Traveling internationally is something I haven’t done in a while; In over 11 years to be exact. There’s something about flying over The Atlantic Ocean that scares me, but it wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Maybe it’s because I’ve been flying a lot this year? But nonetheless, the flights to Casablanca and coming home were pretty laid back and easy. It took around 13 hours to get there and a little longer on the way home because we stopped in Madrid, but that’s another blog post I will link to this one once completed!😊 (You can read about my Madrid trip here:21 Hours In Madrid, Spain!)
My mom and I were traveling to Morocco mostly to handle personal business, but also to see some family and spend a few days out there for vacation. Like I mentioned prior, it’s been a while since I went overseas, so it was a little different than I last remembered. I’m also older and more mature now. The last time I visited Casablanca, I was 17. Now being 28, I have a different mindset on life and appreciate things more. It’s definitely interesting to see how others live and the way of life they have adapted to compared to the way we live in America. There are countless differences, yet so many similarities!
When To Visit:
There is really no bad time to visit Casablanca if you’re strictly looking at weather. The lowest temperatures they reach in winter are in the 60’s and honestly that’s wayyyyy better than 10 degree Chicago weather for me! In the summer, it’s obviously warmer and they reach into the 80’s, but it might be more packed with tourist. Traveling during off season is best if you want to beat the crowds and save a little on flights and hotels. We just went in November/December, but I think anything in spring or fall would be ideal!
Where To Stay:
Depending on what you want to do in Casablanca, you might want to stay inside the busy city or on the outskirts like by the beach. My mom and I decided to stay on the beach and enjoy the view. It was really nice to be able to walk alongside the coast in the morning and in the evenings. Nothing beats having the ocean right outside your hotel! It was also super close to the boardwalk and many locations to eat. There was even a mall with a grocery store inside which made things more convenient for us when we needed items for our stay. We stayed at Pestana Casablanca which was pleasant and I would recommend. I would also suggest the Four Seasons Hotel Casablanca if you don’t mind spending extra. The Four Seasons looked absolutely gorgeous and I know the stay with them must be unforgettable with their valuable reputation!
**Both hotels have balconies and offer ocean views. (I’m not sure about the Four Seasons, but Pestana has balconies for every hotel suite).**
Where To Eat:
We obviously tried numerous locations when it came to our meals, but there are a few places that I would strongly suggest and would love to go to again! These restaurants include:
Le Cabestan is a MUST! The ocean view is marvelous, but the food is really good and flavorful! I would also recommend making reservations for prime seating. We went for lunch, but I’m sure the view during sunset is even better!
Sky 28 is also another great location with sky high views of Casablanca and Hassan II Mosque in the distance. You can either sit down for lunch and/or dinner or go upstairs for a drink. We did both and honestly, Sky did not disappoint. The windows were a little dirty, so the view wasn’t the best, but it was still an elegant place to check out.
OSTRÉA II is another good place if you like seafood and LOVE oysters! This restaurant is located right on the lagoon near the ocean in Oualidia, which is about two hours south of Casablanca. We took a day trip down there with my aunt and cousin just to go to OSTRÉA. Apparently my grandpa knew the owner and I had been going there since I was a baby. (I really don’t remember any of this, but my mom has been taking me to Morocco since I was eight months old). Oualidia is a lot different than Casablanca because it’s more of the “country side,” but it was still cool to experience.
What To See:
When most tourist travel to Morocco, they go straight to Marrakech or Chefchaouen. Although Casablanca is not as known as these popular cities (besides for the movie “Casablanca”), it’s still worth visiting! Some places I would suggest are as follows:
- Hassan II Mosque
- The Old Medina of Casablanca
- Morocco Mall
- Boulevard de la Corniche (The Boardwalk)
- Ain Diab
Hassan II Mosque is probably the number one landmark of Casablanca today. The mosque is so big and beautiful! We unfortunately didn’t go inside and we were not praying, but it was still inspiring to see the mosque in person. The architecture alone is breathtaking and all the marble with the gorgeous teal blue granite and stone make the finishing touches on this place. I think this is a location where many tourist come to take pictures, but I had my own photoshoot as well!
Another place to check out is the old medina. Here you can bargain with merchants for all sorts of items, including foods. I know you have to be very careful here because there are many cases of pickpocketing, but it’s nothing too crazy compared to other high pickpocketing places. Just keep your purse or wallet close by and there shouldn’t be any issues. Even if you don’t have intentions of purchasing anything, it’s interesting to see what others are selling and what kind of unique handcrafted items you can come across.
Going back to Morocco after all these years was really enjoyable. I got to spend time with some family I haven’t seen in years and also got the chance to experience Casablanca with a different outlook. I would certainly suggest checking out Casablanca if you ever plan a trip to Morocco! It’s worth the stop and most definitely worth the time!
Oh, wow, what a lovely trip! Love the Moroccan decor. I’m thinking about traveling through Africa next year so will have to make Casablanca a stop, for sure!
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Thank you so much for reading !💖
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This looks and sounds amazing! The food, the decor, the landscape! Lovely!
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Thank you for reading!! 🙂
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Wonderful post and photos. I’ve been to Casablanca a few times and you did a great job of showing it’s charms!
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Thank you ! & thank you so much for reading !💕
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Some great wisdom here!
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Thank you so much for reading !😊
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This looks stunning! I’ve visited Morocco before, but to Marrakesh – which was certainly very different to the UK! I’d love to go back some day.
Em
http://Www.emsworldblog.com
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Thank you so much for reading! Hope you get to make it back someday! 💖
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Wow you’re pictures are stunning. Definitely a place to add to the list. B x
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Thank you so much for reading !💕
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I love the MENA region but haven’t made it to Morroco yet. It seems like a cool place and the music is great. Your pics were great-seems like you had fun!!
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Incredible photos! Thank you for the ideas. I’ve never been but it’s a dream location for me. One day! Lol
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Thank you for reading!😊
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Thank you so much for reading!💕 I hope you get to make it !☺️
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I never knew much about Casablanca, but your photos are making me fall in love. I definitely want to visit! It look gorgeous.
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Thank you!! & thank you for reading !☺️🖤
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Wow, Casablanca looks so beautiful! We spent our honeymoon in Marrakesh and absolutely loved it there, especially the architecture which looks just as enchanting in Casablanca than it did in Marrakesh. Maybe I should take a trip to Morocco again…
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I hope you get to make a trip back!😊 thank you so much for reading!💕
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Morocco looks absolutely beautiful! I definitely need to add it to my travel list!
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Thank you so much for reading !🥰
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The photos are absolutely stunning, I’ve always wanted to visit Morrocco! And the pic of the cat is sooo cute. Thanks for the tips.
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Awww thank you !! I hope you get to make it someday! Thank you so much for reading !💕
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Looks like you had a great time, Morocco is on my travel bucket list, and great photo’s too 🙂
Nic | Nic’s Adventures & Bakes
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Thank you so much !! And thank you for reading !💕
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What a great and informative post! I loved all of the photos you took and shared with us all! Definitely looks like a place worth visiting in my future!!!
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Thank you !! And thank you so much for reading!💖
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I’ve always wanted to visit Casablanca! 😁
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I hope you get to sometime soon! Thank you for reading !💕
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I’ve heard such mixed things about so much or Morocco over the years but I’ve not come across anyone that hasn’t loved Casablanca 😁 Your pictures are stunning 🙂
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Thank you so much !! And thank you for reading!💖
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What gorgeous photos! What really strikes me about Morocco is the colour – particularly blue. I’ve never been but it’s super high on my list, and Casablanca looks likes a great choice!
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I hope you get to make it someday! Thank you so much for reading !💖
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Wow! What amazing architecture!
The ocean is always appealing to me. Its a home away from home.
Must put this on list of places to visit.
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Awesome! Thank you so much for reading!🙂
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Great pictures. Now I want to visit.
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I hope you get a chance to! Thank you so much for reading !💖
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11 years!? Wow! The last time i was there was almost 10 years ago… it looks as though A LOT has changed. I’m eager to go back and check it out.
Great pictures — thanks for sharing!
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My mom said the same thing. About how much Casablanca has changed within the years! Thank you so much for reading !!🙂
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Morocco looks absolutely lovely! I’d love to go there some day. Thanks for sharing your trip!
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Thank you so much for reading !💖
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Stunning photos! Casablanca is my favorite movie so I’ve always been intrigued to visit. Now I definitely want to go!
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Casablanca was a pretty good movie ! I hope you get to make it there someday!🙂 thank you so much for reading !💖
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Aww, I wish you had gone inside the mosque so we could see some pictures. Or is it not allowed to take pictures inside?
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I’m not sure if you can take pictures inside, but they had the doors open on one end to let people look inside. Sometimes when people would get too close, they asked them to move back. I’m not sure if it’s because people were going to pray soon or if no photographs are allowed. But I believe you have to remove your shoes right there before you go inside. Thank you so much for reading !💖
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It looks so beautiful there. I can’t wait to visit someday! Thanks for all this great info 🙂
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Thank you !!🙂 and thank you so much for reading! 💖
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Good on you for going away internationally for the first time in over a decade! Glad you had a great time out in Morocco. Those pics of Casablanca are really stunning 🙂
Johnny | Johnny’s Traventures
https://johnnystraventures.com
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Thank you so much for reading!🙂🙂
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Beautiful I love the architecture and decor-so many colors! I would love to visit the Mosque
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Thank you so much for reading!💖
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Wow!! Casablanca looks incredible! I hear so much about it because of the film but your photos really capture how stunning it really is. It’s great that you had such an amazing time!
Daisy xoxo | TheDeeWhoLived
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Thank you so much for reading!🖤🖤
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What a great trip and great post, love the pictures!
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Thank you so much for reading!☺
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I have not been to Casa Blanca just yet, but I will definitely add it to my bucket list for 2020. Thank you for this guide.
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Thank you so much for reading!💖💖💖
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These photos are all so beautiful! It looks like you had a great trip!
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Thank you !! & thank you so much for taking the time to read !🙂💖
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Great post — thank you for sharing! I was there 10 years ago (crazy) but it’s good to see some things haven’t changed. I loved walking along the water by the Hassan II Mosque and watching the kids jump off of the rocks at sunset. I also remember having one of my favorite meals there… but I can’t remember the restaurant :D.
Anyways, thanks for the trip down memory lane!
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Awesome!!! Thank you so much for reading!☺
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I must visit Casablanca. It’s beautiful. Thanks for sharing.
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Thank you so much for reading !!😊
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Beautiful photos! Morocco is on my bucket list for this year, now I’ll try to include Casablanca too.
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I hope you make it! You only need a day or two in Casablanca, but it’s worth the stop! Thank you so much for reading!😊
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Your photos are so beautiful. I’ve never been to Morocco, but it looks so magical. We love travelling and have a running list of different places that we would like to visit, so I’ll have to add Morocco to the list.
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Thank you so much ! & Very nice !! Casablanca is definitely worth a stop if you visit Morocco! I hope you make it someday! Thank you so much for reading!❤
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Hi there,
I am thinking about travelling later this year. Tour description of your journey was pretty informative. I will be sure to keep this in mind.
I loved this blog and all your beautiful pictures with your lovely mom.
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Awww thank you so much! I hope you get to make it to Casablanca this year! Thank you so much for reading as well!💕💕💕
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It looks absolutely stunning!! I’ve never been there, but have to add to my travel list!
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Thank you so much for reading!💕
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Amazing article. We want to go here so incredibly badly. So wonderfully amazingly fabulous.
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I hope you guys make it this year ! Thank you so much for reading !😀
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This post is amazing. Really enjoyed reading about your trip in so much detail. I’ve been to Tangier for the day and I’d love to explore more of Morocco.
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I hope you get to go! Thank you so much for reading !💕💕💕
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Absolutely gorgeous photographs Sorayah, especially the ocean and sunset photos 🔆
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Thank you sooooooo much!,💖💖💖
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wow amazing, we need to get our buts to Morocco!!!!
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You definitely should! I think you mentioned before you were looking into going! You will not be disappointed. Thank you so much for reading!
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Casablanca looks beautiful, especially the area near your hotel, and some of your photographs look like paintings!!
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Awww thank you !!! & thank you so much for reading !💖
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Oh wow! What a beautiful place to visit after not traveling for 11 years. So glad you got over your fear.
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Thank you so much for reading!💕
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Cannot get over your stunning pictures from Casablanca! Definity need to start planning a getaway to this part of the world.
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I hope you get a chance to go! Thank you so much for reading!💕
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I have always wanted to visit Morocco! It always looks so beautiful and full of culture x
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Thank you so much for reading!💕 i hope you get to make it!
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Amazing pictures! My mom was born in Morocco and she has been dreaming of visiting there for years:) I hope we get to go together. I heard people say that it is one of their favorite destinations. Thank you for sharing these pics and your recommendations.
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Awh! Nice! My mom too. She just moved to the states like 30 years ago! Thank you so much for reading! I hope you get to make that trip with your mom! If you go on off season, (like November, December) you’ll find hotels to be a lot cheaper!
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Terrific photos – those sunset shots are spectacular!
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Thank you so much! & thank you for reading, always!😊
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I never knew Morocco was so beautiful. Those are stunning photos. Thank you for sharing!
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Thank you so much for reading!💖
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Your tip to Morocco looks and sounds AMAZING!! The ocean view and the pictures you took are stunning
Karen x
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Thank you!! & thank you so much for reading!❤
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The photos are epic. Also I must say, the graphic which says, ‘catch flights not feelings’, made me laugh. Reminds me of a friend haha.
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Thank you so much for reading! 💜
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Oh I’d love to go here! Hope you are well and safe 🙂
Isobel x
http://www.fashionistachic.co.uk
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Thank you !!! You as well!💜💜💜
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Beautiful place! Reading this post made me miss travelling. Since we’re on lockdown, all I can do right now is live vicariously through travel posts I read. But hopefully one day soon we can travel again and explore the different places around the world.
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Ugh, same!! Thank you so much for reading! Stay safe! 💖
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Woah! This place looks so beautiful! The photos are awesome, especially of the area near the hotel, the sunrise over the beach and the mosque. I love the little photoshoot you did there too! Than you for sharing such a magical place.
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Thank you so much for reading! ❤❤❤
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Those pictures are amazing. I already had this on my bucket list, but now have more information and ideas
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So glad i could help! Thank you so much for reading!💖
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What a beautiful place! Love the architecture and those Morrocan style tiles 😍 I must admit Casablanca is not a place I think of when I think of Morocco, but it just looks like a beautiful place to visit!
Thank you for sharing!
Aimsy xoxo
Aimsy’s Antics
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Thank you so much for reading!💙💚
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This looks absolutely MAGICAL. Would 100% love to travel to Morocco once this is all over! Great post and pictures are STUNNING!
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Thank you so much ! And thank you for reading!❤
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