up.

A lot of this is focused on tours of Jordan, which has been widely known for its historical sites, beautiful scenery, and inviting culture for quite some time. These reasons alone could be enough to persuade many people to visit the country.

If you’re thinking about booking a luxury Jordan tour, you shouldn’t book just yet. While you might have a favorite travel agent where you live or are used to booking things yourself, you should consider a local travel company in Jordan, such as Jordan Direct.

There are multiple reasons behind this, with the most notable being that, in Jordan, tours of Petra can be much more thorough and knowledgeable on all things local, often showcasing hidden gems only local tour guides would know about. If you’re not fully convinced, then there are a few other reasons to use a local Jordan travel company for your holidays to Petra, Jordan.

Reasons To Use A Local Travel Company For Your Jordan Petra Tour

Learn About History & Context

Naturally, local travel company’s hire people from Petra or Jordan to work for them. These will be across a wide range of areas, including tour guides and drivers. In the vast majority of cases, if not all, these people will know much more about Jordan than any agency that isn’t based there.

That will allow you to learn about the history of the country and specific sites as you visit them. You might not get that with a company that isn’t based in Jordan. More importantly, locals can offer you context for historical events and sites; insights only local Jordanians would have. Instead of just being told what happened, you’ll also learn why.

Local travel companies can also give you more specific details, especially when it comes to more recent events. If you’re interested in history, then this is definitely the approach to take. You could learn much more about Jordan’s history and culture than you would have ever expected.

Find The Lesser Known Places Of Interest

If you ask people who aren’t from Jordan about places of interest, they might not think of many. The ones they can think of will be some of the more obvious, popular, touristy ones. If you search online, the same can also be said. With a local travel company, however, you can discover much more. Not only will you see the iconic places of Petra, you will discover little known hidden gems that only locals know exist.

They can give you a wealth of options for out-of-the-way sites and locations that many non-local tour guides may not know of, which could make your experience much more interesting. These recommendations will also be tailored to what you’re looking for, as you can ask your tour guide to take you somewhere.

That’ll make your holidays to Petra, Jordan feel much more personal and enjoyable.

Meet Other Travelers

No tours of Jordan are complete without meeting some fellow travelers. By hiring a local company for your tour, you can meet other people with similar interests to you. If you choose luxury exclusive Jordan tours, just for you and your family, however, this wouldn’t be the case.

It’s worth being open to group tours, as this can make your tour much more enjoyable. Since you’re all on the tour, you’ll have something to talk about all the time. At mealtimes, you can get to know each other better, which can help you make friends on your holiday.

Though this can be done without hiring any companies, it can be so much more difficult. That’s especially true when making sure that you speak the same language. What’s not to love about enjoying your Petra tour with a few extra people?

Learn More About The Local Food Culture

Nobody knows local food like the locals. No matter how much you might read online or hear from friends, few people can give you better recommendations for restaurants than local residents. That can be said of any country, though it’s just as true in Jordan.

While you might already know what the local specialties are, you might not know the best places to get them. Online recommendations will give you the most tourist-friendly places, although they typically wouldn’t mention anything off the beaten track.

By hiring a local travel company, such as Jordan Direct, you can find out where the best places to dine are. Since part of the holiday’s enjoyment is the food, there’s nothing not to like about this.

That can also be said of the nightlife, so you could also get recommendations of where you can have a few drinks.

See Things From A Different Angle

When most people visit a new country, they see it as a tourist would. That’s quite natural, especially if it’s the first time you’ve visited. That perspective on a country can be compounded if you typically only visit the tourist hotspots and commonly recommended places.

While that approach can give you a great impression of a place, it mightn’t be the most accurate one. By using a local travel agency, you can see things from another perspective. That could be about the city itself or even recent events around the country, alongside its history.

That could help you gain a much better understanding of Jordan, which could give you a better appreciation of it. You could find yourself coming back again and again because of that appreciation alone.

Why Hire Jordan Direct For Your Jordan Tour

If you’re looking for luxury Jordan tours, then Jordan Direct is your one-stop shop. Alongside offering tailor-made tours of Jordan catered to your needs, you can take advantage of a unique insight into the area.

Informed travel consultants are on-hand to offer you detailed insights into the local area, regardless of what cities you decide to visit. Coupled with these consultants are drivers and guides that will help make your holidays to Petra, Jordan, and other towns as engaging and informative as possible.

That’s without cutting down on the fun, as your tours of Jordan will be filled with exciting moments, alongside being filled with beautiful sites. You shouldn’t have any problem making memories on your special holiday.

What’s stopping you from booking your future Petra tour with Jordan Direct Tours?

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Travel Restrictions for Jordan Eased by CDC

seif● — Thu, 10 Jun 2021 13:37:58 +0000

Because of the decreasing numbers of Covid-19 cases in Jordan, and due to the progress in the number of vaccinated Jordanians, the U.S. Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has eased travel restrictions for Jordan.

CDC has lowered Jordan’s risk rating to “level 3” which advises travel for fully vaccinated travellers.
This risk reduction by the State Department is now applied to 61 countries and territories. Some of the countries now listed at “level 3’’ like Jordan, are the United States, Canada, France, Italy, Spain, Switzerland amongst others.

Up till the beginning of June, more than 1.8 million Jordanian citizens have been vaccinated. The governmental goal now is to achieve the vaccination of 4.5 million Jordanians by September, with the objective of eradicating the coronavirus from the kingdom as soon as possible.

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New Travel Protocol for Jordan announced

seif● — Thu, 29 Apr 2021 10:51:21 +0000

The Jordanian Ministry of Tourism recently issued the protocol for visitors to Jordan. The protocol details steps to be taken by clients wishing to visit the country. Most notably, the Covid PCR test time has been extended to 120 hours before departure. It is expected that persons possessing vaccination certificates will be soon exempted from taking the PCR after arrival, but this decision will be confirmed once put into effect.
Jordan also recently cancelled the Friday curfew, so now visitors may move freely on that day. There is now only a partial evening curfew in place. Covid cases are continuing to fall, and vaccinations are progressing smoothly.

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Adventure in Jordan – Hiking & Trekking

seif● — Sun, 04 Apr 2021 09:17:31 +0000

If you are an adventure-seeking traveller, then Jordan is the right place for your next adventure! With its novel and unique places to explore, the abundance of diverse and beautiful natural sights, the country boasts countless attractions and experiences. The main elements for adventure in Jordan are the endless miles of trails, Wadis and canyons, the distinctive natural beauty, and not to forget the rich cultural history. With the enchanting deserts, glistening seas, Rocky Mountains and canyons, Jordan offers you one of the greatest opportunities for adventure and exploration. In addition to all the mentioned, Jordan provides its visitors with an array of services and accommodations, such as; Camps, guest houses, hotels, resorts, wild camping and more.
For this part, we will start with Hiking & Trekking trails to give you the information you need and help you decide which is the most convenient trail for you, and covering all locations from the North to the South.

Hiking:
Hiking is considered the broadest and most outstanding adventure activity in Jordan. The kingdom’s nature offers hiking trails that suit all levels of fitness and experience. The huge diversity of landscapes from mountains, to deserts, forests and fields gives nature and adventure lovers a variety of options inside and outside the nature reserves. Scenic views, biodiversity, and historical significance all result in a once in a lifetime experience that you will find in no other place but Jordan.

Trekking:
This multi-day activity requires planning as it is a more meticulous outdoor experience that is meant to test your ability, stamina, and sanity. The most extensive trek in our country is “The Jordan Trail”, a distinctive experience that is divided into 8 segments. Starting in the very North of Jordan and ending at its South. This trail offers you 40 days of hiking over more than 650 kilometres and travelling through 52 villages and towns on its way.

Northern Jordan:
Starting with the Yarmouk Forest Reserve, where you can choose one of the 4 guided and self-guided hiking trails in and around the reserve. The trails range from easy to moderate as some take 1 to 2 hours and other trails take up to 7 hours, still each trail offers unparalleled views of the surrounding areas.
Moving to Umm Qais where you will be spoiled for choice, with eight trekking routes to pick from, all varying in landscape and level of difficulty. A one-hour drive from Umm Qais, you can reach Pella and enjoy the healthy walk around the oak-dotted limestone hills of Pella near the archaeological site of Tabaqet Fahl.
Another interesting trail is the Umm Qais to Ajloun trekking trail that takes approximately 4 days to complete and covers the visits of multiple archaeological sites.

Centre of Jordan:
Starting in the city of As-Salt and making its way through Fuheis, Iraq Al Ameer, Roman Road, and ending at the Dead Sea canyons of Wadi Zarqa Main and Wadi Wala is the Salt to Wadi Zarqa Main trekking trail, 62.4 kilometres trail taking approximately 4 days to complete.
A 45-minute drive from the City of Mosaics, Madaba, you will reach Wadi Khashabah; a 4.8 kilometres out and back hiking trail located near Thiban, offering scenic views. Wadi Khashabah’s hiking trail is considered moderate and is primarily used for nature trips. Close by is Machaerus where you can try the 1.6 kilometres loop trail that is suitable for all skill levels. If you are looking for a challenge, you can try the Muheros Canyon trail; a 17.9 kilometre out and back trail near Thiban, that features a lake and is certainly rated as difficult.
Moving on to Mujib Biosphere Reserve’s Ibex trail; starting at the visitors’ centre and following the Dead Sea highway before ascending into the reserve. This trail runs parallel to the Dead Sea and then continues along several dry valleys (Wadis) to the Raddas Ranger Station, where you might have the chance to see the Nubian Ibex, and is also where the famous rock statue of Lot’s wife can be seen. After a short break, the trail continues along a road for almost an hour until you reach the reserve’s entrance.

Southern Jordan:
The Southern part of Jordan extends hiking and trekking options that include major trekking trails starting from Dana to Petra, from Petra to Wadi Rum, and from Wadi Rum to Aqaba. Each of these trekking trails makes its way through countless natural wonders and historical ruins. Dana Biosphere reserve alone offers you 10 trails to choose from. Varying in difficulty levels some of these trails are Campsite Trail, Rummana Mountain Trail, Nawatef Trail, Wadi Dathneh Trail, and much more.
Proceeding to the astonishing desert of Wadi Rum (The Moon Valley), you will find various options of guided and self-guided hiking trails that include great scenery and guaranteed thrill. Wadi Rum’s hiking trails include Makharas Canyon Hike (unguided), Jebel Rum Round Trip (guided/ extremely difficult), and Jabal Umm Ad Dami Ascent (guided). Maybe the most interesting hike is the Ascent of Jabal Umm Ad Dami, as its route scales 1832m which makes it Jordan’s highest peak on the rarely visited southern border with Saudi Arabia. This trail includes a professional guide along with a 4WD vehicle and it is moderately difficult.

The numerous choices might confuse you, but our consultants will help you make the right choice according to your preferences and the difficulty level that you can handle.

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Coldplay Announce ‘Everyday Life’ Live Stream in Jordan

seif● — Sat, 02 Nov 2019 09:04:35 +0000

Exciting news for Jordanians! Coldplay are going to debut their new album Everyday life with live stream of the concert in Jordan. According to RollingStonethe concert will be released in two parts, mirroring the halves of the Everyday Life double album, “Sunrise” and “Sunset.” The “Sunrise” portion will begin on November 21st at 11:00 p.m. EST, just before the album is released worldwide at midnight; local time in Jordan will be November 22nd at 6:00 a.m. GMT, or around sunrise. “Sunset” will be performed, appropriately enough, at sunset (or 9:00 a.m. EST). The much-anticipated concert’s exact location in Jordan has yet to be released.

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A walk through the winding creeks of Wadi Mujib

seif● — Mon, 22 Jul 2019 11:17:29 +0000

Indulge your sense of adventure in a fast-paced and adrenaline-inducing excursion to Wadi Mujib.

Adventure walks in Wadi Mujib are nothing short of enthralling. A mix of Sandstone Mountains and low drops, the excursion promises to take visitors through various elevations and views.

Whether you prefer a simple stroll or something challenging, the wild and lively area of Wadi Mujib, with its warm and colourful terrain is perfect for climbers and nature lovers. It boasts several trails to cater to every preference.

Trails at Wadi Mujib

The Siq Trail (April 1 – October 31), guided or self-guided

Duration: 2-3 hours

Starting Point: Mujib Bridge Reception

Description: In this trail you will take the cantilevered walkway over the dam and follow the course of the river between towering sandstone cliffs to the base of a large waterfall. This trail is an ideal walk to take slowly and enjoy the cool water and shade.

The Ibex Trail (Year-round, except during Ramadan and according to weather conditions)

Duration: 3-4 hours

Starting Point: Mujib Bridge Reception

Description: Just south of the Dead Sea road, a guide will accompany you on a steep, ascending trail into the heart of the reserve. After a short distance, there is an optional detour up the mountainside to Riyash Castle.

The Malaqi Trail (April 1 – October 31, except during Ramadan), guided only

Duration: 7 hours

Starting Point: Mujib Bridge Reception

Description: The perks of this trail include hikers passing through the white hills made of soft sand deposits. The hike then culminates with a descent into river Mujib. Here you can find small fish as well as frogs.

Mujib Canyon Trail (April 1 – October 31, except during Ramadan), guided only

Duration: 4 hours

Starting Point: Mujib Bridge Reception

Description: This trail is similar to the Malaqi Trail but is condensed for those who prefer shorter excursions.

Additional Activities:

Stay in Mujib Biosphere Reserve in the Mujib Chalets, which are only a short distance from the hike site. Shop for handcrafted

Silver jewelry which has been lovingly produced by local women. These tasteful pieces are excellent gifts. Alternatively, pick up a selection of herbs which have been grown in the area and boast wonderful medicinal properties.

Mujib Trails Safety Rules:

-You must be at least 18 years old.

-You must wear a life-vest, ( which they are available at the reception)

-Stay away from all dangerous areas which are marked by warning signs.

-Please wear comfortable shoes and clothes.

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