During graduation, we stopped at the Hilton Aberdeen TECA for a meal, and I must say, they did not disappoint. The fresh soup, pizza bread, and fries were all delicious. I enjoyed it so much that when the food at the Aloft Aberdeen TECA was not as good, my friend said, "Now you see the difference between the two hotels. That's why Hilton is more expensive." We laughed it off and continued to enjoy our trip.
There isn't much to say about this post, other than the fact that we stopped here for a quick meal with the graduate's friends. That's why I don't have much to say about this place, even though I would have preferred to stay here because the food was better and the decor was more modern and photogenic.
The hotel decor was absolutely stunning. Standing between those artworks on the wall made me feel like the centerpiece, as I am an art created by God Almighty. I stood out and gave it the beauty it deserves. I loved these photos from the moment they were taken, and I enjoyed every minute spent there. I felt so relaxed and enjoyed my meal with the great view while getting to know my new friend, whom I just met at the graduation. I will be talking about my new friend soon.
If you have been following my blog, you are probably aware that this is the second time I have worn this dress. I have also mentioned that it is from Zara and was one of my best purchases last summer. My bag details here.
Did I mention that it was a stone's throw from the Aloft Aberdeen TECA hotel? For now, what do you think about the decor at the Hilton Aberdeen TECA?
When I visit a hotel during my travels, I prioritize the lobby and the cleanliness of the room. Let me explain further. The lobby brings the hotel to life when you first step inside and sets the tone for your stay. It should provide a relaxed atmosphere for having breakfast or using a laptop, whether you're traveling for work or pleasure. I prefer a slightly quiet atmosphere with art and design, as these elements keep the mind engaged. All of these factors contribute to the initial impression I have about the hotel.
When it comes to the rooms, I prioritize clean and sanitized sheets, a spotless toilet, an entirely clean room with no odor, and a good view.
Now, allow me to share my thoughts on this hotel. I thought it was quite nice, and I particularly liked the room, which had two king-size beds for my friend Ebube and me. Later, we were joined by Yinka, who had just graduated from Robert Gordon University in Aberdeen.
The hotel walkway was well-kept and had a pleasant scent. The elevator was also pleasant to ride in, with no strange noises and easy-to-understand controls. The interior design of the elevator was quite striking.
The bathroom was spacious, and the shower gel was lovely. They also provided hair conditioner and shampoo, although we didn't need them since we had our braids in.
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So, remember my previous story about Gabriella of the Louis Fitzgerald hotel, aka the night manager? Well, let me tell you about our room experience.
First off, the room was really neat, like, super tidy. The bed was nicely made, and there were plenty of closets to keep our stuff organized. I specifically asked for a room without any funky smells, and they totally delivered. It was clean and airy, just how we like it.
They had all the essentials covered: hair dryers, soap, towels, you name it. Plus, they kept a tea stand fully stocked, which was a lifesaver for a tea lover like me. Oh, and there were even biscuits and milk – talk about hospitality!
Now, onto the entertainment – the TV was pretty decent, with YouTube and other channels to keep us entertained. Nothing fancy, but it did the job. And the rug? Not a whiff of funkiness there, just a nice, cozy rug that tied the room together.
I also appreciated the curtains – clean, no stains, and they matched the room perfectly. The lighting was great too, with a mix of white and yellow to suit everyone's tastes.
But here's where things get a bit iffy – the bathroom. Don't get me wrong, it was clean and all, but the shower setup was a bit... Awkward. You practically had to do acrobatics just to get a decent shower because the shower head was fixed in place. It was not the type of shower you can move around, you have to stand in one place and turn around to shower your whole body. The curtain had a couple of black stains, but nothing too major.
Oh, and get this – I think someone might've snooped around my laptop. When we got back to the room, we found the cleaner's earpods charging with my friend's charger. She came back for them later, but it left me feeling a bit uneasy about my laptop.
This hotel is not located in the heart of the city center, we had to pay about 30-45 euros for a taxi to get into the city center to attend church on Sunday. They have breakfast service.
Overall, not a bad stay, but definitely room for improvement, especially in the bathroom. Ever stayed Louis Fitzgerald hotel in Dublin? Let me know what you think!
I was in the middle of a beautiful dream when my friend rudely interrupted, insisting we go for breakfast. Still half-asleep, I grumbled about wanting more shut-eye but eventually dragged myself out of bed and threw on some clothes. Off we stumbled to the breakfast stand, bleary-eyed and grumpy.
Now, let's chat about my breakfast adventure at the Louis Fitzgerald Hotel in Dublin. But hey, before we dig into that, have you checked out my hotel review yet? If not, you're missing out—go give it a read. Alright, back to breakfast. I'm not exactly a breakfast connoisseur, but even I could tell the food wasn't exactly fresh. Hotels love to boast about their "fresh" orange juice, but let's be real here—who's squeezing oranges at the crack of dawn?
The food was... meh. Considering the staff issues I noticed, I wasn't expecting a Michelin-star meal. It wasn't terrible, but it wasn't exactly a culinary masterpiece either. The breakfast area was neat and tidy, and my friend and I managed to snag a cozy corner to chow down. They did have a decent variety, and everything was served piping hot, so I'll give 'em that. Overall, not a bad experience, but definitely room for improvement. So, spill the beans—what's been your best hotel breakfast experience?
At this point in my life, I've learned to let things go and not take them too seriously. Recently, I traveled to Dublin, and planning the trip with my friend Ebube was really easy. We booked my tickets using Easyjet, and I traveled to Dublin by Aircoach bus.
My flight was very early, and with the added stress of potentially missing it, I did not sleep well. I've learned that while early flights may be cheaper, I need to give myself a break from booking them. Despite that, the journey was smooth—both the flight and the bus ride to Dublin. Overall, it was a great trip, and I'm grateful for the safe travels.
I haven't slept well all week, and I was hoping to sleep when I get to the hotel before my friend arrives.
My airport experience went smoothly, and I have Easyjet to thank for the seamless flight. However, I attribute the overall safe journey to God, giving Him all the glory.
Upon arriving on the reservation my friend made, there was a booking issue that required me to wait for my friend to arrive and resolve it. She managed to resolve it even before she arrived, and we went back to the hotel to rest and refresh. Later that night, we wanted to explore Dublin and see what the city had to offer. I was excited for the fun we had visiting Cafe En Seine, a suggestion from a friend who lives in Dublin and joined us there. After a good night out, he drove us back to our hotel to ensure we got in safely. However, the night manager, Gabriella, stopped us to ask for our room number, which we provided. Despite explaining that the person with us wasn't staying in the hotel, she became even more angry and insisted that he leave the property. She also demanded that both of us pay for staying in the room we had already booked.
We told her that we had already paid and everything was settled; we had checked in earlier. However, she continued to insist that we needed to pay. This confusion arose because she wasn't listening to us. Eventually, we managed to show her the reservation, which she refused to look at, but then she said it was booked for only one guest, even though we had already checked in.
Despite our protests and attempts to clarify the situation, she remained adamant and accused us of lying. She even threatened to ask us to leave the hotel. We were surprised and frustrated by her refusal to let us sleep in the room we had paid for. My friend became angry and told her to stop making unnecessary statements. That's when she threatened to call the police on us, accusing us of trying to sneak a guy into our hotel room, escalating the situation further.
My friends became furious with her and asserted that she had no right to threaten us with the police. We had all our documents in order, and she was simply being rude and unreasonable. Despite our objections, she gave us two options: either pay an extra fee and breakfast or wait for the police to arrive. We chose to wait for the police.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, my friend suggested that if she didn't want to allow me inside the hotel, she would stay alone while I went to her friend's house to sleep, and in the morning we would sort out the issue. She refused and said both I and my friend could not go into the room we paid for. She also refused us from taking our things from the room.
We were taken aback when, despite having paid for our hotel room, we were denied access to it, even at 3 in the morning. The night manager called the hotel guards to prevent us from entering. One of the guards expressed disappointment in her behavior and advised us to remain calm, highlighting her unpleasant demeanor. Her disrespectful treatment of the guards, as if they were her subordinates, left a poor impression. When another guest was entering, she abruptly demanded their room number and then instructed them to come to the front desk to speak with her.
This woman appeared intoxicated with power. She went to the extent of suggesting that we had hearing problems and required hearing aids, which caught us off guard. I couldn't discern if her behavior stemmed from racial animosity or if she was simply a troubled individual in a position of authority.
My friend's friend thought that offering an apology might smooth things over. Yet, the moment he apologized, she became even more hostile. My friend also tried to ease the tension by apologizing, attempting to understand if Gabriella, the night manager, was having a rough day or if there was a misunderstanding. However, she remained firm, asserting her sole authority. Growing frustrated, my friend's friend raised his voice, labeling her as unreasonable. Meanwhile, my friend, Ebube, was getting angry. We had a confirmed booking, and it was clear that Gabriella was being wicked.
She even asked the security guard to deactivate our room cards. She demanded that we pay for breakfast, which we declined, leading to her insisting that we leave the hotel altogether.
I haven't slept well all week, and I was hoping to sleep when I get to the hotel before my friend arrives.
My airport experience went smoothly, and I have Easyjet to thank for the seamless flight. However, I attribute the overall safe journey to God, giving Him all the glory.
Upon arriving on the reservation my friend made, there was a booking issue that required me to wait for my friend to arrive and resolve it. She managed to resolve it even before she arrived, and we went back to the hotel to rest and refresh. Later that night, we wanted to explore Dublin and see what the city had to offer. I was excited for the fun we had visiting Cafe En Seine, a suggestion from a friend who lives in Dublin and joined us there. After a good night out, he drove us back to our hotel to ensure we got in safely. However, the night manager, Gabriella, stopped us to ask for our room number, which we provided. Despite explaining that the person with us wasn't staying in the hotel, she became even more angry and insisted that he leave the property. She also demanded that both of us pay for staying in the room we had already booked.
We told her that we had already paid and everything was settled; we had checked in earlier. However, she continued to insist that we needed to pay. This confusion arose because she wasn't listening to us. Eventually, we managed to show her the reservation, which she refused to look at, but then she said it was booked for only one guest, even though we had already checked in.
Despite our protests and attempts to clarify the situation, she remained adamant and accused us of lying. She even threatened to ask us to leave the hotel. We were surprised and frustrated by her refusal to let us sleep in the room we had paid for. My friend became angry and told her to stop making unnecessary statements. That's when she threatened to call the police on us, accusing us of trying to sneak a guy into our hotel room, escalating the situation further.
My friends became furious with her and asserted that she had no right to threaten us with the police. We had all our documents in order, and she was simply being rude and unreasonable. Despite our objections, she gave us two options: either pay an extra fee and breakfast or wait for the police to arrive. We chose to wait for the police.
In an attempt to resolve the issue, my friend suggested that if she didn't want to allow me inside the hotel, she would stay alone while I went to her friend's house to sleep, and in the morning we would sort out the issue. She refused and said both I and my friend could not go into the room we paid for. She also refused us from taking our things from the room.
We were taken aback when, despite having paid for our hotel room, we were denied access to it, even at 3 in the morning. The night manager called the hotel guards to prevent us from entering. One of the guards expressed disappointment in her behavior and advised us to remain calm, highlighting her unpleasant demeanor. Her disrespectful treatment of the guards, as if they were her subordinates, left a poor impression. When another guest was entering, she abruptly demanded their room number and then instructed them to come to the front desk to speak with her.
This woman appeared intoxicated with power. She went to the extent of suggesting that we had hearing problems and required hearing aids, which caught us off guard. I couldn't discern if her behavior stemmed from racial animosity or if she was simply a troubled individual in a position of authority.
My friend's friend thought that offering an apology might smooth things over. Yet, the moment he apologized, she became even more hostile. My friend also tried to ease the tension by apologizing, attempting to understand if Gabriella, the night manager, was having a rough day or if there was a misunderstanding. However, she remained firm, asserting her sole authority. Growing frustrated, my friend's friend raised his voice, labeling her as unreasonable. Meanwhile, my friend, Ebube, was getting angry. We had a confirmed booking, and it was clear that Gabriella was being wicked.
She even asked the security guard to deactivate our room cards. She demanded that we pay for breakfast, which we declined, leading to her insisting that we leave the hotel altogether.
The following day, we phoned ahead before heading to the hotel. We were invited to meet with the day manager, who calmly discussed the incident with us and apologized. Thankfully, everything was resolved, and we were able to enjoy the rest of our stay without any further issues.
As for my encounter with Gabriella, words can't fully capture the experience. However, one thing that stood out to me was how we handled the situation. Later that day, while chilling in the room with my friend, I played some music and reflected on how much we've grown. In the past, we might have refused to budge until our rights were acknowledged, but now we're more inclined to let things slide. There are always going to be unhappy people like Gabriella out there, but we didn't let her steal our joy. I genuinely hope she finds peace.
Special thanks to the morning manager and the front desk staff, who eventually resolved the issue and apologized for the inconvenience.
While sitting in the lobby the next day with my friend's brother, a lady approached us, introducing herself as another manager at the hotel. She expressed her desire to understand what happened. However, after explaining the situation, she insisted on speaking with the person who made the booking, stating she couldn't discuss matters with me since the booking wasn't in my name. This didn't sit well with me. Initially, she came off as defensive, which discouraged my friend's brother from engaging in conversation, as he felt it wouldn't lead anywhere. Later, my friend Ebube spoke to her.
Villa Petricor is a haven where you may take advantage of contemporary conveniences without giving up the allure, harmony, and ecstasy of the Mayan forest. The internationally renowned architects @Colab_Tulum, Joshua Beck, and Joanna Gomes ensured that every detail came to life in this architecturally distinctive home, which they designed and built.
Each space is alive with natural elements, swirling shadows, and serene, picturesque ambiances. The architecture studio's own custom furniture and decorations are complemented by soft earth tones in the fabrics used. The property is surrounded by lush flora, creating a tranquil enclave that is ideal for unwinding after a day at the beach. @architecture.wave @cesarbejarstudio.
Photos by Architecture Wave
Leonardo Hotel Glasgow - Formerly Jurys Inn
Interested in traveling to Scotland's Glasgow City? OK, here's a hotel recommendation for you near the city center; however, I haven't stayed there myself, so please read online reviews at sites like TrustPilot to learn what previous guests of the Leonardo Hotel had to say about their experience there.
The largest hotel in Scotland, the Leonardo Hotel Glasgow, is conveniently located within five minutes of Queen Street Station and just next to Central Station. The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre is also located within easy walking distance from the hotel in Glasgow. As one of the best hotels in Glasgow, it's a great place to stay while you explore the city's thriving business scene and wide range of cultural offerings.
The rooms at the Leonardo Hotel Glasgow are both elegant and comfortable, with 321 rooms to choose from. Amenities in each room include air conditioning, a flat-screen TV, a Wi-Fi connection, a desk, and tea and coffee-making equipment. Every guest is guaranteed a restful night in one of our large, comfortable bedrooms. You can usually fit 3 adults or 2 adults and 2 kids in a standard hotel room.
Enjoy a drink and a bite to eat with coworkers or friends in our remodeled Grill Bar. The new Grill Menu has something for everyone, whether you're in the mood for a quick snack, a shared appetizer, or a main course straight from the grill.
Visit the hotel's website for more details on its accessible features.
4-star hotel, overlooking the River Clyde
80 Jamaica St,Glasgow
G1 4QG•
0141 314 4800
Note: It rains a lot in Glasgow
Nordic winters are unlike any other, with mountains of fresh snow crunching under your feet and the Aurora Borealis lighting up the night sky. And what better way to experience them than with a cosy stay in an igloo, covered in a warm blanket and a heated sleeping bag? Here are our picks for the coolest snow winter hotels in Europe.
Icehotel – Jukkasjärvi, Sweden
Icehotel
The rooms at Jukkasjärvi's Icehotel are entirely constructed of ice sculpted from the nearby Torne river and contain exquisite frozen sculptures by foreign artists. There's also an à -la-carte restaurant and a lounge with board games, perfect for a relaxing evening. For those who want to explore more of the Swedish countryside, Luossavaara mountain and ski resort are only 20 kilometres away.
Sinettä, Finland: Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos
Arctic Snow Hotel
The Arctic Snow Hotel is a secluded resort in rural Finnish Lapland with suites made completely of snow and ice. Visitors can unwind in the outdoor hot tub or snow sauna and ask for a wake-up call to witness the breathtaking Aurora Borealis. For those who want to exchange vows in a really unique setting, there is even an on-site ice chapel and bridal suite. Or, if you'd like, you can spend the night in a glass igloo under the stars. These contemporary igloos have insulated glass roofs that provide unobstructed views, so you may admire the Northern Lights from the comfort of your bed. You can try native pursuits like ice fishing, snowshoeing, and eating at the ice café for a truly realistic Arctic Circle experience.
What better way to celebrate the end of winter than with a little well-priced luxury to warm you up? While booking a flight to a far-off beach might not be an option right now, if you feel comfortable enough to travel around the UK, a day at one of the country's top spa resorts might be the better option. The hotels listed below provide a luxurious spa experience without ever sacrificing quality.
The 18th-century New Bath Hotel & Spa retains its old-world charm while providing high-speed WiFi. With features like rain showers in every bathroom, steam rooms, hot tubs, saunas, and a rebuilt "spring water pool," The New Bath Hotel has made a great effort to provide visitors with an extravagant experience. Select a facial, Swedish massage or full-body hot stone massage to follow a long soak. Finish with prosecco and afternoon tea in the living room.
Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, UK
After 18-holes of golf head to the health club
After spending the day in nature, treating yourself to high-end spa treatment is even more delightful. At the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel, Golf & Spa, you can do just that. Visitors may take advantage of the great outdoors because of their amazing location just close to the River Tweed. Hiking, biking, shooting, fishing, golfing, canoeing, and other outdoor activities are all close by. You can also get facials, makeovers, and yoga classes at the luxurious spa.
The Southcrest Manor Hotel, UK
Enjoy the 10 acres of stunning private lawns and woodland after your treatment
The Southcrest Manor Hotel is one of the rare places that can offer both serene surroundings and a quick commute to the nearby town centre. This opulent hotel, which is surrounded by 10 acres of forest, features a spa centre, infrared and Swedish saunas, a gym, beauty services, a hot tub, and an acclaimed restaurant. And Redditch is just four minutes away if your idea of luxury involves shopping.
New Bath Hotel & Spa, UK
Pamper yourself with Afternoon Tea and Prosecco
The best way to unwind on a vacation is to reserve a room with a private pool. From in-suite swimming pools to romantic, panoramic plunge pools just outside your window, we've discovered the top villas, hotels, and cottages with enchanting private pools around the globe.
The plunge pool at Hunter’s Country House, South Africa
The "Deluxe" suite at Hunter's Country House in the Western Cape of South Africa will welcome you into a world you might never want to leave, and the private pool won't help. Grand four-poster beds can be found in the property's thatched-roof cottages, which also feature charming family rooms with a patch of the blue pool surrounded by lounge chairs and pinstriped wicker furniture. There is also the Deluxe Suite, which is as alluring and opulent and features a blue plunge pool. After a day of leisurely swimming and sunbathing, go to the lantern-lit garden for a special evening with your loved one. Additionally, trust the staff when it comes to drinking suggestions; they'll find you something unique or create a combination just for you.
When you travel, one of the best parts is getting to experience life as a local, whether it's eating at a family-run restaurant or making new friends while buying at a market off the beaten path. Book one of these six European homes away from-home for a long stay, and you'll get a flavor of local life while also enjoying some extra luxuries.
Madrid, Spain
For a sunny, cultural, and delicious food-filled long stay in Europe, look no further than Madri. More specifically, Amor de Dios 17 Boutique Hotel is set within a Madrid townhouse in a quiet street in the center of the city. It’s located between must-visit Plaza Mayor (Madrid’s expansive and atmospheric main square) and the Prado Museum (housing Spain’s largest national collection of art and one of the largest collections in the world). First, go sightseeing and then settle in with late-night dinners at bars and beer gardens such as Cervecera Restaurante Plaza Mayor, which has outdoor seating right on the plaza and is a wonderful place to people-watch. The Santa Eulalia Boulangerie Patisserie, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, is a wonderful place to grab a cup of coffee and some freshly baked bread and pastries for breakfast.
Madrid, Spain
For a sunny, cultural, and delicious food-filled long stay in Europe, look no further than Madri. More specifically, Amor de Dios 17 Boutique Hotel is set within a Madrid townhouse in a quiet street in the center of the city. It’s located between must-visit Plaza Mayor (Madrid’s expansive and atmospheric main square) and the Prado Museum (housing Spain’s largest national collection of art and one of the largest collections in the world). First, go sightseeing and then settle in with late-night dinners at bars and beer gardens such as Cervecera Restaurante Plaza Mayor, which has outdoor seating right on the plaza and is a wonderful place to people-watch. The Santa Eulalia Boulangerie Patisserie, a 15-minute walk from the hotel, is a wonderful place to grab a cup of coffee and some freshly baked bread and pastries for breakfast.
Amor de Dios 17 Boutique Hotel, Madrid, Spain
Munich, Germany Munich has many strings to its bow; surrounded by easily accessible, resplendent nature and known for its great beer, bakeries, and pleasant pace of life, the Bavarian capital is a great place to try to settle into the local scene. To treat yourself to a little luxury while doing so, spend your long stay at Schwan Locke, where studio apartments boast modern, playful interiors in a soothing pastel and earthy color palette.
Schwan Locke, Munich, Germany
Bath, United Kingdom
Named after its Roman-built baths, this elegant city is home to a multitude of world-class spas, making it an extra relaxing and idyllic long-stay location. And at Hiding Space—Trim Street Apartments, guests even have a hot tub on a rooftop with amazing views of the city in all its architectural grandeur. Cultural events, exhibitions, concerts, and more fill Bath's year-round calendar of events, while the city's tearooms, gastropubs, and posh restaurants are sure to please foodies. Return to your Trim Street apartment after a day of seeing the city and admire the glistening nighttime view of Bath Abbey from the rooftop of the building.
Hiding Space - Trim Street Apartments, Bath, United Kingdom
Calilo Ios offers magnificent five-star lodgings on a 1,000-acre parcel of property with six miles of shoreline, almost guaranteeing full seclusion to those who want it.
Calilo is nestled by 1,000 acres of protected land and surrounded by six kilometres of golden beach lapped by a cerulean sea.
This 30-suite refuge is located in a secluded corner of unspoiled Ios, in the heart of the Cyclades, and just a stone's throw from party islands Mykonos and Santorini. Consider sun-drenched solitude surrounded by a historic olive-dotted countryside - at its centre, nature and art.
Calilo is a peaceful hideaway, a forward-thinking conservation project, and the ambition of one family. It is a unique location since it is their invention, from the building to the interior design to the spectacular artworks and installations, a family whose mission is to maintain, protect, and nurture this alluring land – and to share the dream and the island's mesmerizing charm.
Discover its whimsical feel and one-of-a-kind attitude. Reconnect with yourself – and with nature – by relaxing, realigning, and reconnecting. Sensitize your toes to the beach, your skin to the salt, and your bones to the sun. Deep sleep, dreaming, and lingering. Simply be.
Beachside Inn is so comfortable and homely, it is the perfect oasis in which to begin your Santa Barbara adventure! The atmosphere has that idea of relaxation that gives you the right vacation urge and fell. You get to enjoy a range of spacious rooms and suites, each offering a unique view of our secluded heated pool, Plaza del Mar park, or the famed Santa Barbara Harbor. Santa Barbara Beach Hotel Location is a waterfront location that has convenient access to the beach, as well as Santa Barbara's top shopping and dining destinations. Explore all that the area has to offer from the Beachside.
Experience perpetual spring in the coastal city of Santa Barbara from our perfectly located hotel! Sitting just across the iconic Santa Barbara Harbor and with 69 newly renovated guestrooms, the Beachside Inn blends contemporary beachy chic décor with classic Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.
Take in the splendor of the American Riviera, with its famous beaches, Santa Ynez Mountains, and breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean, and revel in the laid-back Southern California culture. Explore the popular Stearns Wharf, State Street and Downtown Area, Santa Barbara Zoo, the trendy Funk Zone, West Beach, and many more of the city’s top attractions located in close proximity to our hotel!
Ideal for romantic getaways, family or group vacations! Santa Barbara hotel near the beach provides a deluxe complimentary breakfast served in the breakfast lounge each morning, allowing guests to start their day off on the right foot! Don’t feel like a day at the beach? Take a dip in the hotel’s outdoor heated pool or bask in the sundeck! Our amenities are designed to ensure each guest of the Beachside Inn has the best possible experience while visiting luxurious Santa Barbara.
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