The Sights of Abu Simbel – Abu Simbel Temples

Apart from the Pyramids of Giza in Cairo, the temples of Abu Simbel were the attractions I was most looking forward to visiting in Egypt. The Abu Simbel temples are located in Abu Simbel, a Nubian village close to the Sudanese border. The Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II built them over a 20-year time period. In 1813 they were rediscovered after being buried in the sand.

Abu Simbel AswanAbu Simbel
To get there, I took an overnight train from Cairo to Luxor and then enjoyed a three-hour car ride to Aswan. From Aswan, it took about the same time to get to Abu Simbel.

The first thing I was in awe of upon my arrival, was the massive size of the temples. In the pictures I had seen, they did look massive but it just felt inspiring to see them in person. I was also in awe of how beautifully carved out the stones were. The details were amazing.

Abu Simbel

When we arrived, My guide had asked me to spot the differences between the three (intact) statue heads at the first temple.  I didn’t notice any. He pointed out that in each one, Ramesses II looked older, indicating that the temple was constructed following his life. But why were they built in the first place?

Why was Abu Simbel built?

Pharaoh Ramesses II built the temples to commemorate his victory at the Battle of Kadesh. My guide also tells me that the Pharaoh built them to display his strength to the Nubian people. Interestingly, while working on this post, I read that both the Hittites (found in modern-day Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon) and Egyptians claim the victory of the Battle of Kadesh. But according to Historians, there was no victor or conquest. Both parties eventually met several years later, to form a treaty – the first known surviving treaty in history.

Abu Simbel
Ramesses II also built a smaller temple beside his own in honour of his beloved wife, Queen Nefertari. Her statues on this temple match his in size, which was quite uncommon for Pharaohs in those days. This temple is said to be a testament to their love and one of the greatest honours a King could bestow on his wife.

Abu Simbel

One fascinating thing about the first temple is the way it was built (and rebuilt). On two days of the year, October 22 and February 22 (formerly minus one day), sunlight shines into the inner sanctuary and lights up three statues seated on a bench. The three gods include Ramses II himself, Amon Ra, and Re-Harakhte. The fourth god, Ptah – the god of the underworld and darkness, remains in total darkness during these days.

Abu Simbel -6

Saving Abu Simbel temple – Relocating the temples

During our walk from the car park to the temple, my guide had told me of how, like the Tempel von Philae, the Abu Simbel temples were relocated to save them. In the mid-20th century, during the construction of the Aswan Dam on the Nile River, a massive reservoir was created and this threatened to submerge the temples.

Abu Simbel

The government and UNESCO initiated a fund-raising campaign to save them. Over 50 countries supported this campaign. The temples were cut into several pieces, transported and reassembled in their new location – overlooking Lake Nesser.

Abu Simbel
Abu Simbel

The Abu Simbel temples were a sight to behold. They are very deserving of a spot on your Egypt travel itinerary. Also, I feel like, at the end of this post, rather than ask if you have been to Abu Simbel before, I want to ask a more important question – especially directed to my male audience…

What have you done for your girlfriend or wife lately? Hmm? The Mughal emperor Shah Jahan built the Taj Mahal as a mausoleum for his beloved wife Mumtaz Mahal, Ramesses built Abu Simbel for Nefertari. Please be more romantic! Thank you!

6 comments

    1. The precision and details of all the ancient structures are stunning! I’ll definitely share more on the other temples I visited. 🙂

  1. 😂😂😂😂….I’m not sure history tells us of any Nigerian man who has done something so spectacular for his wife😭😭😭….oh ye men of our generation, hear ye the gospel this day. Be ye thoughtful.

I love to hear from you, Leave a comment here!

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One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕

Funny how life works out sometimes!
One beautiful day in 2018 🌞 , I awoke with the sudden urge to explore 3 countries on a budget! It was my first cross-country road trip but I took that chance and it led me straight to my husband 💕 Funny how life works out sometimes!
1 day ago
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1/9
A little dramatic? But yes, this was exactly what I needed.

I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out!

It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
A little dramatic? But yes, this was exactly what I needed. I was experiencing burnout, at the same time, facing the possibility of being laid off from work... going through a deeply personal and emotionally draining phase and needed an out! It was a short getaway but it was the just the reset that I needed! 🦋
1 day ago
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2/9
In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi.

Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city!

In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation.

I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely!

Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
In this Nairobi Weekender Series, I'll be sharing some of the best weekend trips you can take from Nairobi. Think beach getaways, hiking, camping, safaris and more! All within a short distance from the city! In this video, we're visiting Amboseli National Park. This weekend getaway is perfect for a long 3-day weekend. Staying at least two nights in the area will give you enough time to enjoy a safari and your accommodation. I recommend booking a place with a view of a waterhole - with this, you might even be tempted to skip the drive in the park completely! Let me know what other places you'd love to see and please share your best weekend or day trips from Nairobi in the comments! 💬
2 days ago
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3/9
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in!

It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂

In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end).

If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂

And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀

#OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
Once again, I've found myself back in K-drama heaven! 🥰 I had left K-drama for anti-MLM and true crime content on YouTube for a bit, but this drama (Our Unwritten Seoul)? It dragged me right back in! It reminds me of the golden days when Alchemy of Souls and Extraordinary Attorney Woo were airing at the same time! Those were weekends I eagerly looked forward to! 😂 In a season of my life that's felt a little uncertain, this drama is a small spark, something warm (and certain?) to look forward to every week(end). If you're watching it too, let me know in the comment section. But no think pieces about what you don't like 😭 Let's all just enjoy this in peace and hope there's a very sweet and happy ending waiting for us in the next 2 weeks! 😂 And if you're not a kdrama fan, that's okay too! Maybe you'll enjoy this quick guide to Seoul and beyond! 🇰🇷🚀 #OurUnwrittenSeoul #seoulkorea @nigeriankoreanaddict @visitkorea_travel #kdramafeels #solotravel @kdrama_9jaddicts
4 days ago
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4/9
This country truly has it all! 😍

Lovely weather ✅️
Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️
Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️
Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ 
Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️

From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?"

Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
This country truly has it all! 😍 Lovely weather ✅️ Pristine whitesand beaches with warm waters ✅️ Incredible Wildlife and Safaris in your backyard!✅️ Stunning mountains and hiking trails ✅️ Lovely outdoor spaces, waterfalls, gardens and forests ✅️ From Maasai Mara to Mount Kenya, from Watamu to Lake Naivasha - Kenya really said "why choose when you can have everything?" Have you visited or is it on your travel wishlist? Tell me your favourite experiences/what you're most looking forward to in the comment section!💬
1 week ago
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5/9
If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out!

📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
If you're tired of crowded tourist spots, save this hidden gem before everyone finds out! 📍Suncheon Bay National Garden ❤️
2 weeks ago
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6/9
The most beautiful African sunset🌙✨️🦒
The most beautiful African sunset🌙✨️🦒
2 weeks ago
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7/9
While you're working hard, don't forget to schedule time for rest. 🤎☯︎
While you're working hard, don't forget to schedule time for rest. 🤎☯︎
2 weeks ago
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8/9
Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂

If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year...

🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪
- Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha
- Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬
- Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid
- Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day
- Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day
- Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day
- Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day
- Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day

You're welcome! 😊
Listen, you don't have to tell me twice! I'm a 9-5 woman who loves to travel. I don't joke about my PTO and public holidays! 😂 If you're planning to combine your vacation days with a public holiday, here are the upcoming ones for the second half of the year... 🇳🇬 × 🇰🇪 - Jun 06 (and 9?): Eid Al-Adha - Jun 12: Democracy Day 🇳🇬 - Sep 04 - 05?: (Tentative for Mawlid - Oct 01: 🇳🇬 Independence Day - Oct 10: 🇰🇪 Utamaduni (Moi) Day - Oct 20: 🇰🇪 Mashujaa Day - Dec 12: 🇰🇪 Jamhuri Day - Dec 25-26: Christmas & Boxing Day You're welcome! 😊
2 weeks ago
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9/9
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