Showing posts with label TOP things to visit. Show all posts
Showing posts with label TOP things to visit. Show all posts

Thursday, September 3, 2020

TOP 5 places to visit in TOKYO

  1.Yanaka

Tokyo is best known for its modern and futuristic side with high-tech and skyscrapers. But exploring the historical side is actually great thing to do as you can enjoy the totally different view of Tokyo.

Yanaka area is a true hidden gem which is located in the central Tokyo, yet has an unspoiled atmosphere and local vibes. Shop and eat like local at Yanaka Ginza Shopping street and explore the charming neighbourhood!

Yanaka’s Old Town Walking Tour by Magical Trip is one of the most popular guided tours in Tokyo! If you want to see the different side of Tokyo rather than the city’s modern culture, this tour is highly recommended! Enjoy walking down the local streets, stop by for street snacks and hit some hidden spots!

Where to Eat in Yanaka Ginza | byFood


2. Tsukaji Honganji Temple

Tsukiji Fish Market is one of most visited tourist sites in Tokyo, but how many visitors stretch out to the gorgeous temple located right off the street? Tsukiji Honganji Temple is a Jodo Shinshu Buddhism temple with an unique look as the main hall of the temple was constructed with a motif of ancient Indian architecture.

Notably, there is a Japanese style cafe “Tsumugi” recently opened inside the temple, serving delicious and trendy Japanese dishes. It’s totally a great hideaway from crowds!

Tsukiji Hongwan-ji Temple | The Official Tokyo Travel Guide, GO TOKYO

3. Shibuya

There are several notable landmarks in Shibuya area such as Shibuya Crossing, Shibuya 109 and Hachiko Statue at Shibuya Station. Although Shibuya has been one of the most popular districts in Tokyo for the past years, it’s now hotter place to visit than ever.

The district has been going under the massive redevelopment projects, and several new buildings and facilities have opened recently including Shibuya Stream, Shibuya Scramble Square and Shibuya PARCO.

Shibuya - 18 Popular And Less Common Things To Do | MATCHA - JAPAN TRAVEL  WEB MAGAZINE

4. Inokashira Park

Tokyo has several great parks in the city center such as Yoyogi Park and Shinjuku Gyoen, but for more chilled and peaceful atmosphere, Inokashira Onshi Park is a perfect place. Inokashira Onshi Park is located at one of coolest neighbourhoods in Tokyo, Kichijoji area, where a lot of trendy and stylish cafes and shops gather.

The area has great access to Shibuya and Shinjuku. It’s one of the largest parks in Tokyo with a vast space including a pond, zoo, etc, and also a popular spot for cherry blossoms&autumn leaves viewing. The famous Ghibli Museum is located at the tip of the park. If you are a fan of Ghibli films, it’s definitely a place to visit (tickets must be purchased in advanced.)

Inokashira Park Cherry Blossoms 2020 | Tokyo travel, Day trips, Spring park

5. Nightlife in Shinjuku

You may hesitate to dive deep into Shinjuku’s nightlife, but there are a lot of things to enjoy for tourists,  for example, taking night-time photograph with bright neon lights, experiencing the madness of Japan at Robot Restaurant, getting tipsy at authentic and low-key Japanese gastropubs at Omoide Yokocho and watching the coolest Tokyo’s city view at the high-rise skyscrapers’ observatories.

Kabukicho, Shinjuku

Wednesday, September 2, 2020

TOP places in ARGENTINA part1

 1. Iguazú Falls

The stunning Iguazú Falls lie along Argentina's border with Brazil, with Iguazu National Park on the Argentinian side and Iguaçu National Park on the Brazilian side. Protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, these huge waterfalls are undoubtedly one of the most spectacular sights in South America.

Visitors can get quite close to these thundering falls thanks to a network of easily accessible walkways and viewing platforms designed to provide the best possible views, including some at the bottom of the falls, an area known as the Devil's Throat.

Iguazu is, in fact, made up of between 150 to 300 individual falls along its nearly three-kilometer edge, a number that changes depending on the season, varying in height between 60 to 82 meters and each as spectacular as the next. Served by an international airport in Argentina (and one in neighboring Brazil), it's relatively easy to visit, particularly if flying from Buenos Aires.

2. Ushuaia: The End of the World

At the southern end of Argentina, Patagonia is famous for its spectacular landscapes: a dramatic mix of the Andes and long stretches of plains and plateaus. Most adventures here start in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city.

Established as a penal colony in the early 20th century and now a popular jumping-off point for trips to Antarctica or around Cape Horn, this town on Beagle Channel is surrounded by a unique landscape of mountains, sea, glaciers, and woods on the edge of the Tierra del Fuego National Park, with its spectacular scenery and diverse flora and fauna.

Popular places to visit include the San Juan de Salvamento Lighthouse - also known as the End of the World Lighthouse - built in 1884 on the Isla de los Estados, and the End of the World Museum. Here, you'll find exhibits relating to the region's natural history, aboriginal life, and early penal colonies.

The Maritime Museum of Ushuaia is housed in the town's notorious former military prison, is worth visiting for its many maritime artifacts and scale models of famous ships such as Darwin's Beagle.

Named for Darwin's ship, the Beagle Channel cuts through the heart of the national park, and you can board a boat in Ushuaia to cruise through this historic waterway.

3.Beaches of Mar del Plata

Some of the best beaches in South America are in the relatively modern city of Mar del Plata, on the Atlantic coast 400 kilometers from Buenos Aires. Here, the beautiful beaches sprawl for more than eight kilometers of coast that's also marked by windswept dunes and dramatic cliffs.

Nearest Mar del Plata's modern cruise ship port are the Chica and Grande beaches (they're also popular among sea lions, many of which hang out in the waters around the city's fishing wharves).

Once a playground for the rich, the city is a mix of fine old mansions, which mingle with newer resorts along the city's splendid waterfront with its numerous parks, squares, and gardens.

Mar del Plata is home to the excellent Juan Manuel Fangio Museum, dedicated to one of the world's greatest Formula One drivers and containing more than 100 cars and 500 trophies. A highlight is an exhibit dedicated to the first automobile, an 1886 Daimler).

One of the most popular things to do for families is a visit to the Mar del Plata Aquarium with its many marine attractions, including dolphin and seal shows, penguins, tortoises, and flamingos.

TOP 5 places to visit in NORWAY

 1. The Oslo region

A lot of things are cooking in the Norwegian capital, which was named European Green Capital 2019. A cutting-edge food scene, new and funky neighbourhoods, a fully-packed event calendar, and several brand-new museums and attractions are just a few teasers of what you can expect. Surrounded by the Oslofjord and dense forests, you can easily combine urban city life with nature-based fun like cycling, skiing, and island hopping. In the nearby regions of Østfold and Vestfold, charming towns such as Fredrikstad and Tønsberg are dotted along the coast. About an hour’s drive from Oslo lies Norway’s new art destination Hadeland where you can visit the Kistefos-Museet with the spectacular exhibition building The Twist.

The sculptures in the Vigeland installation, the Vigeland Park, Oslo, Norway

2. Bergen 

Historical World Heritage sites meet innovative fashion, trendy restaurants, and a progressive music scene in Norway’s second-largest city, Bergen. Visit some of the country’s top museums like KODE art museums and composer homes, get lost in squiggly cobblestone streets, and experience the city from above at one of the seven surrounding mountain tops. Bergen is the gateway to some of Norway’s most famous fjords, including the Sognefjord, Norway’s longest and deepest fjord, in the north, and the Hardangerfjord – where you’ll find the famous mountain plateau Trolltunga – in the south. Many of the fjords have sidearms that are at least as beautiful, but far less busy. Travel to the fjord village Flåm with the Flåm Line, voted one of the world’s most beautiful train journeys. For outdoor fun in epic surroundings, visit Voss and Nordfjord.

The UNESCO world heritage site Bryggen in Bergen, Fjord Norway

3. The Stavanger region

What do you get if you combine Michelin restaurants with old wooden houses, world-class street art, and a great multicultural vibe? Travel to Stavanger to get the answer. Stavanger is the largest city in the southwestern part of the country, and an ideal starting point if you want to tick off famous nature attractions such as the Lysefjord and Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock). The coastal area of Jæren is a beach bum’s paradise, home to some of Norway’s widest and whitest beaches. Surfing and kiting enthusiasts will also be in for a treat. Follow the North Sea road towards Egersund and discover how charming towns and villages, like the picturesque Sogndalstrand, lie one by one like a string of pearls along the coast.

A person watching the sunrise at Preikestolen (The Pulpit Rock) in Ryfylke

4. The Svalbard Islands

Ready to take wildlife to the next level? The Svalbard Islands lie in the middle of the Arctic Ocean, halfway between Norway and the North Pole. Here, you can participate in exotic nature-based activities all year round in a landscape that is both rugged and fragile. Try your hand at dog sledging, go ice caving, join a snowmobile safari, or hunt for the northern lights. In addition to a few thousand polar bears, the islands are home to almost 3,000 humans. The main city of Longyearbyen is a colourful mini metropole that offers a wide range of cultural activities and high-quality places to eat and drink that you usually would expect to find only in big cities.

Svalbard, Norway - Historical Views - Earth Watching

5.Trondheim and Trøndelag

The Trøndelag region, situated right in the middle of Norway, attracts hardcore history buffs, devoted foodies, and active nature explores alike. Go fishing, cycling, or skiing, or hike one of the nine pilgrim paths the St. Olav Ways, which all lead to the stunning Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. The lively student town of Trondheim is the region’s capital, known as the Home of Nordic flavours. Indulge in gastronomical experiences ranging from fancy Michelin restaurants to hip food bars and cosy coffee shops. Follow the smell of fresh local produce on the scenic detour The Golden Road in Innherred, and travel back in time in the UNESCO listed mining town of Røros. In the Dovrefjell mountains, you can catch a glimpse of a beautiful beast – the musk oxen.

Old historic buildings along the river Nidelva in Trondheim, one of Norway’s top places to go

TOP 5 cities for visiting in Sweden

 1. Stockholm

Stockholm Cruise and Sailing, Sweden tours & activities, fun things to do  in Sweden | VELTRA

Stockholm, a pretty city set on 14 islands, has a lot going for it as Sweden’s capital and the largest city in Scandinavia. Founded in the 13th century, Stockholm is where the annual Nobel Prizes are given out. The Vasa Museum, dedicated to a 17th century warship that sank on its maiden voyage, is Scandinavia’s most visited museum. Stockholm is easier on your budget than other Nordic cities, offering free admission to 15 museums, including the Swedish History, Medieval Museum, Royal Armoury and Skokloster Castle. You also won’t want to miss the Royal Palace, Modern Art Museum and City Hall.

The largest and capital city of Sweden, Stockholm is admired as one of Scandinavia’s most beautiful capitals. Located in southeastern Sweden, the capital city spans across scores of islands and rocky islets that are all connected by charming old bridges and modern causeways. Lush green parks, world-class attractions and a blend of historic and modern architecture make Stockholm an appealing tourist destination.

2. Gotland

Gotland and Visby | Zweden, Gotland, Scandinavië

As Sweden’s largest island, surrounded totally by the Baltic Sea, you’d think fishing would be the island’s main industry. Not so. Agriculture, tourism and information technology are among the top industries. The island is one of Sweden’s most popular tourist destinations; sun seekers like it because it has more sunlight during the year than any other place in Sweden. Visby, the only city on the island, is a beautiful walled Hanseatic town which has preserved most of its townscape and historic buildings. There are also around 100 medieval churches and countless prehistoric sites on the island.

3. Malmo

Alternative city breaks: Malmö - restaurants, nightlife and arts venues |  Travel | The Guardian

Something old, something new is perhaps the best way to describe Malmo, a medieval historic city with a landscape that’s studded with modern, contemporary buildings. Sweden’s third largest city has a marvelous Old Town (Gamla Stoden) with three main squares: Stortoget, Lilla Torg and Gustav Adolfs Torg. Old Town is also where you’ll find the castle Malmohus Slott. This multicultural city, with 150 ethnicities, is linked via Oresund Bridge to Denmark. A must-see “new” attraction is the Turning Torso, an architectural masterpiece that twists more than 190 meters (600 feet) into the sky, making it Sweden’s most talked about building.

4. Gothenburg

A Travel Guide to Gothenburg, Sweden | Vogue

Gothenburg, located on Sweden’s west coast, is a green city dotted with numerous parks of all sizes. Many of the parks date back to the 19th century, including Kungsparken, a park that circles the canal that rings around the city center., If you’re more interested in amusement parks, head to Liseberg, which has more rides than any amusement park in Scandinavia. The largest port city in Scandinavia, Gothenburg also boasts the region’s largest film festival as well as numerous music festivals throughout the year. Hungry? Try a haga bulle, a large cinnamon roll at Haga, a district known for its picturesque wooden houses.

5. Uppsala

12 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions in Uppsala | PlanetWare

Uppsala, located 70km north of Stockholm, is the religious center of Sweden, and has been since the 12th century. Prior to Christianity, Uppsala was known for idols of Norse gods. The Uppsala Cathedral, seat of the archbishop of Sweden, is the largest cathedral in Scandinavia. Education is important here, too, with Uppsala University, which was founded in 1477, making it one of the oldest colleges in Scandinavia. The Fyris River runs through the city, with the medieval section located west of the river. Both the cathedral and Uppsala Castle dominate the skyline here. Eighteenth century botanist Carl Linnaeus lived in Uppsala, so check out the botanical garden next to the castle.


Tuesday, September 1, 2020

TOP 5 cities to visit in ITALY

 1. Rome

Rome (Roma) is the capital of Italy and most likely, your first stop in the country. Rome offers a dazzling variety of sights and experiences. At every turn, you'll discover ancient monuments, ornate medieval and Baroque churches, beautiful fountains, art-filled museums, and Renaissance palaces. The ancient Colosseum is one of the most iconic sites in the world, and modern Rome is a bustling and lively city and has some excellent restaurants and nightlife. Saint Peters Square and the Vatican city are also easily visited when in Rome. We recommend at least 3 days in Rome.

City guide: Rome - SilverKris

2. Venice

Unlike anyplace else in the world, Venice (Venezia) is a unique city built on over the water in the middle of a lagoon. Venice is one of Italy's most beautiful and romantic cities as well as one of the most popular for visitors to Italy. The heart of Venice is Piazza San Marco with its magnificent church, Saint Marks Basilica. There are numerous museums, palaces, and churches to visit, and wandering along Venice's canals and getting lost in its maze of narrow streets is always enchanting. Venice is in the northeast of Italy and historically was a bridge between East and West—its architecture retains a Byzantine feel not really found elsewhere in Italy.

Large cruise ships to be banned from Venice grand canal - Cruise Trade News

3. Milan

Milan (Milano), one of Europe's wealthiest cities, is known for stylish shops, galleries, and restaurants and has a faster pace of life than most Italian cities. It also has a rich artistic and cultural heritage. Its Gothic Duomo, with its beautiful marble facade, is magnificent. Da Vinci's painting of The Last Supper is one of Milan's top attractions and La Scala is one of the world's most famous opera houses.

Vodič kroz Milano | Sve što Vam je potrebno da znate | FunTravel Niš

4.  Verona

Verona is known for the story of Romeo and Juliet and for its Roman Arena, the third largest in Italy and the venue for a top opera festival. Verona has a good medieval center, Roman remains, an interesting castle complex, and lots of high-end shopping. It's the fourth most visited city in Italy and well worth a stop on a northern Italy train travel itinerary.

Verona: City Highlights Private Tour - Verona, Italy | GetYourGuide

5. Naples

Naples (Napoli) is one of Italy's most vibrant cities. It lies on the coast south of Rome and is the most important city in southern Italy. Naples retains much of its Baroque character and is a starting point for trips to Pompeii, Herculaneum and the Amalfi Coast It holds many historical and artistic treasures, and is famous for its pizza and desserts!

City Highlight: Naples - World Travel Guide

TOP 5 places to visit in the Rio de Janeiro

 1. Christ the Redeemer

Perched atop the 710 meter (2,330 feet) high peak of Corcovado Peak, the statue of “Cristo Redentor” stands with arms outstretched, gazing serenely out over the city. Construction of the statue began in 1922 during the heyday of the Art Deco movement, and the concrete and soapstone statue is considered the largest statue designed in the genre in the world. Most visitors take a vertical cog train to reach the base of the summit. From there, visitors to the monument once had to climb hundreds of steps to reach the top. Today, elevators and escalators are available to shorten the trip.

2. Copacabana

Separated from Ipanema to the west by surfer-favored Arpoador beach, Copacabana has a more active vibe than its equally famous neighbor. Rio locals, called “cariocas,” always seem to have a game of soccer or volleyball in play, and vendors vociferously hawk their drinks and snacks from the kiosks that line the beach. Fort Copacabana, a military base with a wartime museum that is open to the public, stands at one end of the beach. On the length of beach fronting the fort, fishermen offer up their morning catch for sale.

Visitors and cariocas alike love to stroll along the promenade that borders the 4 km (2.5 mile) long beach. Originally built in the 1930s, the walkway features a wave-like design laid out in black and white stones. Inland from the promenade are closely-packed multistoried hotels and apartments.

Copacabana, cruises to Brazil | MSC Cruises

3. Sugarloaf Mountain

Rising 400 meters (1,300 feet) above the mouth of Guanabara Bay, Sugarloaf mountain is a monolith of quartz and granite that visitors can crest via a glass-walled cable car known as a “bondinho” or “teleférico.” The cable car departs every 20 minutes from the base of Babilônia hill and climbs to the top of the Morro da Urca hill. From there, visitors can take a second cable car up to the mountain’s summit.

All you need to know when visiting Brazil's Pão de Açúcar :Visit Sugarloaf  Mountain - Rio de Janeiro City Travel Guide And Travel Information

4. Lapa Neighborhood

Located in the downtown section of Rio known as “Centro”, the Lapa neighborhood was once the city’s red-light district. Today, the area is known for its vibrant nightlife. Lined with samba and choro bars, the music and dancing spills out into the street on weekend nights. Most of the neighborhood’s architecture dates back to the 1800s, providing a scenic backdrop to all the festivities. It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends and cariocas to sample local cuisine and to sip caipirinha, the national cocktail made with sugarcane hard liquor and lime. Escadaria Selarón, a set of famous steps connects both the Lapa and Santa Teresa neighborhoods.

Lapa Neighborhood

5. Tijuca National Park

One of the largest urban forest in the world, the Tijuca National Park covers a huge area of a mostly mountainous landscape. Visitors can hike to Rio’s highest peak, the Pico da Tijuca, to enjoy expansive views of Guanabara Bay and the city below. Nearly destroyed in the early 1800s by encroaching coffee plantations, much of the forest was replanted by hand in the latter half of the century with as many as nine million trees. Attractions include the Mayrink Chapel, which has murals painted by the famed Brazilian neo-realism painter Cândido Portinari, and the tumbling 100-foot Cascatinha Waterfall.

Tijuca National Park

Tuesday, August 25, 2020

Top 5 places to visit in Switzerland

  Lucerne

Located in the German-speaking section of Switzerland, is a city that has it all: city life, a lake, and mountains. Considered one of the world’s prettiest cities. Lucerne is most famous for its beautifully preserved medieval bridges, one of which dates back to 1333 and a water tower. Which is said to be the most photographed mountain in Switzerland.

The city filled with traditional town squares, historic buildings, painted facades and narrow cobbled streets lined with shops selling traditional goods.

visit lucerne Switzerland, things to do in lucerne
Source: www.planetware.com

Make sure you add on extra visiting time for the beautiful lake Lucerne. Sitting picture perfect on Lake Lucerne with the backdrop of a lovely panorama of the Alps, Lake Lucerne region dons a spectacular blanket of a fluffy sow in winter.

Listed among the un-missable Switzerland attractions in winter, the region is wonderful that attracts sow savvy skiers and snowboarders.

 Zermatt

Zermatt is most famous for the Matterhorn mountain, it is the place of incomparable beauty. Surrounded by tall snow-covered Alpine peaks which are easily accessible going up via rack railway and cable car.

There are many wonderful walking trails which are so easy especially when you are going downhill. Before heading up to the hills, take a walk around in Zermatt village. 

things to do in zermatt, zermatt Switzerland
Source: www.myswitzerland.com

The most unique attraction of Zermatt is quick access from town to several gigantic mountains. Those who want to experience this European gem will have no shortage of finding the best places to visit in Switzerland.

Zermatt is a good town for walking to various sites, the town is accessible via scenic train routes that connect it with the outside world.

Geneva

Geneva is the second most populated city in Switzerland after Zurich. Situated along the Swiss Alps and just 60 miles from France. Geneva is the Switzerland melting pot with an influx of international organizations like the Red Cross bringing in foreigners from some 200 countries.

Geneva also one of the best places to visit in Switzerland & remains the top tourist destination for its delicious chocolate, luxury watches & rich history.

Located on the shores of Lake Geneva, this French-speaking metropolis has a lot going on. Geneva manages to have a small feel despite being so internationally important.

Geneva lake, visit geneva Switzerland, things to do in Geneva

It is also known for its breathtaking views of Lake Geneva the largest lake in Western Europe and the deepest in all of Europe.

The beautiful Jet d’eau fountain in the lake is the landmark of Geneva it’s the oldest fountain in the world and the water in the lake is safe to drink. Geneva is one of the must-visit places in Switzerland

 Bern

Bern is the capital of Switzerland with beautifully retained historic features and plenty of activities. It is of the most picturesque cities in the world and the most famous place in Switzerland.

Known for its architecture and design, sandstone houses, narrow streets fountains and the medieval air make this city unique. 

Its historical buildings are world-famous including the entire old town which is a UNESCO world heritage site. At an altitude of 542 meters above the sea level, Bern is the third-highest European capital city and a great place for an adventurous journey.

bern Switzerland, Switzerland capital city bern
Source: www.bern.com

Colorful fountains in the streets are Bern’s trademark which is amazingly sculptured shows the town’s wealth and reminds citizens of local heroes and events. Bern has been the seat of federal parliaments and government.

The Bern’s train station is right next to the old town so your walk through the historic zone begins the moment you arrive.

The famous clock tower and the arch at the end of the market street is the oldest building in town. With an astronomical clock that still works after 500 years which attracts visitors to watch its mechanism from the 16th century perform a unique spectacle every hour.

 Zurich

Zurich is Switzerland’s largest city which attracts travelers with an interest in culture since it boasts more than 50 museums and over 100 art galleries. When visitors get tired of shopping for internationally famous Swiss brand name goods, they can take a boat ride on Lake Zurich or go hiking in the nearby mountains.

Not to be missed is the Swiss National Museum, located in fairy tale castle it is dedicated to Switzerland’s cultural history. Zurich may not be the country’s political capital but it’s a social and economic center most tour itineraries will include a visit to the scenic old town.

Zurich Switzerland, Zurich city tour
Source: www.nestpick.com

The city is so fresh and beautiful with sparkling rivers, lakes and vast expanses of parkland right in town put Zurich on the list of the best cities in the world.

Cycling is a popular way to get around, the tourist does not need to buy water bottle the water that comes from the city’s fountains is refreshingly cold.

Boutique hotels are tucked throughout the city, a lively art scene, Music Theater, good food, and decidedly hip nightlife make Zurich a visitors dream.

Top 5 things to do in LONDON

1. Trafalgar Square & National Gallery

Start from Trafalgar Square, the massive building right behind the monument to Nelson is a National Gallery. National Gallery is home to some of the worlds most impressive masterpieces including Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, van Gogh Claude Monet, Sandro Botticellie and many more. The oldest paintings dated back from 1200 to 1500 ( room 51-66). You can wander the gallery for hours. Free admission.

National Gallery, London

2.  Natural History Museum 

If you love geology, dinosaurs and animals this place is definitely for you. Nice and interesting place to visit for all generations. Be advised that it gets really busy on Saturday. Best time to visit is in the morning during the week. 

Natural History Museum

3. Victoria & Albert Museum

V&A Museum is the worlds largest museum of design and decorative arts. It was founded in 1852 by queen Victoria and King Albert. Be aware not all exhibitions are free of charge. 

V&A and Africa - Victoria and Albert Museum

4. Greenwich Park

Greenwich park is one of the oldest parks in London with the spectacular view of London from the top of the hill. it is where the 0 meridian lays and “divides” the world on eastern and western time zones.

5. The Changing of the Guard

Visit the Changing of Guard Ceremony that takes place every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday at 10.30am outside Buckingham Palace. Please note, hundreds of people going to be there to witness it, so come early in the morning to get the pest space.

 

Lets talk about CZECH REPUBLIC

Czech Republic , also called  Czechia ,  country  located in central  Europe . It  comprises  the historical  provinces  of  Bohemia  and  M...