Ribeira area is one of the main highlights of Porto city. Set by Douro River offers magnificent views and is famed amongst tourists from all over the world.

Ribeira area is one of most emblematic places in Porto city along with magnificent monuments like Clergy Tower or Sao Bento train station. With a perfect location by Douro River, Ribeira area is part of the Historic Center of Porto, classified as World Heritage by UNESCO since 1996.

Spreading alongside the Douro River, Ribeira is a vital area of Porto since the Middle Ages. Since its early years it has been a center of commercial and manufacturing activity and Ribeira sqaure used to be famed for its shops selling all sorts of goods.

Ribeira square was destroyed by fire in 1491. After the reconstruction of the area, the square had a new pavement of stone slabs and its buildings had acquired their characteristic arcades in the ground floors.

However, today’s look of Ribeira Square was only completed after the improvements carried out to face the increasing flood of people and goods. This changing process that had several steps was only concluded in 1821 when the medieval walls Muralhas Fernandinas were destroyed, opening Rieira Square to the river.

Photo by Jsome1

Ribeira area, my favorite place in Porto

Ribeira is my favorite spot in Porto. In fact, every time I visit Porto, I love to sit there enjoying the hustle and bustle of the tourists, walking back and forth with maps on their hands, while listening to the sweet sound of the river running to the sea.

The main highlights of Ribeira area

Ribeira square, one of the oldest squares in the city, already mentioned in documents dating from the 14th century. It is also known as Praça do Cubo (Cube Square);

Rua da Fonte Taurina, one of the oldest streets in Porto where it used to be a famous fountain, that supplied water to many of the Porto’s inhabitants;

Muro dos Bacalhoeiros (Cod-Fishing Boats´Wall);

Casa do Infante, the house where Henry the Navigator is thought to be born in 1394. Henry the Navigator was the mind behind the Portuguesse Discoveries.

Where is Ribeira area?

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All About Portugal - Travel and tourism information about Portugal

Porto’s Cathedral, in the heart of the city, is one of the most iconic monuments of the city. It is also one of the oldest, therefore is worthy of a visit.

Porto’s cathedral, located in the heart of the city, should be a mandatory stop for all visiting the second major city of Portugal. Along with the Clergy Tower or the much more recent Casa da Música, the cathedral is a symbol of Porto.
Built in the 12th century under the Romanesque style, Porto’s cathedral witnessed a few important episodes of the Portuguese history such as the baptism of Prince Henry the Navigator or the marriage of King John I to Philippa of Lancaster in 1387. Porto’s cathedral also houses the thumb of Saint Pantaleon, the city’s Patron Saint.

Porto’s cathedral throughout the centuries

The many alterations Porto’s cathedral underwent throughout the centuries didn´t change the austere image of this monument that resembles a fortress.

Photo by hfmsantos

The rose window on the façade is the most impressive trace from Porto’s cathedral early years. Nowadays, the strongest architectural traces visible are from the 18th century when the monument was renewed under the Baroque style. Some of the most important alterations were carried out by the famed architect Nicolau Nasoni.

The magnificent altarpiece made up of silver and the loggia on the north front of the church are the most significant legacies from that period. As a curiosity, let me share with you that the altarpiece was saved by the French troops that invaded the city in 1809 thanks to a plaster wall built to hide it.

One of the most curious elements of Porto’s cathedral is the marble plaque with a magnetite backing hanged up behind the altar. It is a reminder of those who lost their lives to recover the control of the cathedral after the monument had fallen into the hands of a group of Spanish soldiers during the War of the Oranges.

Photo by hfmsantos

In spite of the undisputable beauty of the church, many described the Gothic cloisters as the main highlight of Porto’s cathedral thanks to their amazing blue and white tiles depicting the life of the Virgin Mary and Ovid’s Metamorphoses. These tiles, also dating from the 18th century, were created by Valentim de Almeida.

The chapterhouse, offering a coffered ceiling painted with allegories of moral values by Pachini, and its collection of sacred art rivals in magnificence with the cloisters, therefore it is also worthy of a visit.

There is also another reason for visiting Porto’s cathedral: the breathtaking view over the rooftops of the old city visitors may enjoy from the terrace.

Where is Porto’s Cathedral?

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Accommodation in Coimbra honors the amazing city knicknamed “the city of students”. It offers first class lodging options suitable for all pockets and tastes

Accommodation in Coimbra offers a quality that makes justice to this amazing place nicknamed as the “city of students” thanks to its University, the oldest in Portugal and one of the first Universities in the world.

My first choices on accommodation in Coimbra

Coimbra is a lovely city with so much to see thanks to its rich history. It is one of the most vibrant places in Portugal mostly for its University, one of its ex-libris.
On what it comes to accommodation in Coimbra there are wonderful choices, suitable for every tastes and pockets, therefore it wasn´t easy to elaborate this list. However, I decided to follow my heart. At each and every hotel mentioned I had the most pleasant stay!

Riversuites

Address: Avenida João das Regras, Nº 80-82

3040-217 Coimbra

Phone: +351 239 440 582

Email: geral@riversuiteshotel.com

This lovely hotel is one of the best options on what it comes to accommodation in Coimbra.

The building dating from 1940 was exquisitely recovered, in order to offer all the modern amenities needed for a perfect stay.

Besides, Riversuites is magnificently located just 250 meters from Mondego River and just 150 meters from Portugal dos Pequeninos, the theme park that enchants both children and grownups with its little houses representing all Portuguese regions.

Residencial Moderna

Address: Rua Adelino Veiga, nº 49 2º

3000-003 Coimbra

Phone: +351 239 825 413

Email: residencialmoderna@gmail.com

Website: http://residencialmoderna.com.pt/paginas/english/index.html

There is no luxury at Residencial Moderna, however it is one of the best options for accommodation in Coimbra because it is located in the town’s historic area and just 60 meters from Coimbra A train station.

The rooms are clean and comfortable while the staff is very friendly.

Paço da Ega

Address: Paço da Ega

3150-256 Ega

Phone: +351 239 941 341

Email: info@paco-da-ega.com

Website: http://paco-da-ega.com/prd/

Although located 15 km away from Coimbra I can’t help including this hotel on my list of accommodation in Coimbra.

Paço da Ega is one of the most beautiful and charming hotels I know for it’s working on a medieval building built on the ruins of the ancient Castle of Ega dating from the XII century.

Staying at Paço da Ega is like going on a journey into the past keeping all the comfort and luxury of the present.

Hotel Quinta das Lagrimas – Small Luxury Hotels

Address: Rua António Augusto Gonçalves

3041-901 Coimbra

Phone: + 351 (239) 802 380

Website: http://www.quintadaslagrimas.pt/index.php?lang=en

Quinta das Lágrimas is one of my first options when I have to decide my accommodation in Coimbra. It is a place full of history, with soul and character.

Quinta das Lágrimas is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and that fact alone assures its quality.

Hotel Vitória

Address: Rua da Sota, nº 9

3000-392 Coimbra

Phone: +351 239 824 049

Email: reservas@hotelvitoria.pt and geral@hotelvitoria.pt

Website: http://hotelvitoria.pt/en/index.html

On what it comes accommodation in Coimbra Hotel Vitória is one of the most elegant options available.

This hotel offers a privileged position for all who wish to discover the historic center of Coimbra and all the city’s wonders.

Where is Coimbra?

Coimbra

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Photo by Leandro’s World Tour

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Coimbra is a lesson of love and tradition mostly thanks to the tragic love affair of Pedro and Inês and to its remarkable University, the oldest in Portugal

Coimbra is a lesson of love and tradition. This sentence is the translation of a famous verse of a Fado de Coimbra, a unique genre of Fado only existing in Coimbra. One might think that the sentence is the mere reflection of the poet’s freedom of writing. However this assumption couldn’t be further from the truth. Coimbra is truly a lesson of love and tradition.

Love and tradition in Coimbra

Coimbra in love

Offering a bucolic landscape of historic houses that embellish the city’s hill, facing the lovely Mondego River, Coimbra was the stage of the most tragic love affair of the Portuguese history: the love of Don Pedro and Inês de Castro. A love so strong that overcome death itself as Peter, after becoming king in 1357, pronounced Inês de Castro the lawful queen even though she was already dead, murdered under the orders of Peter’s father, king Afonso IV. A love so strong that their coffins were placed facing each other in Alcobaça Monastery so that the two lovers could look at each other as they rise from their graves. A love so strong that their marble coffins witness the promise of Peter that they would be together until the end of the world – “juntos até ao fim do mundo”.

Photo by ho visto nina volare

Coimbra and the academic tradition

Coimbra is a symbol of the academic life in Portugal. Having been the capital of the Portuguese kingdom for almost two centuries, Coimbra grew in importance with the foundation of its University in 1290 by King Dinis, although the University had worked in Lisbon for a few years, namely until 1308. In fact, throughout the first centuries of its existence, Coimbra’s university went back and forward between Lisbon and Coimbra to return definitely to the city by Mondego River during the reign of King John III, in 1537.

Photo by illustir

Regardless its somehow wandering beginning, the truth is that Coimbra’s University is the oldest university in Portugal and one of the oldest in continuous operation in the all world. Since its foundation, Coimbra’s University became a symbol of Coimbra and it gave the city its nickname as the city of students.

The city’s academic distinctive trace gave rise to some of its remarkable traditions. Queima das Fitas or Burning of the Ribbons in Coimbra has a singular ambience not to be found in any other cities housing Universities; this event held each year to celebrate the end the of graduation courses is the oldest in Portugal.

Photo by Renata F. Oliveira

Praxe is another tradition with a special aura in Coimbra. Praxe is a set of rituals and costumes following ancient traditions, intended to welcome new students and to give students a sense of being part of an institution with centuries of existence and history.

Another highlight of the academic life in Coimbra is The Freshman’s Reception week or Semana da Receção ao Caloiro in Portuguese. The highest moment of the week is probably the Latada, the special parade when the new students are baptized in Mondego River after parading through the city’s streets.

The second year students receive their Grelos – a ribbon with the colour of each one’s faculty that must be attached to a briefcase.

Also on this week it takes place one of the most memorable events that remains forever on the heart and soul of all Coimbra’s students: The night-time student fado serenade on the stairs of the Old Cathedral.

The University and the love of Pedro and Inês make Coimbra a special place that inspires all visitors, offering them a lesson of love and tradition!

Where is Coimbra?

Coimbra

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Lisbon is the 4th most beautiful city in the world according to the travel site Urban City Guides that included the Portuguese capital on its top 10 most beautiful cities in the world.

The reasons why Lisbon is the 4th most beautiful city in the world

The privileged location – “Magnificently sited on a series of hills running down to the grand Tagus River, Lisbon is one of the world’s most scenic cities” – is the first reason why Urban city Guides believes that Lisbon is the 4th most beautiful city in the world.

And it is this location that offers “Beautiful unexpected views are found at every turn down its colorful, picturesque streets, and especially from strategically-placed viewpoints or terraces at the top of each hill.”

Then, Urban City Guides enhances Lisbon’s unique ambience coming from the city’s authenticity. In fact, what charmed Urban City Guides was Lisbon’s “effortless beauty with captivating details such as cobbled designs, tiled façades, and pastel-colored buildings blending together to give it a singular atmosphere now lost in so many other cities.”

Lisbon ranked 4th on a list headed by Venice, Paris and Prague. Rio the Janeiro occupies the 5th place, followed by Amsterdam, Florence and Rome. The two last positions belong to Budapest and Bruges, respectively.

Besides the reasons mentioned by Urban City Guides, there are many other reasons that justify the singular charm of the Portuguese capital. The incredible light of Lisbon is one of its visiting cards and it enhances its beauty; The amazing monuments in Lisbon mirror the rich past of the country; and last, but not least, there is the people with a kindness of its own, always ready to give a warm welcome to the ones who visit Lisbon.

Photo by HereIsTom

However, it is not just Lisbon that shines on Urban City Guides. Portugal as a whole also rocks. The country reaches 6th on the top 10 most beautiful countries in the world, only surpassed by Italy, Spain, France, Australia and Greece. USA, Brazil, South Africa and Germany complete the list.

The choice of Portugal is wonderfully justified by the sentence that sums it up “Everything is in a small scale but when all combined it’s impressive how so much diverse beauty somehow fits in such a tiny country that seems to be a favorite of the sun.”

Where is Lisbon?

Lisbon

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Accommodation in Nazaré Portugal became an important issue mostly due to the giant wave surfed by the famed American surfer Garret McNamara on January, 28th

Accommodation in Nazaré became a major issue since the charming fishing village reach the world’s headlines thanks to the giant wave surfed by Garret McNamara.

While surfers from all over the globe come to Praia do Norte in search of the famed Nazaré Canyon, other tourists come to Nazaré attracted by the lovely landscape and the warm welcome of the village’s people.

As they all need a good place to stay I went to the village in order to find out the best options for accommodation in Nazaré.

The choice for accommodation in Nazaré

Villas Mare Residence

Address: Rua Drº António Duarte Pimpão, Nº 6

2450-901 Nazaré

Phone: +351 262 550 180

Email: geral@vilasmare.pt

Website: http://www.vilasmare.pt/index.php/en/vilasmare.html

Villas Mare Residence ranks this list of accommodation in Nazaré for the quality offered. The villas are fully equipped and have a lovely and colored decoration.

The location of the villas, right in the heart of Nazaré and just 10 minutes walk from the beach, is another highlight.

Quinta do Campo

Address: Rua Carlos O´Neill 20 Apartado 48, Valado dos Frades, 
2450-344 Valado dos Frades

Phone: +351 912 544 151

Email: aquintadocampo@gmail.com

Website: http://www.aquintadocampo.com

This amazing rural tourism property is one of my favorite options for accommodation in Nazaré mostly for the opportunity it gives to enjoy the countryside and the beach at the same time.

Opened since 1860, the origins of Quinta do Campo go back to 1178 when Cistercian friars built it. This hotel has 8 rooms and 6 T1 apartments at your disposal. There is also the possibility to rent the all house.

Vale Paraíso Camping

Address: Estrada Nacional 242

2450-138 Nazaré

Website: http://www.valeparaiso.com

Vale Paraíso Camping is a great choice of accommodation in Nazaré for the many lodging options it offers. Aside camping, this place has chalets, apartments, bungalows and teepees at your disposal.

Vale Paraíso Camping is one of the best value for the money lodging option in Nazaré also for the quality of services available.

Hotel Magic

Address: Rua Mouzinho de Albuquerque, n 58

2450-253 Nazaré

Phone: +351 262 569 040

Email: info@hotelmagic.pt

Website: http://hotelmagic.pt/en/nazare-2/

I toped Hotel Magic as one of my favorite choice of accommodation in Nazaré for its 17 thematic rooms that present a wonderful combination of sophistication, local tradition and family atmosphere.

Besides Hotel Magic stands in the heart of the historic centre of Nazaré, offering the perfect opportunity to explore the charming village.

The magnificent breakfast was another reason why I chose Hotel Magic has one of the best hotels in Nazaré.

Hotel Miramar Sul

Address: Rua Abel da Silva nº 3

6
2450-060 Nazaré

Phone: + 351 262 550 000

Email: info@hotelmiramar.pt

Website: http://www.miramarnazarehotels.com/en/hotel-miramar-sul/hotel-miramar-sul

The first thing it charmed me at this magnificent 4 star design hotel was the breathtaking Atlantic views it offers.

Hotel Miramar Sul conquered a place on this list of best accommodation in Nazaré with the amazing food served at its restaurant.

However, Miramar Sul has so many other highlights! The infinity pool, the quality of the rooms and the friendliness of the staff are just some of them.

Where is Nazaré?

Nazaré

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The update of the former post on how McNamara surfed another giant wave in Nazaré brings you the completed video of the deed the surfer achieved in Portugal

McNamara surfed another giant wave in Nazaré, Portugal on Jan. 28th after breaking the record for surfing the biggest wave ever ridden (78ft) in 2011 also at Nazaré, as All about Portugal reported at the time.

The achievement’s photo and the first trailer of the video were amazing. But we were all waiting for the complete video. And the video by Tobias Ilsanker did not disappoint the high expectations we all had. At least it left me speechless. I am sure it will do the same to you!

Check here the amazing images of the three best waves surfed on that glorious January day; the video shows not just the wave of Garret McNamara but also the ones surfed by Kealii Mamala and the Portuguese surfer António Silva.

Where is Nazare?

Nazaré

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The Algarve is an excellent choice of holiday destinations if you are looking for a great holiday with lots of activities to keep you fit.

A lot of people like to over indulge when they go on holiday. Two weeks of over eating, over drinking and possibly smoking too much is normal for a lot of people. A lot of people though are changing their lifestyles as they are more conscious about their health and as a result they look for more active holidays to help keep them fit when they go away. The Algarve is an excellent choice of holiday destinations if you are looking for a great holiday with lots of activities to keep you fit.

•     Water Sports
•     Golf
•     Nature reserves
•     Cycling
•     Running/Jogging

There are lots on offer to help to burn off a few of those excess calories and you never know you may just be able to have some fun in the process!

Staying Active

If you are staying on one of the many coastal resorts in the Algarve, then you will have lots to keep you entertained whilst you enjoy your stay. Try getting up in the morning and go for a run or even a walk along the beach, you get to take in some great scenery and also get some exercise before the sun comes up too far and it starts to get hot. There are lots of golf courses available all over the Algarve so the budding Tiger Woods out there will be spoilt for choice in which course to play. If you partner plays but you do not, it may be nice to go out with them and enjoy the walk and fresh air as they bash the little golf ball around the course. There are also lots of places that you can hire a bike from and get out to see the countryside from your saddle. This is a great way to truly explore and see some of the more unseen sights off the beaten track. You can also find some great cafes and restaurants where you can relax and enjoy some of the fine cuisine as well. There are also all manner of water sports available in the Algarve. A lot of resorts will have their own pool but you are also close to the beach as well.

•     Big Game Fishing
•     Sailing
•     Windsurfing
•     Kite Surfing
•     Scuba Diving

All of the activities you would expect to find in a popular tourist destination can be found in the Algarve and there is certainly something to suit all tastes and ages. There are also lots of water parks available where you can all go and cool off after staying active on your holiday. Even here though you will get some exercise so it just goes to show, exercising can be fun as well!

Enjoying your food and drink

Generally a lot of the food along the Mediterranean coast is considered to be very healthy with the local inhabitants enjoying long and healthy lives. As you would expect along the coast there is a lot of sea food on the menu with a lot of it being local and freshly caught. Added with local fresh ingredients as well, Portugal has some lovely food on offer for the most sophisticated of tastes. There is also an abundance of local wine and sherry on offer as well so it is easy to see how people overindulge when they go on holiday here. Just because you are on holiday does not mean that you need to eat twice your normal amount and drink from noon till midnight. If you did this then you are not going to be in a fit stat to actually enjoy everything that the Algarve has to offer as you will be hiding in your hotel room recovering from a hangover. This does not mean that you cannot enjoy your food and drink when you are there, just in moderation. Eat good food and enjoy what you eat, but do not eat yourself till you cannot move comfortably or drink until you cannot walk. Take your time when you eat, drink your favourite tipple but also drink plenty of water as well to make sure that you do not get too dehydrated as this is what causes a hangover. You can still have a couple of party nights when you go on holiday to the Algarve, just try not to do it for two weeks solid and make sure that you get to enjoy what is on offer in this wonderful and beautiful part of Portugal.

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•  License: Creative Commons image source

This article was written by Ted Hunter on behalf of Travel Republic. Travel Republic has some of the best deals available on holidays to Algarve. Ted is a seasoned traveller who has visited over 60 countries around the world and enjoys sharing his experiences in his blogs and articles.

All About Portugal - Travel and tourism information about Portugal

Praia do Norte, Nazaré is famed for the perfect waves it offers. It’s also home of the biggest waves in the world as McNamara has proven in 2011 and in 2013

Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal used to be famed only among locals and surfers. Yet, in 2011 hit worldwide headlines when Garret McNamara set there the world record for surfing the biggest wave ever ridden at 78ft. Amazingly the Hawaiian surfer seams to have broken his own record this Sunday, Jan. 28th by catching a 111 ft wave once more at Nazaré.

Praia do Norte, Nazaré and the perfect waves

Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal is acknowledged as one of the best surfing spots in the world, thanks to the perfect waves it offers. The magnificent surf conditions are mostly due to the proximity of the Nazaré Canyon headboard to the coast.

Nazaré Canyon

Nazaré Canyon is the biggest underwater ravine in Europe. It’s about 200 km long, developing from East to West, and it reaches 5.000 meters deep. The canyon headboard is less than 1 km from the coast to SW, which causes the significant blistering of the wave at Praia do Norte, Nazaré.

Nazaré

Located less than an hour and a half from Lisbon, Nazaré is one of the most typical Portuguese villages. For sure, it’s also one of the most beautiful. From all the fishing traditions that remain well alive at Nazaré, the outfit of the women is the most curious. It’s still very common to see women dressed with the traditional seven skirts, representing the seven virtues and the seven colors of the rainbow.

Sítio da Nazaré, on top of the impressive cliff is one of the local highlights. From there, namely from the Viewpoint Suberco, the view is amazing. It is also the iconic place of worship to Our Lady of Nazaré.

Of course the beaches are popular thanks to the mild climate and above all to the surfing conditions. Nazaré is one of the most important Portugal surfing holidays spot.

Naturally, after McNamara’s deeds Praia do Norte, Nazaré stands out from all the other beaches. In fact, it has become the visiting card of the region, inviting us to be as bold as the American surfer. Who dares? Not me, I assure you.

Check out this video on the waves of Praia do Norte, Nazaré, Portugal

BIG MONDAY the video from surftotal tv on Vimeo.

Where is Praia do Norte, Nazaré?

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McNamara wave on Nazare, measured 111.5 feet according to the measurements of the wave made by Portuguese experts from Lisbon’s Faculty of Human Motricity.

McNamara wave on Nazare, measured 111.5 feet (34m)reported Portuguese press, namely the TV station SIC Notícias and the Diário de Notícias newspaper.

Both sources based the information on a computer measurement made by Portuguese specialists from Faculdade de Motricidade de Lisboa (Lisbon’s Faculty of Human Motricity).

If American experts confirm this result after analyzing the wave, then last Monday, Jan. 28th, Garret McNamara has achieved a new world record for surfing the biggest wave ever ridden. Let me just remind you that he already held the previous record which he was at 78ft (24m). The 2011 record was also established at Praia do Norte, the famed beach of Nazaré Canyon.

The North Canyon Project

Garrett McNamara was invited by the Town Hall of Nazaré, to know and explore its waves. The project was called The North Canyon Project and one of its goal was to understand Nazaré sea potentialities, which are unique for being under the influence of the Canyon of Nazaré, a geomorphological undersea phenomenon that allows such outstanding waves.

North Canyon Project presentation video

Garret McNamara

Garret McNamara was born in Pittsfield, Massachusets in 1967, far away from the ocean. However, in 1978 he moved to Hawaii where surf charmed his entire family. He started at the age of eleven following the footsteps of his older brother Liam McNamara.

In the early 1990’s McNamara was one of the first surfers to join Tow surfing. It was then he started chasing down and catching giant waves all over the world.

And since then McNamara has achieve incredible deeds. In 2007, along with his partner Keali’I Mamala he was the first to surf tidal waves formed by 300 ft (91m). calving glaciers in South-Central Alaska.

A few years before, in 2003 he almost died in Jaws when he caught a 20 ft. wave.

Yet his most famed achievement – at least until last Monday – happened in November 2011 at Nazaré, when he entered the Guiness World Records after catching a 78 ft (24m). wave.

Nazaré

Nazaré is fishing town located about an hour and a half from Lisbon, in the Oeste region. It is worldwide famed for the surf conditions it offers. Surfers came here in search of high breaking waves formed due to the underwater Nazaré North Canyon.

Where is Nazare?

Nazaré

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