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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Croatia

Balkan, Croatia, Destination, Europe / Cristy S

EXPLORE CROATIA Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 21,851 square miles Capital: Zagreb Religion: Predominantly Catholic (79%) Population: 4 million people Languages: Croatian, but English is widely spoken. Money: Euro Banking Hours: M-F 09:00-16:00 and Sat 08:00-13:00 Telephone/Communication: Country code: +385 Climate:Croatia has two main climate regions: Mediterranean along the Adriatic coast and continental in the interior. Mediterranean: The Adriatic coast has hot, dry summers and cool, rainy winters. Continental: The interior has hot summers and cold, snowy winters. Croatia’s climate and geomorphology have created several ecosystems, making it one of the most biodiverse countries in Europe. Travel Requirements Visa: U.S. and Canadian citizens traveling to Croatia do not require a visa for stays of up to 90 days within 180 days. However, starting in mid-2025, travelers must apply for an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorization System) authorization before entering the European countries. Read our travel tips here for detailed and up-to-date information on travel requirements. Tourist registration: All tourists staying in Croatia need to register at a local tourist office. Non-EU citizens will also be automatically registered with the police. This is the reason why during the check-in process at any hotel or private accommodation, you’ll be requested to show your passport (the host makes a copy of your passport) or an ID card. VAT Refunds: The standard Croatian VAT rate is 25%, with two reduced rates of 13% and 5% for specific categories of goods and services. Transportation Options Main Airport: There are nine international airports in Croatia. Zagreb Airport (ZAG): Croatia’s main airport, which is the busiest and best option for visiting the northern part of the country. The terminal can accommodate up to 5 million passengers, but there are plans to expand it to 8 million. Dubrovnik Airport (DBV): Croatia’s second busiest airport, located in Čilipi and named Ruđer Bošković Airport in 2023. It has the longest runway in Croatia and can handle two million passengers per year. Split Airport (SPU): The airport has a refurbished original terminal for some international departures and new areas for check-in, domestic departures, and arrivals. Pula Airport (PUY): Located near the town of Pula and serving as an important air traffic hub. Zadar Airport (ZAD): Located in the middle of the Adriatic coastline. Rijeka Airport (RJK): Located near Omišalj on the island of Krk. Osijek Airport (OSI): The only airport in eastern Croatia, located about 12 miles (20 km) from Osijek. Brač Airport: An island airport with only domestic flights. Mali Lošinj Airport: Located on Mali Lošinj Public Transport: Buses: The most common and affordable way to travel in Croatia is by bus, which connects large towns and small villages, and some routes run at night. Bus stations are usually located in town centers or within walking distance, and tickets can be purchased online, at the station, or from the driver. Most buses also allow bicycles for an extra fee. Buses are the most popular form of public transportation in cities like Zagreb or Dubrovnik. Ferries: Public ferries, private boat charters, and small-ship cruises are all options for traveling by sea. However, winter months (November to April) can limit transportation between islands, as many services are closed. Uber is another option and is the main ride-sharing service operating in the country. Lyft is currently not available in Croatia. Taxis in Croatia are an easy way to travel around large cities at your own pace. They are heavily regulated across the country, and meters are standard. Renting a Car: Generally speaking, a current driver’s license from your nation of origin suffices. Some rental cars require an international driving permit (IDP). Before you leave home, check with the rental company. Make sure your rental includes the entire range of insurance coverage. Note: If you plan the border to Slovenia or other countries, the country legally requires an international driver’s permit for non-EU nationals. The authorities strictly enforce this restriction, imposing heavy fines. When we cross the border, people often ask for it. Driving in Croatia: Driving is the best way to see Croatia. We took detours and many stops along the way to explore interesting sights during our road trip. Croatian roads are generally well maintained. A recently constructed multi-lane motorway links Ploce in the south with Zagreb and Rijeka. In addition to highways, there are state highways that are free of tolls. These well-maintained roads have one lane per way; however, seaside route D1 is winding. Be cautious on narrow coastal roads and in mountainous areas. For cross-border travel to nearby countries, use vignettes if you are traveling to Slovenia, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, Bulgaria, Romania, Switzerland, and Norway. These countries have similar systems in place, where using their highways and expressways necessitates the purchase of a vignette. There are signs in several languages indicating that vignettes are required at every border crossing. As soon as you get on an expressway or motorway, signage will appear. Keep in mind that the vignette is associated with the car’s license plate number, necessitating the purchase of a new one if you switch cars while traveling. Parking: Parking is generally free in Croatia; however, it can be challenging in city centers. City centers are typically car-free zones. Look for designated parking lots or garages. The majority of private homes and hotels offer free parking. If your lodging is located in the city center, check if parking is available before making a reservation. Parking is expensive in Dubrovnik. Travel Safety Tips Croatia is a safe country with minimal street crime and almost no violence. However, always use precaution. Take care of your belongings, especially when using public transport. Land mines are still present in remote areas. Best Time to Visit Croatia The best time to visit Croatia largely depends on what you want to experience, but generally, the ideal time is between May and October. Late Spring (May to June): This is one of the best times to visit, especially

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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Bosnia and Herzegovina

Balkan, Bosnia, Destination, Europe / Cristy S

EXPLORE Bosnia & Herzegovina Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 19,641 square miles Capital: Sarajevo Religion: Diverse, with the main religions being Sunni Islam, Serbian Orthodox Christianity, and Roman Catholic Population: 3.2 million people (2023) Languages: Bosnian, Serbian, and Croatian Money: The Kenyan shilling is the currency in Kenya. The conversion rate was from 1 USD to 127.62 Kenyan shillings. All major credit cards are accepted. Banking Hours: 08:00-18:00 and Sat 08:00-13:00 Telephone/Communication: Country code: +387 Climate: The Mediterranean climate, with mild winters and hot summers, in the small coastal stretch; the transitional Mediterranean climate in the western plain (Mostar); and the continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers, in the hilly areas (Sarajevo) and the northern plain (see Bihac, Tuzla). And the cold mountain climate of the Dinaric Alps. Travel Requirements Bosnia and Herzegovina has the following entry requirements: Passport: Ensure your passport is valid, in good condition, and will remain valid for at least 90 days after your departure. Visa: A visa is not required for stays of up to 90 days for citizens of the EU, the United States, and Canada. Citizens of other nationalities should check with their embassies before traveling. Proof of funds: Documents that demonstrate you have sufficient funds to cover your trip. Proof of travel can be either a round-trip ticket or a travel itinerary. Documents required for your next destination are proof of onward travel. Documents such as a business cover letter, conference registrations, or other support letters serve as proof of travel purposes. Proof of residence: If you don’t live in your home country, you should bring proof of residence. Transportation Options Main Airport: Due to the war’s damage to much of its transport infrastructure, particularly the rail network, Bosnia-Herzegovina is not the easiest country to navigate. Things are improving, however, and decent bus services will almost always be able to get you where you want to go; it’ll just take a little longer than you might expect. Trains: The Swedish government donated the Bosnian trains, which are quite old. The wars severely damaged the rail system, resulting in repairs that were not optimal. In addition, there is widespread smoking on the trains, and they are frequently overcrowded. The route from Mostar to Sarajevo stands out as an exception. There are a few railway lines across the country, but due to severe underfunding, most trains are too slow or irregular to be worth considering. However, one exception is the twice-daily route that connects Sarajevo and Mostar, which is incredibly scenic. Exercise increased caution on public transportation due to pickpockets and those posing as ticket controllers. Buses: Local tram and bus services are reliable. Inter-city bus services are also widely available. There are buses from Croatia to Mostar. The buses were clean and on time. There are several border crossings as the road weaves out of Croatia to Bosnia, then back into Croatia, then back into Bosnia. The border crossings were stricter, as this is not the Schengen zone, and you may have to exit the bus. The local Mostar Bus operates the route from Mostar to Medjugorje, departing across the street from the main Mostar Bus Station, just like it does for Blagaj. 40-minute trip one-way. The schedule posted was accurate. Larger bus companies operate this route from the main bus station. Note: To further complicate matters, there is also a Mostar West/Croat Bus Station. Taxis: Taxi service is available in most towns and for intercity travel. Use only registered taxis whose license plates begin with “TA.” Make sure the driver turns on the meter to prevent overcharging. Travel Safety Tips Exercise a high degree of caution in Bosnia and Herzegovina due to crime and the risk of unmarked landmines and unexploded ordnance in rural and isolated mountainous areas. While there have been no recent terrorist attacks in Bosnia and Herzegovina, they could occur anywhere and at any time. Be alert to possible threats, especially in public places. Terrorists may target tourist areas or other places frequented by foreigners where large crowds may gather. Health Safety The World Health Organization (WHO) has found the Sarajevo public water supply to meet its standards. Experts do not consider the water to be a health risk. Sarajevo’s tap water does not contain lead, but it lacks natural fluoride, necessitating a supplement for children to maintain dental health. A variety of fresh fruits and vegetables are available in the markets. Although most people consider them safe, it’s advisable to thoroughly wash all unpeeled vegetables and fruit to prevent foodborne disease. Fun Facts! The name Bosnia comes from the Indo-Germanic word Bosana, which means water. Sarajevo hosted the Olympic Games in 1984. Bosnia and Herzegovina ranks 10th in the world in terms of coffee consumption. Bosnia and Herzegovina is a country that has more waterfalls than Italy, France, and Germany combined. Perućica is one of the last remaining rainforests in Europe. In the small town of Konjic, located by the Neretva River, there is a nuclear bunker known as the Atomic War Command, built during the revolution in Yugoslavia and under Josip Broz Tito. In the area of Zavidovići, around 50 stone balls have been found, distributed in eleven places. Related Blogs Our Family Road Trip Through the Beautiful Balkans Read More Hidden Wonders of Bosnia and Herzegovina Read More ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES Mostar Famous for the Stari Grad or Old Bridge. The Old Bridge is an Unesco World Heritage site that was rebuilt after the war. The replica was finished in 2004 and readded to the UNESCO list in 2005. Medjugorje Since 1981, in a small village called Medjugorje, the Blessed Virgin Mary has been appearing and giving messages to the world. Our Lady of Medjugorje, also called Queen of Peace and Mother of the Redeemer, is the title given to alleged visions of Mary, the mother of Jesus, said to have begun in 1981 to six Herzegovinian Croat

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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Montenegro

Destination, Europe, Montenegro / Cristy S

EXPLORE MONTENEGRO Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 5,333 square miles Capital: Podgorica (186,000 inhabitants)—an administrative and Economic center Capital: Cetinje, historical and cultural center Religion: Various religions, including Orthodox, Muslim, and Catholic. Population: 616,177 thousand (2023) Languages: English is widely spoken in tourist areas. Money: Euro (Montenegro adopted the euro as its official currency in 2002.) Banking Hours: M-F 08:00–20:00 and Sat 08:00 AM–15:00 Telephone/Communication: Country code: +382 Travel Requirements Montenegro is neither in the Schengen Zone nor a member of the EU. US visitors staying for less than ninety days do not need a visa. Tourists must register with the local office even if traveling within Montenegro. In most cases, hotels handle this for guests. Check with your host if you are staying at an Airbnb or similar accommodations. Climate: Montenegro has a Mediterranean climate along the coast, with considerable rainfall from September to April. As one moves inland, the climate gradually shifts to a more continental one, with harsher winters brought on by the country’s higher elevation. In Montenegro, precipitation is abundant, particularly along the coast and in the hilly and mountainous areas that face the sea. It doesn’t rain very often, but when it does, it pours a lot. Rainfall may be heavy throughout the lengthy rainy season, which lasts from September to April. Transportation Options Main Airport:The Podgorica Airport is located in the heart of the country. It’s a 30-minute drive to the coast and an hour to the nearest mountain resorts. If you are planning to land directly at the coast, the Tivat Airport, near Boka Bay, is the most convenient route. Dubrovnik Airport in Croatia, which is 15 minutes away from the Croatia-Montenegro border, could be your optimal choice, especially if you want to explore both countries’ coastlines. Bus:Montenegro’s bus system is a good way to get around the country, connecting cities and neighboring countries. However, buses may not reach every destination. You can travel to Montenegro and Dubrovnik by bus from Kotor’s bus terminal. The Blue Line Bus, Kotor’s public transportation system, operates on its own schedule. It’s inexpensive. However, your arrival is a huge IF. Give yourself plenty of time. Cruise Terminal: Cruise ships unload from Kotor’s harbor. Driving: See our Balkan Road Trip Travel Safety Tips In general, Kotor is safe. Violent crimes are uncommon. Pickpocketing may be a problem in tourist locations, so be careful with your possessions. Because there is a higher chance of robbery, use caution while taking cash from ATMs, and be cautious when entering your PIN. Use an ATM inside a bank if you can. There are protests and some political tension, but you’re not likely to witness this in Kotor. Steering is always advised. Health Safety Besides the current COVID-19 outbreak in Montenegro, there are other illnesses such as anthrax, hantavirus, hepatitis C, leptospirosis, and sexually transmitted infections. Tick-borne encephalitis is a danger in fields, woods, and other rural areas. Limited access to quality healthcare: Physicians and hospitals often demand prompt payment in cash. Medical evacuation: In the event of a major sickness or accident, medical evacuation may be necessary, but it might be costly. Fun Facts! Tara Canyon is the deepest canyon in Europe, while the Bay of Kotor is the world’s southernmost fjord. One of the biggest Orthodox sanctuaries in the world is Ostrog Monastery. Those of various religions attend it. Bar is home to the oldest tree in Europe, an olive tree that is more than 2,000 years old. Her tree is around 10 meters in diameter. The majority of Bar’s 100,000 olive trees are millennia old. The unique phoenix plant of Montenegro is the exquisite Ramonda Serbica, a constitutionally protected blooming plant that grows on the slopes of Rumija. It may resurrect after drying out with the first rains. Bogićevica (Prokletije), a 1,952-meter peak, is the only home of the black salamander (Salamandra atra) in Montenegro. On September 20, 1991, the Declaration was adopted in Žabljak, making Montenegro the world’s first ecological state. Related Blogs Our Family Road Trip Through the Beautiful Balkans Read More Capturing The Beauty Of The Balkans In Montenegro Read More ATTRACTIONS and ACTIVITIES Bay of Kotor A 17-mile-long fjord that is home to Kotor, Tivat, and Herceg Novi. It is a beautiful place to cycle, kayak, or take a boat cruise around the bay. Budva Stari Grad (Old Town) One of the oldest settlements on the Adriatic Coast dates back to the 7th century. Greeks founded it initially, and it later developed into a significant Roman and Byzantine hub. The fortress walls, built by the Venetians in the 15th century, are still a dominant feature. Durmitor National Park A national park includes a plateau of 2,000-meter-high peaks and deep gorges. It takes around four to five hours to trek to the top of Bobotov Kuk, the park’s highest mountain. Tara Canyon is a 1,300-meter-deep canyon located in the park. Kotor Stari Grad (Old Town) The Old Town of Kotor is one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Montenegro. The asymmetric structure of the square and narrow streets, combined with many valuable examples of medieval architecture, has contributed to Kotor being placed in UNESCO’s cultural inheritance list. Facebook Instagram

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Free Things to do in San Francisco – Lands End Trail

Blog, Destination, San Francisco / Cristy

Free Things to do in San Francisco – Lands End Trail One of the many things I love about living in San Francisco is the many wonderful hiking and walking trails that are all over the city. Since getting rid of my car many years ago, I have been doing my urban walks and exploring different areas of San Francisco. As a native San Franciscan, one of my favorite hiking trails is the Lands End Trail. At the northwestern corner of San Francisco, the Lands End Trail explores the historic Sutro Baths and offers a brilliant view of the Pacific Ocean. This is the wildest, rockiest corner of San Francisco. A corner strewn with shipwrecks and a history of landslides. At the tip of Lands End is Point Lobos, named by the Spanish for its many lobos marinos (sea wolves), as the barks of those sea lions, as they are called today, drifted up from the rocks below. The trails wind their way around rocky cliffs above the ocean, moving through shady stands of cypress and eucalyptus, offering 30-mile views up and down the California coast and emerging on to fantastic views of the shore, headlands, and the Golden Gate Bridge. Despite the terrain, this section of the Coastal Trail was once a railroad bed, and the adjacent street, El Camino del Mar, once extended through Lands End. The two roads led to the Cliff House, Sutro Baths, and Ocean Beach. The hike itself is a moderate hike, and it is a great walk for people of all ages. I have seen older people, children, families, people walking their dogs, runners, and joggers on this trail. If you are looking for a hike that is more challenging, this hike may not be the right one for you. Although the hike is pretty easy, there are a lot of stairs on the trail, so if you have bad knees or hips, this trail may also not be the best for you. I have been on this trail throughout the years, and it can get crowded at times. I recently went there a couple of weeks ago, and there were people there, but it didn’t feel crowded. Most everyone had on a mask and was respectful of other people’s spaces. Details 4 miles 300 – 500 feet of elevation if you take the offshoots Location: 680 Point Lobos Ave., San Francisco, CA 94121 Getting There The trail is accessible from the parking lot at the end of Geary Avenue. There are two main parking lots here, one near the Sutro Baths and another by the memorial. If you are looking to make the full trail and see the baths, then choose the former, and if you are just looking for a great viewpoint of the bridge and have limited time, choose the latter. Note that these parking lots can get busy on the weekends. Tips & Highlights Contact for more information: Lands End Lookout (415) 426-5240 When hiking in the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, stay on trails and keep your distance from cliffs. Walk north along the edge of the city—and the continent—on the Coastal Trail. Scan San Francisco from the Legion of Honor overlook and return via the El Camino Del Mar Trail. Check out the memorial to the USS San Francisco—a WWII cruiser that sustained 45 hits and 25 fires during the Battle of Guadalcanal in 1942—and the newly improved adjacent overlook. The West Fort Miley batteries offer a grassy picnic area among three turn-of-the-century gun emplacements. Author & Photo Credit: Jojo Latest Post All Posts Blog Safaris and Skylines: The Unique Juxtaposition of Nairobi National Park Read More Magic Awaits: Exploring the Wonders of Lake Naivasha and Hell’s Gate Read More Elephants and Hope: A Visit to Nairobi’s Sheldrick Wildlife Trust Read More Nairobi’s Giraffe Center: An Exciting and Educational Day Out Read More Kenya’s Magic in 20 Days: Itinerary and Joys of Meeting Locals Read More Journey to the Wild: First Impressions of Masai Mara Read More Tales from the Savannah: Give Me The Big Five Read More The Ultimate Safari: Comparing Stays at Masai Mara and Naboisho Conservancy Read More The Adventure of a Lifetime: Navigating Namibia in a Jimny Read More Facebook Instagram

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The Ultimate Guide to Exploring Kenya

Africa, Destination, Kenya / Cristy

EXPLORE KENYA Your Comprehensive Destination Guide At a Glance Total area: 224,081 square miles Capital: Nairobi Religion: 85% Christian Population: 56.2 million people Languages: Swahili is the official language of Kenya. English is widely spoken. Money: The Kenyan shilling is the currency in Kenya. The conversion rate was from 1 USD to 127.62 Kenyan shillings. All major credit cards are accepted. Banking Hours: M-F 09:00–16:00 and Sat 09:00–12:00 Telephone/Communication: Country code: +254 plus Area Code plus 2 digit Area Codes (Nairobi 20, Mombasa 41, Nakuru 51, Kisumu 57, and Eldoret 53). Climate: Despite its location on the equator, Kenya’s climate is usually sunny, dry, and moderate for most of the year. The Laikipia Plateau in Central Kenya maintains comfortable temperatures due to its altitude. Coastal areas are hotter, but the ocean breeze helps to maintain pleasant conditions for most of the year. There are two rainy seasons: the heaviest rains (called masika) usually fall from mid-March to May, and a shorter period of rain (called vuli) occurs in November and December. January and February are mostly dry, although there may be a chance of rain. The dry season, with cooler temperatures, lasts from May to October. Travel Requirements As of January 1, 2024, foreign nationals can visit Kenya without a visa for business or tourism for up to 90 days. However, most visitors must apply for and pay for an Electronic Travel Authorization (E.T.A.) online at least 72 hours before travel. E.T.A. cost: $30–$34 It takes up to 3 business days to process the ETA. E.T.A. validity is limited to one trip. To apply for an E.T.A., you’ll need to provide the following information: A recent passport-sized photo Contact information, including email address and phone number, is required. Arrival and departure itinerary Accommodation booking confirmation(s) Use a payment method like a credit card or debit card. If you are visiting for personal reasons, please provide your hosts’ passport numbers (or the number from another identity card). If you are visiting for business, you should have an invitation letter from your company. East African Community (E.A.C.) nationals are exempt from the E.T.A. requirement VAT Refunds: Most goods and services, including accommodations and food, in Kenya include the value-added tax (VAT), which is currently 16%. Foreign visitors must present receipts at the airport and carry purchased items in their luggage to get a VAT refund. Transportation Options Main Airport: Kenya has several major airports, including five international airports and Wilson Airport, the main airport for domestic flights. Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA): The largest airport in East and Central Africa, JKIA is the main airport in Nairobi and Kenya, handling most inbound and outbound flights. It’s located in the Embakasi neighborhood of Nairobi, 11 miles southeast of the city’s commercial center. JKIA has scheduled flights to more than 50 countries and records approximately 123 flights daily. Moi International Airport (M.I.A.), the second-largest airport under Kenya Airports Authority (K.A.A.) management, is the primary airport serving the coastal strip. Wilson Airport, a smaller secondary airport in Nairobi, primarily caters to light aircraft and small airlines. It’s the main airport for domestic flights, especially if you’re heading into the countryside. Kisumu International Airport and Eldoret International Airport are international airports in Kenya. Public Transport: Non-motorized transport (N.M.T.) is the most widely used mode of transport. In Nairobi, 45% of people walk for their daily trips, and many others use N.M.T. to reach public transport. For transportation within Nairobi, the most popular is Uber, which provides a reliable and secure means of getting around. Bus Service: Matatus, or shared minibuses, is the most popular mode of public transportation among natives in Kenya. They leave their destinations when they are full, so there is no set schedule, but with fixed and reasonable fees, they are an excellent way for Kenyans to go about it. Travel by Train: Train travel in Kenya is a unique and picturesque method to experience the country’s different landscapes while also connecting major towns. Kenya’s railway infrastructure, notably the Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) and Meter Gauge Railway (MGR), offers a pleasant and efficient form of transportation for both inhabitants and visitors. Transport: Over the years, tarmacked highways and flyovers have significantly improved urban roads, particularly those in Nairobi and Mombasa, alleviating traffic congestion. However, rural roads still need to be improved and in better condition, making navigating difficult for visitors. Travel Safety Tips Kenya is a safe destination compared to other African countries. Nairobi Central and City Square are busy and relatively safe during the day, but it’s best not to travel alone. We used Uber to go to restaurants at night, and we did not have any problems. Like in any big city, use common sense. Avoid walking alone or traveling in isolated areas, and always be vigilant. Leave your valuables in your hotel’s safe box, and bring only what you need. Health Safety Malaria is prevalent everywhere, except in Nairobi and areas higher than 2500 meters above sea level. We prepared for this trip and took precautions during our time in Africa. We had anti-malarial medications and different kinds of mosquito repellant that we brought from home. Malaria is more common along the coast and around Lake Victoria. Malaria-carrying mosquitoes only come out at night, so always practice precautions. We wore long sleeves, clothing with permethrin, mosquito repellent spray, and even mosquito repellant bracelets. We had mosquito nets in our bedrooms at Diani Beach to ensure our safety while sleeping. To avoid mosquito bites, we sprayed mosquito repellant daily. We successfully avoided mosquito bites by taking these precautions. If you suspect malaria or any other mosquito disease, such as fever, low energy, chills, and lack of appetite, similar to flu-like symptoms, seek medical help as soon as possible. There are clinics throughout the country that are well-equipped to deal with malaria. You can receive immediate medication and treatment. Fun Facts! Kenya has 536 kilometers of coastline in the Indian

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