Athos Greece - Travel and Tourist Information https://www.greekboston.com/category/athos/ Est. 1998 - For Greeks To Support Local Greeks Thu, 09 Dec 2021 22:47:20 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.2 https://e498h76z5mp.exactdn.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/gb-192.png?lossy=1&quality=65&resize=32%2C32&ssl=1 Athos Greece - Travel and Tourist Information https://www.greekboston.com/category/athos/ 32 32 65888807 Athos, Greece Weather: Temperature and Climate https://www.greekboston.com/travel/athos-weather/ Sat, 21 Nov 2020 22:40:31 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=87767 Mount Athos is a mountain as well as a peninsula located in northeastern Greece. Since 1054, it has been an Orthodox spiritual center. Also known as the “Holy Mountain,” Mount […]

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Mount Athos is a mountain as well as a peninsula located in northeastern Greece. Since 1054, it has been an Orthodox spiritual center. Also known as the “Holy Mountain,” Mount Athos forbids women and children. Approximately 20 monasteries call Mount Athos home, as do 1,400 monks.

Mount Athos, Greece has a Mediterranean, hot summer climate with a yearly average temperature of 62.91° F (17.17° C). The area receives 36.11 mm of rain throughout the year with an average of 89 days of rain annually. The coldest month in Mount Athos is January and the hottest is August.

This weather forecast in Athos, Greece, will vary from year to year. The averages that you see below represent historical weather data.

Here is the typical weather forecast throughout the year for Athos, Greece:

January

• Temperature: 43.12° F (6.18° C) – 48.78° F (9.32° C)
• Precipitation: 33 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, cold
• Humidity: 73%

February

• Temperature: 45.39° F (7.44° C) – 51.64° F (10.91° C)
• Precipitation: 35 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, cold
• Humidity: 74%

March

• Temperature: 48.56° F (9.2° C) – 55.72° F (13.18° C)
• Precipitation: 44 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, cold nights, comfortable days
• Humidity: 73%

April

• Temperature: 52.84° F (11.58° C) – 61.38° F (16.32° C)
• Precipitation: 33 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, cool nights, comfortable days
• Humidity: 71%

May

• Temperature: 60.71° F (15.95° C) – 69.42° F (20.79° C)
• Precipitation: 40 mm
• Climate: 9 days of rain on average, comfortable nights, warm days
• Humidity: 69%

June

• Temperature: 68.68° F (20.38° C) – 77.25° F (25.14° C)
• Precipitation: 33 mm
• Climate: 10 days of rain on average, warm nights, hot days
• Humidity: 65%

July

• Temperature: 73.22° F (22.9° C) – 81.66° F (27.59° C)
• Precipitation: 25 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, warm nights, hot days
• Humidity: 63%

August

• Temperature: 74.68° F (23.71° C) – 82.36° F (27.98° C)
• Precipitation: 22 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, hot nights and days
• Humidity: 61%

September

• Temperature: 69.12° F (20.62° C) – 75.69° (24.27° C)
• Precipitation: 36 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, warm nights/days
• Humidity: 64%

October

• Temperature: 60.44° F (15.8° C) – 66.43° F (19.13° C)
• Precipitation: 32 mm
• Climate: 7 days of rain on average, comfortable nights, warm days
• Humidity: 69%

November

• Temperature: 54.5° F (12.5° C) – 59.52° (15.29° C)
• Precipitation: 6 mm
• Climate: 6 days of rain on average, cool nights, comfortable days
• Humidity: 73%

December

• Temperature: 46.17° F (7.87° C) – 52.09° F (11.16° C)
• Precipitation: 51 mm
• Climate: 8 days of rain on average, cold nights, chilly days
• Humidity: 71%

 

Find the current weather forecast for Athos, Greece here:

Accuweather

Weather.com

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Things to Do in Athos, Greece https://www.greekboston.com/travel/do-athos/ Fri, 17 Apr 2020 19:09:47 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=77207 Mount Athos is a peninsula in the Halkidiki region of Greece. Athos is known as the “right foot” of Halkidiki as well as the “Holy Mountain.” Access to this peninsula […]

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Mount Athos is a peninsula in the Halkidiki region of Greece. Athos is known as the “right foot” of Halkidiki as well as the “Holy Mountain.” Access to this peninsula is restricted and special permission is required for access. Don’t fret though, there are still things you can do and see in the area.

The nearest airport is located in Thessaloniki. Getting to Ouranoupolis can be done via taxi, car, or bus from the bus station of Halkidiki, which is located south of Thessaloniki. When in Athos, most places can be reached by foot.

Visit the Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolis

If you’re visiting the area of Mount Athos, you won’t want to miss this piece of history. This Byzantine tower existed in 1344, but may be even older. In May of 1379, the despot (or king) of Thessaloniki was hosted at the tower and he would grant it exempt from taxes. During a 1585 earthquake, it is thought the tower suffered damage that required repair. More repairs would be needed after the tower suffered fire damage, which may have been caused by a fire during the revolution. Make sure you see this historical landmark when you’re in the area.

Grab a Bite to Eat

If you’re a seafood lover, you’re in luck. Around Athos you will find a number of restaurants that serve seafood and other Greek specialities. Vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free? You won’t be left out. Many of the restaurants in the Mount Athos area offer vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. No matter what your taste buds are craving, you’re likely to find it. Pasta, seafood, meat, Mediterranean, Greek, or European food, you’ll find it all. You can also enjoy coffee or tea at a café. Eating in Athos gives you the chance to try new and exciting dishes.

Hit the Beach

Arsanas Beach lies at the border of Mount Athos, where the old naval station of the Chromitsa Monastery separates the Holy Community from the rest of the area. The small beach of Arsanas provides a great view of Athos. The beach is located under the St. Archangel Michael monastery. The beach of Arsanas features cold, turquoise water and a sandy shore with rocky under the water.

Other beaches in the Mount Athos area include Nea Roda Beach and Stratoni Beach. Both of these beaches are located in the Akanthios Gulf area. If you travel by boat to Ammouliani Island, there are more beaches to explore, plus the added bonus of the view of the mainland, especially that of Mount Athos.

Athos, Greece is a place of beauty. While visiting the monasteries might not be possible for you (only men are allowed and need special permission), there are things to see and do. You can view the monasteries from a distance and get a feel for their importance. If you’re looking for a laid-back vacation where you can relax and move at your own pace, Athos is the place to be.

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Beaches to Enjoy in Athos, Greece https://www.greekboston.com/travel/beaches-athos/ Mon, 23 Mar 2020 14:09:05 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=78474 Athos, Greece is well-known for being the home to the “Holy Mountain.” It is also known as the “right foot” of the Halkidiki peninsulas. While much of the peninsula is […]

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Athos, Greece is well-known for being the home to the “Holy Mountain.” It is also known as the “right foot” of the Halkidiki peninsulas. While much of the peninsula is off-limits for visitors, setting eyes on the mountain and surrounding landscape is worth visiting for. And while you’re there, there are a number of beaches available to spend time at. Each one provides a unique view of this special area.

Arsanas Beach

Located at the border of Mount Athos where the holy community is separated from the rest of the region by the old naval station of the Chromitsa Monastery is Arsanas Beach. If you’re spending the day in Ouranoupoli, this beach is a must-see. It is known for its lovely white pebbles and its view of Athos. The water at Arsanas Beach is cold and invigorating as it comes directly from the springs in the area. Access to the beach can be gained by boat, by swimming, or by following a dirt road from Livadi.

Nea Roda Beach

Located at the narrowest part of the leg of Mount Athos is the beach of Nea Roda. The beach has fine white sand and access to water sports. There is also a camping site just 1 km from the village of Nea Roda. Around the beach you find family friendly hotels, cafés, and fish taverns. The village of Nea Roda is home to approximately 1,150 residents whose main occupations are tourism, fishing, and agriculture.

Stratoni Beach

In the Akanthios Gulf area of Athos is the 800 meter long beach of Stratoni. This beach is well-organized with sun beds, changing tents, and showers. There is also a bar and restaurant on site, so you won’t have to go far when you need a snack or drink. The sand at Stratoni Beach is fine and the water is clean and ideal with swimming. If you are traveling through the village of Stratoni, this beach is the perfect spot to stop and relax at.

Ammouliani Island

Across from Athos is the small, but majestic island of Ammouliani. Ammouliani is the only inhabited island in the region and has become a popular destination for tourists. Ammos means “sand” in Greek and accurately describes the island as it consists mainly of sandy coastline and sand coves. The water around the island is a beautiful turquoise color. You can get to Ammouliani Island by taking a tour boat or renting a boat to get there yourself.

The beaches at Ammouliani Island are varied. Saint George Beach is located on the northeast side of the island and provides a view of Ouranoupoli. Taverns that serve seafood can be found nearby. Alykes Beach is a popular spot likely due to its 3 beach bars and its crystal green-blue water. This beach is 1 km long and found at the south side of the island.

If you’re visiting the Athos, Greece, be sure to check out the lovely beaches in the area.

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Go Hiking While in Athos, Greece https://www.greekboston.com/travel/hiking-athos-greece/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 23:29:19 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=85765 Greece is one of the most beautiful countries to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are into water sports or staying on dry land, there is something that will appeal […]

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Greece is one of the most beautiful countries to enjoy the great outdoors. Whether you are into water sports or staying on dry land, there is something that will appeal to you. If you love hiking, you will want to experience Athos. Here’s what you should know about hiking in Athos, Greece.

About Athos, Greece

Located in northeastern Greece, Mount Athos is a mountain and a peninsula. Mount Athos is known as the Holy Mountain, Agion Oros in Greek. Athos is home to 20 monasteries.

Mount Athos has been inhabited since ancient times and is now home to over 2,000 monks from Greece, Russia, Romania, Georgia, Moldova, Serbia, and Bulgaria. They live there, away from the rest of the world where they can live an ascetic life.

The monasteries of Mount Athos have a wonderful collection of rare books, ancient documents, artwork, and artifacts. Since 1988, Mount Athos has been a World Heritage site. In addition to the monasteries that call Athos home, there are many Orthodox monastic houses that were fortified to protect them from raiders of the past.

Hiking in Athos, Greece

Mount Athos is a beautiful mountain that is surrounded by the coast offering a wonderful view of the surrounding land and sea. Only men are allowed at Mount Athos and a permit is needed for access, but if you want a truly unique and once-in-a-lifetime hiking experience, it is worth trying to obtain one. You will want to get this permit at least 6 months in advance. This can be done by e-mail, phone, or fax. If you are granted a permit, you will receive instructions that are important to follow.

The best time of year to hike is from April – November when there is no snow, but if you enjoy a snowy hike, it is possible to hike year round. A special time to visit Athos is during Easter when there are celebrations, a large Orthodox feast, and monks and pilgrims from around the world taking in the traditions of the holiday. Easter time on Mount Athos also has the perfect temperatures for a hike.

Hiking Paths in Athos, Greece

You can walk along ancient paths, through the hillsides, and enjoy the view of the Aegean Sea and the vegetation and cliffs of Mount Athos. Near Kayres, the capital of Athos, there are a number of hiking trails that range from easy to moderate. The trails also vary in length from under one mile to over 10 miles.

There are also options for hiking trips that take from one to three days. These hikes are a wonderful opportunity to see various monasteries and other sites you might not see otherwise. The views from the peaks of these hikes are also worth the time.

If you are traveling to Mount Athos from Thessaloniki, you can do so by car, ferry, taxi, or bus. Thessaloniki is closest large city to Mount Athos and has the convenience of the international airport if you are coming from elsewhere in Europe.

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Monasteries to Visit in Athos, Greece https://www.greekboston.com/travel/monasteries-athos/ Thu, 20 Feb 2020 16:51:52 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=80872 On Mount Athos today there are about 20 monasteries. The majority of them are Greek monasteries, but also one Russian, one Bulgarian, and one Serbian monastery. Here are some of […]

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On Mount Athos today there are about 20 monasteries. The majority of them are Greek monasteries, but also one Russian, one Bulgarian, and one Serbian monastery. Here are some of the monasteries on Mount Athos that you should know about.

Stavronikita Monastery

Stavronikita Monastery is one of the smallest monasteries of Mount Athos, also known as the Holy Mountain. It was founded in 1540 by a monk named Gregory with the help of Patriarch Jermiah I. The katholicon is located in the center of the monastery and the refectory is one the first floor of the southern wing. Stavronikita Monastery has six chapels and an aqueduct that was built to provide the monastery with water.

The monastery has a defensive tower south of the katholicon. The monastery’s library has 58 manuscripts on parchment, two manuscripts that are on silk, and 109 manuscripts from the 14th century – 19th century on paper. There are also hundreds of books. In addition to these items there are crosses and portable icons to be seen at Stavronikita Monastery.

Dochiariou Monastery

Dochiariou Monastery was founded during the second half of the 10th century and is considered one of the most elegant monasteries of Mount Athos. It is located by the sea, which offers a breathtaking view. The katholicon and the refectory of Dochiariou Monastery were built and decorated around 1568. Wall paintings at the monastery are dated 1675 and 1700. There are frescoes that were added during the 18th century. These frescoes are lovely copies of 14th century ones from other monuments. Monks live at Dochiariou Monastery and there is a library with 900 manuscripts.

Zografou Monastery

Founded in the 10th century, Zografou Monastery is on a slope of the southwest area of the peninsula. Three brothers, Moses, Aaron, and Ioannis, founded the monastery. The katholicon of the monastery was built during the beginning of the last century and its style follows the Athonite type.

There are eight chapels inside the monastery and eight chapels outside the monastery. During the late Byzantine period, Zografou Monastery was destroyed by Catalan pirates. It was later rebuilt. Since 1845, only Bulgarian monks have resided at the monastery.

Esfigmenou Monastery

Built by the sea, surrounded by a rectangular wall, Esfigmenou Monastery was founded during the 5th century by Byzantine Emperor Theodosius II and his sister St. Pulcheria. The remains of the early monastery can still be seen 500 meters from the current monastery. It is thought that the existing monastery was founded in the 10th or 11th century as it is named in three different manuscripts.

Esfigmenou Monastery is inhabited by monks who strictly follow the Athonite monastic tradition. In the library of the monastery you can view rare manuscripts. Manuscript number 14 is quite special due to its impressive decoration.

The monasteries of Mount Athos are unique and historic. Only men are allowed to visit the monasteries of Mount Athos and special permission is required.

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View the Byzantine Tower in Athos https://www.greekboston.com/travel/byzantine-tower-athos/ Wed, 06 Dec 2017 14:29:05 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=87868 The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos is the only tower that still exists in Athos, Greece. It is located near the Monastery of Vatopediou and was built by Emperor John II […]

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The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos is the only tower that still exists in Athos, Greece. It is located near the Monastery of Vatopediou and was built by Emperor John II Komnenos to protect his navy from pirates. This large stone structure overlooks the sea and has a unique design with two levels, one on top of another. The lower level consists of an open space whose ceiling rests on four pillars. The upper level has windows on every side which offer a fantastic view.

About the Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos

The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos was built during the 11th century by Emperor John II Komnenos to strengthen the naval power of Byzantium. This large stone structure is 20 meters high and has a unique design with two levels, one on top of another. The lower level consists of an open space whose ceiling rests on four pillars. The upper level has windows on every side which offer an amazing view.

The tower was named “Ouranoupolos” or “of Uranius” in honor of the Emperor’s general, who built it to protect his navy from pirates. However, this large stone structure did not serve its purpose for long because pirates were successfully attacking all ships in the Aegean Sea a few years later.

What to Do at the Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos

The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos is an imposing sight. Its height and location make it a majestic part of the Athos landscape in Northern Greece. When walking in its open space, you’ll enjoy beautiful views over the sea and the surrounding countryside. For most people, visiting this historical sight is complete once they climb up to its upper level.

However, it is highly recommended to see it from below as well. It’s not easy to climb up there, but if you’re feeling adventurous, you can ask one of the monks in the adjacent monastery for help. The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos is also known as the Monastery of Iviron. So if you want to visit both, I would recommend you go there after having a tour of the Monastery of Vatopediou.

Getting to the Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos

The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos is located near the Monastery of Vatopediou, famous for its library with over 2,000 manuscripts. If you’re planning to visit both places, I recommend you go there after having a tour of the Monastery of Iviron. There are daily scheduled busses from the port city of Dafni that will take you directly to both.

And if you’re planning to visit only one of them, I would recommend you go to Ouranoupolis either by bus or by boat. The boat ride takes about an hour, and it leaves three times a day. It’s not included in the ticket price, but it’s worth mentioning that there are no other direct ways to reach Ouranoupolis. The closest alternative is by foot. However, be advised that the path takes about 4 hours to walk and has many stairs, so be prepared for a long journey.

The Byzantine Tower of Ouranoupolos is the only tower that still exists in Athos, Greece. Emperor John II Komnenos built it to strengthen the naval power of Byzantium, and today it offers one of the most amazing views over the sea and surrounding landscape.

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See the Amazing Arsanas Beach Near Athos https://www.greekboston.com/travel/arsanas-beach-athos/ Thu, 26 Oct 2017 21:03:42 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=87600 If you are visiting Mount Athos, you might want to consider taking a day trip to the island of Thassos, which is the home to a beautiful place called Arsanas Beach. […]

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If you are visiting Mount Athos, you might want to consider taking a day trip to the island of Thassos, which is the home to a beautiful place called Arsanas Beach. This is a beautiful, semi-secluded spot, and it offers you a great way to relax in the sun while in the area. Here’s more information about the beach:

About Arsanas Beach

Like many of the beaches in Greece, Arsanas is blessed with glistening white sands that give way to aqua-marine waters. But the stretch of sand wasn’t always a public beach. In a past life, the Arsanas cape served as a boatyard for the Monastery of Archangel Michael.

At 60 meters long and 25 meters deep, Arsanas isn’t a large beach. The fact that you need to walk down a 100-meter path to get to the beach is also something that is interesting. It gives the feeling that the beach is somewhat secluded, while also being very accessible. The steep path, however, may be difficult to access if you have trouble moving. The beach is also semi-pebbled, so be sure to bring the right footwear.

Also keep in mind that if true seclusion is what you want, this isn’t a good beach for that. It can actually get pretty crowded, especially during peak tourist season. It is a physically gorgeous spot, and this attracts locals and tourists alike. But even during these busy times, it’s still a tranquil spot to relax and rejuvenate. Sometimes, you may just be a bit close to your sunbathing neighbor.

Arsanas is a truly beautiful spot. Wreathed with emerald green shrubbery and sculptural rocky outcrops that lend a cinematic touch. So, before you go, be sure to charge your phone. You’ll definitely want to take a lot of pics of this pretty spot!

What to Do at Arsanas Beach

Since Arsanas Beach isn’t large, water sports, volleyball, and other games aren’t on tap — but beach chairs can be rented for a very reasonable price. Resultantly, patrons tend to skew a bit older and calmer. If your idea of the perfect day is diving into a good book while lounging oceanside, then Arsanas may be just what the doctor ordered.

And when you start feeling hungry, pull up to a table at the delicious taverna a few steps away from the sand.

Getting to Arsanas Beach

Getting to Arsanas Beach isn’t a snap. You have three options: walking, swimming, or boating. If you choose to walk, you’ll need to either rent a car or take a taxi to the top of the dirt path that leads down to the beach. On crowded days, finding a parking spot alongside the road can be challenging.

Swimming in from a nearby beach is doable — but should only be attempted by trained long-distance, open-water swimmers. The third option is to take a boat directly to the beach. There are group charters for which you can buy a ticket, and the well-heeled can rent private boats for the day that come with full crews.

If you want to spend a few hours on a gorgeous beach with waters that sparkle like a blanket made of Tanzanite, check out Arsanas Beach on the island of Thassos, which is accessible from Athos, Greece.

Source

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Spend Time at Nea Roda Beach in Athos https://www.greekboston.com/travel/nea-roda-beach-athos/ Wed, 09 Dec 2015 22:31:39 +0000 https://www.greekboston.com/?p=87902 Is your most anticipated holiday approaching, and you are wondering how you are going to spend it? It would be best if you worried no more because there are a […]

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Is your most anticipated holiday approaching, and you are wondering how you are going to spend it? It would be best if you worried no more because there are a number of things you can do during this period. Taking a trip to Greece may be a good idea as there are a number of things you will get to enjoy. One of the places that you should make a stop is Nea Roda Beach in Athos, Greece. Here’s more information about visiting this beach:

About Nea Roda Beach

Before you make a trip to Nea Roda Beach, you must understand every detail about the place. Getting to know the place, helps you understand whether it is good destination for your to spend your holiday. When searching about Nea Roda, you will discover that it is a famous village that is known all over the globe for its cultural events. Nea Roda Beach is usually the busiest during the summer as that is when a lot of these cultural events occur. Apart from that, Nea Roda Beach is home to one of the sandiest and organized beaches.

What to do at Nea Roda Beach

Once you have learned about the beach, the next thing is that you need to find fun activities that you can enjoy when you arrive there. The most obvious thing you can do whenever you visit Nea Roda is to enjoy the sun while relaxing on the sandy beaches. While doing so, you also get to enjoy the spectacular view of the ocean. If you enjoy sports, you could participate in a wide range of sporting activities.

Ensure that you visit the water sports center of Nea Roda, where you get to participate in some of these sports such as surfing, jet-skiing, water-skiing, and windsurfing. If you have your kids with you, ensure that they enjoy their time by participating in these activities together.

Apart from that, there are historical sites that you should consider visiting. A visit to these sites helps you to understand the history of Nea Roda well. One of the places that you shouldn’t miss going to is the Xerxes Canal. It won’t be a good time in Nea Roda Beach if you fail to visit some restaurants located around the beach. Ensure that you visit some of these spots where you can enjoy a wide variety of seafood and take a few pictures.

Getting to Nea Roda Beach

After you have discovered the activities, you would want to do at Nea Roda beach, ensure that you learn how you will get there. Getting to a new place may be hectic and may consume a lot of time thus taking time off your trip. It is good that you plan early and learn the directions to get to your destination. Whenever you plan to go to Nea Roda Beach, you pass by Athos and then take a road towards the north to Chalkidiki. As you continue with the same route, you will start seeing various beaches, from which you can select the place that perfectly fits your desires.

Planning a holiday trip may be hectic, especially if you are not fully aware of where you are going. Once you decide you are visiting a particular place, ensure that you learn about the place and know what you will do while there. When you consider this approach, you will enjoy your trip, and you will return home happy and relaxed.

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