Sunday, November 30, 2025 Sailing Silver Nova — A Journey Worth Celebrating Melbourne → Auckland | Silversea Silver Nova | Cruise Icon Reward
Sailing Heading off on something very special — the Silversea Silver Nova Cruise Icon sailing from Melbourne to Auckland! ✨🛳️ It took three flights to get here, but every
minute was worth it.
✔️ Porter to Vancouver
✔️ Air New Zealand to Auckland
✔️ And finally on to Melbourne Today, I’m boarding the Silver Nova, and I couldn’t be more excited. This Cruise Icon reward sailing feels incredibly meaningful — a celebration of hard work, dedication, and the pure joy of doing what I love. And in the best “cruise world is small” fashion, the very first people we spotted at the port were Tony and Larry. A perfect sign that it’s going to be a fantastic voyage from the very start. Even better? This journey is also our long-delayed (thank you, Covid!) celebration of Bill’s 60th birthday — an unforgettable adventure down under. ❤️🇦🇺🇳🇿 Here’s to beautiful
moments, meaningful milestones, and a spectacular voyage ahead.
✨ A Special Treat for My Clients — Silversea Future Voyage Savings (While I’m Onboard!)As part of this Cruise Icon sailing, I have access to a rare and generous Silversea offer — and I can extend it to three clients only: 🔥 5% OFF your next Silversea Ocean or Expedition Voyage📌 Must be booked while I’m onboard before Dec.12.25
📌 Applies to all suite categories
📌 Combinable with Venetian Society savings and most Silversea promos
📌 You’ll receive the best available
fare
📌 Up to 3 bookings per advisor — once they’re gone, they’re gone Here’s the wording from the details Silversea gave me as a flyer as a Cruise Icon. 📸 “Clients Save 5% on Future Voyages When They Book Onboard” — exclusive Cruise
Icon savings If you’ve been dreaming of a Silversea journey, this is the moment.
🌍 Where Could You Go With Silversea?Here are a few extraordinary voyages to tempt you… 🇯🇵 Japan — Circle the Land of the Rising Sun🛳️ Tokyo to Tokyo | April 20–30, 2026
🔗 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16831726/tokyo-to-tokyo-20apr2026-30apr2026 Or travel from Vancouver to Tokyo in 2027:
🔗 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/18257124/vancouver-to-tokyo-02sep2027-19sep2027
🇮🇸 Iceland —
Waterfalls, fjords & volcanic wonders🛳️ Edinburgh (Leith) to Reykjavik | May 4–15, 2026
🔗 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16923849/edinburgh-leith-to-reykjavik-04may2026-15may2026
🇬🇦🇨🇱 Antarctica — The White Continent(You know how much I love this…) 🛳️ King George Island Roundtrip | Jan 8–14, 2026
🔗 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/16715333/king-george-island-to-king-george-island-08jan2026-14jan2026 🛳️ Puerto Williams to Valparaiso | Feb 12–Mar 10, 2027
🔗 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/sailings/18257002/puerto-williams-to-valparaiso-12feb2027-10mar2027
🌊 Transoceanic Voyages — Slow Travel at Its FinestOcean Crossing
🛳️ Fort Lauderdale to Lisbon | March 10–24, 2026
🔗 https://www.silversea.com/destinations/transoceanic-cruise/fort-lauderdale-florida-to-lisbon-ra260310014.html Expedition Crossing
🛳️
Puerto Williams to Cape Town | March 6–27, 2026
🔗 https://www.silversea.com/destinations/transoceanic-cruise/puerto-williams-to-cape-town-e4260306021.html
🐢 Galápagos — Small, intimate, extraordinaryExplore Silversea’s expedition offerings here:
🔗 https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/travel/luxury-cruises/cruise-lines/3451/silversea
🍽️ Discover S.A.L.T. — Silversea’s Signature Culinary
ProgramOne of the things I love most about Silversea is how deeply they connect guests with the culture of each destination through food. S.A.L.T. — Sea And Land Taste® — is immersive culinary travel at its finest. With S.A.L.T., you can:
✨ Dine on
ever-changing regional menus at S.A.L.T. Kitchen
✨ Sip destination-inspired cocktails at S.A.L.T. Bar
✨ Join hands-on classes at S.A.L.T. Lab
✨ Enjoy intimate evenings at the S.A.L.T. Chef’s Table
✨ Experience culinary storytelling through S.A.L.T. Talks
✨ And head ashore for deep cultural tastings with S.A.L.T. Experiences It’s not just dining — it’s connection.
🛳️ Ready to plan your next Silversea journey?If one of the voyages above speaks to you — or if you’d like me to find the perfect one — reply to this email. I can only extend
the 5% Cruise Icon onboard savings to 3 clients, and only while I’m on the Silver Nova. If you’d like one of the spots, please let me know right away. ❤️ Now… time to board one of the
most beautiful ships at sea and begin this extraordinary journey across the Tasman. I can’t wait to share updates — the ship, the service, the scenery, the stories… all the magic that makes Silversea so spectacular. Here we go! ❤️ Ready to explore?
Just reply. ❤️ Warmly,
Sheila Gallant-Halloran
Virtuoso Cruise Icon | Founder, Lush Life Travel
www.lushlife.ca 🌍 This Week’s 4 Travel CornersEach week, we bring you insights from four inspiring corners of the travel world—designed to spark ideas, fuel your wanderlust, and keep you in the loop on what’s possible next: River Cruise Corner – Explore the best of river cruising with itinerary highlights, ship spotlights, and insider tips. Adventure Travel Corner
– From safaris to polar expeditions, get inspired by journeys that push the boundaries of exploration. Wellness Travel Corner – Discover retreats, resorts, and experiences that help you relax, recharge, and reconnect. Come Travel With Me Corner – Join one of my upcoming hosted group trips and experience the world with fellow curious, like-minded travelers—crafted and guided by me. Where will your next
corner of the world be? Let’s find out together. 1. River Cruise Corner - Thinking About a Christmas Markets Cruise on the Rhine? 🎄✨I’ve been working behind the scenes on something special for 2027 — a solo-friendly Christmas Markets group cruise on the Rhine. If you’ve ever dreamed of wandering through
storybook villages, sipping mulled wine, and exploring Europe wrapped in twinkling lights… this might be the perfect fit. To give you a taste of the magic, here’s a moment from one of my favourite Christmas Market sailings: ✨ Strasbourg’s Cathedral & Astronomical Clock — A Moment
I Won’t ForgetStrasbourg is one of those places that stays with you.
I stepped inside the breathtaking Cathédrale Notre-Dame — one of Europe’s true Gothic masterpieces. That soaring 142-metre spire still feels impossible, no matter how many times you see it. But the real magic is inside. The astronomical clock, built in the 1500s, is a marvel of art, science, and engineering. Every day, the figures move in a perfectly timed dance that has been running for centuries. Standing there watching it feels like witnessing history breathe. Outside, the Christmas markets spill through the streets — wooden stalls, gingerbread, ornaments, music, mulled wine, and that joyful Alsatian glow. It’s everything people dream about when they picture a European Christmas. Interested
in joining the 2027 Christmas Markets group?If a Rhine Christmas Markets cruise has ever called your name —
or if the idea of travelling in a small, like-minded solo group appeals —
send me a note and I’ll add you to the early interest list. T hese itineraries sell out early, and the solo cabins go fast. Let me know if a little Christmas magic in 2027 sounds like your kind of adventure. ❤️ 2. Adventure Travel - Expedition Cruising Myth #6: “It’s too cold for an expedition cruise.” ❄️🧊This week’s Instagram reel and YouTube short tackled a myth I hear all the time — and it stops so many would-be adventurers before they even look at sail
dates. ❌ Myth: “It’s too cold for an expedition cruise.”
✔️ Truth: With proper gear (and most expedition lines give it to you), Antarctica and the Arctic feel far more like a crisp ski day than an extreme endurance test. On
my own Antarctica voyage, the temperature hovered around –1°C.
Yes… minus one.
Warmer than plenty of winter days at home in Canada!
What makes the difference? 🧥 1. Your
expedition parka is a game changerMost expedition cruise lines — including Lindblad Expeditions, Scenic Eclipse, and Silversea — provide a high-quality, insulated polar parka that’s yours to keep. 🧤 2. You layer, not sufferMerino base layers, a mid-layer, waterproof pants, a buff, and gloves — that’s it.
Once you’re geared up, you’re focused on penguins, icebergs, whales… not the weather.
🚤 3. Zodiac rides keep you moving (and exhilarated!)Between landings, wildlife
sightings, and the magic of cruising through ice, you’re too engaged to feel cold. 🐧 4. The warmth of the moment outweighs everythingWatching Gentoo penguins play in the surf… listening to the crack of shifting ice… standing in silence surrounded by towering blue glaciers —
It’s impossible to think about temperature when you’re experiencing
that. If you missed this week’s videos, you can catch them here:
🎥 YouTube: Expedition Cruising Myth #6 – “It’s Too Cold”
🎞️
Instagram Reel: @sheila_lushlife www.instagram.com/sheila_lushlife (Links to youtube for myths 1-5 also included below.) So no… it’s not “too cold.”
It’s perfectly cold for adventure. If Antarctica or the Arctic is calling, I’d love to help you plan the perfect expedition — with the right ship, the right season, and the right gear. ❤️This
week, I’m tackling the latest in my Expedition Cruising Myths series — and it’s one I hear more often than you might think:
And in case you missed the earlier myths in the series, here’s a quick look back: 🌊 Myth #1: “It’s Too Adventurous.”
Think adventure with amenities — not roughing it. You can
sip champagne while watching icebergs drift by. 🧊 Myth #2: “It’s Too Dangerous.”
Modern expedition ships are marvels of safety and technology — often stronger and more stable than traditional cruise ships. 🦭 Myth #3: “It’s Too Rugged.”
From Ponant’s French elegance to Lindblad’s cozy luxury, these
journeys redefine exploration — no compromise required. 📚 Myth #4: “It’s Too Educational.” Truth: Expedition cruising isn’t about sitting through lectures — it’s about learning through wonder. Myth #5: “Expedition cruising is too
expensive.” Let’s clear this one up. Expedition cruising is a bucket-list experience — Antarctica, the Galápagos, the Arctic, Patagonia — but it’s also one of the highest-value ways to explore the world.
Expedition cruising is not about
being extreme. It’s about embracing the extraordinary. If you’ve ever dreamed of standing on Antarctic ice, exploring the Galápagos, or venturing deep into the Arctic fjords, this is your sign. You don’t need to be a scientist or an athlete — you just need curiosity and a sense of
wonder. 👉 Let’s find your perfect expedition — with Lindblad, Ponant, or another leader in luxury adventure travel.
Because the best journeys don’t just show you the world — they change how you see it. ❤️ #ExpeditionCruising #AdventureLuxury #LindbladExpeditions #Ponant #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #LuxuryTravel #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife Myth #5: “Expedition cruising is too expensive.” 📚 Myth #4: “It’s Too Educational.” Myth #3 - "Expedition Cruising Is Too Rugged" | Busting the Myths of Expedition Travel Myth #2 - "Expedition Cruising Is Too Dangerous" | Busting the Myths of Expedition Travel Myth #1 About Expedition Cruising: “Isn’t It Too Adventurous?” 🚢✨ Expedition Cruising Myths — Busted! If an expedition cruise has been on your list — from the Arctic to Antarctica — now’s the perfect time to reserve it. #ExpeditionCruising #VirtuosoCruiseIcon #AdventureLuxury #ReturnOnLife #LiveYourLushLife 3. Wellness Corner - Beating Jet Lag: The Smart Traveler’s Sleep Strategy ✈️😴
Jet lag doesn’t have to derail the first few days of your trip. With the right habits — starting
before you even board — you can arrive feeling rested, aligned, and ready to explore. Here are the wellness strategies I share with my clients (and use myself!) to make long-haul flights feel smoother, easier, and far less exhausting:
🌙 1. Sleep is your
superpowerGetting even a few hours of proper sleep in the air makes an enormous difference.
If you can:
Use a sleep mask to block out cabin light Turn on your
“wind-down” playlist or a calming meditation Bring a comfortable neck pillow that keeps your head stable Even 90 minutes of real, uninterrupted sleep helps reset your internal clock.
💧 2. Hydrate early. Hydrate often.Cabin air is extraordinarily dry — which accelerates fatigue.
Aim for a cup of water every hour, and bring your own bottle so you’re not dependent on service rounds.
Pro tip: Hydration is far more effective than mid-flight
cocktails.
🍷 3. Reduce alcohol in the air (your circadian rhythm will thank you)That celebratory glass of wine before takeoff is tempting…
But alcohol dehydrates, disrupts sleep cycles, and makes jet lag more intense.
If you indulge, keep it light and pair it with plenty of water. (And have a glass of wine when you land.)
🥗 4. Eat light to feel lightHeavy meals slow digestion — especially at altitude.
Choose: Lighter meals Easy proteins Fruit or simple snacks You’ll sleep better and arrive less bloated and sluggish.
🦵 5. Support your legs and circulationHealthy circulation is crucial when you’re sitting for long periods. A few options that really help: Compression socks (I love Viasox for comfort + style) A footrest or leg lift to keep your feet slightly elevated A short walk every couple of hours Your legs —
and energy levels — will thank you.
💺 6. When possible, upgrade your seatIf your budget allows, premium economy is a significant wellness upgrade: More recline Wider seat Better leg support Calmer cabin environment Even better if you can lie flat — but premium economy alone can dramatically improve sleep quality.
✨ A smoother landing, every timeJet lag isn’t something you just have to “push through.”
With the right sleep strategy — supported neck, elevated feet, hydration, light meals, and a calm cabin environment — you step off the plane feeling refreshed and ready for the adventure ahead. ❤️
4. 🌟 Travel With Me: A Journey Home to Newfoundland — Fall 2026⚓ Windstar: Montréal → St. Pierre → Montréal | September 2026Next September, I’ll be hosting a small group with Windstar Cruises on a beautiful round-trip sailing from Montréal to
St. Pierre, exploring Canada’s East Coast before visiting France — yes, St. Pierre-et-Miquelon is technically part of France! 🇫🇷 This itinerary features no U.S. ports — just stunning scenery, local flavours, and Windstar’s signature blend of casual luxury and discovery. 🇨🇦✨ 👉 Learn More About the Sailing:
Windstar Québec–Newfoundland Adventure 🎶 Explore My Hosted Group –
Itinerary, Ship & Pricing Details:
Sheila’s Hosted Windstar Group Page
🛥️ Deck Plan & Suite Pricing Overview📄 View Deck Plan (PDF):
Windstar Breeze / Legend / Pride Deck Plan Below are current indicative fares (in CAD) for double and solo occupancy on this sailing.
Category |
Double
(pp) |
Solo
(pp) | |
|---|
SBS1
Star Balcony Suite | $13,340 | $26,587 | |
BS1
Balcony Suite | $12,986 | $25,879 | |
SBS
Star Balcony Suite | $12,504 | $24,915 | |
BS
Balcony Suite | $12,403 | $24,713 | |
S3
Ocean View Suite | $10,452 | $20,811 | |
S2
Ocean View Suite | $10,313 | $20,533 | |
SS1
Star Ocean View Suite | $10,224 | $20,355 | |
S1
Ocean View Suite | $10,098 | $20,103 | |
S
Ocean View Suite | $ 9,895 | $19,697 | |
SP
Star Porthole Suite | $ 9,338 | $18,583 | |
Prices are in CAD and include taxes, non-commissionable fares, and port charges. Solo pricing
reflects the full fare including the single supplement.
🍽️ Why WindstarWindstar’s boutique yachts carry just 148–342 guests, blending small-ship freedom with world-class culinary experiences and personal service. Discover What Makes Windstar
Unique In Partnership with the James Beard Foundation Culinary Excellence at Sea I don’t often get to invite clients to travel with me to my home province of Newfoundland — but this is that special chance. This itinerary is uniquely
meaningful to me: it takes us along Canada’s Atlantic coast, right to the rugged cliffs and colourful harbours where I grew up. Every stop tells a story, and I’d love to share those stories with you. And here’s the twist: while this cruise stays entirely in Canadian waters, it still whisks us to France. With a
stop in St. Pierre & Miquelon, you’ll step into a slice of French culture without ever crossing the Atlantic. (A rare treat, since maritime laws normally require a U.S. port on Canadian sailings.) We’ll be sailing on Windstar’s boutique-style Star Pride, where the atmosphere feels more like traveling with
friends than traditional cruising. On board, you’ll enjoy:
✨ Small-ship intimacy & personalized service
✨ Destination-inspired gourmet dining
✨ Open decks perfect for whale watching
✨ A warm, welcoming atmosphere 🌊 Itinerary HighlightsMontreal – vibrant culture & historic Old Port Saguenay
– dramatic fjords carved by ice Newfoundland – wild coastlines & fishing villages St. Pierre & Miquelon – authentic French charm right next door Golden autumn landscapes at every turn Let’s reserve your suite and create unforgettable memories together. ✨ Four Directions of Travel InspirationEach edition of our newsletter brings you four curated travel insights to spark your wanderlust and keep you in the know. Here’s what to expect: In the Spotlight - From client journeys to industry features, see how Lush Life Travel is creating memorable adventures—and making headlines along the way. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration –
Handpicked features from Virtuoso Life, Virtuoso Traveler, or Virtuoso Insight—ideas that transport you. Elevate Your Stay – A weekly look at standout hotels from our preferred partner network, plus the VIP perks you receive when booking with Lush Life Travel. Exclusive Offers – Special promotions and insider access available only through Lush Life Travel, a proud affiliate of Direct Travel and top Virtuoso producer. This section is your one-stop compass for ideas, upgrades, and exclusive opportunities—all designed to help you live your lushest travel life. 5. Spotlight: ✈️ Bill’s Pre-Flight Tap-Tap Ritual ✈️ Every trip has its traditions… and Bill’s is giving the plane a little tap-tap before boarding for good luck. Not just one plane — all three on this trip. According to him, that’s how we keep the skies safe. According to me… you’re all welcome. 😆 Aviation superstition? A personal ritual? Or just Bill doing Bill? Either way — the tap-tap
was working overtime. Do you have a pre-flight ritual? 📩 Let’s Start Planning Your Bucket List Journey: 🔹 Pre-Consultation Survey: 🔹 Schedule a Consult Sheila Gallant-Halloran | www.lushlife.ca | ✉️ sheila@lushlife.ca
6. Virtuoso Travel Inspiration
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Enjoy this recent edition of Virtuoso Life, Insider's Guide, and Virtuoso Dispatch—packed with award-winning travel inspiration and insights—all complimentary from me to you. Happy exploring! Where’s your winter wonderland? From snowy Swiss pistes in Saint Moritz to sugar-white-sand beaches in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, there’s an ideal seasonal escape for every kind of traveler. And whether you’re looking to cozy up with a warm drink in a mountain lodge or unwind on a sun-splashed Caribbean cruise, your Virtuoso travel advisor is here to handle every detail – and deliver plenty of perks, from tailormade
experiences and VIP access to generous savings, suite upgrades, and shipboard credits. https://e.virtuosoemail.com/virtuoso-insiders-guide-holiday-winter-2025
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7.  𝑪𝒉𝒆𝒄𝒌𝒊𝒏𝒈 𝒊𝒏𝒕𝒐 𝒍𝒖𝒙𝒖𝒓𝒚? 𝑳𝒆𝒕’𝒔 𝒎𝒂𝒌𝒆 𝒊𝒕 𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒃𝒆𝒕𝒕𝒆𝒓
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Unlock Exclusive Perks for Your Luxury Hotel Stay When you check into one of the world’s finest hotels through me (or via my Virtuoso
self-booking site), you’re stepping into a stay filled with VIP perks like:  Daily breakfast for two Room upgrades (when available) Early check-in / late check-out (when available) A US$100+ food & beverage or spa credit (varies by property)  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐤𝐞𝐞𝐩 𝐢𝐭 𝐪𝐮𝐢𝐜𝐤 & 𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐲? Just self-bookYou can browse and self-book many of my Virtuoso partner hotels (link in first comment) — booking this way still gets you those amazing perks, with no added fee. Browse & Book Hotels Online.  𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐒𝐞𝐚𝐬𝐨𝐧𝐬 𝐟𝐚𝐧𝐬, 𝐭𝐚𝐤𝐞 𝐧𝐨𝐭𝐞: If you’re staying at a Four Seasons, let me handle the booking through my Four Seasons Preferred Partner status so you’ll get even more exclusive access and benefits beyond Virtuoso.  𝐖𝐚𝐧𝐭 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐭𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐣𝐮𝐬𝐭 𝐚 𝐫𝐨𝐨𝐦?If you’d like full VIP treatment—think personalized concierge service, curated experiences, and extra-special touches—just hire me to manage the booking. I’ll take care of every detail so you can simply arrive and enjoy. Whether it’s part of a bigger trip I’m planning for you, or just a quick getaway, let’s make every hotel stay unforgettable. (While I specialize in river and expedition cruises, as well as bespoke trips to Africa and Australia, I’m happy to book luxury hotels for my clients. Hotel-only bookings are subject to my professional fees, outlined here: Fee Schedule.)  𝐌𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐦𝐞 𝐭𝐨 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐫𝐭 𝐲𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐧𝐞𝐱𝐭 𝐕𝐈𝐏 𝐬𝐭𝐚𝐲.
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This week, we feature: Fairmont Mayakoba Soak in the sun, sand, and secluded vibe of Mayakoba at Fairmont Heritage Place – a 401-room-and-suite resort with all the makings for a
dreamy getaway. Enjoy everything from accommodations with private plunge pools and 24-hour concierge service to sea-to-table cuisine, Mayan-inspired spa treatments, and a Greg-Norman-designed golf course that winds through three distinct ecosystems. There’s even a kids’ club for children aged 5 to 11. Perfect for when you need your own time out. Virtuoso AmenitiesFor 2025: - Upgrade on arrival, subject to availability
- Daily Buffet breakfast for up to two guests per bedroom, served in the restaurant
- $150 USD equivalent Resort or Hotel credit to be utilized during stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full)
- Early check-in / Late check-out, subject to availability
- Complimentary
Wi-Fi
https://www.virtuoso.com/advisor/sheilagallanthalloran/hotels/16573590/fairmont-heritage-place-mayakoba 8. Exclusive Offers As the owner of Lush Life Travel, a boutique travel agency affiliated with Direct Travel, I’m delighted
to bring you access to exclusive offers through Direct Travel’s status as one of the largest Virtuoso luxury travel network partners. Here are some fantastic opportunities from a few of our favorite travel supplier partners: DESTINATION of the week: Australia - Come Say G'Day SMALL OCEAN CRUISE Partner of the week: Black Friday with Azamara RIVER CRUISE Partner of the week: Avalon Waterways Black Friday EXPEDITION CRUISE Partner of the week: Quark Expeditions Black Friday TOUR PARTNER of the Week: Remote Lands Asia
HOTEL of the week: Plush Pads
LUXURY experience of the week: Champagne and caviar on repeat with Cunard I have some offers and information on all these weekly partners. Click the button to see more.
Unlock Your Lush Life through Travel
At Lush Life Travel, you’re not just booking a trip—you’re unlocking 20 years of travel expertise paired with 20 years in financial services. My focus on detail, risk management, and a network of trusted relationships ensures your journey is seamless, unforgettable, and uniquely yours. Here’s to creating defining moments and living your lush life through travel!
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