travel

The small town of Little Rock, located inside the Ozark Mountains of Arkansas, is a place of spectacular beauty, making it the ideal spot for hikers who are enthusiastic, as well as all types of nature enthusiasts. With numerous lakes and rivers nearby, there are many opportunities to experience various water sports within the region.

This town is vibrant for its size and is very beautiful. The majority of the homes in Eureka Springs are older Victorian homes that are built into the mountain’s landscape and cliffs. In addition to all the things you can explore within Eureka Springs, you’ll be amazed by the number of occasions that are held every year in this tiny mountain town. It doesn’t matter if you’re looking to have your time in a luxurious and peaceful getaway or just get out into the wild, Eureka Springs has everything!

Blue Spring Heritage Center

The land that is now the homeland of the Cherokee who discovered and were nourished by the landscape in the Trail of Tears. The park is rich in history and regions of exceptional natural beauty to be explored and reflect on.

A wonderful excursion from town, the Blue Spring Center has gardens that are full of native fauna and the flora. There are many beautiful benches that you can sit to rest and enjoy a stroll along the winding pathways that wind through the park.

Another great asset that is part of the Center can be found in one of the most beautiful features in the Center is Blue Spring. This natural spring pumps 38 million gallon of freshwater into the lagoon of the center every day. It is a popular spot for native trout species.

Christ of the Ozarks

This massive, majestic religious statue was constructed in the year 1966, above the town. This statue depicts Christ is the village’s Christ the Redeemer. Although this statue’s size is less than Rio’s, but the Christ is still at 67 feet tall!

The statue is located on the top of adjacent Magnetic Mountain, which sits at around 1500 feet in altitude. It’s among the most popular attractions in the town. Every year, hundreds of visitors trek up the steep hill to the statue and admire its grandeur.

Another fascinating fact that will pique your curiosity is that the statue was constructed with 340 tons of concrete! It is just a short distance from the town and the Christ of the Ozarks is an absolute must-see during your trip to the area.

Beaver Lake

The huge, crystal-clear lake is a popular location for water sports enthusiasts and all types of nature lovers. Beaver Lake is surrounded by lush meadows and green forests with numerous trails that meander through the meadows.

It’s also a perfect spot to watch birds, take an easy stroll along the lake’s shores or a beautiful spot to sit and read a book in the sunshine. Bring your fishing rod and attempt to catch the bass!

Thorncrown Chapel

It’s one of the most distinctive and stunning chapels you’ll ever visit. The chapel is set among native woodlands and is in the midst of the natural beauty. The exterior of the chapel is made out of a basic wooden structure, with plenty of windows!

In fact, there are 425 windows along the walls of the chapel. With all the natural light and the stunning views, you’ll have the sensation that you’re not even inside. There are forests and wild areas all around you.

Onyx Cave Park

It’s a great stop for those who’ve always wanted to explore the caves beneath the surface, but don’t want to sit for all day in the damp, dark and humid environment. Onyx Cave Park has a small system of caves underground, which takes around half an hour explore.

It is possible to observe the stunning geographical patterns within the caves which remain changing and growing over time! If you’re feeling cold and are tired of the sour smell that surrounds you, you can climb up and have a go in axe throwing or have a blast at any in the Onyx Smashing rooms.

Quigley’s Castle

Quigley’s Castle was constructed for the Quigley’s family during the late 1940s. The home is unique one, and its story is just as fascinating! Mrs. Quigley moved to the States from Italy when she was a child and was raised in the region. After her wedding, she happily had children in the town.

However, she was not happy with the house they resided in. Therefore, when her husband was at work, she and her two children took it apart and moved to her chicken pen! She could now get started on the construction that she had always wanted and Quigley’s Castle.

St. Elizabeth’s Catholic Church

It is located in Eureka, California. St. Elizabeth Catholic Church is a modest, picturesque church surrounded by the lush greenery and natural surroundings on a hill in Eureka. The church was established in 1908, and replaced the old chapel, which was used by worshippers from the surrounding area.

The church was built with dolomite limestone sourced from local quarry sites, which gave the appearance of a stone cottage. Bell towers were added later in 1910 and added to the unique appeal of the church. The church went through a lot of renovations following its creation, but the original structure remains in the present day.

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A place of rivers and lakes with epic wildness and endless forest, Finland is filled with natural beauty. the charming cities are set in stunning scenery. They are situated on islands or are bordered by waterways and picturesque streets. They are lined with fashionable boutiques and high-end shops which showcase the finest of Finnish design.

While the historic cities and old wooden structures are fascinating to visit, the natural wonders that are located around the cities make wonderful bases to explore the deepest parts of Finland’s lakes and forests.

In the northern part of Finland, the Arctic Circle beckons you ever further. There are a number of fantastic museums that are scattered throughout the most beautiful cities of Finland which highlight the country’s rich cultural heritage. Close by Russia as well as Sweden just add to the rich mixture of influences can be found here.

Espoo

Home to Nokia, Espoo is a city of commuters, which is close to Helsinki. This makes it an excellent choice to visit for a day when you want to get away from Helsinki’s capital city for a short time. With great shopping malls as well as lovely flea markets, bar and cafés that are a bit of a spectacle Espoo’s most popular attraction is the magnificent Museum of Modern Art. There, you will find an enormous collection of art that date from the 20th Century to the present.

The huge student population breathes new life into Espoo’s streets. From there, you can go to the charming Nuuksio National Park in the vicinity.

Porvoo

The second oldest town in the nation, the historic center of Porvoo is gorgeous to see with old warehouses that line the Porvoo River, as well as charming, cobbled streets that run along its banks.

The city dates from Medieval time, the closeness to Helsinki is a reason why it’s a favorite day trip. Its colorful wooden homes make it a picturesque place to visit. It has a fantastic cuisine scene, and lots to offer in terms of culture and arts, Porvoo is worth a stop.

Savonlinna

The city is located in Saimaa Lake region. Savonlinna is located near Russia and is stunningly set on numerous tiny islands. A beautiful and scenic spot, two large lakes surround the area. In the summer, it’s an absolute pleasure to visit when the sun shines across the lakes everywhere.

The most awaited highlight is the magnificent fifteenth Century Olavinlinna Castle, which hosts an incredible Opera festival every year. Sitting by the harbor, or in some of the restaurants that line the market square is an absolute delight and there are a myriad of waters and forests to explore.

Turku

The former capital city of Finland is an amazing place to relax in. The second-largest city in Finland, there are many things to do and explore in the city. Its history dates all the way back to 13^th-century, its stunning castle and cathedral are only two of the attractions available.

The rich history of the city contrasts beautifully with the modern atmosphere. With a significant student population, there’s a wide range of bars, restaurants, clubs, as well as an active music and arts scene. Along with the busy streets, it is also worth noting that the Aurajoki River trundles beautifully through the city’s central area. In this area, one is able to easily visit the surrounding Turku Archipelago. A lot of people come to Finland via Turku’s bustling port.

Rovaniemi

In the northwestern part of the country, close to the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the capital city of Lapland and is the residence of Santa Claus. It is well-known as a tourist attraction – although its basic and functional structures aren’t exactly beautiful. This is due to the fact that the city was nearly destroyed during The Second World War.

The gorgeous Arktikum museum provides a fascinating insight into the local customs. Also, you will enjoy learning about their history as well as the rich culture and traditions of the Sami people. Although Rovaniemi isn’t exactly awe-inspiring, the nearby attractions of Santa Claus Village and the beautiful rural landscape makes it a wonderful city to visit while exploring the wilderness of northern Norway as well as in the Arctic Circle.

Vaasa

Located on from the Gulf of Bothnia from Sweden, Vaasa has a large Swedish population. It was actually named for Swedish royalty. It was once ruled by the Russians. The Old Town burnt down in the event of a fire, which is why most people living there are modern.

Since there exist three colleges in Vaasa, there are plenty of restaurants and bars that serve thirsty students. There are a number of excellent museums available and an exciting art and culture scene. A top destination for families there is numerous excellent outdoor activities for visitors to enjoy. The close Kvarken Archipelago is marvelous to explore.

Vantaa

It dates all the way to Stone Age, Vantaa is oddly lacking in historical sites and is mostly an industrial area, with some large shopping malls scattered across. Fortunately, the serene Keravanjoki River bordering it helps provide the city with needed greenery.

Although it’s not a lot of things to do, a lot of travelers pass through it. This is the home of Helsinki-Vantaa National Airfield. It is more of a gateway to the country, rather than an actual destination. Also, the amazing Heureka science center that features interactive exhibits is the second reason why people come here.

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Norway is a fairytale land where nature rules. With its high mountains, deep fjords and vast plateaus covered with lush forests and epic glaciers, this country offers spectacular views to all those who visit it. Whether you want to ski down the slopes of the northernmost ski resort in the world or go on thrilling rides in a fjord, you will certainly have a good time here. Here’s the list of top 5 places to visit in Norway:

1) Geirangerfjord – The Fjords

Geirangerfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords of Norway and it is listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magic of Geirangerfjord lies in its dramatic and incredibly beautiful landscape. On one side, the fjord greets you with an emerald-green forest blanketed by fog while on the other side it meets a sheer cliff dotted with little waterfalls. The small cruise ships that ply along this fjord give you a great chance to enjoy the beauty of this place from close quarters. If you are fond of outdoor activities then Geirangerfjord is a paradise for you. You can go hiking, biking or even kayaking near the fjord. The best time to visit Geirangerfjord is during summer when it’s warm and sunny around here.

2) Nordkapp – The Northernmost Point

Nordkapp is the northernmost point in Europe and it is a must visit place if you are a fan of offbeat places. This area provides some of the most spectacular sunrises and sunsets that you will ever see. Also, Nordjyske is great for those who love to take long walks. In order to see the Northern Lights, you must travel to this place in winter. For a small fee, you can have access to an outstanding view of mountains and fjords from the Kjeragbolten rock located at a height of 1000 meters above sea-level. If you are a professional photographer or a travel blogger, Nordkapp is a great place to click some beautiful pictures.

3) Tromso – The Land of the Northern Light

Tromso is close to Nordkapp and it is one of the most beautiful places in Norway. Just like my cousin who works at Little Rock catering company, you surely dream of experiencing the northern lights right? If you are a keen photographer or an ardent traveler, then this is a must visit destination for you. The city offers some of the best views of Northern Lights, Aurora Borealis so it’s a great place to visit if you want to explore this phenomenon. Tromso is one of the most beautiful places in Norway and it provides an outstanding view of Northern lights and landscapes. If fjords and mountains aren’t your thing then don’t worry because Tromso has a great nightlife as well.

4) Stavanger – Nature at its Best

Stavanger is one of the best places to visit in Norway because it offers some grand views of nature. If you want to see magnificent waterfalls, deep fjords, serene glaciers etc then there’s no better place to visit than Stavanger. The sea along the coast of this city is also very blue and clear. Whether you want to go for a ferry ride or kayaking, everything can be easily arranged in Stavanger. If you are planning an adventurous trip, then Stavanger is the perfect destination for you.

5) Oslo – The Capital

Last but not the least, Oslo is also one of the most beautiful cities in Norway. This city offers a great blend of nature and modern infrastructure so it’s a must visit destination if you are planning to go on a vacation with your family as well as friends. There are many exciting places to visit near this city such as fjords, mountains etc. From the vibrant nightlife to some of the most beautiful views of nature, Oslo has it all. There are many hotels near this city, so you won’t have any trouble finding lodging options either.

Norway is a culturally rich country located in Northern Europe. This country boasts of jaw-dropping landscapes that will sweep away your heart in no time. So pack your bags because Norway is waiting to be explored.

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Having 2 main islands, the South Island and North Island, the country of New Zealand is a spectacular destination that one should discover. Filled with breathtaking scenery, unforgettable landscapes and incomparable combination of mountains, lush greenery, and lakes, this island nation must be seen first so that one can truly understand it.

If you’re an adventure or sports enthusiast, or perhaps you just want to try it out, New Zealand must definitely be in your list. Mountaineering, bungee jumping, paragliding, canyoning, caving, skydiving, mountain biking, zip lining, parachuting, and so on. The list of the things that you can do in this nation is endless!

You can begin with your adventures in Queenstown which is surrounded by lake and mountain scenery. Also, there is the wonderful Fiordland – a part of its landscape made up the movie interpretation of Peter Jackson, The Hobbit and Middle Earth for Lord of the Rings. You can also learn about the Maori culture in Rotorua, and if you miss the city life, visit to the sunny Auckland, New Zealand’s largest city. Here are some of the best places travelers must visit in New Zealand:

Tongariro National Park

New Zealand’s first national park, the Tongariro is popular for its extremes and surprises. The diverse range of this park’s ecosystems include active volcanoes, untamed forests, tranquil lakes, desert-like plateaus, and herb fields.

You can begin with your trek here at Whakapapa Visitor Center, a 3-hour hike from the spectacular Taranaki Falls. This short hike will be taking you through forest and scrubland across the volcanic eruption’s lava line from over hundred years ago.

Fiordland

Fiordland National Park is one of New Zealand’s most beautiful spots. There, you can experience remarkable hikes, cruise on the magnificent fjords, or fish for trout in the South Island’s south-west corner. Fiordland’s biggest attraction is the Milford Sound, a true fjord that was shaped by a glacier.

On your cruise all over Milford Sound, you get to spot waterfalls, see wildlife such as penguins and dolphins, and admire the fine rock faces that tower over the water.

Auckland

Auckland, or the city of Sails, is the most populated and largest city of New Zealand. You can find this on North Island, and this city is famous for its foodie landscape and vibrant culture. If you want to see the amazing views of this wonderful city, you can climb up the Auckland Harbor Bridge.

If you want to learn more about New Zealand’s heritage and history, then make sure that you visit Auckland Domain, the oldest part of the city. In Auckland Domain, you will discover spectacular exhibits of Pacific and Maori Island artifacts at the incredible Auckland Museum.

Queenstown

Are you an adventure enthusiast just like my brother who works for Rx Catering? Queenstown is in the South Island of New Zealand. A lot of people know this destination as the dream spot for the seekers of adventure and adrenaline. Being surrounded by Southern Alps’ towering peaks and being right on the deep-blue Lake Wakatipu’s banks, indeed, Queenstown is a remarkable spot.

A best way for you to experience its amazing scenery is to visit Lake Wakatipu. You can cycle round the perimeter of the lake or ride a cruise on the magnificent waters of the lake. Moreover, there is an active nightlife with the small central area of the town that is full of restaurants and bars.

Napier

On Napier’s seaside resort on North Island is the Art Deco Capital of New Zealand. This is all thanks to plenty of 1930s architecture that was built at the time when this city suffered a huge fire for over 80 years ago.

After you tour this city on foot, visiting the National Aquarium of New Zealand is the best way for you to enjoy Napier. This massive aquarium is the home to almost everything from crocodiles to turtles, also it has world-class modern exhibits.

Paihia

If you want to explore the Bay of Islands, Paihia is the perfect place for you to visit. Paihia is about a small-town feel, however it brags a wide variety of amazing recreational opportunities and hotels that entices tourists.

If ever you feel to be active and adventurous, try out swimming with the dolphins or go scuba diving and observe the Rainbow Warrior, an underwater shipwreck. On its dry land, you can visit Marsden Road for excellent restaurants that serves a wide array of fresh seafood.

Glacier Country

On South Island’s Western Coast, you can find the Glacier Country. In this park, you will get the chance to see 2 of the country’s most remarkable glaciers – Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier.

The Franz Josef Glacier is one of the planet’s most accessible glaciers. This means that you can walk up to it and the glacier valley. The tour guides will provide a closer look to these expanding glaciers and after you hike, you can soak in the wonderful glacier hot pools to relax.

Rotorua

The Rotorua is known as New Zealand’s thermal wonderland. Inside and around this city, you will find plenty of hot springs and geysers. Most of these are in reserves and parks.

The natural eruptions of the steam, mud, and hot water occurs occasionally in new locations. The adjacent Wai-O-Tapu is also a famous place that tourists visit. It has a lot of hot springs that were noted for its colorful appearance, an addition to Lady Knox Geyser.

Stewart Island

The Stewart Island is New Zealand’s third largest island and you can find this in further south of South Island. Most islands here are undeveloped and forested with over 80% of the islands were set aside as Rakiura National Park, hence giving you an opportunity to explore New Zealand’s wild side.

Your pastimes on this island have something to with outdoor adventures like camping, birdwatching, and hiking. One of this island’s most famous treks is in the Northwest Circuit. This trek can take up to several days even if you are a fit hiker. On the other hand, this trek will offer breathtaking views and give you an access to the wildlife.

Nelson

Nelson is on top of South Island and this is a spot that is famous for having New Zealand’s greatest sum of sunshine hours in a year. This perfect climate as well as the fact that 3 national parks surround this city makes Nelson an incredible spot for any outdoor recreations.

There is also a great emphasis on the wineries of the area and its local agriculture. The Founder’s Park is a stunning spot in this city. Here you can soak-up the sunshine and dine in the farm-to-table cuisine. Also, you can take a day-trip to Abel Tasman National Park through an early bus. This trip will give you enough time to witness and enjoy this park.

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Considered as one of the world’s most beautiful cities, you will find plenty of stunning spots, soaring mountains, and picturesque shores all over Vancouver. As Canada’s second most popular place, following Toronto, Vancouver has a lot of fantastic shopping and fine dining options, striking tourist attractions, and exciting outdoor activities.

Cosmopolitan and cultured, there are a lot of neighborhoods that you can explore in Vancouver that has lovely gardens and parks. Apart from visiting the galleries and museums, travelers can also go skiing or hiking in the mountains or go to beaches. With a lot of things to do and see in this city, Vancouver is indeed worth checking. To give you an idea on what to visit in your next trip, check out the top attractions of Vancouver.

Gastown

The Gastown is an Old Town of Vancouver. The original city of this city center was actually named from “Gassy” Jack Deighton, a Yorkshire seaman, and in 1886, it became Vancouver. On that same year, a fire destroyed the city and it was rebuilt quickly. However, the city has deteriorated later.

During 1960s, Gastown was reborn. Now, Gastown is the center for food, fashion, entertainment and art in Vancouver. Since this is a national historic area, the old buildings of Gastown are full of fashionable boutiques and shops, cutting-edge and traditional Native art, active entertainment scene, and groundbreaking restaurants.

Capilano Suspension Bridge

Talking a walk through a forest will take you to a completely new meaning if you visit the forest of Capilano Suspension Bridge Park. The visitors will be walking along the suspension bridge of an old-growth rainforest. This bridge measures 460 feet long and 230 feet high that go across the Capilano River.

This park also has a Cliffwalk, a kind of walkway that hugs to the granite cliff’s side. Also, a Treetops Adventure where there are 7 suspension bridges that are 30-meters high above the forest floor giving the visitors an amazing view of the forest. If you are not the adventurous type, you will surely have fun strolling its ground trail. While doing so, you can get a glimpse of the Totem Park and the Northwest natives creating some traditional crafts.

Stanley Park

The Stanley Park is a gem that is set in central Vancouver on around 1,000-acres. As the biggest and first park of the city, this place is for relaxation. You can ride a bike on its 8.8-kilometer seawall along the English Bay. On the contrary, there is a 27-kilometer trail in its rainforest. This trail summons visitors who prefer a more relaxing pace as they enjoy the wildlife like the hundreds of bird species that calls this park as their home.

The owner of the park, the City of Vancouver, offers horse-drawn carriage rides all through its scenic and serene setting. Moreover, the 9 totem poles that were carved by the First Nation tribal members add a vibrant touch to this park.

Canada Place

This is a remarkable landmark to the skyline of Vancouver. It has roof peaks that were covered in fabric that resemble the sails. Canada Place’s facility is colorful each color representing Canada’s diversity. The Canada Place was established in 1927 with the vision of serving the Canadian Pacific Railway and its other sea traders across Pacific Ocean.

Now, this multipurpose facility is sending passengers to Alaska via cruises. Moreover, it is the home of Vancouver World Trade and Convention Center as well as a big hotel. Remodeled through the years, Canada Place has served as a Canadian Pavilion for the World’s Fair in 1986.

Grouse Mountain

Just about 15 minutes from Vancouver, the first people who climbed the Grouse Mountain have hunted grouse on the way top, hence giving back the name of this mountain in 1894. Today, Grouse Mountain is one of Vancouver’s most famous year-round adventure attraction, with skiing during winter and hiking in summer.

At any season, there is a tramway that whisks the visitors to mountain tops where they see striking views. The resort is also bragging a wildlife refuge that is complete with wolves, bears, and interpretative programs. Another thing that visitors can enjoy here is their lumberjack show. In this show, the visitors can observe the lumberjacks compete in sawing, chopping, and rolling logs.

Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Garden

The Chinatown of Vancouver is the home of its first Ming Dynasty-themed Garden that was built outside China. In fact, there were 52 craftsmen who came from Suzhou, China who ensured the Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden’s authenticity.

The rocks of the garden that were from Suzhou, the water, plants, and architecture all blend into a haven of serenity in the busy city. The courtyards of the garden provide a great place for the visitors to take a break.

Vancouver Aquarium

This aquarium is considered as one of the main attraction here in Canada. The Vancouver Aquarium is the home to a wide variety of aquatic animals, ecosystems, and exhibits. Found within Stanley Park’s rambling confines, exploring this gorgeous marine center is delightful because of its amazing sea creatures.

Opened first in 1956, this aquarium now houses more than 70,000 animals. This includes sea otters, penguins, and seals on show along vast shoals of shining fish. Whilst it focuses mainly on the ecosystem and animals of Canada, as well as the surrounding cold waters, a few sections here dig into the Amazon rainforest or tropics with sloths, caimans, and snakes on display.

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Curacao is an island in the Caribbean. It’s located off the coast of Venezuela and has a population of around 150,000 people. Beautiful beaches make up much of Curacao’s landscape, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some time relaxing on their next vacation. Here are some other great reasons why you should consider visiting Curacao!

Christoffel park – This park is huge and it’s also beautiful. It has a great view of the ocean, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some time outdoors in nature while on their next vacation.

Curacao nightlife – Whether you’re into fine dining or just want to hang out at your favorite bar, there are plenty of places where you can go meet new people and have fun with friends during your next trip. There are all sorts of clubs around so whatever music you like listening to, chances are good that they’ll be playing it here! 

– Beautiful beaches make up much of Curacao’s landscape, which makes it perfect for anyone who wants to enjoy some time relaxing on their next vacation.

Willemstad – It’s Curacao’s capital city. Beautiful architecture, great restaurants and wonderful boutiques make Willemstad a must-see on your next trip here.

Caves of Hato – Beautiful caves that are all located on Hato Caves Road. Beautiful stalactites and stalagmites make the caves an incredible place to visit, while also learning more about Curacao’s history.

Little Curaçao – Beautiful beaches and a great view of the ocean make this one of Curacao’s most popular attractions. Beautiful limestone cliffs surround Little Curaçao, which makes it an amazing place to go snorkeling or even just relaxing on your next vacation here!

Willemstad from above – This is located in Pietermaai district. Beautiful views of Willemstad can be seen from up high, giving you a better perspective about how big this city really is on your next trip here. 

– Whether you’re into fine dining or just want to hang out at your favorite bar, there are plenty of places where you can go meet new people and have fun with friends during your next trip. There are all sorts of clubs around so whatever music you like listening to, chances are good that they’ll be playing it here!

– Beautiful limestone cliffs surround Little Curaçao, which makes it an amazing place to go snorkeling or even just relaxing on your next vacation here! 

– Beautiful views of Willemstad can be seen from up high, giving you a better perspective about how big this city really is on your next trip here.

Grote Knip –  Beautiful clear blue water and a great place to go snorkeling or scuba diving, Grote Knip is definitely one of Curacao’s best kept secrets. Beautiful beaches and reefs surround the area, which makes it perfect for people who want to get in some aquatic activity on their next trip here!

Scheveningen – A beautiful beach that attracts both tourists and local residents alike during nice weather. Beautiful white sand and clear blue water make Scheveningen one of Curacao’s most popular beaches, which is why it should definitely be on your list when you come here for your next vacation.

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