As someone with two left feet, the Salsa Capital of the World seems like the last place I’d want to live. But with its energetic people and colorful culture, Cali made me fall in love. I’ve lived here for the past year and just can’t seem to leave.

Unfortunately, Cali is often underrated and overlooked as a travel destination because of its violent past. But the city is outgrowing its old reputation and is now an exciting and beautiful place to visit while in Colombia. Here’s what you need to know before visiting Cali, Colombia!

How to Get There – Cali Colombia

Cali has its own a irport- Alfonso Bonilla Aragón International Airport (CLO)- which can be reached by domestic flights from other cities in Colombia and by international flights from Panama, Ecuador, Peru, and the United States. From the airport, visitors can take a taxi into the city for $50,000 COP or call an Uber for about the same price.

On land, Cali can be reached by bus from other major cities, like Bogotá and Medellín, but the trips are between 10 and 25 hours. I recommend flying with a budget airline instead, like Viva Colombia, which will only take 30 minutes to 2 hours and isn’t much more expensive.

Weather in Cali Colombia

Cali is super hot- at least coming from a person who’s used to four seasons and a brutal winter! The average temperature is between 25 and 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day, but the nights are a little cooler and refreshing.

It usually rains a lot between February and May, so come prepared with some clothes for the rain if you’re visiting during this time.

Safety in Cali Colombia

Cali has a reputation for being a dangerous city, but times are changing. While you do need to be a little more aware than in other places, there’s no need to worry! As a woman living alone here, I can assure you that it’s not as dangerous as people make it out to be.

Colombians love to use the expression no da papaya (don’t give papaya), which is their way of saying “Don’t make yourself a target”.

If you’re walking around with your typical foreigner outfit, talking on your iPhone, and not paying attention to your things, your chances of being robbed are about 1000% higher.

You can look nice, but try not to be overly flashy and always try to be aware of what’s going on around you. Use your judgment. If someone starts talking to you and you feel uncomfortable just walk away or to an area with more people. If you’re walking alone at night, stick to busier streets.

Petty theft is the biggest safety concern in Cali, but it’s incredibly easy to reduce the chances of it happening to you just by taking some simple precautions.

Where to Stay in Cali Colombia

There are several different neighborhoods in Cali and options for all types of budgets.

Most of the hostels are located in the neighborhood San Antonio. It’s one of the coolest places to stay in the city and I always recommend it to travelers. You can find a hostel for between $20,000 COP and $40,000 COP per night. Other neighborhoods with hostels include Parque del Perro and Granada.

If you have a mid-range budget there are plenty of AirBnBs and mid-range hotels throughout the city, priced anywhere from $45,000 COP to $100,000 COP per night. The North, South, and West are all great places to stay in the city.

If you’re looking to splurge, you can stay in some of the luxury hotels located in upscale neighborhoods like El Peñon, Santa Monica, or Ciudad Jardin. The most popular luxury hotels in the city are the Intercontinental in El Peñon and the Spiwak Hotel in Santa Monica.

Avoid staying in or visiting the East or center of the city unless you’re with someone who knows the area well. The areas around the Mio Station “Centro” and around El Bulevar are exceptions, but it’s best to visit during the day and be extra careful with your belongings. Some great places to go out are located in the center and it’s perfectly safe to take a taxi or an Uber there.

How to Get Around Cali Colombia

If you’re on a budget, Cali’s public bus system is called the Mio. It’s not so bad if you just have to take it every now and again. But if you need to travel a lot, it’s a nightmare.

If you can, I recommend taking Uber. It’s cheaper than taxi and the service is much better. It’s technically illegal, but tolerated. The only difference is that someone in your group should sit in the front with the driver and if the car is stopped by the Transit Police you should say that the driver is someone you know personally.

You can go from the North to the South of the city for about $15,000 COP. I almost never spend more than $11,000 COP, so it’s super affordable!

The Best Places to Eat in Cali Colombia

Cali has a huge selection of food- you can find anything from street food to satisfy your late-night cravings to upscale Peruvian and Argentinian restaurants.

The most typical street foods in the city are mazorca (a type of corn on the cob), obleas (two wafers filled with caramel, coconut, peanuts, and more), empanadas, arepas (a sort of corn pancake, usually with cheese), and other fried foods. I also recommend trying the fresh fruit from vendors on the street. Mango Biche- green mango with lime and salt- is a personal favorite!

Cholado and champús are two things you should definitely try when you visit. Cholado is crushed ice with fruit juice, fruit, condensed milk, and sometimes more ingredients. You can buy it in El Bulevar and other parks in the city. Champús is a drink made with corn, lulo (a local fruit), pineapple, and more and you can also buy it in parks throughout the city.

Typical Colombian food is available throughout Cali. My favorite places are Chocolate in San Antonio, El Buen Alimento (for vegetarian food) in San Antonio, and Pizzeria El Balcón on the way to Cristo Rey (this restaurant also has one of the best views of Cali).

The fanciest restaurants in Cali are generally Peruvian, Argentinian, or Italian restaurants. You can find these in the neighborhoods El Peñon, Ciudad Jardin, and Granada.

I’m also a huge fan of brunch and am happy to say that, after a long search, I have discovered a place with brunch and amazing Bloody Marys: Gringo Restaurant in El Peñon.

Some of my favorite places in Cali Colombia are:

San Antonio Park. It’s a nice park with a beautiful view of the city and is a great place to go at night with friends and grab a bite to eat or something to drink.

Cristo Rey, which is a giant statue of Jesus. But the real attraction is the view of Cali. Go around 4 P.M. and watch the city light up. Tip: Go during the week because on the weekends it’s overcrowded with locals.

El Gato is a really cool place to go if you’re into art. The story behind it is that the giant cat statue is “El Gato” and all of the smaller cats are his girlfriends competing for his attention. Each of the girlfriend cats was painted by a local artist and has its own personality description.

Kilometro 18 is the highest point between Cali and Buenaventura. It’s located just outside of the city and it’s a great place to go to escape Cali’s heat. It’s popular for groups of friends to come here to enjoy the cold and eat some typical Colombian food.

If you’re feeling a little more adventurous, there are places just outside of the city which are popular for hiking and/or mountain biking. For example, Pico de Loro (a mountain around 2,800 meters high or about 9,000 feet) and Charco Escondido

There are also plenty of large malls around the city for shopping. The most popular are Chipichape, Pacific Mall, and Jardín Plaza. El Único is a popular outlet mall.

Cali is especially known for its nightlife. Caleños love a good party. Some great clubs that I can personally recommend are La Terraza, La Pérgola, La Purga, and Cafe Mi Tierra.

Experiencing the salsa culture is half the fun of Cali! Salsa dancing is what defines Cali and it’s what the locals are most proud of. I can guarantee that almost every person you meet will ask ¿y has bailado salsa?.

There are several great salsa schools in San Antonio- and some even offer free classes on certain days (like Salsa Pura does on Fridays). You’ll have no trouble finding a club that plays salsa music, although it might be almost impossible to find one that doesn’t. La Topa Tolondra, located on the Avenida 5, is a great place for foreigners to go and practice their moves- or even just watch the locals in their natural element!

On your next visit to Colombia, give Cali a chance and let it surprise you!

Pin this Cali Colombia guide for later:

The author of this piece is Brittany, who is originally from the US, but has been living in Cali Colombia while she works as a travel writer at her blog Leaving Gringolandia. You can connect with her there or catch her on Facebook.

The post Cali, Colombia: Your Local Guide to the World’s Salsa Capital appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

The secret’s obviously out: Colombia is the trendy place to visit. Never mind the history, the corrupt politics, or the drug cartels. They may still persist but savvy travelers are now looking beyond the stereotypes and on to Colombia’s deserted coastlines, rainbow-hued plazas, dance-crazed locals, and of course, its damn fine coffee. If you want adventure on Colombian coast, look no further.

Inevitably, most backpackers hit up the extraordinary Caribbean coast, basing themselves in the gringo hotspots of Cartagena and Santa Marta. Both cities offer plenty in terms of history, culinary surprises, and luxury accommodation.

But for some real excitement, reach beyond the cities and check off these five epic adventures:

(Via Cartagena)

Budget-friendly restaurant: Caffé Lunático (15,000 peso lunch special)

Splurge: Restaurante Interno (staffed by a woman’s prison!)

Budget-friendly hotel: El Genoves hostel

Splurge: Allure Chocolate Hotel

1. Dive into a mud volcano

Fancy a therapeutic mud bath? How about one inside a natural mud volcano? Although the Colombian coast is actually home to a few of these volcanoes, Volcán de Lodo El Totumo is the most accessible, via a half-day trip from Cartagena. The mud pit isn’t huge— about 15 feet in diameter— and depending on the time of the day, you might have around 20 people sharing your gritty bath (hand check!) Regardless, revel in the sensation of feeling weightless. Or being able to paint your friends’ faces with the mud’s skin-renewing minerals. Post mud, a local lady will treat you to a very thorough and shameless rinse, necessary for those hidden crannies. Pro tip: bring your own GoPro or waterproof camera and avoid paying the photographers hanging around at the top (though they’ll say you have to pay, you don’t).

2. Try Subwinging at Casa en el Agua

It’s a retreat to end all retreats, a hostel atop its own island, stranded amongst the San Bernardo islands. Most hostel guests are content swimming, chowing down on seafood, or simply lounging around while taking advantage of the numerous happy hours. But for something a bit more active, try Subwinging. You hold on to a flat board with wings, as a small boat pulls you along. Tilt the wings to dive under the water or twist them to spin like a gleeful dolphin, like this. To add a bit of luxury to your Casa experience, opt for the El Nido Amor (love nest) private suite instead of one of the wind-prone hammocks. Booking is only available 30 days ahead of time and tends to sells out fast; it’s quite the popular place! Pro-tip: bring lots of cash (no credit cards accepted) and seriously don’t plan to leave or arrive on Sundays as there are no boats that connect to Cartagena that day. The alternative is rather unpleasant.

(Via Santa Marta)

Budget-friendly restaurant: Lulo Cafe Bar

Splurge: Ouzo Restaurante

Budget-friendly hotel: Drop Bear Hostel (once a drug cartel mansion)

Splurge: Placita Vieja Hotel Boutique Spa

3. Motorcycle along the coast to Riohacha

You don’t have to be a hefty tattooed man to embrace the freedom of a motorcycle. Adrenaline Addicts, run out of the Drop Bear hostel mentioned above, offers motorcycle tours spanning one to seven days depending on your interests. If you have never ridden a motorcycle, no worries! A quick intro lesson and you’re off (so as long as you know how to drive manual. Otherwise, you’ll have to opt for the scooter). Once you clear the city limits of Santa Marta, it’s smooth cruising from there. Race past small villages and make stops along popular beach destinations like Costeño and Palomino (check out La Frontera for their epic banana and guava pizza!) For the ultimate adventure, sign up for the 5-day ride which takes you all the way out toward Riohacha, famous for sand sports. Pro-tip: bring face wipes to keep your face clean and pad your butt with a good pair of pants.

https://youtu.be/UzetSnJhQXM

4. Trek the arduous Ciudad Perdida

For ultimate thigh punishment, push yourself to trek the 45-kilometer Ciudad Perdida. This four-day jaunt and major bucket list endeavor leads you to the Lost City, a massive archeological structure abandoned at the end of the 16th century. Think pre-Machu Picchu without the hoards of tourists or easy access. Travelers must join a tour group (Magic Tour and Expotur are popular), all of which offer complete room and board, the room being bunk beds or hammocks in established mountain huts. As you hike, soak in the bird calls, the indigenous sites, and vastness of the Sierra Nevadas. The Lost City itself resembles a tiered cake platter, one supporting a history full of mystery, gold, drugs, and looting. Pro-tip: keep your legs and feet covered the whole time— during the hike itself and even when you sleep— or risk mosquito hell.

5. Discover the world’s largest hammock in Minca

Minca is located about 30 minutes from Santa Marta, a cool mountain escape renowned for its coffee plantations and panoramic views. These days, however, backpackers make the journey via bus and motorbike to visit Casa Elemento. It is here that the proclaimed “world’s biggest hammock” is situated, high above the treetops. The hammock itself has seen better days, and users need to watch their step or else risk falling through a few of the oversized holes. However, the Instagram opportunities are worth it. Though most visitors choose to also sleep at Elemento, you can visit on a day pass for a cool 20,000 pesos. This also secures you a cocktail to enjoy whilst hammocking. Pro-tip: for a more exclusive experience, sleep at Casas Viejas, where you can step away from the crowds but still hike to the hammock in less than two hours.

Tam is an American travel writer and educator, who worked in Colombia for a year. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @fresh.coffee.stains or read her blog http://freshcoffeestains.com.

The post 5 epic adventures on Colombia’s Caribbean coast appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Santa Marta

Tell us a little about  yourself and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel in Santa Marta.

I’m Gemma from Two Scots Abroad. 5”2 ½, Scottish with a love for all things vintage and thrift store so luxury isn’t always my bag but we struck it lucky last year in Santa Marta, Colombia! I’m travelling with my fiancé, Craig; we’re on an 18 month career break to travel the Americas and Europe.

What makes Santa Marta a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

Santa Marta is sunny! It’s typically where Colombians go on holiday and other backpackers suggested we skipped it but I’m glad we went with gut instinct and spent some time there because it is the gateway to paradise!

What is the best boutique hotel in Santa Marta?

La Calzada del Santo is just lovely. We stayed on the top floor of the boutique hotel, our room door practically opened onto the rooftop pool. There were hammocks to relax on whilst taking in the views of the city. The owner, Rita, is just a doll, she treats everyone with warmth and her staff are extremely friendly. The hotel is very modern, exposed red brick in the hotel room, TV, speedy Wi-Fi. Breakfast of colourful fruit and eggs is served every morning.

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler in Santa Marta?

Santa Marta can be used a springboard to the beaches of Colombia. Within an hour by bus, you can reach Costeño Beach for those who like to surf and do yoga or just swing on a hammock on the beach. A short journey after Costeño is Palomino where you can tube down the river. Most notably and not to be missed is a trip to Tayrona National Park.

It’s tough to beat Tayrona National Park, take the minibus to the entrance as it’s about a tour hour walk from there. The walk is along the coastal beaches and through the palm trees laden with coconuts – watch out for the cheeky monkeys in the trees!

Santa Marta has a beach and a marina with some bars. Costeño Beach is very chilled out, go swing on a hammock all day then sit by the fire at night.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Santa Marta and what are their best dishes?

I’d recommend heading to Careera 3 in Santa Marta, especially at the weekend. This cute cobbled lane is decorated with lanterns. There are a few restaurants and bars to choose from which serve intentional and local cuisine. And cocktails obviously!

Let’s talk desserts in Santa Marta– what place makes the best?

Pop in for some Froyo at Carambolo.

Time for a great sunset view in Santa Marta… where would you go?

The best sunset we saw in this area was at Minca in the Sierra Nevada Mountains – again another short bus ride from Santa Marta. We stayed at Casa Loma which is basically a big tree house with an outside cocktail lounge, happy hour starts just in time for the sun going down!

To end the night with a cocktail, what’s your go-to choice?

A trip to Minca in the mountains is on the cards for this, watch the views of the sun setting at Casa Loma’s makeshift cocktail bar!

Two Scots Abroad (Gemma and Craig) have downed tools as teacher and tradesman and are traveling the Americas and Europe on an 18 month career break. They are currently living in Vancouver after four months of fast paced travel in South America and Cuba. Join them in 2016 as they ski in B.C, surf in Nicaragua, and party in Ibiza! Connect with them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Did you enjoy this post? Let me know in the comments or by sharing it with the social media links! I’d love to keep giving you travel tricks & tips so feel free to subscribe by e-mail in the big purple box below. Don’t forget you can follow me on facebook, twitter, instagram & bloglovin‘.

The post Luxury Guide to Santa Marta appeared first on Hippie In Heels.

Welcome to Backpacker’s Boutique. Every Sunday, this spot will feature a new travel blogger. Some weeks it will be a really fun interview about packing, fashion, and fitness so you can snoop inside their bags & lives a little bit and other weeks it’ll be a detailed luxury guide to a city the featured blogger/expat knows very well. E-mail me if you’d like to be featured.

A Luxury Guide to Medellin

Tell us a little about Medellin and tell us why you’re an expert on luxury travel there. 

I’ve been living in Medellin, Colombia’s second largest city for the last 7 months and I absolutely love it here. One of the reasons is because you can live in an amazing city for the fraction of the cost of living in London as everything is so much cheaper here. Being a writer for Medellin Living, the city’s expat website, I have reviewed bars, restaurants, shopping centres and things to do in the city so I guess you could say that I know my way around a cocktail bar or two.

Editors note: Lisa just wrote an e-book and I wanted to share that with you. It’s the female’s guide to solo travel. 

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What makes Medellin a perfect destination for travelers seeking a glamorous trip?

There are swanky hotels, rooftop bars, a revolving restaurant, casinos and more shopping malls than you can shop at. Medellin is fast becoming the fashion capital of Colombia and it’s evident in the locals (the Paisas) style and heels seem to go with everything so this city is pretty glamourous. This city has amazing views and there are so many rooftop bars with stunning views.

What boutique hotel would you recommend to your friends that are stopping through?

If they have money (and I mean a lot), I would definitely recommend The Art Hotel. It is is a creative blend of style, architecture and modern art and is amazing, and tucked away in a side street so it feel like a secret place.

But the rooms are very expensive so if you can’t afford to stay there, you can just buy a cocktail in its boutique wine bar instead. There’s a quaint little courtyard for a taste of tranquility amongst outdoor living and is the perfect setting for a Cosmopolitan which is a fraction of the cost of a room.

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What about 5 Star, of them all, which is the best in your town?

The Diez Hotel is just gorgeous. It’s located in the El Poblado area of Medellin, and you feel as though you are immersed in forest surroundings amongst green textured walls and a bamboo decor. The whole theme of the hotel is natural elements and cit ombines the senses of landscapes and ambience for the perfect relaxation experience. The rooms all have the same natural elements and my favourite part of this hotel is the outdoor spa area with a steam room, sauna and jacuzzi. It’s really close to the main nightlife area with restaurants and bars but with a lobby bar and a Sushi restaurant on the ground floor, you don’t even need to leave the building. I love this place!

Are there any fun activities for the adventurous traveler?

Every Sunday there is a boat trip to the stunning lake area of Guatape which is just two hours outside the city. It has a bay to rival that of the Rio Harbour and you can climb the Penol Rock for spectacular views of the bay. Plus, ladies go free! Can’t get more glamorous than that. If you’re feeling really adventurous then you can paraglide across the city from the mountains surrounding the valley. I definitely recommend taking the Medellin city tour to learn more about the city.

Where are the best hang outs during the day?

Colombians love to hang out and there are so many places to hang out including numerous coffee shops and parks. You’ll often see older men sat in local parks playing cards, musical instruments or just chatting. Because this city is always a warm temperature, people sit Al Fresco and enjoy the sunshine. Parque Poblado is one of the best parks to hang out in. It’s in the centre of Poblado and is surrounded by handicraft sellers and bars and restaurants, and you’ll find locals and tourists there at night, listening to some live music and having a drink before partying in one of the local bars.

The best hang outs during the day are Ciudad del Rio with cafes and an ice-cream parlour. Then there’s Parque Poblado and Parque Berrio, opposite Plaza Botero with the big statues that just have to be seen.

If you have a big date night, what are the most delicious restaurants in Medellin and what are their best dishes?

Sinko does great Italian food. It’s sophisticated with multiple seating areas, whether you choose to relax on the outdoor terrace or inside on the leather sofas with a giant screen. They have special nights dedicated to salsa with DJ sets including sunset parties. Whether you choose a pizza or the fish and chips (my personal favourite), the food here won’t disappoint. The cocktails are great too!

For breathtaking views of the city, Tony Roma’s is situated on the top floor of the Hotel Dann Carlton. World famous for their BBQ ribs, the restaurant is the only revolving bar in Medellín offering a 360 degree panoramic view of the skyline. Elegant and oozing sophistication, you rotate your way around to the sounds of live piano music. Plus if you visit on a Tuesday you get 30% discount with your Visa card too!

Woka Lounge offers great sushi and Thai chicken dishes as well as their own Woka specials. It’s an amazing setting too and feels like a magical forest hidden high up in the city with tall trees and glass floors. A curved path lights up all the way to the giant bar with bubbling water underneath. Meaning reflection of the moon, Woka is just amazing.

Let’s talk desserts- what place makes the best?

There’s a chain restaurant called crepes and waffles which do the most divine nutella waffle with ice-cream. It just melts in your mouth. It has the best ice-cream I have come across in the city and you can also buy it to take out.

Me Late Chocolate is in Oviedo, and offers gorgeous chocolate delights for breakfast and during the day. It’s a boutique chocolate shop and the Volcan de Chocolate is to die for.

Tell us all the hot shopping spots; who’s carrying the trendy local designers?

The barrio of Laureles has some of the best boutique shopping you’ll find in the city. There’s a choice of unique shops from multi-brand fashion to expensive designer jewellery with some cute cafes and restaurants for when you need a break from shopping. With footwear, clothing, designer bags, jewellery, house accessories, and paintings to furnish your apartment, La Tienda Imaginario is a place for the imagination with unusual items perfect for great souvenirs too. For Colombian brands visit Origen to get your hands on the local fashion, or try Make A Wish for high quality garments with nice designs.

In La Zona Rosa in El Poblado, you’ll find boutiques with unique designs along Vía Primavera, one of my favourite areas of the city, known for its choice of gastronomy and creative designs. There are a range of shops here and you can easily spend an afternoon browsing each one whilst stopping for a coffee in Medellín’s best coffee shops. It’s easy to find Colombian designs here and Galería Diseño has a wide range of items from over 40 independent designers.

What are a couple of the best salons and spas in Medellin?

Medellin is known for its stunning women and plastic surgery is really popular here. Some locals even go as far as getting a butt job!

You’ll find the best salons in the shopping malls. In Santa Fe, there are hair salons to pamper you hair on the top floor. Hotel Park 10 has a great day spa with treatments from a Cleopatra spa to a chocolate spa! They also offer different massages and even ultrasound.

The Dies Hotel has a lovely spa looking out at the mountains with a steam room, sauna and a jacuzzi. They offer a Secrets of The Amazon treatment for the full body which includes body peeling and a relaxation massage.

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Time for a great sunset view… where would you go?

Because Medellin is in a valley, if you’re staying in one of the hotels on a high floor then you’re nearly almost guaranteed a great sunset (if you’re facing the right way of course).

Pueblito Paisa is a cute little mock-up of a Colombian town which sits on top of Nutibarra Hill in the city with a panoramic view of the city, or you can hop in a car and drive up the valley to the best viewpoint where they also sell beers and street food as you watch the sun set.

Now the the sun’s gone down, fill us on the best places to go for some evening drinks or a great pre-gaming spot.

Parque Lleras is the most popular hang out in the evening. There are so many bars to choose from whether you just want to listen to live salsa music,   dance to reggaeton or have a frozen cocktail in a Buddha bar. Crossover bars are really popular and offer each genre of music to dance too. Santa Fe has the more sophisticated bars and a really cool one called Mixology Molecular Bar with liquid nitrogen cocktails. There’s also the Delaire Skylounge on top of the shopping centre for some pre-evening drinks before heading to nightclub just inside.

People here drink Aguadiente so you just buy a bottle with glasses of water and a shot glass each and drink the night away before hitting a salsa club.

Envy @ Charlee

If you end the night at a fancy club, which one do you head towards?

It depends what type of music you like. The Mansion Club is for those who love trance and house music. There are clubs which offer crossover music – a mix of everything from salsa and bachata to electronic music (house music). Barrio Colombia is where the fancy clubs are at. make you way to Cameo Teatro Club if you want to look good amongst the illuminating light show.

Envy at Charlee is just stunning. It’s the best rooftop bar with amazing views of the city and a pool that’s illuminated at night. It is so swanky that it even has glow in the dark menus so that you can order in the mood lighting.

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