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Belize 101: Spending Money!

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Understanding Currency

One of my favorite adventures in any new country is the local currency.  I find it interesting to see how each country divides their denominations, what the coins or paper actually look like, current exchange rate and making purchases in this different currency.  It is almost like learning a new language. 

The Importance of Money When Entering a Foreign Country

Although this is more important in some countries than others, it is extremely important to be aware of the local money customs, availability and acceptance of credit cards prior to your departure from home.  In the case of Belize, US currency is widely accepted at restaurants, stores, gas stations, etc.  We also found credit cards to be widely used and accepted even at small stores and restaurants.  But let’s get into some details so you are familiar with the customs and currency before your arrival into Belize.

Exchange Between US Currency and Belize Dollars

When making purchases in another currency, it is important to know and understand the exchange rate. This allows you to understand how much you are spending.  This bit of knowledge keeps you to your trip budget (always important!) and to know if the item or service you are purchasing is worth the price you are being asked to pay.  You will note the Belize dollar (BZ$) is fixed to US dollar (US$) and easily calculated.  For decades US$ 1.00 exchanges for BZ$ 2.00.  It is just that easy!  The first time you see on a menu that the main dish you were eyeing is BZ$18.00, remember that meal is “really” US$9.00 when calculating your budget. 

Receiving Change in Belize

When making purchases in Belize with cash, you will be returned change in BZ dollars no matter what currency you used to pay.  If you give the waiter a US$ 40 for dinner, the change given to you will be in BZ dollars.  So, for instance, if dinner and drinks total BZ$57.00, calculate US$28.50.  If you give the waiter US$40.00 you will receive BZ$24.00 in change.  It is a bit of easy math, but you will see how it works in action when your adventure to Belize begins!  Now you have BZ$24.00 to spend when giving tips or other small items.

Banks in Ambergris Caye, Belize

During our time in San Pedro, we found 6 banks within easy walking in town.  The most recognizable include:  Scotia Bank  https://maps.scotiabank.com/  However we also found Atlantic Bank https://www.atlabank.com/ and Belize Bank https://www.belizebank.com/

Tipping for Good Service

Being familiar with local tipping expectations and customs is vital when traveling!  For instance, tipping in Japan is frowned upon and is somewhat of an insult!  UGH!!  I don’t want to ever insult someone!

Tipping in Belize will be very familiar as it is basically the same as when receiving services in the US.  In bars and restaurants, a 10%-15% tip is customary for good service.  Waiters are low wage workers and we found them to appreciate tips when given.  I would recommend tipping directly to the waiter or bar tender rather than including the tip amount on the credit card receipt.  This ensure your generosity gets to the person you are wishing to tip. 

We found making purchases, spending US$ and BZ$ to be easy and credit cards to be widely used.  As always be cautious when carrying money in paper, coin or plastic!  Use common sense!  Divide your resources between people in your party so if one person has problems, all your resources are not lost!  I have mixed feelings about hotel safes…. I have used them…. with caution.  I would also recommend stashing cash and credit cards in multiple places in your luggage or belongings.  Store cash and credit cards in unusual places and containers.  For instance, I have seen people role paper currency and place it in empty chapstick tubes!  Be creative but don’t forget what you have done with your money and hide it from yourself!

Enjoy the Adventure Travel Addicts!

Travel to Belize 101

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How easy is travel in Belize?

The short answer, Belize travel so easy it is shocking!

I live in the southwest United States….let’s start there.  If you can get to Houston or Dallas, this is going to be simple.  Similar to how easy it is to get to the Caribbean from the east coast of the US, those of us west of the Mississippi River use these locations as frequent points to jump to Central and South America.

Three Letter Airport Codes

Being familiar with airport codes along your route is incredibly important when planning your trip.   TravelAddict101 uses these codes in to help you become familiar with them.  I know of a case when someone was not familiar with these codes and booked a flight to San Jose, Costa Rica (SJO) vs San Jose, California (SJC).   Major Oooops!

Quick Layover in Houston, Texas

We flew Southwest airlines https://www.southwest.com  to William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) which added international flights in late 2015.  William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) is easy to navigate with only a few minutes from domestic gates to designated international gates.  Its medium size makes William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) easy to travel through with limited time spent transiting immigration and customs, especially when compared to its much larger neighbor George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH).

Our 1-hour layover in William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) may have been a bit tight, but we made it to our gate with about 15 minutes prior to the start of the boarding process.  The flight from William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) to Belize City (BZE) is scheduled at just slightly over 2 hours.

Your Belize Adventure begins

Arriving in Belize City (BZE) is similar to many other small countries.  Airstairs are needed to disembark with a short walk into the terminal.  We were immediately transiting to a domestic flight so our time in the Belize City (BZE) was only to retrieve any checked luggage, clear customs/immigration and check-in for a Tropic Air flight to San Pedro, Ambergris Caye (SPR).  Our scheduled layover in Belize City (BZE) was 53 minutes which was no problem.

Gate area in Belize City, Travel Belize
Gate area in Belize City (BZE)

The check-in to Tropic Air https://www.tropicair.com/  was easy and fast.  They do have a limit for checked luggage to no more than 50lbs which we were close to with our SCUBA dive gear.  We did not exceed this limit, so I have no information on how strictly this is enforced, but I would be cautious as these are small aircraft.

There are no assigned seats when purchasing tickets which was also very easy online.  While boarding all 12 passengers, the crew will let you know where you are asked to sit to capitalize on the weight and balance of the aircraft. 

Belize, travel Belize, Tropic Air, TravelAddict101

Our 15-minute flight Belize City (BZE) to San Pedro (SPR) was so uneventful it ended too quickly.  Every seat is a window seat, enjoy the view.  The flight was easy and part of the adventure.  We found the crew to be efficient and on time.  (Don’t expect drink service!)

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12 passengers plus crew

Seriously IN the middle of San Pedro

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Tropic Air Terminal:  Ambergris Caye

The airport in San Pedro (SPR) is actually right in the middle of town with easy walking access to many hotels and many golf cart rental locations. 

Wait!  There is More to Come!

Are you excited to plan your Belize Adventure!?  Plan to related blogs about our time on Ambergris Caye including San Pedro, diving, golf cart rentals and dining.

Enjoy the adventure Travel Addicts!

JACO, COSTA RICA: South Beach Hotel MAY be a great choice for you!

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South Beach Hotel is a BASIC hotel.  This may be a great location and exactly what you are looking for!

This is what we found and an honest review of the hotel when we traveled in March 2017.

We were disappointed with what we found when checking in.  Athough the hotel was “clean”… the maintenance was poor.  I felt the hotel was overpriced for what the accommodations provided.

First…google maps has NO idea where this hotel is.  We even tried Galileo which was no better.  The hotel manager should change the coordinates of the FRONT of the hotel.  Both maps tried to send us down a side road to the beach to enter the hotel.  Unfortunately we were frustrated before we even walked into this hotel.  After waiting 10 minutes listening to the single person at the “front desk” on the phone, we were checked in.  My first clue should have been the threatening tone of this individual when explaining the consequences of NOT returning the room key, TV remote and AC remote.  Note there are no elevators to the 2nd or 3rd floor of the building.  Although not an issue for us, it is an important detail for some travelers.  The room was large with a large balcony.  The furniture was SPARSE and of poor quality.

 

There is not a closet but rather a large wooden structure presumably to store surf boards, wet suites, etc.

We complained there was no hot water at the bathroom sink although this was not fixed during our stay.  I complained again when checking out (handing key and remotes to front desk).

The shower was large enough although the plumbing was questionable, however included hot water.  I would love to have hotel mangers/owners understand that relatively simple repairs or upgrades make a big difference to travelers.  In this case, a shower head that directed water down would make a huge difference.  This shower went in every direction with poor pressure down.

 

 

 

Another way to make guests feel comfortable would be to have something other than molded plastic lawn chairs (2) on the balcony.  I felt as if they made it as uncomfortable as possible to sit outdoors.   But the view from the balcony is beautiful!

The hotel is located on the beach which is quite nice.  However, Jaco is VERY different than other beach towns we have been to in CR and other locations.  In Jaco there is nothing on the beach.  No restaurants, bars, shops, etc.  As far as a leisurely walk down the beach to a restaurant, it doesn’t happen in Jaco.  You are forced to walk/drive to get into town.  All the rooms face the pool and if you have a 3rd floor room it is an “ocean view”.  Be prepared for lots of noise (happy noise) from the pool during the day.

There is also a large fountain which is run 24 hours a day….making it very loud all night.

There is security on the property which i find to be typical.  Although the room did not have a any extra security on the door (deadbolt), etc. we didn’t feel unsafe.

Although I wanted to like this hotel, it simply missed the mark for the amount of money charged.  If it was priced for the level of hotel it is, i would have been happier.  It is trying hard to be a mid-class hotel, and simply isn’t.

Casa Luna Hotel and Spa: What a perfect find in LaFortuna

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We spent 4 nights at this amazing hotel!  I will be back and can’t wait to share the experience with others as we recommend locations in Costa Rica.

Front gate is locked at night although security is available to open the gate for guest.

Although we travel a great deal this was a special trip to celebrate my birthday.  The staff at Casa Luna did a great job of decorating our room, preparing a birthday cake and greeting me with birthday wishes all day!

The open air restaurant services meals throughout the day for guests, birds and iguanas alike!

Our room was fabulous, large, well maintained and included extras that make the stay exceptionally comfortable.  The large patio and outdoor space provided a bit of privacy in this beautiful location.   We were able to enjoy Arenal when she would make her breathtaking appearance.  Early mornings were spent on the spacious patio with coffee and bird watching or reading.  We found Toucans from our patio as well as many water birds.

Our Beautiful room

 

 

The pool is nice with a beach entry and plenty of chairs and space to enjoy the sun or shade areas.  There are 3 natural hot tubs each with privacy and of varying temperatures.  We ordered a very nice lunch from Melvin at the pool bar which was delivered directly to our comfortably reclined position at the pool.

Don’t miss the quiet little path at the back of the property.  It is a short hike to a creek with amazing vegetation and flowers.  The entire property has beautiful flowers and plants throughout.  The grounds crew are BUSY and taking care of the picturesque grounds.  The frogs come out at night and sing throughout the evening.

 

 

 

 

We found a secluded area which looked like it might be a perfect space for a private dinner or small gathering.  We found this on our last day and would have loved to take advantage of this area had we known it was available.

The Casa Luna Spa was a small piece of heaven.  You can find details of our exceptional spa treatment in a related post.

Casa Luna Hotel is also close (even walking distance!) to many attractions.  The La Fortuna waterfall, Rain Forest Chocolate tour

Casa Luna is a fabulous find and we can’t wait to return!  Treat yourself.

Fishing in Costa Rica

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Fishing in Costa Rica was amazing!  I had never been deep sea fishing and couldn’t wait for our day on the water.  We booked with Quepos Fish Adventure and had a good time.

After finding the fishing dock, GoogleMaps and Galileo both had issues, we bought our fishing license for $15 US each.  There are multiple charter companies working from this dock with boats moored nearby.

After an hour and a half or so motoring to a reef, 45-60 minutes of bait fishing, we were headed to deep water!!

Almost as soon as the first mate had at the 6 lines set and in the water, we had our first hit!  After a 40 minute fight a beautiful Sail fish came aboard for a quick photo op.  These fish are not “keepers” so can only be out of the water for 45 seconds max.  Kenzie, our first mate, did a great job of helping her out of the water and in position for photos.

After a brief excitement period when the adrenaline was just coming down, our second (and last) hit of the day comes.  Seriously!  We caught 2 Sail Fish in less than an hour.  The video of this second catch can be found here!  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lB61IOM-MtI&feature=youtu.be

Unfortunately, the extend of our excitement happened in the first hour of our fishing day, but any day on the water is a great day.

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DeltaSky Club at Kennedy Airport

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During a recent trip from the US west coast to JFK in preparation for a transatlantic flight, we had an 8-hour layover between arrival and departure.  What do you do in a major airport for 8 hours?  There is nothing more annoying and stressful than listening to announcement after announcement, the low roar of conversations, the smell of fast food and watching the poor travel habits of others.  Although a certain amount of people watching can be vastly entertaining, 8 hours of it can be too much.

After enjoy a nice lunch at the Palm Bar and Grill http://www.thepalm.com/JFK we decided to check out the Delta SkyClub.  Admittedly my experience with these airport lounges is limited, I wanted to find a place to plug in, sit quietly and have a drink/snack.  Although with an AmEx Platinum card, first class international board pass, etc. you can have complementary access to the SkyClub, we opted to invest the $59 per person for use of these facilities.

From reading reviews on my LoungeBuddy app dating from 2013-2015, it would seem this space was of poor quality and dirty.  We didn’t find this to be true.  Although the space is very busy, in fact frequently a line to check-in with one of the 3-4 agents, there is plenty of seating in a variety of configurations.  Nearly as many plug in’s as seats and wait staff for drinks.

Let’s break down the variety of seating options.  There are is the standard bar with TV’s, buffet food including build your own soups, etc.  There are many table and chair options in this large area. Nearby there are low back chairs for easy access to the bar and food.  On each side of this bar/lounge area are large areas with chairs and long high top tables with individual seating or conversations between small groups.  From each of these areas you can easily watch the coming and going of aircraft from all over the world and dream of your next destination.  Throughout these areas there are power plugs and some USB access.  One area is designated a quiet area where there are large high backed chairs with dimmed lighting and revolving, mesmerizing photographs on the large screen TVs.  We found fellow travelers napping, working but never talking or interacting with each other.  It was truly a quiet area.

There is a small business center with printers and work space for the last minute business traveler.  This area is near large windows that show you all the exotic places you should be exploring rather than working!

There are 6 individual shower rooms available within the DeltaSky Club.  They are free of charge, cleaned between each customer and have toiletries available.  I found this to be refreshing and quite welcome following a very early west coast departure, cross country flight and lengthy layover.

The DeltaSky Club outdoor lounge could be a lovely area for a breath of “fresh” air and a breeze.  I did enjoy it for an hour or so and was able to get some photographs.  The table service available throughout the DeltaSky Club is available in this area as well.  The furnishings are large outdoor patio style with rattan frames and large cushions.  Unfortunately, two woman thought this was a lovely place for nap.  We found them sprawled out across entire sections of the sofas.  Simply not pleasant or graceful when someone is sound asleep.  The temps were cool and eventually the noise of the aircraft coming and going became unpleasant so we returned inside.

View of the outdoor area.

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PROS!

  • Relative quiet when compared to the typical airport terminal.  Especially a terminal as busy as JFK!
  • Plenty of power plugs
  • Simple snacks and drinks, premium drinks available for an extra charge
  • Safety of personal items.  We did see single travelers leave baggage briefly for the restroom or snack run
  • A shower!!

CONS….

  • Free drinks could produce loud fellow travelers
  • The SkyClub is not exactly the quiet reprieve we had imagined
  • $59 per person is still a bit steep!

We had a very lengthy layover and felt the freedom to move without navigating crowds at every move, the lack of constant announcements, clean restrooms, snacks and drinks were worth the investment.  If I had only 3-4 hours, I do not think I would invest the money.   If I had free privileges to the club, I would certain enjoy it even for an hour or so.

Enjoy your adventure!

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Late Summer in San Diego!

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Who can beat late summer in southern California?  Cool, cloudy mornings with perfect sunny afternoons.  The weather is nearly like clockwork this time of the year.  Almost on cue, the clouds part and the sun burns off the last few wisps of haze by 11 am.  The afternoon turns perfectly lazy and warm.

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What kind of a So Cal weekend are you looking for?  We have had the pure pleasure of two weekends out of three late the summer weekends and have enjoyed both although very different locations and plans.

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The first weekend we stayed on Harbor Island.  We quite literally walked from the airport terminal to the “island” and to our Airbnb in the Marina Cortez.  It is an easy 20-minute walk with a bit of traffic but only one traffic light on the route.

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During this visit we decided to use public transportation for our 4 days to see how efficient or convenient we found it to be.   In the past, we have driven or rented cars and found parking to rarely be easy or free in San Diego.

Unfortunately, the buses did not run on the weekends along North Harbor Drive to easily catch the bus into the Downtown, Marina and Gaslamp areas.  We were able to walk back to the airport to find the frequent buses (Route #992) to connect you to the Santa Fe station.  This will open up the city with the 3 Trolley lines, two Rapid lines, Amtrak and Coaster, etc.

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The Compass card is a re-loadable fare card that makes traveling on the bus and trolley lines swift and convenient.  Once you pay the $2.00 fee for the card itself you reload it at designated kiosk or online.

https://compasscard.511sd.com/webtix/

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As you enter the bus or trolley there is a well-marked panel that will allow you to swipe the card and determine the available balance on the card.  Keep this card for all future trips to San Diego as they are re-loadable for 5 years.  The cost of each ride is $2.50 on the MTS Trolley and $2.25 on the MTS Bus.

Although we found the card easy to use and the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS) system easy to navigate, it can be a wide reaching system and does have as many routes although the bus stops or trolley stops seem far from each other and require a walk.

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On this sunny warm and low paced weekend, we appreciated the use of the MTS system.  With the added use of ride share options, San Diego could be easily navigated without a car.

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Planning for Italy! Part UNO!

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One month to Milan!  We are very excited to bring you along to autumn in Milan.  This is later in the year than we typically travel, but a deal on round-trip airfare that presented itself early this summer couldn’t be passed up!

I know you have seen these amazing deals floating around and thought they were a scam or were too good to be true.  I figured the deal we found was for some obscure or unsafe location and the trip had to be completed within 48 hours or something similarly ridiculous.  We received an email regarding a “buy one round trip and receive a second round trip free” from Emirates airlines.  Clearly, I needed to check this out!  Emirates Airlines is known as a premier airline and was recently rated as the number one airline in the world!  CNN recently published this article with Emirates at the top!

Emirates Airline is an airline based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

After an evening of clicking and planning we chose a week in Milan for the two of us at just slightly under $1000!  I couldn’t believe my luck!  There did seem to be limited destinations and available dates of travel were this fall so as to miss the high travel season, who can pass up autumn in Milan!!!

I was able to book directly through the Emirates Airlines website and therefore felt confident the offer was a legitimate deal.  We have been researching the superior service Emirates Airlines is known for and have been impressed.  Clearly, our class of travel will not provide the onboard spa and showers, we will still be able to enjoy free Wi-Fi, power plugs at the seats, gourmet meals and 2500 entertainment channels.

Watch for more updates on plans for our week in Milan!

Ciao!!

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Delsey Helium Trolley! Everyone has packing their favorite packing method…..here is mine!

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Let’s establish my basic packing plan.  It is a simple plan and is easily summarized in two words.

CARRY ON

That was simple!  Easy to understand and easy to accomplish.

The only time I can justify the expense and time to check a bag is when there is NO other choice.  The only scenario I have justified these sacrifices is when scuba diving equipment is involved.  There is absolutely no method to pack a BC (buoyancy device) and fins in a carry on size case.  However I would always carry on my regulator and mask….that is a whole blog.

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Returning to today’s carry on recommendations.  I love my Delsey Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner Trolley. It is a hard sided case and opens in a clamshell configuration with both sides being equal in size.  There is an additional zipper opening to access items when the suitcase is upright.

Within this area is a padded space for a small laptop computer although a full-size computer will fit in the entire space.

The sides are hard so hopefully a computer would be protected if the case fell over, however, this may be risky.  I typically place a small jacket, work-related files, travel file with reservations or other documents, maps related to my destination.

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The case has a TSA approved Swiss army combination lock on the side.  You can set the combination yourself for easy recall.  The case is expandable by approximately 2 inches when a bit of extra space is needed.  I have never had a problem with the case fitting in the overhead bin space even when expanded.

There are 3 well-made zippers on this case.  The zipper connecting the clamshell parts of the case is larger than the expandable section or the front storage area, but all are smooth, well made and easy to pull.   The case is 21 inches tall including the wheels.

As I mentioned, the two interior sides of the case are of equal size, each with a strap and clasp to hold items in place when opening.  One side does have a cover to zipper over the entire space.  This cover helps to secure smaller items, for instance, I typically place my small cubes or other items (hairbrush, camera battery charger, phone charging cord, etc.) I need to throw in at the last minute.  One drawback on this side of the case is the frame of the retractable handle impedes the space.  Strategic placement of small items is needed to not lose this space.  I often place socks or snack bars in this space to utilize every inch.

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There is a small pouch located at the fold of the two sides of the case.  I leave items in this pouch that are not often needed, but that I want to make sure are included on each trip.  For instance, a bottle of pain reliever, toenail clipper, a copy of my passport, etc.

The exterior of the case is also well made.  The retractable handle has the typically shape and button to raise and lower the handle.  As expected it moves between 3 heights for the handle.  There are two handles on the case itself at the top and side to help when maneuvering overhead.

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The Delsey has four wheels which I believe is a MUST when traveling by plane.  These four wheels make the walk down the narrow aisle of the aircraft easy and smooth rather than pulling or pushing the suitcase while bumping into seats and people as you make your entrance apologizing to everyone along the way.   These 4 wheels also allow you to walk along with your case at your side when in the terminal which I find easier when maneuvering through crowded areas.  I have never had an issue with the smoothness of the wheels as the rotate easily when needed.  Each of the four corners of the case has a set of two wheels for great balance.

The overall dimensions are within the standard carry on requirements for airline travel.  As you can see, the entire case is 21 inches tall including the 4wheels and 10 inches wide when not expanded.  The weight is hard to judge but is only a few pounds when empty. The hard sides are is resilient and scratch proof.  After a year of use, I have one smudge on the corner.  I am not sure if this occurred during the one time the case was gate checked (another blog!) and taken through baggage claim.  However, I travel nearly every week with this case and carry it on each time.

The Delsey Helium Aero Carry-On Spinner Trolley is running approximately $100 is the best way to spend this money in my opinion!

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Today’s thought for the day….

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This is my thought for the day….what is yours?  Do you agree?

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