1. travel
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South Pacific
eFlyer
November 2014
Exchanges are open to all ambassadors and represent some of the many places
where you can experience new cultures and grow your global circle of friends. If you
are interested in any of the following exchanges, please contact the exchange
director or club directly.
January 2015
Global Water, Wine and Country Music Exchange to Newcastle and Tamworth, Australia
 Magnificent surf beaches and harbours of Sydney and Newcastle.
 A New England cold country boutique winery and other renowned wineries in the
Hunter Valley.
 The world famous Tamworth Country Music Festival.
 Encounters with native animals and birds at Blackbutt Reserve.
 Enjoy Australian wine and beer throughout the exchange.
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FFI Exchange number: 12044
Dates: January 15-30, 2015
Cost: $2,600 USD
Price Includes all FFI and host fees,
three nights in a hotel in Sydney,
transportation within Australia, and
Tamworth Country Music Festival
activities.
Contact:
Annette Watson
aw.home@me.com
View the full exchange itinerary
Arrive in Sydney, where local members of the Friendship Force club there will
volunteer as your personal guides for a day. In Tamworth, experience the world
famous country music festival with the special touch of Australian home hospitality.
Join your new friends in Newcastle to celebrate Australia Day with an authentic Aussie
barbecue. See the National Rodeo Championships.
“While music is at the heart of the festival, it‟s the fascinating combination of
welcoming locals, friendly visitors, summer holiday atmosphere and non stop music
that gives the place such an across the board appeal,” writes festival founder Max Ellis
OAM for TamworthCountryMusic.com.au. Over 50,000 people will come from all
over the world for this famous music festival, but you‟re invited to experience it like a
Tamworth local, staying in the home of a friendly host family… then continue on for
further explorations of Australia.
May 2015
Wellington & Kapiti Coast to Nor Peru, Peru and Brasilia & Belem, Brazil
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FFI Exchange number: 12127
Dates: May 2015
Cost: Approx $6,500 Return from
Wellington (includes FFI and Host
Club Fees)
Contact:
John Durnford
04-970 0858
durnford@paradise.net.nz
We invite you on this three phase journey to South America. Our first exchange is to
Nor Peru club in the city of Trujillo, 550 km north of Lima. It is located next to the
Pacific coast at the mouth of the Moche Valley on the edge of the desert plain. The third
largest city in Peru, it has a colourful colonial central area with many historic buildings
and monuments around its impressive main square. Not far away are the notable
archaeological ruins of the adobe city of Chan Chan (World Heritage Site) and the
adobe brick temples of the Sun and the Moon.
We fly on to our second hosting at Brasilia, the capital of Brazil. This planned modernist
city in the country‟s south east interior was founded only 54 years ago and features
many innovative and imaginative official buildings and structures. Our visit will include
two tours, one in the city and one to the interesting sites outside Brasilia, and there will
be the opportunity to add other tours around this amazing area.
Next we fly north to Belem, a historic tropical city port 100 km upriver from the
Atlantic on the huge Para River which is part of the greater Amazon River system. The
region has been home to indigenous tribes and was controlled by Portuguese
conquerors. The original area became known as the spice capital of Brazil. Away from
the present modern metropolis, there is the old city district with its blend of Colonial
architecture and historic charm. We will be touring this interesting city and visiting a
beach on nearby Masqueiro Island. There is also the optional extra of including a two
night stay on fascinating Marajo Island.
This exciting trip provides the opportunity for ambassadors to add their own personal
excursions before and after the exchanges. There are many fabulous possibilities,
including Mach Picchu in Peru and the Iguacu Falls and Rio de Janeiro in Brazil.
Marlborough to Campinas & Recife, Brazil
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FFI Exchange number: 12126
Dates: May/June 2015
Cost: Approx. $5,750 NZpp
(includes FFI and Host Club Fees
and Stopovers)
Contact:
Barry Bridges
03-5782471
parchment@xtra.co.nz
We are very fortunate to have been allocated an exchange to South America! We are
breaking the trip for 2 nights at Santiago, then on to Recife for our first hosting of 7 days.
Recife a city of such beautiful scenery, which is cut by so many rivers & bridges, that it is
often called Brazilian Venice. Recife has a strong local commerce & expanding industrial
parks, architecture divided between new & old with the "Frevo" &" Maracatu" popular
dances, this area offers the best carnival in the world.. YES !!!
We then fly to Rio de Janiero for 3 nights, with half day tours to Corcovado & Sugar
Loaf. Then on to our next exchange- Campinas for 7 days.....Campinas has a population
of 1.2 million inhabitants, industrial areas, 4 universities, commerce, sporting events,
research centres for food , agriculture, cattle breeding, and communications. It also boasts
the poet Guillermo de Almeida, the famous conductor Carlos Gomes, and abounds in
music with operas, orchestras, theatres singers and bands, our hosts have already assured
us of great Brazilian hospitality. What a wonderful exchange this will be, & we will see
many new & exciting places.. and more importantly, make some wonderful new friends.
However we are not finished yet, on saying goodbye at Campinas we fly to Iguassu Falls
for 2 nights staying at the Sheraton Hotel, right there by the falls, with tours on both sides
of the falls. And so we say goodbye, and Home... BUT WAIT there's more.. I have some
people wishing to cruise the Amazon river, visit Florianopolis, visit Buenos Aires, and why
not, while over there !!! all at additional cost, but I have costs if you are interested, so pre
or post tours can be accommodated for, if sufficient numbers .... or just do your own
thing.. join us.. it will be a great exchange!
August 2015
Napier to Greater Des Moines, Lincoln and Northern Colorado, USA
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FFI Exchange number: 12192
Dates: August 2015
Cost: $4,500-5,000NZ (includes
FFI and Host Club Fees)
Contact:
Ray McQuade (Napier)
06-8354818
mcquade.r.k@xtra.co.nz
If a visit to America is on your plans, then how joining our three phase exchange?!
Our first exchange is to Greater Des Moines, Iowa‟s capital city and home of the 275ft
gold leafed capitol dome made famous around the country during the first nation-wide
Presidential Election Caucuses held every four years. While Des Moines is a major centre
for financial services, publishing, and insurance, it is also pre-eminent in agribusiness,
innovation, research and development. We may visit incomparable museums such as a
Victorian style Governor's Mansion; Salisbury House and Gardens; Living History Farms;
Gold Star Museum (defence/military).
We move to our second hosting at Lincoln, Nebraska in the centre of USA. This will be an
interesting visit starting from the welcome and farewell dinners which generally include
Nebraska beef and home grown tomatoes. Day outings to nearby towns are popular
activities. Or we can board the Magic Friendship Bus for a 3- or 4-day trip to see (a)
Ashfall Fossil Beds, (b) the sand hill crane migration on the Platte River, (c) Nebraska's
amazing sand hills, home to cowboys, and (d) the Great Platte River Road where an
Oregon Trail experience takes you across America on a wagon train.
Then it‟s on to our third exchange at Northern Colorado , an area of natural beauty with
year round recreational activities. An exchange with FF of N. Colorado usually includes a
visit to the mountains (Big Thompson Canyon, Rocky Mt. Nat'l Park & Poudre Canyon) in
addition to special activities in each of our three cities which comprise N. Colorado. The
community of Loveland is well known for art, especially bronze sculpture and artists'
studios/galleries, and the public art located throughout the city. Other popular exchange
activities include a tour of one of our microbreweries, visit to local museums, and various
outdoor activities such as bird-watching, and hiking.
All good things come to an end, but what a blast we will have had.
FFA Domestic Exchange: Maiden's Inn Holiday Park
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The first ever Australian Friendship Force Caravan /Cabin Muster.
Situated on the banks of the Beautiful River Murray
A different and exciting venture which we trust will lead on to other ideas going
into the future of Friendship Force in Australia
Echuca/Moama is renowned as an events destination and one particular event in that week is
The Country Music Festival, which attracts Artist and Visitors from all over Australia. The
National Holden Motor Museum, A Paddle Steamer Cruise and Lunch at Morrison Winery and
Exchange number: AusD106
wine tasting are two of the many activities on offer. Nowhere else can you experience such
Dates: August 6-13 ( 7 nights)
timeless, natural beauty and peace as when you are gliding through the World -Heritage listed
Cost: Domestic Exchange Fees
Barmah Wetlands aboard MV Kingfisher. The Great Aussie Beer Can Shed and Farm Museum.
$50USD
Caravan sites app $33 to $47AUD less (A BBQ farewell get-together is planned at this interesting location) The Shamrock Hotel Echuca -they have the biggest parma selection you find anywhere in Australia. Or just sit back
10% Cabins various prices per size
and relax with fellow Friendship Force Members.
Contact:
Brian Smith (Mount Barker and Districts)
msm22466@bigpond.net.au 08 83887018
Will reserve 25 Caravan sites, pets and non-pets and 10 various cabins (no pets in cabins).
Need to book own sites. $50 deposit.
Marilyn Berry (Northern Districts)
nevberry@bigpond.com 07 54727618
Bill Marshman (Central Districts)
wmarshman1@gmail.com 0416081631
Keith Cropley (Southern Districts)
September 2015
Nelson to Kempsey & Albany, Australia
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FFI Exchange number: 12220
Dates: September 2015
Cost: Approx $2,500-3,000NZ
(includes FFI and Host Club Fees)
Contact:
Lynda Day (Nelson)
027-4414849 or 03-5288518
day48@vodafone.co.nz
This is a chance to enjoy two contrasting exchange across the ditch with our Aussie mates.
Our first exchange is in the mid coast area of New South Wales at Kempsey on the
Macleay River. Although situated about 15kms inland., we will still enjoy the beautiful
beaches and waterways of the Tasman Sea. Not far away are the mountains with the
natural native flora and fauna, especially the native animals such as kangaroos, koalas,
and so on. Highlights of our visit will be Indigenous displays and of course the famous
Aussie barbie.
We then move across this great continent to our second hosting at FF Albany on the
dramatic and spectacular south coast. This city based on the beautiful King George Sound
and Princess Royal Harbour is steeped in whaling and maritime history and was the
stepping off point for thousands of soldiers on their way to and was the stepping off
point for thousands of soldiers on their way to WW2. We will visit Brig Amity, Patrick
Taylor Cottage, the Residency Museum and Old Jail, the Whaleworld Museum, Princess
Royal fortress, and other places of special interest. And there are so many places to walk,
cycle, swim, boat, or drive through this stunningly spectacular area.
So make the decision now for this wonderful exchange.
Wanganui & Manawatu to Kauai, USA, Edmonton & Area, Canada, and New Hampshire Seacoast, USA
Our journey starts in the Hawaiian island of Kauai where our hosts will have activities
planned so we can share cultural experiences and visit scenic spots such as the Waimea
canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. We expect the climate to be warm and mild
at this time; do not be surprised if visits to the various beautiful beaches are a feature. We
then plan a 4 night “down-time” interlude starting in Vancouver. On arrival we will all do a
city sight-seeing tour. You will have a choice of how you spend your leisure time: Take the
Rocky Mountaineer Train (Silver Service with breakfasts and dinners) and accommodation at
Kamloops and Jasper where we could use our National Parks Pass.
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FFI Exchange number: 12223
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Cost: Approx $9800 (includes
FFI and Host Club Fees). Please
pay deposit of $453 to Feilding
Travel United by 7th November
to ensure seats on Rocky
Mountaineer are available.
Contact Denise for payment
options.
Dates: 6th September to 10th
October 2015
Contact:
Denise Gordon (Wanganui)
06-3476559
dinnyg@clear.net.nz
or Elaine & Graham Wilton
(Manawatu) 06-3579748
e.g.wilton@i9nspire.net.nz
Edmonton is the capital of Alberta and is situated on the Nth Saskatchewan River in an area
which includes multitudes of lakes and diverse natural areas, farms, market gardens and vast
oil and gas reserves. The locals like to highlight their history through visits to Edmonton City
Hall, Chinatown and the downtown area, the Alberta Legislature Building, the Royal Alberta
Museum, Fort Edmonton Heritage Park, the Ukrainian Cultural Heritage Village or other
attractions as time permits include visits to the world famous West Edmonton Mall and the
largest open-air farmer‟s market in Western Canada at St Albert. Another 3 day interlude is
planned. From Edmonton we fly to Toronto where we take a 2 day Niagara Falls tour.
From Buffalo we take the train to Boston, then bus to Portsmouth to meet our Seacoast,
New Hampshire hosts. We are visiting during the autumn when the leaves create a beautiful
display in this historical area which was established in 1623. During this exchange we may
make a boat tour of the Portsmouth Harbour and learn some of its history, or perhaps go
further to the Isle of Shoals. We may tour Strawberry Banke which is a colonial community.
Other activities might include a tour of Maine, lighthouses, a walk along the ocean, tour of
the Shakers Community, tour of the State Capitol in Concord, tour of Boston, visit to the
University of New Hampshire. On our homeward leg we fly to Las Vegas and spend 3 nights
at Harrah's Casino Hotel, basking in the warmth
Taupo to Tamworth & Tweed Valley, Australia
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FFI Exchange number: 12222
Dates: September 2015
$480US FFI & Host Fees. More
details on application to ED
Contact:
Helen Bygate (Taupo)
07-3770769
nelen@xtra.co.nz
If it your wish to take part in a cheaper but fantastic exchange in 2015, this visit to the
Australian East Coast is a must. Our first exchange is to Tamworth which sits roughly
halfway between Sydney & Brisbane and which gives an opportunity to visit both these
major cities and make the tour between. Think Tamworth, think the „Country Music
Capital of Australia‟ and the Festival during January each year. But there is much more
to Tamworth which is an important commercial centre serving their agricultural and
tourist industries which have a large impact on the finances of the city. Surrounding the
city is rich agricultural country with the primary producers farm dairy cattle, sheep,
poultry and beef cattle. Crops such as wheat, soy beans, cotton, fruit and vegetables are
also produced in abundance. Although there is a strong agricultural base in Tamworth,
there is also a vast array of historical features in our area and a broad range of artistic
cultures to be enjoyed including music, dance, and theatre. The Lookout is popular for
its many hiking tracks, while others enjoy strolling through any of the beautifully
maintained parks and gardens. Nothing could be more in tune with our "easy-going"
lifestyle than experiencing nature first hand in these lovely spots.
We continue our journey to Tweed Valley on the NSA / Queensland border.
This area offers the greatest variety of Australian landscapes including magnificent
rainforests, oceans, and mountains which we will explore during our visit.
And we will meet the local fauna – kangaroos, koala, echidnas, platypus, and all those
animals special to this part of the world. Not far up the road are the cities of Brisbane
and Gold Coast with an abundance of sightseeing, attractions, and of course shopping.
Then spend a few days of R&R before returning to home
Hamilton & Waikato to Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, Australia
This is an opportunity to visit our Aussie mates in a particularly enjoyable part of the
country.
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FFI Exchange number: 12280
Dates: September 2015
Cost: Approx. $1200NZ (includes
FFI and Host Club Fees)
Contact:
Keith Burt (Hamilton & Waikato)
07-8546265
keburt@xtra.co.nz
Our first exchange is to Murray Bridge FF on the Murray River east of Adelaide. This is
predominately a farming area but there with many interesting places to see. Such as a
visit to the famous wine area of the Barossa Valley, or to the historic German village of
Hahndorf, or just mosey through the fascinating villages of the Adelaide Hills, and a visit
to Victor Harbour where we might see the whales is a must. Or we might visit the
Monarta Zoo where we drive among the wild animals, or check out the birdlife at
Coorong and Lakes, or visit the Aboriginal displays.
We now move south along the spectacular Great Ocean Road to our second hosting at
Mt Gambier FF Club which is situated roughly half way between Melbourne and
Adelaide. Mount Gambier is known as „Blue Lake City‟, a name synonymous with the
lake which mysteriously changes in colour from grey to turquoise blue in November and
back again in March. It is the site of Australia's largest pine plantation and the centre of a
thriving wool, prime lamb, dairy, beef, cattle, lobster and limestone. So much to do. A
Welcome Function, Mayoral Reception, Rose Planting in F.F.Garden, Full Day Coach
Tour, Wineries Visit, Fossil Cave Tour, Wildlife Park, Galleries and Museums, Timber Mill
Tours, Coastal Tour, Sink Hole Tour, Limestone Quarry Tour, and Farewell Dinner.
The Welcome sign is always out at Mount Gambier Friendship Force!
October/ November 2015
Southern Sydney to Cali, Colombia and Xalapa, Mexico + Mayan Civilization Tour
Cali is located near the west coast of Colombia. The club was established in 1985.
Santiago de Cali has been a sugar and coffee growing region since 1536.
Cali National Park has a mountain village where local Indians descend to shop, dressed
in national costume.
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FFI Exchange number: 12237
Dates: October/November 2015
Cost: TBD, please contact Pam for
further details.
Xalapa or Jalapa is located on the east coast of Mexico. It was named as 'birthplace
and home of the flower'.
The 500,000 people include writers, artists and musicians. Buildings are of Baroque
and Neoclassical architecture.
It's wealth comes from coffee, tropical fruits and tobacco.
In addition, we will take a fascinating journey exploring history, culture and nature
through the splendours surrounding the Mayan civilizations.
Contact:
Pam McGrath
mcgrath.ffss@gmail.com
Special Announcement!
FRIENDSHIP FORCE OF SYDNEY IS CELEBRATING
THEIR 25th ANNIVERSARY
on Saturday 6th June 2015
Join us for a fun filled weekend during
Vivid Sydney – a unique festival of light and sound
Pennant Hills Golf Club
Cnr Copeland & Burns Roads, Pennant Hills NSW 2120
RSVP by Friday 8th May
Val Hobart +61 2 9449 4931 or valhobart@hotmail.com
or Lesley Nelson on +61 2 9634 4066 or lgnacn@hotmail.com
Cost: $58.00 per person Dress: Smart casual with a silver theme
Limited home hosting available
2015 January - July South Pacific Exchanges
(as of October 2014)
Date
Exch# Exchange Name
January
12044
Global Water, Wine and Country Music Exchange to Newcastle and Tamworth, Australia
February
12422
Aussie Leadership Seminar
March
12068
Nagasaki, Japan to Sydney and Gold Coast, Australia
March
12060
Saskatoon, Canada to Gold Coast, Australia, Auckland - Howick, Napier, and Southland, New Zealand
March
12067
Hiroshima, Japan to Adelaide, Australia
March
12339
Sacramento, USA to Mount Gambier and Blue Mountains, Australia
March
12071
Bristol, UK to Perth, Albany and Hobart, Australia
March
12052
New Mexico, USA to New Plymouth and Christchurch, New Zealand
March
12065
Guadeloupe to Melbourne and Murray Bridge, Australia
April
12272
Sydney, Australia to Hsinchu and Kaohsiung, Taiwan
April
12075
Albany, Australia to Auckland-North Shore, Manawatu and Kapiti Coast, New Zealand
April
12081
Montreal, Canada to Taupo and Nelson, New Zealand
April
12197
Brisbane, Australia to Nara and Yamagata, Japan
April
12298
Central Coast, Australia to Noumea, New Caledonia and New Plymouth and Christchurch, New Zealand
April
12076
Salisbury and Northern Districts, Australia to Norderstedt, Germany
April
12085
Pau, France to Adelaide and Southern Sydney, Australia
April
12055
North Moreton, Australia to Gisborne, South Taranaki and Marlborough, New Zealand
April
12317
Tottori, Japan to Hamilton and Waikato, New Zealand
April
12219
Auckland-North Shore and Gisborne, New Zealand to Austin, East Central Florida and Baton Rouge, USA
April
12106
Melbourne, Australia to Nicosia, Cyprus and Sibiu, Romania
May
12107
Newcastle, Australia to Gifu and Yamaguchi, Japan
May
12126
Marlborough, New Zealand to Campinas and Recife, Brazil
May
12104
Blue Mountains, Australia to Seoul, South Korea and Sapporo, Japan
May
12144
Western North Carolina, USA to Perth, Murray Bridge and Queanbeyan-Canberra, Australia
May
12105
Bundaberg, Australia to Brandon & Area, Canada; Greater Detroit, USA; Comitan, Mexico
May
12127
Wellington and Kapiti Coast, New Zealand to Nor Peru, Peru; Brasilia and Belem, Brazil
May
12147
Perth, Australia to Greater Manchester and Leicestershire, UK
June
12146
Kempsey, Australia to Penticton-Okangan and Ottawa, Canada and New Hampshire Seacoast, USA
June
12154
Xalapa, Mexico to Central Coast and Sunshine Coast, Australia
June
12156
Christchurch, New Zealand to Sacramento, USA and Leuven, Belgium and Szekesfehervar, Hungary
June
12425
Taipei, Taiwan to Whangarei and Tauranga Western Bay of Plenty, New Zealand
July
12301
Napa-Sonoma, USA to Brisbane, Bundaberg and Gold Coast, Australia
2015 August - November South Pacific Exchanges
(as of October 2014)
Date
Exch# Exchange Name
August
12184
Casterton, Australia to Greater Omaha, USA
August
12195
Vietnam to Sunshine Coast, Australia
August
12192
Napier, New Zealand to Greater Des Moines, Lincoln and Northern Colorado, USA
September
12198
Gold Coast, Australia to Mispah, South Africa
September
12221
South Taranaki, New Zealand to Bordeaux, France and Kiel, Germany
September
12223
September
12338
Wanganui & Manawatu, New Zealand to Edmonton and Area, Canada; New Hampshire Seacoast and
Kauai, USA
Hamilton and Waikato, New Zealand to Murray Bridge and Mount Gambier, Australia
September
12199
Hobart, Australia to Western Bay of Plenty and Horowhenua, New Zealand
September
12220
Nelson, New Zealand to Kempsey and Albany Australia
September
12222
Taupo, New Zealand to Tamworth and Tweed Valley, Australia
September
12224
Whangarei, New Zealand to Fort Worth, USA, Greater Manchester, UK and Hamburg, Germany
September
12196
Adelaide, Australia to Toronto, Canada, Chicago and Denver, USA
October
12231
Kansas, USA to Cairns (stopover), North Moreton, Central Coast and Melbourne, Australia
October
12377
Creative Arts and Crafts of NZ (with FF Nelson, FF Wellington, and FF South Taranaki)
October
12237
Southern Sydney, Australia to Xalapa, Mexico and Cali, Colombia
October
12239
Tamworth, Australia to Canadian Cap.Region, Canada and Connecticut & National Cap. Area, USA
October
12249
Fukuoka, Japan to Sydney and Bundaberg, Australia
October
12236
Mount Gambier, Australia to Vietnam
October
12238
Sunshine Coast, Australia to Karsiyaka Bay, Turkey and Bandung, Indonesia
October
12244
Biarritz, France to Brisbane and Blue Mountains, Australia and Wellington, New Zealand
October
12255
New Plymouth, New Zealand to Perth and Salisbury & Northern Districts, Australia
October
12379
Perth, Australia to Jakarta, Indonesia
November
12280
Kapiti Coast, New Zealand to Hobart and Newcastle, Australia
November
12129
Moscow, Russia to Sydney, Australia and Auckland - North Shore, New Zealand
November
12271
Murray Bridge, Australia to Wanganui and Wairarapa, New Zealand
November
12277
Santiago, Chile to Malang, Indonesia and Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand and Cairns, Australia
Submissions are due to the eFlyer contact by the 20th of each month.
Australian eFlyer Contact:
New Zealand eFlyer Contact:
Jim Haxton
Colin Ridge
hacco40@hotmail.com
colinjanet@clear.net.nz
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
FFI Contact: Matthew Nidek, mnidek@thefriendshipforce.org
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