Once again it has been a while since my last post, but I can assure you that most of that time was filled with studying, sleeping, or going to class. It has been a tough couple of weeks schoolwise but things are finally settling back down a little, so hopefully it will all get a little less stressful as well. Not much eventful happened during the week this week. I have been sick and stressed so a lot of my free time was spent in bed. I got an A on two out of my three midterms and have not gotten the third once back yet, so we will see about that one! It's art history, which is actually a pretty difficult class (understandably if you consider how much art and history there is in Italy and especially Florence where we are living!) and has a lot of dates and names and even concepts. I'm a little nervous to get it back but hopefully I did alright!
This weekend, we put schoolwork on the backburner and had some really cool opportunities. On Friday, we went to Siena and San Gimignano, two cities about 90 minutes south of Florence. Both were absolutely beautiful and so different from Florence! In Siena we had a guided tour and then some free time during which we got quick lunch and just relaxed in the sun. It was actually a lot warmer than Florence is right now and I was out in a t-shirt which was a drastic and welcome change from late October back home! Then we moved on to San Gimignano where we had all the time to ourselves to explore and shop. I wish we had waited to eat there because it smelled absolutely delicious and we saw so much pizza that looked amazing! Northern Italy is not exactly known for having the best pizza, but as we were a little farther south than normal, the pizza looked completely different and combined with the smell it was absolutely mouthwatering. We did get gelato at the "world's best gelato place" which actually has won the worldwide gelato competition for a few years. It was delicious and definitely the best I have had. Both cities had beautiful ceramics and silver jewelry and a lot of souvenir shops. We saw the duomos in both cities and came across many other interesting buildings and shops. It was an awesome day and we got to spend it with some of the people from the Oregon group that is also here with AIFS so it was really nice to get to know them better. We got home around 7 and I passed out around 8, exhausted from such a long and eventful day. I absolutely loved San Gimignano and really want to go back! It's such an adorable city and the views were absolutely amazing. I took a lot of pictures which I will put on facebook soon.
Then Saturday night we went to a professional soccer game between our home team Fiorentina and another Italian team called Bari. Although Fiorentina does not have a great record so far this year, they won the match and it was an amazing and exciting experience. I am not much of a soccer fan but as we were saying all night, "This is not SOCCER. This is FUTBOL!" It was crazy. There were so many people and the fans were wild. It was definitely an awesome time and I am so glad I had that opportunity. I wish we could go see another game! It was so much fun. After the game we went out to the club and I had a great night with some of the girls from the group. Overall it was an extremely fun weekend and I am grateful for it, as the weekends remaining are running short!
I have spent today relaxing and trying to catch up with some friends from back home. I got wallposts last night from my two best friends saying they needed me and another of my best friends saying she wanted to skype soon. It's really good to hear that I am missed by them back home as much as I am missing them here, but it makes me wish I could be there for them when they need me instead of across the ocean! I do what I can from here but I really wish I could be at home supporting them. Hang in there girls, I'll be back before you know it and we'll have as much quality best friend time as we can possibly handle. I love you all!
My highschool cheerleading team is also competiting in this year's first competition today which makes me miss it and all of them so much! Not to mention the football games... I can't wait to see a video of your routine, girls! I know they rocked it. That's how we do it <3 BGVC
We ordered our Harry Potter tickets today! We're fairly certain that midnight shows do not exist in Europe, which is a huge bummer, but we are seeing it the next morning at 9:30 so that is still very early after it comes out. I CANNOT WAIT to see it or for my trip to London in general! It's going to be amazing and I could not have picked a better group of people to be going with.
Now I'm off to skype my momma because I haven't talked to her for a few days and I miss her! Love you mommy!
Ciao ;)
Sunday, October 24, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Non sono italiana! Io HEART America! ;)
Sooo it's the weekend once again and thank god for that. The stress of being here is finally kicking in. Money is absolutely crazy. Everything is so expensive and the exchange rate is getting worse and worse. Eager to go home and be nourished without worrying how much it is going to cost me. Also can't wait for some home cooked meals. Actually, I think what I am most excited about is being able to dry my clothes after washing them... ah, so many missed comforts.
Thursday night was probably my best night in Florence so far. We had an "American night" to celebrate Mackenzie's birthday. Mackenzie's mom was here all afternoon after classes making potato salad and homeade mac and cheese and they got burgers and hot dogs for the meat eaters. We had lots of snack food and lots of alcohol. We made jello shots and played "beer pong" (it's bei rut, bitches) and blasted music and just had a really good time. Theresa and I spent all day before that making a cake for Mackenzie and had a very interesting time figuring out how to make a cake in Italy. We used cake mix, but the mix is very different here, and figuring out what we had to add to it while at the grocery store was very interesting. They also do not have frosting here so we had to make our own which was a crazy and nearly disastrous process. After multiple trips to the store and a hike across the city to our professor's apartment to use his oven, we produced 4 layers of aluminum lasagna pan cakes. We stacked and frosted what ended up being two very interesting desserts, added sprinkles and candles, and presented them at the party. Apparently they were good, because they are entirely gone now, but we were pretty worried that they were not going to be edible. I guess it really is the thought that counts!
American night was super fun, everyone came over to our apartment and we all had a blast. We did get a noise complaint, but it was only 9:20 pm and quiet hour starts at 11 so it was a little uncalled for. At around 11, we all left and went down to the bar at House of Sizzle, which is called the Red Garter, to see a Dave Matthews cover band. They were decent, and we had fun... and we all got really drunk. It was a hilarious night and we definitely bonded over it. It was a really good idea because we all got a little taste of home, which most, if not all, of us are missing.
Since then we've all been exhausted and just laying around being lazy. We got dinner at Sizzle last night and our waitress even noticed how exhausted we looked (although she does know us fairly well since we've been there a million times). Since we had midterms last week and still have one more on Tuesday we are all stressed out and just need this weekend to unwind.
LONDON is in a month! And once we get back we only have two weeks before we leave for home. It's crazy to think about! On one hand it seems like we've ONLY been here for a month and a half, but on the other hand it's like we only have a month and a half left! It seems short both ways, yet long both ways, it's so weird. We have been thinking a lot about the day we leave and no one can really decide if we are going to be happy or sad to go. It seems very bittersweet. We want to go home, but at the same time things are going to be very different when we get back, and although there are some things we definitely won't miss about this place, I think we will all miss the freedom we have.
Pictures of this weekend are on facebook in my album "Italia! 2" so check them out.
Ciao bellini!
Thursday night was probably my best night in Florence so far. We had an "American night" to celebrate Mackenzie's birthday. Mackenzie's mom was here all afternoon after classes making potato salad and homeade mac and cheese and they got burgers and hot dogs for the meat eaters. We had lots of snack food and lots of alcohol. We made jello shots and played "beer pong" (it's bei rut, bitches) and blasted music and just had a really good time. Theresa and I spent all day before that making a cake for Mackenzie and had a very interesting time figuring out how to make a cake in Italy. We used cake mix, but the mix is very different here, and figuring out what we had to add to it while at the grocery store was very interesting. They also do not have frosting here so we had to make our own which was a crazy and nearly disastrous process. After multiple trips to the store and a hike across the city to our professor's apartment to use his oven, we produced 4 layers of aluminum lasagna pan cakes. We stacked and frosted what ended up being two very interesting desserts, added sprinkles and candles, and presented them at the party. Apparently they were good, because they are entirely gone now, but we were pretty worried that they were not going to be edible. I guess it really is the thought that counts!
American night was super fun, everyone came over to our apartment and we all had a blast. We did get a noise complaint, but it was only 9:20 pm and quiet hour starts at 11 so it was a little uncalled for. At around 11, we all left and went down to the bar at House of Sizzle, which is called the Red Garter, to see a Dave Matthews cover band. They were decent, and we had fun... and we all got really drunk. It was a hilarious night and we definitely bonded over it. It was a really good idea because we all got a little taste of home, which most, if not all, of us are missing.
Since then we've all been exhausted and just laying around being lazy. We got dinner at Sizzle last night and our waitress even noticed how exhausted we looked (although she does know us fairly well since we've been there a million times). Since we had midterms last week and still have one more on Tuesday we are all stressed out and just need this weekend to unwind.
LONDON is in a month! And once we get back we only have two weeks before we leave for home. It's crazy to think about! On one hand it seems like we've ONLY been here for a month and a half, but on the other hand it's like we only have a month and a half left! It seems short both ways, yet long both ways, it's so weird. We have been thinking a lot about the day we leave and no one can really decide if we are going to be happy or sad to go. It seems very bittersweet. We want to go home, but at the same time things are going to be very different when we get back, and although there are some things we definitely won't miss about this place, I think we will all miss the freedom we have.
Pictures of this weekend are on facebook in my album "Italia! 2" so check them out.
Ciao bellini!
Monday, October 11, 2010
It's been awhile
As the days go by I find less and less time to blog. We are on break this week until Wednesday, and I am sick, so I have a little time to write right now, between episodes of 90210 :)
Not much new here. I am having a lot of fun, but still miss home and all my friends and family! I can't wait to go back and see everyone, but I'm glad things are finally looking up. We have midterms Wednesday and Thursday which is a little stressful, but makes the end seem much closer. 58 days!
Mackenzie's family is here. Her mom, nana, and 17 year old sister came to visit on Saturday and are here until I think Thursday. The day they arrived we (Mackenzie, Gabby, and I) went to meet them at the airport, but their flight was delayed twice and then ultimately cancelled, and since we had no way to get in touch with them, we just went back to our apartment and waited. They finally arrived at around 4 (their original flight was supposed to get in at 9:30) and we met up with them for drinks at their hotel. Then they treated us to dinner and wine at Golden View which was absolutely delicious and we had a great time getting to know them. That night, we took Mackenzie's sister, Peyton, to the club and she fit in with us wonderfully. We made jello shots before we left with Jello that they brought over from the states because they don't have anything like it here!
Most of my weekend has been spent just relaxing and studying, since I am sick and not feeling well at all. The best day of my weekend was Friday, when I went shopping with Gabby, Mackenzie, and Casey. I got two pairs of boots, a new top for the club, and a pair of earrings. It really cheered me up and felt good to get some new stuff. Then we got Chinese takeout for dinner and brought it back to the apartment to eat. I am so glad we found this restaurant, it is DELICIOUS, and they have the Lo Mein that I have been craving from back home, but even better. They also have "Tau Fu Piccante" which is tofu in a spicy sauce with shitake mushrooms and peas and it is the most delicious vegetarian meal I have ever tasted. Mmm I'm craving it right now just thinking about it!
I don't really like hot chocolate because I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but that same day we stopped at a little candy shop type place and Mackenzie got a hot chocolate. I thought I would share this because what she recieved was a small cup of what literally looked and tasted like hot chocolate syrup. It was thick, dark, sugary, and honestly, disgusting. No more Italian hot chocolate for us.
I will try to get back to blogging day to day in more detail because when I wait so long, there is a lot that I miss. At the same time, I am trying to get the most out of my experience here which involves a lot less apartment time and a lot more adventure. When my mom was here a few months ago, she went to a vineyard about two hours from here and met a sister and brother who were very nice and welcoming to her and her sisters and brother. When my mom heard that I was struggling here, she contacted them and she just heard back from the woman, named Cecilia. She showed me the email she received, which was absolutely adorable, since obviously English is not her first language. She said she was happy to have me there anytime and that I could come relax at her house for a few days. Sounds great to me! I am going to look into it and see if I can find a weekend this month to go visit, and maybe bring a friend. It would be awesome to get out of here and go see something new and spend some time with someone who lives here. I have also been in touch with some other people who live in Italy but are originally from America, and they have been very helpful with ideas for activities and trips and what not.
I can't think of anything else very important, I guess I can't wait this long between blogs! Sorry to those who are trying to live vicariously through me ;)
Ciao!
Not much new here. I am having a lot of fun, but still miss home and all my friends and family! I can't wait to go back and see everyone, but I'm glad things are finally looking up. We have midterms Wednesday and Thursday which is a little stressful, but makes the end seem much closer. 58 days!
Mackenzie's family is here. Her mom, nana, and 17 year old sister came to visit on Saturday and are here until I think Thursday. The day they arrived we (Mackenzie, Gabby, and I) went to meet them at the airport, but their flight was delayed twice and then ultimately cancelled, and since we had no way to get in touch with them, we just went back to our apartment and waited. They finally arrived at around 4 (their original flight was supposed to get in at 9:30) and we met up with them for drinks at their hotel. Then they treated us to dinner and wine at Golden View which was absolutely delicious and we had a great time getting to know them. That night, we took Mackenzie's sister, Peyton, to the club and she fit in with us wonderfully. We made jello shots before we left with Jello that they brought over from the states because they don't have anything like it here!
Most of my weekend has been spent just relaxing and studying, since I am sick and not feeling well at all. The best day of my weekend was Friday, when I went shopping with Gabby, Mackenzie, and Casey. I got two pairs of boots, a new top for the club, and a pair of earrings. It really cheered me up and felt good to get some new stuff. Then we got Chinese takeout for dinner and brought it back to the apartment to eat. I am so glad we found this restaurant, it is DELICIOUS, and they have the Lo Mein that I have been craving from back home, but even better. They also have "Tau Fu Piccante" which is tofu in a spicy sauce with shitake mushrooms and peas and it is the most delicious vegetarian meal I have ever tasted. Mmm I'm craving it right now just thinking about it!
I don't really like hot chocolate because I'm not a huge chocolate fan, but that same day we stopped at a little candy shop type place and Mackenzie got a hot chocolate. I thought I would share this because what she recieved was a small cup of what literally looked and tasted like hot chocolate syrup. It was thick, dark, sugary, and honestly, disgusting. No more Italian hot chocolate for us.
I will try to get back to blogging day to day in more detail because when I wait so long, there is a lot that I miss. At the same time, I am trying to get the most out of my experience here which involves a lot less apartment time and a lot more adventure. When my mom was here a few months ago, she went to a vineyard about two hours from here and met a sister and brother who were very nice and welcoming to her and her sisters and brother. When my mom heard that I was struggling here, she contacted them and she just heard back from the woman, named Cecilia. She showed me the email she received, which was absolutely adorable, since obviously English is not her first language. She said she was happy to have me there anytime and that I could come relax at her house for a few days. Sounds great to me! I am going to look into it and see if I can find a weekend this month to go visit, and maybe bring a friend. It would be awesome to get out of here and go see something new and spend some time with someone who lives here. I have also been in touch with some other people who live in Italy but are originally from America, and they have been very helpful with ideas for activities and trips and what not.
I can't think of anything else very important, I guess I can't wait this long between blogs! Sorry to those who are trying to live vicariously through me ;)
Ciao!
Monday, October 4, 2010
Droppin in
I don't have much Italian news to report, but here are a few updates
- I got full credit on that paper that I talked about a few days ago. CRAZY, but awesome. The average grade was a C. I got an A... I don't hate it! College is easy. Thank you, BG (and dare I say, Meghan Tesini?)
- We have officially 65 days left in Italy. Over a full month has gone by.
- Tonight I am going to dinner and a soccer game with some of the girls. Our friend Amazjah who is here with us plays on one of the soccer teams that they offer for teens, so we are going to support her.
- There is a travel advisory for Americans in Europe. You can read about it on CNN. Basically, people here hate American's. Mom told me not to wear anything blatantly American, so I guess I can no longer wear my Boston University shirt ;) what a shame... (dad, I know you'll be happy to hear that). I also cannot run through the airport wearing nothing but an American flag. Shoot, I guess that foils all my plans.
- I finished all 6 seasons of LOST. It blew my mind... I can't even talk about it. PLEASE recommend some more shows that you have enjoyed! Until then, I have two books to read: Invisible Man and The Four Agreements (thank you to my amazing cousin, Kara!) Very excited for both.
- After Thursday we have 5 days off, then return to class for midterms. Crazy to think I am already half way through my first semester of college.
- Tomorrow we have a walking tour of the secret passages throughout the city. I know the basic jist of their use, but I will wait until after thr tour to report on this to make sure I have the right details.
- ANYONE who wants to visit me here, REALLY feel free! ;) Or I guess I would settle for some cards or a package or something... anything from people back home is really awesome :) Just ask for my mailing address (not the same as the street address where I live).
Ciao!
- I got full credit on that paper that I talked about a few days ago. CRAZY, but awesome. The average grade was a C. I got an A... I don't hate it! College is easy. Thank you, BG (and dare I say, Meghan Tesini?)
- We have officially 65 days left in Italy. Over a full month has gone by.
- Tonight I am going to dinner and a soccer game with some of the girls. Our friend Amazjah who is here with us plays on one of the soccer teams that they offer for teens, so we are going to support her.
- There is a travel advisory for Americans in Europe. You can read about it on CNN. Basically, people here hate American's. Mom told me not to wear anything blatantly American, so I guess I can no longer wear my Boston University shirt ;) what a shame... (dad, I know you'll be happy to hear that). I also cannot run through the airport wearing nothing but an American flag. Shoot, I guess that foils all my plans.
- I finished all 6 seasons of LOST. It blew my mind... I can't even talk about it. PLEASE recommend some more shows that you have enjoyed! Until then, I have two books to read: Invisible Man and The Four Agreements (thank you to my amazing cousin, Kara!) Very excited for both.
- After Thursday we have 5 days off, then return to class for midterms. Crazy to think I am already half way through my first semester of college.
- Tomorrow we have a walking tour of the secret passages throughout the city. I know the basic jist of their use, but I will wait until after thr tour to report on this to make sure I have the right details.
- ANYONE who wants to visit me here, REALLY feel free! ;) Or I guess I would settle for some cards or a package or something... anything from people back home is really awesome :) Just ask for my mailing address (not the same as the street address where I live).
Ciao!
Friday, October 1, 2010
Fresh start
I have done a lot of talking this week and a lot of thinking. I have found out who my true friends are (you know who you are<3nomatterthedistance) and have learned not to rely on anyone. I know that all I do is give, give, give, and I am okay with it, as long as I focus on myself sometimes too. I am going to change things here. I have decided to stop feeling guilty for spending money. I am going to be wise with it, but I am still going to do things that I know will make me happy, even if they cost me a few euros. I am going to get out of here and see new things. Tomorrow, I am going to Lucca with Gabby, Mackenzie, and Theresa. I want to make a connection with the people here, but if I can't, I'm still going to do things on my own. I am eager to come home, but I want to do as much as I can while I am here. I have lived my life for other people for too long. Now, I am going to live it for myself and make the best of it.
For a little update:
-Wednesday we went to the Uffizi Museum with Chris in place of both of our classes. It was awesome just to finally set foot in that place. It's not exactly up my alley art wise, but you can literally feel the history seeping through the walls. We barely saw even a small portion of the museum and I will probably go back because they have some Rembrandts which I would really love to see.
- Thursday we went to the Bargello Museum for art history. It is just down the street from our apartment. This museum was actually very interesting. It is mostly sculpture (or what we saw of it was) and having a very informed tour guide (our teacher) really helps. The stories behind each sculpture were amazing.
- After the museum I went out with Gabby and Mackenzie to buy a new pair of headphones because mine broke. On the way, we found a place that sells ice coffee (which is fairly rare here).
- We left pretty late for our second class so we had to basically run there, but when we got to Santa Croce there was a huge fair going on. It looked awesome, so after class we walked around. There was tons of food and booths selling random but interesting things. I bought some souvenirs for my friends back home and a pair of really comfy slippers for myself.
- After chilling in the apartment for a little, Mackenzie and I decided to go out to dinner because we just wanted to get out and do something fun instead of staying in like we always do. We tried a new Mexican restaurant which was a very interesting experience. It wasn't very good but they gave us free sangria and tequila shots so needless to say we left content and pretty tipsy. We headed home and grabbed some snacks and alchohol on the way, then spent the rest of the night in the apartment with a few others just hanging out and drinking.
- I skyped with my brother and his girlfriend for quite a while which was awesome because I miss them so so so much! Ky & Emm <3 you are the best! I also skyped with Steph who made me feel really good about the things I was stressing about back home, and assured me that she would be there when I get back. I can't wait to see her :) We also skyped with Sean for a little while, because everyone here misses him already. It was good to see him safe at home and happy.
- Today we slept late and basically did nothing. But we decided that 3 nights a week, we are going to have dinner together. We formed pairs and each pair has one night to cook and one night to do the dishes. Hopefully this will make us closer and more appreciative of each other. It seems like things may be turning around.
To those who feel that I would be better off at home: screw you. I have no room for people who do not support me or believe in me, or people who bring me down. If you don't know that this is about you, you are simply an idiot.
To those who think that they may have a hand in my unhappiness, you do not. The world is a harsh place, and sometimes living in it just flat out makes me sad. But in general, I am happy, and I want to be here. If I seem negative to you, it is because I have chosen you to confide in. Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on, and I'm sorry if you were the wrong people for that. But know that I am okay and I am stronger for being here.
To those who have constantly shown me nothing but support, thank you. You know how much it means and how much I appreciate it. I am confident that we will be friends (or family) forever.
To those who have turned down my requests for help, I do not need you, and I am better off without you. Thank you for showing your true colors before I got too attached.
Every little thing, is gonna be alright<3
Ciao!
"Caught in a cold sweat, stuck splitting hairs
I'm drinking too much; I'm on my way to striking out
Go to sleep with the pressure of everyone
Watching and waiting, they're yours for the taking
But I still have my doubts.
Before you ask which way to go
Remember where you've been
Stay awake; get a grip and get out, you're safe
From the weight of the world, just take
A second to set things straight
I'll be fine, even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night"
- ATL
For a little update:
-Wednesday we went to the Uffizi Museum with Chris in place of both of our classes. It was awesome just to finally set foot in that place. It's not exactly up my alley art wise, but you can literally feel the history seeping through the walls. We barely saw even a small portion of the museum and I will probably go back because they have some Rembrandts which I would really love to see.
- Thursday we went to the Bargello Museum for art history. It is just down the street from our apartment. This museum was actually very interesting. It is mostly sculpture (or what we saw of it was) and having a very informed tour guide (our teacher) really helps. The stories behind each sculpture were amazing.
- After the museum I went out with Gabby and Mackenzie to buy a new pair of headphones because mine broke. On the way, we found a place that sells ice coffee (which is fairly rare here).
- We left pretty late for our second class so we had to basically run there, but when we got to Santa Croce there was a huge fair going on. It looked awesome, so after class we walked around. There was tons of food and booths selling random but interesting things. I bought some souvenirs for my friends back home and a pair of really comfy slippers for myself.
- After chilling in the apartment for a little, Mackenzie and I decided to go out to dinner because we just wanted to get out and do something fun instead of staying in like we always do. We tried a new Mexican restaurant which was a very interesting experience. It wasn't very good but they gave us free sangria and tequila shots so needless to say we left content and pretty tipsy. We headed home and grabbed some snacks and alchohol on the way, then spent the rest of the night in the apartment with a few others just hanging out and drinking.
- I skyped with my brother and his girlfriend for quite a while which was awesome because I miss them so so so much! Ky & Emm <3 you are the best! I also skyped with Steph who made me feel really good about the things I was stressing about back home, and assured me that she would be there when I get back. I can't wait to see her :) We also skyped with Sean for a little while, because everyone here misses him already. It was good to see him safe at home and happy.
- Today we slept late and basically did nothing. But we decided that 3 nights a week, we are going to have dinner together. We formed pairs and each pair has one night to cook and one night to do the dishes. Hopefully this will make us closer and more appreciative of each other. It seems like things may be turning around.
To those who feel that I would be better off at home: screw you. I have no room for people who do not support me or believe in me, or people who bring me down. If you don't know that this is about you, you are simply an idiot.
To those who think that they may have a hand in my unhappiness, you do not. The world is a harsh place, and sometimes living in it just flat out makes me sad. But in general, I am happy, and I want to be here. If I seem negative to you, it is because I have chosen you to confide in. Everyone needs a shoulder to cry on, and I'm sorry if you were the wrong people for that. But know that I am okay and I am stronger for being here.
To those who have constantly shown me nothing but support, thank you. You know how much it means and how much I appreciate it. I am confident that we will be friends (or family) forever.
To those who have turned down my requests for help, I do not need you, and I am better off without you. Thank you for showing your true colors before I got too attached.
Every little thing, is gonna be alright<3
Ciao!
"Caught in a cold sweat, stuck splitting hairs
I'm drinking too much; I'm on my way to striking out
Go to sleep with the pressure of everyone
Watching and waiting, they're yours for the taking
But I still have my doubts.
Before you ask which way to go
Remember where you've been
Stay awake; get a grip and get out, you're safe
From the weight of the world, just take
A second to set things straight
I'll be fine, even though I'm not always right
I can count on the sun to shine
Dedication takes a lifetime
But dreams only last for a night"
- ATL
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