Author: Unknown
Location: Mitad del Mundo- "The Middle of the Word"
On our way home to Quito we stopped at Mitad del Mundo- "The Middle of the World"- visitor spot. It was a short visit but awesome to see where both northern and southern hemispheres meet right in the middle at the equator. It was a wonderful way to wrap up the trip. With one foot planted on the one side we had visited for the last 3 weeks and one foot planted on the side towards home.
___________________________________________________________
The following poem was written by Niki as we headed out to Bartolome Island to snorkel for the day. Niki explained to us it was about the ocean.
"Untitled"
She tastes like sea salt and grenadine
Her eyes are a mix of the sky and the ocean
In her words hide secrets that she shares with no one
With skin like pale sand
And a face that know dark things
Her touch is like the waves,
And her temper is the same
Often loved, but not often contained
Needing something far greater
She'll search a strangers eyes
On a quest for forever.
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Showing posts with label lifeworks. Show all posts
Showing posts with label lifeworks. Show all posts
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Tuesday, July 29, 2008
Day 18
Author: Jackie
Location: Mindo- Watefall Hike
Today we ventured up to the cloud forest to visit beautiful waterfalls. The difficult hike was well worth the exquisite views. In addition, to the "Casadas" (waterfalls) we saw many different varieties of exotic endemic plants and animal species. Highlights- we saw a pair of vivid green toucans, along with wild endemic species of orange begonias growing right beside the falls. At lunch time half of the group went back to the hostel, while an adventurous half continued on to the last waterfall. Once at the waterfall all of us decided to cool off with a swim. However the water was ice cold and our limbs quickly became covered in goose bumps. Even the most daring of us could not stand the cold water long. Once of the water we got ready and hiked back to the hostel. After we enjoyed a relaxing siesta we had dinner over at our favorite local spot. We ended the evening with a deep conversation about what we have all learned about ourselves and our surroundings on this journey.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: Mindo- Watefall Hike
Today we ventured up to the cloud forest to visit beautiful waterfalls. The difficult hike was well worth the exquisite views. In addition, to the "Casadas" (waterfalls) we saw many different varieties of exotic endemic plants and animal species. Highlights- we saw a pair of vivid green toucans, along with wild endemic species of orange begonias growing right beside the falls. At lunch time half of the group went back to the hostel, while an adventurous half continued on to the last waterfall. Once at the waterfall all of us decided to cool off with a swim. However the water was ice cold and our limbs quickly became covered in goose bumps. Even the most daring of us could not stand the cold water long. Once of the water we got ready and hiked back to the hostel. After we enjoyed a relaxing siesta we had dinner over at our favorite local spot. We ended the evening with a deep conversation about what we have all learned about ourselves and our surroundings on this journey.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Monday, July 28, 2008
Day 17
Author: Danielle and Grace
Location: Mindo Cloud Forest- Hummingbird Center
Today we arrived in the Mindo, a cloud forest and visited the hummingbird/ butterfly sanctuary it was absolutely amazing. Hummingbirds are so tiny, yet they have so much energy. They are tiny miracles, as they dart above our heads. We can hear the buzzing of their wings and see the beating of their hearts. It was a life changing experience for me (Danielle). After the hummingbird center we dove into the river near our hostel and had a bubble bath. This day was relaxing and calming, it was perfect day and perfect place to wind down and reflect as we swung on the hammocks.
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Location: Mindo Cloud Forest- Hummingbird Center
Today we arrived in the Mindo, a cloud forest and visited the hummingbird/ butterfly sanctuary it was absolutely amazing. Hummingbirds are so tiny, yet they have so much energy. They are tiny miracles, as they dart above our heads. We can hear the buzzing of their wings and see the beating of their hearts. It was a life changing experience for me (Danielle). After the hummingbird center we dove into the river near our hostel and had a bubble bath. This day was relaxing and calming, it was perfect day and perfect place to wind down and reflect as we swung on the hammocks.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Sunday, July 27, 2008
Day 15
Author: Monica
Location: Snorkel Day at Kicker Rocker and Isla Lobos
After working so hard all week we were so excited to go snorkeling for a day. Also it was Sarah's Birthday so everybody woke up in a festive spirit singing Happy Birthday throughout breakfast. To our surprise our boat was upgraded to a large size catamaran that allowed us to all spread our towels and suntan on the way to our destination- Kicker Rock. Kicker Rock is known as one of best places to see the Galapagos sharks and if you are lucky get a glimpse of the Hammer Head shark. Kicker Rock is absolutely amazing, it is 2 massive separate rocks over 350ft tall towing above the water. We had the chance to snorkel through a large crack in the rock and observe below us the exciting sight of sharks swimming around us. At first glance they would surface a bit and then descend deeper out of sight and then return we were all totally amazed to have the chance to swim with sharks. After Kicker Rocker we docked the boat near San Cristobal Island for lunch. During lunch some of the girls had a 'dance off' with another boat near us to see which boat had the best moves Also we gave Sarah a fake birthday spanking which is a traditional part of a Ecuadorian birthday celebration. Then we headed over to Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Island) to swim with the sea lions and check out marine iguanas feeding underwater. To celebrate our last night in the islands and Sarah's birthday we went out to dinner at a great pizza restaurant. We concluded the night with a delicious cake and a small ceremony held by Johnny from the National Park who passed out diplomas to thank us for all our had work in the Islands.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Snorkel Day at Kicker Rocker and Isla Lobos
After working so hard all week we were so excited to go snorkeling for a day. Also it was Sarah's Birthday so everybody woke up in a festive spirit singing Happy Birthday throughout breakfast. To our surprise our boat was upgraded to a large size catamaran that allowed us to all spread our towels and suntan on the way to our destination- Kicker Rock. Kicker Rock is known as one of best places to see the Galapagos sharks and if you are lucky get a glimpse of the Hammer Head shark. Kicker Rock is absolutely amazing, it is 2 massive separate rocks over 350ft tall towing above the water. We had the chance to snorkel through a large crack in the rock and observe below us the exciting sight of sharks swimming around us. At first glance they would surface a bit and then descend deeper out of sight and then return we were all totally amazed to have the chance to swim with sharks. After Kicker Rocker we docked the boat near San Cristobal Island for lunch. During lunch some of the girls had a 'dance off' with another boat near us to see which boat had the best moves Also we gave Sarah a fake birthday spanking which is a traditional part of a Ecuadorian birthday celebration. Then we headed over to Isla Lobos (Sea Lion Island) to swim with the sea lions and check out marine iguanas feeding underwater. To celebrate our last night in the islands and Sarah's birthday we went out to dinner at a great pizza restaurant. We concluded the night with a delicious cake and a small ceremony held by Johnny from the National Park who passed out diplomas to thank us for all our had work in the Islands.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Friday, July 25, 2008
Day 14
Author: Mike and Mario
Location: Naval Academy- San Cristobal Island
Another lovely Friday morning. As we finished breakfast, we embarked on our last visit to the naval academy. We brought all of games and activities for the children. Half of us stayed with the kids while the other played a 7 on 7 soccer match in the courtyard. Half of the group was in the classroom to show 7 yr. old students how to use the art supplies. The children were very anxious to draw and color in their drawings. We even showed them how to blow balloons. For the rest of the afternoon we waited out a passing storm and then snorkeled and sunbathed at our favorite beach one last time. We were visited by baby sea-lions and one napped closed to some of the girls that were sun bathing. At night the leaders broke us up into 3 groups and challenged us to a great game of Spanish Scavenger hunt. We had to photograph over 40 items within 1 hour. The game put us in awkward but learning situations.. some funny pictures included members of the group photographed with a local policeman we definitely learned a few new words and we had so much fun doing it.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Naval Academy- San Cristobal Island
Another lovely Friday morning. As we finished breakfast, we embarked on our last visit to the naval academy. We brought all of games and activities for the children. Half of us stayed with the kids while the other played a 7 on 7 soccer match in the courtyard. Half of the group was in the classroom to show 7 yr. old students how to use the art supplies. The children were very anxious to draw and color in their drawings. We even showed them how to blow balloons. For the rest of the afternoon we waited out a passing storm and then snorkeled and sunbathed at our favorite beach one last time. We were visited by baby sea-lions and one napped closed to some of the girls that were sun bathing. At night the leaders broke us up into 3 groups and challenged us to a great game of Spanish Scavenger hunt. We had to photograph over 40 items within 1 hour. The game put us in awkward but learning situations.. some funny pictures included members of the group photographed with a local policeman we definitely learned a few new words and we had so much fun doing it.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Thursday, July 24, 2008
Day 13
Author: Alex and Sarah
Location: San Cristobal- Naval Academy School
We started the day painting finishing our murals at the local naval academy and made the final preparations for our ecology board to be installed by noon we had tackled all our projects. After a quick lunch we headed to a beach filled with sea-lions for a quick refreshing dip before returning to the school for an invigorating game of soccer which we clearly lost. In the early evening an inexhaustible group trekked to a local beach to snorkel with giant sea turtles and bear witness to a beautiful sunset.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Location: San Cristobal- Naval Academy School
We started the day painting finishing our murals at the local naval academy and made the final preparations for our ecology board to be installed by noon we had tackled all our projects. After a quick lunch we headed to a beach filled with sea-lions for a quick refreshing dip before returning to the school for an invigorating game of soccer which we clearly lost. In the early evening an inexhaustible group trekked to a local beach to snorkel with giant sea turtles and bear witness to a beautiful sunset.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Day 12
Author: Sam and Nikki
Location: San Cristobal- Naval Academy
The day began at the Naval Academy High School where we separated into groups to help create 2 murals. The murals depicted underwater life and land fauna and flora including sea lions, sea turtles and coral. That evening after dinner, we hiked up to the Charles Darwin Center to watch a documentary titled 'SharkWater'. It was an enlightening, interesting and very informative video based on the enormous decline shark population due to human involvement. Part of the film was shot in the Galapagos Island. When we returned to the hotel to rest up and prepare for the next day of mural completion.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: San Cristobal- Naval Academy
The day began at the Naval Academy High School where we separated into groups to help create 2 murals. The murals depicted underwater life and land fauna and flora including sea lions, sea turtles and coral. That evening after dinner, we hiked up to the Charles Darwin Center to watch a documentary titled 'SharkWater'. It was an enlightening, interesting and very informative video based on the enormous decline shark population due to human involvement. Part of the film was shot in the Galapagos Island. When we returned to the hotel to rest up and prepare for the next day of mural completion.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Day 11
Author: Becky and Mike
Location: Galapaguerra (Turtle Breeding Center) and Porta Chino Beach
We spent our morning working at the Glapaguerra (turtle breeding center) on the other side of San Cristobal Island. We split up into 3 groups to tackle our projects for the day. Each group had the opportunity to clean watering pools for the tortoises, weigh and measure the shells of large and baby tortoises and help finish a new trail around the center. It was so amazing for all us to interact with the tortoises up close. Finally, we had the opportunity to touch their shells and feel their skin and track their growth over their long lifespan. After our work, in the afternoon, we hit a near by beach for some fun. At the beach we enjoyed a great soccer game and body surfing in the waves. The evening was spent at our favorite restaurant sitting outside on the sidewalk enjoying our meal and people watching.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Galapaguerra (Turtle Breeding Center) and Porta Chino Beach
We spent our morning working at the Glapaguerra (turtle breeding center) on the other side of San Cristobal Island. We split up into 3 groups to tackle our projects for the day. Each group had the opportunity to clean watering pools for the tortoises, weigh and measure the shells of large and baby tortoises and help finish a new trail around the center. It was so amazing for all us to interact with the tortoises up close. Finally, we had the opportunity to touch their shells and feel their skin and track their growth over their long lifespan. After our work, in the afternoon, we hit a near by beach for some fun. At the beach we enjoyed a great soccer game and body surfing in the waves. The evening was spent at our favorite restaurant sitting outside on the sidewalk enjoying our meal and people watching.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Monday, July 21, 2008
Day 10
Author: Monica
Location: San Cristobal Island- Highlands.
The morning of the 21st we trekked to a crater in the highlands of San Cristobal to pull invasive mora (blackberry) bushes. The work was challenging but rewarding, with a marked change in the terrain from the start of the day to the end. Lunch was spent with the men that work there daily, and we enjoyed our sandwiches and a game of "woosh" together. We enjoyed free time in the afternoon and spent our evening on a secluded local beach filled with sea lions that were sleeping and playing.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: San Cristobal Island- Highlands.
The morning of the 21st we trekked to a crater in the highlands of San Cristobal to pull invasive mora (blackberry) bushes. The work was challenging but rewarding, with a marked change in the terrain from the start of the day to the end. Lunch was spent with the men that work there daily, and we enjoyed our sandwiches and a game of "woosh" together. We enjoyed free time in the afternoon and spent our evening on a secluded local beach filled with sea lions that were sleeping and playing.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Day 9
Author: Alex
Location: Snorkeling/ Ferry Ride to San Cristobal
After a short and fast boat ride the group arrived on the coast of Santa Fe Island where several eager snorkelers went for a swim off the rocky coast. The snorkelers swam with varied aquatic wildlife including baby sharks, several species of fish, sea lions and even a gaint sea turtle. We climbed back on board for the rest of the trip to the island of San Cristobal where we unwound after a dinner by the beach as we prepared for another week in the Galapagos.
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Location: Snorkeling/ Ferry Ride to San Cristobal
After a short and fast boat ride the group arrived on the coast of Santa Fe Island where several eager snorkelers went for a swim off the rocky coast. The snorkelers swam with varied aquatic wildlife including baby sharks, several species of fish, sea lions and even a gaint sea turtle. We climbed back on board for the rest of the trip to the island of San Cristobal where we unwound after a dinner by the beach as we prepared for another week in the Galapagos.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Saturday, July 19, 2008
Day 8- Elimanting Envasive Species
Author: Danielle and Grace
Location: Cloud Forest- Santa Cruz
We woke up to a humid day and roosters crowing. After breakfast we set out to the cloud forest where our job was to elimante envasive species. It was very difficult work. We tried to imagine what it was like to do a job like this everyday because it was very difficult work. However, it was very satisfying when as a group we pulled over 3,000 plants. After the job was completed we spent a relaxing afternoon shopping in Santa Cruz and we enjoyed our last night on the island together for a nice dinner.
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Location: Cloud Forest- Santa Cruz
We woke up to a humid day and roosters crowing. After breakfast we set out to the cloud forest where our job was to elimante envasive species. It was very difficult work. We tried to imagine what it was like to do a job like this everyday because it was very difficult work. However, it was very satisfying when as a group we pulled over 3,000 plants. After the job was completed we spent a relaxing afternoon shopping in Santa Cruz and we enjoyed our last night on the island together for a nice dinner.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Friday, July 18, 2008
Day 7
Author: Jacki and Nikki
Location: San Cristobal Island- Julio Puebla Catellanos School
After our work in the highlands we went to a school to help create a better playground. Some of us helped to construct a tire swing while others painted monkey bars and goal posts. We finished our work at the shcool with a game of soccer with the school children. Then we went to the market to shop for the nights dinner. (Which we prepared ourselves)We all worked together and made a fantastic meal of pasta w/ red sauce and hummus.Delicious!
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Location: San Cristobal Island- Julio Puebla Catellanos School
After our work in the highlands we went to a school to help create a better playground. Some of us helped to construct a tire swing while others painted monkey bars and goal posts. We finished our work at the shcool with a game of soccer with the school children. Then we went to the market to shop for the nights dinner. (Which we prepared ourselves)We all worked together and made a fantastic meal of pasta w/ red sauce and hummus.Delicious!
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Day 6
Author: Hunter
Location: Beach and Snorkel Day
This exciting day started off early with a very early bus ride to the other side of the island to catch the boat that would take us to our boating to go snorkeling for the day. We arrived at our boat waiting to take us to the best snorkeling spot in the island- Bartolome Island. Once we arrived we went on a quick tour of the island then moved to a sandy beach. Snorkeling off this beach was the experience of a lifetime. We saw small sharks and other huge beautiful fish, and got to swim and interact with the sea lions and penguins. Despite the long boat ride this was one of the most exciting days.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Beach and Snorkel Day
This exciting day started off early with a very early bus ride to the other side of the island to catch the boat that would take us to our boating to go snorkeling for the day. We arrived at our boat waiting to take us to the best snorkeling spot in the island- Bartolome Island. Once we arrived we went on a quick tour of the island then moved to a sandy beach. Snorkeling off this beach was the experience of a lifetime. We saw small sharks and other huge beautiful fish, and got to swim and interact with the sea lions and penguins. Despite the long boat ride this was one of the most exciting days.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Day 5
Author: Unknown
Location: Santa Cruz Island- Guayassamin School
After breakfast we headed off to work at our first school. Before we even started the projects were we happy to be there playing and laughing with the kids. Our responsibilities included sandpapering off all the old paint from the doors and window frames from each of the 5 buildings. After we were finished we re-painted the areas we cleaned to add a protective new coat of fresh paint to the weather worn doors. It was so much fun for us to be there working side by side with kids from the school. Even though we could barely speak to them we bonded with them right away. We ended our day at a very beautiful beach body surfering in the ocean.
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Location: Santa Cruz Island- Guayassamin School
After breakfast we headed off to work at our first school. Before we even started the projects were we happy to be there playing and laughing with the kids. Our responsibilities included sandpapering off all the old paint from the doors and window frames from each of the 5 buildings. After we were finished we re-painted the areas we cleaned to add a protective new coat of fresh paint to the weather worn doors. It was so much fun for us to be there working side by side with kids from the school. Even though we could barely speak to them we bonded with them right away. We ended our day at a very beautiful beach body surfering in the ocean.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
Day 4
Author: Mario
Location: Santa Cruz- Recycling Center
We work up this morning and headed off to work after a breakfast at the hotel. We traveled up to the highlands to the Recycling center. Where we learned and saw where all the garabage from the Santa Cruz islands goes. We had different jobs: breaking down the cardboard boxes, seperating plastics into different bags, working on the Conveyor belt separating the different recyclable conveyor belt separating the different recyclable products and turning the dirt in the compost piles. Afterwards we visited some small and large tortoises at the Charles Darwin Station and even met " lonesome george" a tortoise that is over 200 years old. We were given the job to clean out their water pool areas and it was really good because we all got to work very hard.
What a great day.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Santa Cruz- Recycling Center
We work up this morning and headed off to work after a breakfast at the hotel. We traveled up to the highlands to the Recycling center. Where we learned and saw where all the garabage from the Santa Cruz islands goes. We had different jobs: breaking down the cardboard boxes, seperating plastics into different bags, working on the Conveyor belt separating the different recyclable conveyor belt separating the different recyclable products and turning the dirt in the compost piles. Afterwards we visited some small and large tortoises at the Charles Darwin Station and even met " lonesome george" a tortoise that is over 200 years old. We were given the job to clean out their water pool areas and it was really good because we all got to work very hard.
What a great day.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Monday, July 14, 2008
Day 3- Swimming, Dancing and Soccer
Author: Alex and Sarah
Location: Porta Ayora, Santa Cruz
We started our first day of work on the beautiful island of Santa Cruz. The day began with a tour of the marine center and helping them clear new pahtways and clean up garbage. Next came a quick cool off session at the beach followed by a visit to the local high school which demonstrated our lack of dancing ability and only highlighted the local students talent. After another game of soccer against the locals we hit the town for a night of relaxation and recuperation. Looking forward to another bright beautiful day in the Galapagos.
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Location: Porta Ayora, Santa Cruz
We started our first day of work on the beautiful island of Santa Cruz. The day began with a tour of the marine center and helping them clear new pahtways and clean up garbage. Next came a quick cool off session at the beach followed by a visit to the local high school which demonstrated our lack of dancing ability and only highlighted the local students talent. After another game of soccer against the locals we hit the town for a night of relaxation and recuperation. Looking forward to another bright beautiful day in the Galapagos.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Sunday, July 13, 2008
Day 2- Flight to Galapagos and Swimming
Author: Mike and Hunter
Location: Galapagos Island
Despite the 5 hours of traveling from 7:30- 12:30 the day was spent swimming in a water hole after a long hike over lot's of volcanic rock. Afterwards we watched the sunset. Dinner was at a local Italian restuarant where large bowels of pasta were served. Soon after dinner we spotted locals playing soccer and opted to join in and bond with the Ecuadorian children.
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Location: Galapagos Island
Despite the 5 hours of traveling from 7:30- 12:30 the day was spent swimming in a water hole after a long hike over lot's of volcanic rock. Afterwards we watched the sunset. Dinner was at a local Italian restuarant where large bowels of pasta were served. Soon after dinner we spotted locals playing soccer and opted to join in and bond with the Ecuadorian children.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
Saturday, July 12, 2008
Day 1
Author: Becky and Samatha
Location: Quito
Today was really interesting because we got the chance to experience our group through teambuilding activities and Ecuador for the first time. Despite the fact that we have many very different personalities our group is getting along very well and having positive experiences. The architecture, history, and culture of Quito was incredibly fascinating and everyone had a great time doing a bit of exploring.
Flickr Photos from Today
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Location: Quito
Today was really interesting because we got the chance to experience our group through teambuilding activities and Ecuador for the first time. Despite the fact that we have many very different personalities our group is getting along very well and having positive experiences. The architecture, history, and culture of Quito was incredibly fascinating and everyone had a great time doing a bit of exploring.
Flickr Photos from Today
Flickr Photos from this Voyage
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