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NEW ORLEANS & THE DEEP SOUTH October 18 (Monday) – 29 (Friday), 2010
Event Price: Single occupancy: $2,399.00pp Double occupancy: $1,869.00pp Triple occupancy: $1,769.00pp
Event Includes: * Round-trip motorcoach transportation * Eleven nights hotel accommodations * A Lakeland Tour Director to accompany the group * Baggage Handling at your hotels * Ten full and continental breakfasts, including tax and gratuity * Eleven complete dinners, including tax and gratuity * One Lunch in an antebellum home in Natchez, Miss. * One Jazz Brunch in New Orleans at the Court of Two Sisters * Reserved seating at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville. * Admission to Elvis Presley’s Graceland in Memphis. * Tour the Vicksburg National Military Park * Tour an Antebellum Mansion in Natchez, MS * New Orleans city tour - with a local step-on guide. * Free time at Jax Brewery & French Quarter in New Orleans * Mardi Gras World - see images and figures of Mardi Gras. * Steamboat Natchez Cruise - this cruise on the Mississippi River is aboard an authentic paddlewheeler. * Shrimp Boat Cruise - learn of the spectacular world of sea life. * Mississippi Gulf Coast Tour including admission to Jefferson Davis’ Beauvoir * Admission to Bellingrath Gardens - 65 acres of beauty. * Montgomery, AL - cradle of the Confederacy/Civil Rights. * Vulcan Park - a symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. * Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum * Atlanta’s Centennial Park - site of the 1996 Summer Olympics * Stone Mountain Park - take the breathtaking Summit Skylift and visit the Memorial Hall Museum.
Clothing/Weather: Casual and comfortable for your touring pleasure. The average daily high temperature in Biloxi and New Orleans during November is approximately 70; the average daily low is approximately 50. Some of our hotels contains a swimming pool, so if you are interested, be sure to bring your swimsuit.
HOTELS: Hampton Inn, Wytheville, Virginia. Two nights, the first and last night of the event. Rated 3 Diamonds by AAA. The property features 68 guest rooms, nearby lounge and walking area, and outdoor pool. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast and TV with cable.
Radisson Opryland Hotel, Nashville, TN. One night. The Radisson Hotel Opryland features 303 standard guest rooms with free high-speed Internet, private voicemail, on-demand movies, coffee makers and irons/ironing boards. Other hotel amenities include an Applebee's® Bar and Grill, indoor pool, sauna and jacuzzi, and free shuttle service to and from Gaylord Opryland Resort, Opry Mills Mall, the Grand Ole Opry and other attractions.
Harrah’s Casino Resort,
Tunica, Mississippi.
One night. Harrah's Tunica is the largest casino resort between Las Vegas and
Atlantic City. This complete resort offers: three luxurious hotel towers,
Bellissimo, a full-service spa and salon, The Links at Cottonwoods, our Hale
Irwin-designed golf course, Willows Sporting Clays and Hunting Center, three
outdoor pools, one indoor pool, tennis courts and a variety of great
restaurants. You can also enjoy 24-hour gaming action in 140,000 square feet
of exciting non-stop gaming action. There's something for everybody—more than
2,000 high-payout slots, 60 table games, and even a non-smoking gaming area. Hampton Inn Vicksburg, Vicksburg, Mississippi. One night. Visiting Vicksburg is like stepping directly into the pages of a history textbook. From Civil War battlefields to antebellum homes to the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, you'll find echoes of Mississippi's rich heritage around every corner. But you'll also find plenty of fun and excitement near our Vicksburg hotel, like elegant riverboat casinos, ghost tours, posh boutiques and the site where the world's first Coca-Cola was bottled. Whether you're traveling for business or pleasure, you'll want a hotel in Vicksburg that offers comfortable amenities and impeccable service. That's just what you'll find at the Hampton Inn & Suites® Vicksburg hotel. We're conveniently located in the heart of the Historic Park District directly across from the Vicksburg National Military Park. Plus, we're just moments away from great dining, shopping and entertainment opportunities. 157 clean, comfortable guest rooms.
The Inn at Bourbon Hotel, New Orleans, Louisiana. Two nights. This New Orleans French Quarter Hotel offers it all… an elegant ambiance with the excitement of world famous Bourbon Street just outside their door. With its location at the crossroads of Bourbon and Toulouse streets, you're right in the midst of everything the historic French Quarter has to offer: unique history, distinctive architecture, world renowned restaurants and celebrated jazz clubs.
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi. Two nights. This four-diamond hotel contains 1,780 guest rooms, 13 retail shops, fitness facility, solarium, spa/salon, live entertainment, 12 restaurants, microbrewery, 1,550-seat showroom, upscale marina, lushly landscaped outdoor pool with cabana service and a 75,000-square-foot single-level casino with non-smoking area.
Jameson Inn, Prattville, Alabama. One night. Experience the conveniences of a contemporary hotel with the charm of a country inn. The property features an internet computer kiosk in the lobby, complimentary weekday USA newspaper, an on-site fitness center, and a sparkling swimming pool. All of their spacious rooms include comfortable Dreamium pillowtop beds, work area with free wireless internet access, 25” television with cable or satellite TV and a premium movie channel, iron and ironing board, hairdryer, microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker.
Hampton Inn, Atlanta, Georgia. One night. This property features 111 guest rooms, outdoor swimming pool, exercise gym, and meeting facilities. Amenities include complimentary continental breakfast, free local calls, in-room hair dryer, and TV with cable. They also offer connecting rooms, cribs, irons, and refrigerator/microwaves in some rooms.
Meals: Ten breakfasts: Five Continental Breakfasts - Two at the Hampton Inn, Wytheville, Virginia. - One at the Hampton Inn, Vicksburg, Mississippi. - One at the Hampton Inn, Atlanta, Georgia. - One at the Jameson Inn, Prattville, Alabama.
Five Full Breakfasts - One at the Hilton Garden Inn, Rockaway, NJ. - One at the Radisson Opryland Hotel, Nashville, Tennessee. - One at the Inn at Bourbon Street, New Orleans, Louisiana. - Two at the Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi.
One Jazz brunch at Court of Two Sisters Restaurant, New Orleans, Louisiana. The Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch is a sumptuous display of hot and cold dishes. Because we use only the freshest ingredients, the buffet's selections change according to season and time of day. A typical selection of hot dishes includes made-to-order omelets, Eggs Benedict, sausage and bacon, grits and grillades, and shrimp or veggie pasta with a creamy Alfredo sauce. A jazz trio begins playing at 9:30am, and takes a 15-minute break every hour.
One lunch Carriage House Restaurant in Stanton Hall, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Carriage House's Famous Southern Fried Chicken and Baby Buttered Biscuits served with Buttermilk Mashed New Potatoes or Rice and Gravy and Vegetable Du Jour, dessert and beverage.
Eleven complete dinners Cracker Barrel, Wytheville, VA. Specializing in good country cooking, you will receive a gift card to use as you wish.
Ellendales Restaurant, Nashville, TN. Ellendales is a favorite place to dine among Nashville locals. A deluxe buffet dinner will feature a complete salad bar with soup of the day, two hot entrees’, vegetables, a starch, rolls, butter, dessert and beverage.
Paula Deen Buffet, Tunica, Mississippi. You’ve had her over to your place on several occasions through Food Network. Now she’d like to return the favor! Paula Deen warmly invites you to The Paula Deen Buffet, exclusive to the all-new Harrah’s Tunica. This 560-seat, cutting-edge restaurant concept is modeled after Paula’s own home. You’ll savor the Queen of Southern Cuisine’s down-home recipes in this unique upscale buffet…but only at Harrah’s Tunica.
Anchuca, Vicksburg, Mississippi. Anchuca, a Choctaw Indian word meaning "happy home," is one of the most significant antebellum homes in Vicksburg. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this impressive Greek Revival landmark represents the first columned mansion in Vicksburg and the first historic home to become one of Mississippi's finest bed and breakfast inns. Surrounded by stately live oaks and located in the heart of Vicksburg's Historic District, Anchuca was built in 1830 by local politician J. W. Mauldin. Menu TBA.
Steamboat Natchez Dinner Cruise, New Orleans, Louisiana. This evening a two-hour Dixieland/Jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River aboard an authentic paddlewheeler. Enjoy a bountiful Creole dinner buffet consisting of Prime Rib, Praline Chicken and Catfish Louisiane, Roasted Red Potatoes, Mardi Gras Pasta Alfredo, Spinach Southern style, Green Beans Almondine, Sternwheeler Salad, French Bread and butter, New Orleans bread pudding and coffee or iced tea.
New Orleans School of
Cooking, New Orleans, Louisiana.
The New Orleans School of Cooking welcomes you to the Fun, Food & Folklore!
Our entertaining classes and The Louisiana General are located in a
renovated molasses warehouse built in the early 1800s in the heart of the
French Quarter. We teach the basics of Louisiana Cooking in a way you'll never
forget. Fun is a primary ingredient in our kitchen! Our Creole/Cajun experts
teach New Orleans specialties such as Gumbo, Jambalaya, Chicken Creole and
Pralines, and season them with history, trivia and tall tales. It's a "ga-ron-teed"
good time for all!
Beau Rivage Resort & Casino, Biloxi, Mississippi. You will enjoy a dinner buffet at the Beau Rivage the first evening of your stay here. The atmosphere is lively, contemporary and warm – a perfect backdrop to the amazing array of mouth-watering food. Take your time and sample enticing flavors from around the globe; succulent meats carved or grilled to your specifications; made-to-order pastas and omelets; classic comfort food, including down home Southern-style favorites; plus, the most bountiful fresh seafood and salads available anywhere.
Mary Mahoney’s Old French House, Biloxi, Mississippi. Mary Mahoney’s is housed in one of the oldest homes in America. You don't want to miss seeing this historic and nationally recognized Gulf Coast favorite! Menu TBA.
LongHorn Steakhouse, Prattville, Alabama. At LongHorn, they work to capture the flavor and the fun of the Old West in their restaurant. That's why they serve the highest quality food and serve it up with a big helping of Western hospitality. No matter what you're in the mood for, we have the delicious, legendary Western fare to match your appetite and the genuine service to boot.
Mary Mac’s Tea Room, Atlanta, Georgia. Mary Mac’s Tea Room doors first opened in 1945 when Mary McKinsey decided to use her good Southern cooking to make money in the tough post-World War II days. In those days, a woman couldn’t just open up a restaurant, so many female proprietors used the more genteel Southern name of “Tea Room.” Ponce de Leon Avenue sported clanking trolley cars, the Atlanta Crackers Baseball team and tents serving ice cold watermelons. There were many ornate movie theaters like the Fox Theatre just down the street. And there were at least 16 other Tea Rooms around intown Atlanta with Mary Mac’s being the only one of them left. Dinner will be a family-style meal, including 3 meats, 3 vegetables, bread, dessert and beverage.
Black Angus Grille, Statesville, North Carolina. The Black Angus Grille is located in the historic Landmark Building in downtown Statesville. Dinner will consist of crisp mixed green salad, choice of Chicken a la Maison (tender roast breast of chicken stuffed with smoked ham, provelone and topped with a light Mornay sauce), Sauteed Shrimp Charleston (large shrimp sauteed with garlic, shallots, thyme and fresh tomatoes) or 14 oz. Rib Eye Steak. All entrees served with fresh garden vegetables, freshly baked bread with your choice of baked potato, long grain wild rice, steak-cut fries or fettucine alfredo, dessert and beverage.
Attractions: Reserved seating at the Grand Ole Opry, Nashville, TN - The Opry celebrates 85 years of shows with new staging and big video screens. No visit to Nashville would be complete without catching a performance of the longest continuously broadcast radio program in the nation (since 1925). Soak up the magic and history at the Grand Ole Opry; each show will feature over 20 acts at each performance, from the legendary to the new young stars.
Graceland, Memphis, TN. A shuttle will take us across Elvis Presley Boulevard to enter Elvis' 14-acre estate. The home tour consists of the living room, music room, Elvis' parents' bedroom, the dining room, kitchen, TV room, pool room, and 'jungle' den in the main house, and, behind the house, Elvis' racquetball building and his original business office. The highlight of the mansion tour is Elvis' trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records and awards, along with an extensive display of career mementos, stage costumes, jewelry, photographs, and much more. The tour ends with a quiet visit to the Meditation Garden, where Elvis and members of his family have been laid to rest.
Vicksburg National Military Park, Vicksburg, MS. The park commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Surrender on July 4, 1863, coupled with the fall of Port Hudson, LA, split the South, giving control of the Mississippi River to the North. Over 1,340 monuments, a restored Union gunboat, and National Cemetery mark the 16-mile tour road.
Tour of Natchez, Natchez, MS. Natchez survived the Civil War far better than did many southern towns and boasts more pre-1860 buildings than any other U.S. city of its size, plus thirteen National landmarks and more than 1000 buildings listed on the National Register - all rich in history, with finely crafted furnishings and traditions of genuine southern hospitality.
Longwood Antebellum Home, Natchez, MS. Longwood is a six story octagonal house designed as an oriental villa but never completed due to the onset of the war in 1861 - a lasting reminder of the rapid rise and inevitable decline of wealth built on King Cotton and slavery. Longwood, with its unusual octagonal shape and fantastic onion dome, began construction in 1860. The Civil War interrupted Dr. Haller Nutt's magnificent plans, but his family continued to live in the finished area. Today you can tour the home, inspect the unfinished interior for yourself, and view the grounds where Julia Nutt once tended to acres of roses. Longwood is a National Historic Landmark.
Mississippi Gulf Coast tour. Embark on this three-hour tour to learn of the area’s rich history, including admission to the stately Beauvoir - residence of former Confederate president Jefferson Davis.
New Orleans city tour. See the sights of New Orleans on this 3-hour city tour with a local step-on guide, including the Superdome, Garden District, French Quarter, the above-ground cemeteries.
Free time at Jax Brewery/French Quarter, New Orleans, Louisiana. Jax Brewery is a complex of shops and eateries, and overlooks the Mississippi River in a former turn-of-the-20th-century brewery. Topped by bold letters proclaiming “Home of Jax Beer,” it is a favorite spot for browsing and sampling New Orleans cuisine.
Admission to Mardi
Gras World, New Orleans, Louisiana.
Our group will tour Blaine Kern's Mardi Gras World, New Orleans' showcase
of carnival, with thousands of sensational sculptured props and breath-taking
giant figures on display all year-round. Tourists are encouraged to bring
their cameras and picture themselves next to King Kong, Marilyn Monroe, the
giant Bacchsaurus, and thousands of other props and sculptures. This tour will
take our group through this once-forbidden location inside New Orleans where
Mardi Gras is made. You can now see artists and sculptors actually create the
magical images and figures of Mardi Gras throughout the year.
Biloxi Shrimping Cruise, Biloxi, Mississippi. The Biloxi Shrimping Trip will introduce you to the spectacular world of sea life - caught on a real shrimping expedition. Upon leaving the harbor, the shrimping net is set out with full details of how and what makes the net spread and operate correctly. The net will catch any and all sea creatures in its path along with the shrimp. The varieties range from Blue Crabs, Flounder, Stingray, Oysterfish, Squid, Pufferfish and numerous other species of local marine life. The entire catch will be identified and presented for your inspection by the Captain. This 70-minute Living Marine Adventure Cruise is navigated in the calm, protected waters between Deer Island and the Biloxi shoreline for your comfort.
Jimmy Carter Presidential Library & Museum, Atlanta, Georgia. The Jimmy Carter Library and Museum houses U.S. President Jimmy Carter's papers and other material relating to the Carter administration and the Carter family's life. The library also hosts special exhibits, such as Carter's Nobel Peace Prize and a full-scale replica of the Oval Office, including a copy of the Resolute Desk.The Carter Library and Museum includes some parts that are owned and administered by the federal government, and some that are privately owned and operated. The library and museum are run by the National Archives and Records Administration and are part of the Presidential Library system of the federal government.
Montgomery sightseeing, Montgomery, Alabama. As the birthplace of the Confederacy, Montgomery is rich in Civil War history. Learn of the events that unfolded, leading to the call to fire on Fort Sumter, see the actual home Jefferson Davis shared with his family while President of the Confederate States and walk in the footsteps of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as they paved the way for equality for all men and women through the Civil Rights Movement. Relive the moments in history that have forever changed our nation.
Vulcan Park, Birmingham, Alabama. Home to the world's largest cast iron statue and features spectacular panoramic views of Birmingham. Located atop Red Mountain, Vulcan Park and Museum tells the story of Birmingham's past, present and promise for the future. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 and has stood as a symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. A 10-acre urban green space surrounds the 56' high statue and observation balcony that sits upon a 124' pedestal. Visitors to Vulcan Center find interactive exhibits and displays that give insight into the region's history and industrial growth.
Centennial Olympic Park, Atlanta, Georgia. Centennial Olympic Park was the world's gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games. The park features the popular Fountain of Rings and many outdoor events during the summer months.
Georgia’s Stone Mountain Park, Stone Mountain, Georgia. Stone Mountain contains the largest high relief sculpture in the world; the Confederate Memorial Carving depicts three Confederate heroes of the Civil War: President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The entire carved surface measures three-acres, larger than a football field. The carving of the three men towers 400 feet above the ground, measures 90 by 190 feet, and is recessed 42 feet into the mountain. The park contains several attractions, such as the Scenic Railroad, Skylift, Riverboat, Antique Car and Treasure Museum and the Antebellum Plantation and Farmyard. General admission is included, as well as two of the previously mentioned attractions.
Itinerary:
Day 1 - Monday, October 18, 2010 (B & D) Breakfast buffet at Hilton Garden Inn (opens at 6:15am) Depart Hilton Garden Inn at the Rockaway Mall (7:00am departure) There has never been a better time to visit New Orleans! Experience true Southern hospitality and gracious living on this fascinating event. We will begin our journey to New Orleans and the Deep South, overnighting in Wytheville, Virginia. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 2 - Tuesday, October 19, 2010 (CB & D) We will arrive in Nashville, the “Music City,” this afternoon, Dinner is included at a locally-popular restaurant. This evening you’ll soak up the magic and history at the Grand Ole Opry. The longest continuously running radio broadcast in history (since 1925), you’ll be thrilled to see over 20 acts, from the legendary to the new young stars.
Day 3 - Wednesday, October 20, 2010 (B & D) We depart Nashville this morning, and head for Memphis. Tour Graceland, Elvis' 14-acre estate. Enjoy a mansion tour and trophy building, which houses his enormous collection of gold records and awards, along with an extensive display of career mementos, stage costumes, jewelry, photographs, and much more. Also included is a self-guided tour of Elvis's two custom airplanes and Elvis's Automobile Museum. We’ll then head to Tunica, MS - now the third-largest gaming region in the United States, after Las Vegas and Atlantic City - and check-in at our overnight accommodations, a fine casino resort. Dinner is included this evening.
Day 4 - Thursday, October 21, 2010 (B & D) This morning we’ll depart for historic Vicksburg, MS. Upon arrival, you’ll have free time in the Historic District to grab a bite to eat, visit Biedenharn Coca-Cola Museum (or just go in to the soda fountain), visit Old Courthouse, Highway 61 Coffee/Attic Gallery. This afternoon we’ll tour Vicksburg National Military Park, which commemorates the campaign, siege, and defense of Vicksburg. Over 1,340 monuments and National Cemetery mark the tour road. We will overnight in Vicksburg, where dinner is included in a beautiful antebellum home.
Day 5 - Friday, October 22, 2010 (CB/L/D) We’re off to Natchez this morning. Natchez survived the Civil War far better than did many southern towns and boasts more pre-1860 buildings than any other U.S. city of its size, plus thirteen National landmarks and more than 1000 buildings listed on the National Register - all rich in history, with finely crafted furnishings and traditions of genuine southern hospitality. We’ll enjoy a guided tour of Natchez, with admission to an antebellum home. A traditional Southern luncheon is included in another antebellum home, before our departure to New Orleans. We will spend two nights in the famed French Quarter. This evening a Dixieland/ Jazz dinner cruise on the Mississippi River aboard an authentic paddlewheeler. Enjoy a bountiful Creole dinner buffet and a Dixieland combo!
Day 6 - Saturday, October 23, 2010 (B & D) Begin your day with the Court of Two Sisters Jazz Brunch, featuring a sumptuous display of hot and cold dishes, and a jazz trio. We’ll then see the sights on a New Orleans city tour with a local step-on guide, including the Superdome, Garden District, French Quarter and the above-ground cemeteries. Enjoy admission to Mardi Gras World, New Orleans' showcase of carnival, with thousands of sensational sculptured props and breath-taking giant figures on display all year-round. Bring your camera and picture yourself next to King Kong, Marilyn Monroe, the giant Bacchsaurus, and thousands of other props and sculptures. You’ll see artists and sculptors actually create the magical images and figures of Mardi Gras. This evening learn Cajun and Creole cooking techniques at the New Orleans School of Cooking, where dinner is included. A great night of food & fun!
Day 7 - Sunday, October 24, 2010 (B & D) Enjoy breakfast and a leisurely morning in the French Quarter. Later on we'll arrive at Mississippi's Gulf Coast. Twelve glitzy casinos, interesting attractions and wide, sugar-white beaches adorn Mississippi's Gulf Coast, truly making this the Playground of the South. This afternoon the pride and heritage of Biloxi comes alive aboard a unique and interesting Biloxi Shrimp cruise. This one-hour Living Marine Adventure Cruise is navigated in the calm, protected waters between Deer island and the Biloxi shoreline for your comfort, and will expose you to the spectacular world of sea life - caught on a real shrimping expedition. The entire catch will be identified and presented for your inspection by the Captain. Our stay for 2 nights in Biloxi will be at a luxurious casino hotel, featuring many fine amenities. Dinner is included this evening, as well as the chance to try your luck at the hotel's casino.
Day 8 - Monday, October 25, 2010 (B & D) Today we will take a Mississippi Gulf Coast tour, to learn of the area's rich history, including admission to the stately Beauvoir - the seaside retirement estate of Jefferson Davis, the Confederacy's only President. A free afternoon for you to enjoy as you wish before a fabulous dinner at Mary Mahoney’s Old French House.
Day 9 - Tuesday, October 26, 2010 (B & D) This morning we’re off to Bellingrath Gardens and its 65 acres of cultivated and landscaped gardens, nestled among oaks, Spanish Moss and the scenic Fowl River. We’ll then continue on to Montgomery, AL. As the birthplace of the Confederacy, Montgomery is rich in Civil War history. Learn of the events that unfolded, leading to the call to fire on Fort Sumter, see the actual home Jefferson Davis shared with his family while President of the Confederate States and walk in the footsteps of Rosa Parks and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. as they paved the way for equality for all men and women through the Civil Rights Movement. Relive the moments in history that have forever changed our nation. Dinner is included.
Day 10 - Wednesday, October 27, 2010 (CB & D) This morning we depart for Birmingham, and enjoy a beautiful view from Vulcan Park & Museum. Vulcan, the Roman god of fire and forge, was originally built in 1904 atop Red Mountain and has stood as a symbol of Birmingham for over 100 years. We’ll continue on to Atlanta, the capital and most populous city in the state of Georgia. Visit Centennial Olympic Park - the world's gathering place during the 1996 Centennial Olympic Games - and the Jimmy Carter Library and Museum, housing U.S. President Jimmy Carter's papers and other material relating to the Carter administration and the Carter family's life. Overnight in Atlanta, GA where dinner is included.
Day 11 - Thursday, October 28, 2010 (CB & D) We’ll visit Stone Mountain Park this morning, which contains the Confederate Memorial Carving depicting three Confederate heroes of the Civil War: President Jefferson Davis and Generals Robert E. Lee and Thomas J. "Stonewall" Jackson. The Summit Skylift and Memorial Hall Museum attractions will be included here. Dinner is included enroute to our overnight stay in Wytheville, VA.
Day 12 - Friday, October 29, 2010 (CB) Today we'll be returning home today with fond memories of New Orleans and the Deep South. Thank you for traveling with Lakeland!
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