TEAMWORK:  Getting together is a beginning; Staying together is a process; Working together is success

A dynamic group of travel consultants who, as a team, offer professional and personal service of the highest excellence:  We want to be the travel management company that clients want to work with and people want to work for.

Most Recent Letters:

Tessa,

Many thanks!! What a fantastic trip we had! I am full of memories and I have yet to download my photos. If it’s okay, could we suggest you to any friends of ours who might be convinced by our enthusiasm to travel in South Africa? And if we get the chance to come again – now I am dreaming of that – could we contact you again? It was a great pleasure to meet you during the FIFA World Cup. And I know that Joseph really appreciated meeting Yolandé as well. Sharne is just fantastic! . . . what great memories of SA’s people and places I have.

All best
Mary Boatwright
Professor of Ancient History - Duke University Durham USA
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Dear Sure Etnique Travel

Thanks for you welcome note! On the last eve of our fine and exceptionally well-organised Travel agent-supported tour, we paused a moment (in preparation for the return journey) and embraced the MANY fond memories collected during our journey. Tessa, this tour will always remain as a top-of-the-list experience! We owe so much of this pleasant time abroad to your personal involvement and extra mile-touch in setting up all of the logistical arrangements. We do intend to make a dedicated visit to our office and share the experience. It has been a very well organized tour and your support and hard work is indeed MUCH appreciated. THANK YOU so much! Also, please do present my sincere appreciation for Johann who has put a GREAT trip together for us. After the Italy trip we all are suffering of “post-travel depression”. We will stay in touch about a visit with your guys.

Regards
Francois Louw
President Seventh-Day Adventist Church Southern Africa Union Conference
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Dear Johann and Etnique personnel

We would like to take this opportunity to thank you one and all for assisting in making our Europe trip such a memorable occasion. Firstly Johann, we would like to compliment you on your personal choice of hotels selected. They were conveniently located and of highest standard. Secondly, I have to compliment you on the compilation of the book containing not only copies of all our travel documents, but also valuable maps and suggestions of interesting things to do at the different venues. The maps were so helpful in locating the hotels and the sites around it. I have traveled extensively and this was a first for me; congratulations and keep up the good work. I spent hours studying and using it with great success. We wish you all well and will be back for you to assist us in our next venture.

Kind regards
Julia, Jacques, Ingrid, Caitlin and Abigail van Wyk
JGL Forensic Bloemfontein
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Hello Nerina

I would just like to thank you for the wonderful job you did in organizing everything for my trip to Sweden and Germany. Everything went so smooth, no problems, no delays … Thank you so much. You really made the trip an experience for me with only fond memories!! Will be traveling in November again to Namibia, so I will contact you as soon as I have my dates.

Kind regards
Marlé Vosloo
Health and Environmental Sciences Central University of Technology CUT
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Roan,

Baie dankie vir jou hulp. Ek wil tog ook dankie sê vir die ongelooflike diens wat julle lewer. Dis net ‘n plesier om saam met julle te werk.

Groete
Annemie Botha
Rossouws Attorneys / Prokureurs
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Dear Tessa

We had a heat wave in Prague, could not believe it was cold in Bloem. Beautiful city! Lots of walking. We arrived Safely. Except for the TV that did not work when we cam back - Air France was great - specially the upper deck - thanks for that one!! Thanks for you help. Everything went smoothly.

Prof Hendrik Swart
Head of Physics Department - University of Free State
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Dear Tessa

We drove Jonathan to Johannesburg on Saturday and he arrived back in Switzerland without any trouble. We had a great 3 weeks with him and he is raring to return! I am glad you were able to meet him briefly in the stadium. Thanks once again for the perfect travel arrangements!

Best wishes
Prof Andrew Marston
Organic Chemistry - University of Free State
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Hi Tessa

Thank you for the nice welcome and the arrangement for a wheelchair. I would not have managed without it because the walking distances were long. We had a wonderful time with family and friends. Delta was so good and we hope that even in future we shall travel with them although the flights were very long. NOT SOMETHING OF THEIR DOING of course.

Thank you once more.
Lindy Gill
Morija Printing Works Lesotho
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Hi Nerina!

Just to say thanks for stressing with me and helping me to make Pastor Nyretta’s trip memorable. She’s back safe and sound so looking forward to the next adventure.

Tsidi Gude
Manager Revival Arts, Music CRC Bloemfontein & Pretoria
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Hi Tess

How can we ever thank you for your real kindness and help in making our trip to Oz so smooth and well planned, no hitches. Please know that it is really appreciated and you are a very special person. Hope you well and healthy.

Regards
Gill, Les and Gavin Greenstone
Bloemfontein
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Tessa

Jy is 'n ster!
Thank you for your patience and assistance.
We have GREAT appreciation for your assistance.

Have a nice day
Prof. Johann van Staden
Department of Education - University of Free State

Other positive comments received over the past couple of years:

Dear Yolande

On behalf of the SA Institute of Architects and all of our Board and Committee members whom you have so efficiently assisted in their various travels, I thank you for the effort that you have always put into giving us the very best service, and also the smile that is always behind the voice.

Regards
Bronwen Forman
Office Manager / Executive PA
South African Institute of Architects
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Hi Tessa

Just a quick mail to say THANK YOU!!!!  Thanks for the effort you put into our arrangements.

Egypt – HELL hot.

Ahmed our driver was silent but a wonderful driver for those conditions.  He really fixed everything, and the way he did it was really professional.  He is a very helpful guy and can mean much to Sylvia Tours.  He is friendly, knows his country and is efficient. Cairo nice but not close as friendly as the boat.  We enjoyed Mohammed and Mr. George was quite a guide!

Germany: lekker at Hof Brauhaus and the trains and city transport an experience.
And then – The Passion Play.
If ever possible – please go – this is the most beautiful performance I have ever seen. 
No words can explain the feelings you feel.
Thanks a million.  I also met the people from Bloemfontein at the Passion Play.
I will certainly use you again for any travel arrangements and more.

Thanks, thanks, thanks……………. 

Frans & Bettie Massyn
Witbank
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Dear Nerina

Thank you for your overwhelming efficiency – it does not go by unappreciated.   Thank you once more for a job well done.

Arthur Johnson
Manager: International Partnerships & Liaison
University of the Free State
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Baie dankie vir julle almal se puik diens en direkte persoonlike hulp om my visa-krisis te help oplos.  Nou kan ek lekker gaan ontspan op die vliegtuig.  (Sms-boodskap)

Prof Driekie Hay
Visie-Rektor Onderrig en Leer UFS
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Liewe Yolande 

Ek wil net vir jou uit die hart uit dankie sê.   
Jou absolute wonderlike, sprankelende geaardheid was altyd 'n lafenis gewees. 
Jou diensingesteldheid is uit die boonste rakke en dit was net 'n plesier om met jou saam te werk, jy het dit altyd so maklik vir ons gemaak. 
Ek was en is glad nie onder die illusie hoe besig julle is, net die diepte het verskil!!

Groete
Joyce Gibson
Parexel Bloemfontein
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Dear Tessa 

Thank you so much for all your help and arrangements for our trip … it was a dream came true!

Dr Anthony & Dr Lynette Travers
Bloemfontein
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Hallo Tessa 

It was a trip of a life-time - I will never forget the Passion Play. It made a big impression on me, very touching. 

A big thank you and appreciation for all your valuable advice and arrangements. We had a great time and two weeks that will be always part of my memories. Apart from the Play, Dresden was a pleasant surprise - a undiscovered jewel.

It is nice to experience cooler weather - very hot and sticky in Rüdesheim and Oberammergau.  The service at Bad Bayersoien was not 4 star, but the Play made up for everything.

Best wishes for the week and warm regards 

Prof Helena van Zyl
Director:  School of Management UFS

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Hi Tessa

Net om weer ‘n slag te sê baie dankie vir die voortreflike reëlings wat Sure Etnique getref het ten opsigte van ons besoek aan Australië. Om vyf stede, sewe Universiteite in Down Under in 9 dae te besoek, en dan te kan terugkom en te se dat dit ‘n reis was, wat absoluut klopdisselboom gereel is, is nogal ‘n besonderse prestasie aan julle kant!

Wat my ook beïndruk het, was die waarde wat julle toegevoeg het ten opsigte van die gehalte, koste en ligging van die hotelle, sowel as die baie praktiese en ter sake inligting wat julle vir ons ten opsigte van die universiteite, streke en gebiede voorsien het.

Daarbenewens kom die vriendelikheid, die besorgdheid en professionaliteit en al wat ons kan sê is baie dankie.  Julle het vir ons mooi gesorg.

Groetnis
Niel Viljoen
Viserektor: Bedryf UFS

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Yolande

It’s very sad to hear that you’re leaving Bloemfontein. Its been such a blessing all these years to hear that husky thick voice, like mine, on the other hand with friendly service like no other. 

Thank you for everything; Truly speaking, we cannot do it without you people at Sure Etnique, you are absolutely amazing.

Thanks for the breakfast too! It was great to meet everyone and get to know who’s on the other side of the phone.

Stay blessed!
Tsidi Gude
Music Manager CRC Bloemfontein & Pretoria

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Hi Melanie

Ons is terug - weer ten volle aan die werk -  die vakansie was heerlik en die mere in Italie baie mooi - eintlik kan 'n mens nie die ervaring in woorde omsit nie.

Alles is maar net duur daar oorkant - laat 'n mens maar net weer besef wat jy het moet jy voor dankbaar wees en geniet.

Weereens dankie vir jou en Johann en al julle moeite - ons waardeer dit verskriklik en JA - ons het omtrent gespog met die diens  en hulp wat ons van julle ontvang het - ek is seker dat as ons enigsins weer 'n reis oorweeg, julle ons No 1 keuse is vir hantering daarvan (seker van die ander mense sal julle ook voortaan gebruik)

Weereens dankie - dra asseblief ook ons dank aan Johann en almal by Sure Etnique oor.

Groete
Hansie en Hesna Rheeder
Ruwacon

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Beste Lizelle

Bietjie laat - maar wil net weer vir jou bedank vir die uitstekende diens wat ek van jou ontvang het met my bespreking vir my kuier hier na my kind toe.

Alles het vlot verloop en ek was baie tevrede met die diens van British Airways; as ek weer die geleentheid het om internastionaal te vlieg sal ek definitief weer van hul diens gebruik maak.

Met jou hulp het ek ook nêrens verdwaal nie; kon selfs medepassasiers behulpsaam wees!

Weereens baie dankie vir alles,
Petro vd Merwe 
Bloemfontein

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Dear Nerina 

Since back from UK, I haven’t even had a chance to let u know how well my whole trip went.  I must really admit that, although I have now become a nonchalant and seasoned solo traveler, I can only assume this arrogant attitude because of your hard work behind the screens! 

Relying on my own efforts would absolutely destroy me!  Every tiny detail was so carefully planned - so well organized for me - tailor-made for my needs. It really takes the stress off international flying when I know you are the mastermind behind my trip and I thank you for the big effort you always put into all our bookings. 

My return flights all went off so smoothly too -  but always tinged with much sadness to leave our daughter behind.  Grace is doing very well and sends her love to you all at Etnique.  She will probably contact you soon with bookings of her own.  

Jersey was wonderful but cold, cold.   Max temperatures hitting an all time high of 14ºC.  This, however, did not deter us from doing our Island Explorer walks, tours and sightseeing.  We had a lot of highlights again - would love to share some of it with you later.

Thanks again for everything, Nerina! Lots of appreciation    

Carlen Yasbek

Bloemfontein

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Hi Johann

Baie geluk met hierdie ongelooflike nuusbrief!

Ons het nou ervaring van jou verhalende stories, maar ek moet sê hierdie is 'n oortreffing!
Ek het dit vir al my konsultante gestuur om te lees!
Ek is seker julle kliënte kan nie wag vir hulle nuusbrief nie!

Groete
Elbie Nel
Direkteur Sure Swartland Travel

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Hi Tessa

Thank you everything work like a dream. You organized it excellently.

It’s a pleasure driving in the country and in the towns - Traffic is a pleasure. Thanks for the cars and everything - I have no idea how you are doing it, but it just worked 100% correct.

Thanks again
Reg Hiscock
ICT Services UFS

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DEAR TESSA

Thank you so much for making it possible for us (financially!) by going to a lot of trouble in finding affordable options.

Thank you also for your great service, especially when we doubted whether we would ever get home amidst the chaos surrounding the volcano ash! We thoroughly enjoyed every moment of our trip, and will ensure that we recommend you to all our friends for their travel requirements!

See attached a few memories of our great holiday!

Thanks so much for everything!
Best regards!

Cornel and Annette Oelofse
GM John Williams Commercial Vehicles

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Beste Nerina

Ek wil graag vir jou vreeslik baie dankie sê vir al die reëlings wat jy vir getref het met my onlangse reis na Kanada toe.  In die besonder baie dankie vir die reëlings wat jy getref het vir die vlug van Toronto na Montreal toe.  Dit was nogal 'n spanningsvolle dag op Frankfurt maar almal se daadwerklike ondersteuning en aanmoediging het my deurgedra. En dit was so wonderlik om 21:00 die aand na die toonbank te stap en daar wag jou kaartjie vir jou.  Baie, baie dankie daarvoor!

Alles was die moeite werd want die werkswinkel was uitstekend en ek het baie geleer wat ek weer aan my maatskappy kan oordra.  Ek het natuurlik die hele tyd in dieselfde klere geloop want my tas het laat op Montreal aangekom a.g.v. die vliegverbod na Montreal toe.  Maar wat - dit was ook maar die minste.  Die tas het ongeskonde 'n dag nadat ek terug in Bloemfontein was by my uitgekom.

Maar ek moet jou werklik uitsonder as dit by die reisreëlings kom.  Alles het vlot verloop.  Baie dankie vir die genoeg tyd wat jy by elke lughawe toegelaat het, want ek was nooit gespanne om van een vliegtuig na 'n ander te gaan nie.  Ek kon dit rustig doen; dit het dus uitstekend gepas.

Ek sal julle hoog aanbeveel by enigiemand wat hulp met reisreëlings verlang.

Nogmaals baie dankie!
Vriendelike groete

Cornelia Casaleggio
Project Quality Lead, PAREXEL

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Yolande & Lizelle

BAIE DANKIE vir al jul ekstra moeite met Mnre Gutter en de Bruin se kaartjies gister-middag!

Geniet die dag! 

Corné NEL
Sanyati BLOEMFONTEIN

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Dear Tessa

Mr M Louw SMS'd me with the following message to express his thanks:

"Nogmaals bitter baie baie dankie vir jul hulp vandag (yesterday). Veilig in Hong Kong en die hotel. Alles by die hotel verloop glad. Groete."

Thanks also from our side for your efficient, fast and succesfull attendance to our needs, especially when unexpected.  

Have a good evening Tess! 

Regards

Lettie STEYN
Secretary to the President
Seventh Day Adventist Church

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BESTE NERINA

Die reëlings wat jy vir ons getref het en veral die spesiale moeite wat jy gedoen het toe daar gerugte was dat ons ook getref sou word deur die vulkaan in Ysland word op prys gestel.  Alles het uitstekend verloop insluitende die vooraf bespreking van die sitplekke, die reisplan wat noukeurig voorberei was en die doel van hierdie brief is om te sê baie dankie.  Nie net alleenlik sal ons weer van jou en Etnique se dienste gebruik maak nie, maar dit ook by ons vriende en kennisse aanbeveel.

Die uittog na Mexiko was ‘n groot sukses.  Mexiko is natuurlik woestyn by die see met baie meer bulte en plantegroei as wat ons in ons woestyne kry. Die hoogtepunt is Cabo  San Lucas.  Daar sien ‘n mens hoe die rykes lewe en hoe die leeglêers aanmekaar vakansie hou in sonskyn wat nooit ophou nie.  Een dag wil mooier wees as die volgende.  Alhoewel dit lente is het dit soms ‘n bietjie warmer begin word, maar daar was altyd ‘n luggie wat getrek het en sonder dat dit werklik wind genoem kan word het dit altyd verligting gebring.  Ons het nooit lugreëlaars in my dogter en haar man se kondo gebruik nie, maar slegs waaiers.

Baie groete.

HANS en INA DE BRUIN
Advokate-kamers Bloemfontein

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HALLO MELANIE

We really want to thank you for all the extra effort you put in making this trip happen for us - we took our time finalising arrangements , but it was worth while in the end.

The apartment in Cairns was perfectly suited to our needs and very close to the main shopping areas and the wharf. The Reef Magic trip was wonderfully organised with a young and enthusiastic crew. We were very much impressed by the professional way they handled the group. It was not too crowded and we had a great time on the reef.

The Daintree Forest excursion is also highly recommendable. The beauty of the rainforest can hardly be exaggerated. And the beaches...! I always thought nothing compares to our own, but I will have to reconsider that! Our guide was very well informed and it gives an extra dimension when you are given all this information that you didn't even get round to discover for yourself.

The rest of the travel arrangements went very smoothly, and we loved the smooth transitions from one airport to the next - no worries! Sydney was just too beautiful and clean to imagine. Our time there was only too short.

Thanks again for going the extra mile with us.
Regards

Fritz and Elaine Brand (BLOEMFONTEIN) 
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Dear Johann

We would like to bring to your attention that we have had wonderful working relations with Lizelle van der Heever. This lady has been so friendly, helpful and thoughtful. She has gone out of the way to keep in contact with us. Thank-You Lizelle!

Maggie Connor (Devereux Lodge)
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DEAR NERINA 

Thank you for the excellent service you provided me with the arrangements for my Sydney trip.
It’s been greatly appreciated.

Warm Regards
Alison Schroder (Pastor CRC Kids Durban & Ballito)
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DEAR TESSA

Where did you go to school and learn to write so nicely?! I thoroughly enjoyed your article at the Drakensberg and am most impressed in the way you set it out. Well done.

Please tell Johann that I also enjoyed his moving article on his visit to Poland. It really makes one sit up and think and realise how fortunate we are with what we have and about which we are always complaining. We do not realise what real hardship, sadness and suffering is all about.

John Anderson (BLOEMFONTEIN)

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Dear Etnique Staff

I have not yet had the opportunity to say a brief word of thanks for the very professional and effective service that we received from Sure Etnique Travel, and you in particular with our research group’s Budapest visit last year. Nerina, you rapidly and effectively handled our flights, accommodation, visas etc., which at the end came to pass without a glitch. The comprehensive and detailed travel itinerary in booklet form that you provided us with set us at ease upon arriving at each new destination and enabled us to maximize our visits in the briefest space of time. Rest assured that we will put in a good word for you all whenever possible.

Thanks again!
Professor Ryk Lues - Central University of Technology (CUT)
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Hi Nerina

Ons is terug en ek wil net vir jou baie dankie se vir jou hulp met ons reëlings.  Daar was geen probleme met die visums nie - dankie vir jou moeite daarmee.

Ons Eurail kaartjies het wonderlik gewerk en ons het glad nie daarmee gesukkel nie - dankie ook vir jou moeite en geduld daarmee. Indien ons weer die geleentheid sal hê om te reis, sal ek jou graag weer wil kontak.

Groete,
Tinnie Pienaar - Bloemfontein
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Beste Melanie

Ons is terug en alles weer uitgesorteer en op hul plekke.
Baie dankie vir jou goeie en vriendelike diens en die bevestiging van ons terugvlugte.

Groot waardering
Prof. Hennie van Coller - UFS ________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Dear Nerina

Once again I want to thank you so much for making my travel arrangements to Sydney, and especially for requesting assistance at OR Tambo Airport and Sydney. The request was noted by the check-in clerks and immediately I felt assured that I would be well taken care of. The staff there as well as on the Qantas flights were caring, friendly and efficient, making both outbound and return journeys pleasant.

You really are a star! Best wishes to you and your friendly staff.
Ray Kibur - Bloemfontein

• Dear Tessa
  
  Thank you for your good wishes upon my retirement from Auto Europe.
  Sure Etnique Travel is probably one of the most professional and dream (travel) inspiring agencies I have ever walked into.
  Keep well.
  Regards
  
  Dale Johnson
  Auto Europe Sales Manager - KZN & FS

• Dear Tessa
  
  Thank you for all your arrangements for me, all went very smoothly.
  The service with the Archbishop of Canterbury was magnificent, high Anglicanism at its’ finest, with powerful music and a good, practical Christian message in the sermon.  
  Also enjoyed being in England for Remembrance Day and Memorial Sunday, when the whole village where I was staying at that time, Rishton in Lancashire,  came together for a service and then to walk through the streets to the Memorial, led by a bass band and piper, to lay wreaths of poppies. Everyone was wearing a poppy all the time prior to Remembrance Day and the impact of the war in Afghanistan is very real, especially with the ongoing deaths of these young soldiers. It was very moving.
  Lots of rain in Lancashire which is why it is always so beautiful and green.
  
  Thanks again for being such a star and for a wonderful professional service always.
  
  Joan Marston
  Paediatric Portfolio Manager
  Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa 

• Hallo Nerina,
  
  Die kinders is op pad, alles in in plek, en ons wil net vir jou BAIE dankie sê vir jou groot aandeel in dit alles! Ons waardeer jou baie - nie net vir wat jy vir ons doen nie, maar vir jou as persoon wie bereid is om mens en pootjies betrokke te raak as dinge nie na plan verloop nie.
  'n Mooi week vir jou!
  Best regards,
  Mit freundlichen Grüssen
  Meilleures salutations
  
  Dr. Pierre Jordaan
  Novartis Institute for Biomedical Research (NIBR)
  Basel Switzerland

• Hey Tessa
  
  Thank you for your excellent and personal service.
  We are back and no major injuries. Lankawi was great. The weather and hotel perfect. When we got to Koh Samui the weather was pretty bad and we couldn't really get to the beach for the first 5 days. It was also pretty quiet which we didn't expect. After a while we just went to all the places the guide book said we should avoid on account of them being to busy. The weather did get better and Bankok was a blast.
  Thanks again for everything
  Regards
  
  Willem Coertzen
  Mystic Boer Stellenbosch

• Liewe Nerina en al die ander gawe mense by Etnique
  
  Ons wens julle 'n baie geseénde Kersfees toe, en voorspoed en geluk in 2010!
  Dankie ook vir jou uitmuntende diens die afgelope jare, Nerina, my man en ek, en veral Marianne 'het die gerustheid dat Nerina die knoop sal deurhaak'!!
  
  Baie groete,
  
  Louise Cilliers 
  Bloemfontein

• Hi Tessa
  
  I am back in one piece. Everything worked like clockwork – you are #1 travel agent and I even got to meet you. Thank you for doing everything so fantastically – as usual Maitland knows how to pick the best. Have a great festive season and I hope we make contact again.
  
  Regards
  Prof Danny Walmsley
  Walmsley Environmental
  22 Amethyst Crescent
  Dartmouth B2V 2T7
  Tel: 902 4330819

“Dear Tessa,

First things first.  Thank you once again.    We truly had great flights with Virgin Atlantic.  Their in-flight movies are of the highest standard, as well as cabin service, punctuality in take offs and landings and overall performance.    Luggage arrived promptly and safely - so all in all, a very satisfying airline to fly with.  

Our time in London was hectic but very satisfying.  We stayed at, The Corus Hotel, Lancaster Gate, Hyde Park - just about 3 minutes walk from closest tube station.   A great concierge that could not do enough to guide, book and advise.   A hotel definitely to be recommended. Absolutely central and just within spitting distance from Hyde Park and Kensington Gardens.  A lovely Lebanese Restaurant, Fontana, situated 5 minutes walk away and about 10 min walk from Paddington Station. Also Italian and Malaysian restaurants close by.  Even I could find my way there and back.  The Hotel Restaurant itself offers a fantastic a la carte dinner for those wishing to stay in. We did an open-air bus tour seeing the hot-spots of Centre City....which was grand, except for the wickedest, coldest wind straight from Antartica to test us!  But at least no rain!   

Our day Coach trip into the Cotswolds to see Windsor Castle, The Stonehenge and Bath was equally fantastic but also with dismal, cloudy skies and even colder wind. But hey!   We had great fun and survived it. 

Night life was great.  The show Grease was lovely and fun - but I think a Eunice show could match it any day.  But "We Will Rock You" is a show in entirely another category.  Vibrant, slick, LOUD, futuristic, funny, clever - great acting, great singing and the audience let rip with appreciation and delight.   Of course, we joined in.     We got great seats from Half-Price Booth on Piccadilly Square (next to Lilywhites) - very professional booking! 

Another highlight was Buckingham Palace.  It was still open for the Summer Season and we did the State Rooms Tour.  Amazing, fantastic, beautiful, breathtaking!  We all loved it - and to think that darling Lizzie so graciously shares the extent of all these Royal treasures with the world!  Nobody, however, had ever primed us on the magnificence of the gardens - welcoming all the tourists to stroll along the pathway meandering along lush green lawns, shady trees and mini lakes.   I felt so at home there.  In fact, I can see myself being queen and happily living at Buckingham Palace ever after!  We did most of the free Museums - too awesome to recount.    However, Peter in the end warned us that if we drag him off to another museum, he is going home!  

Jersey is a tale for another day - suffice it to say that Peter now has a broad idea of where his daughter lives, works, plays and thrives!   On his 60^th birthday he managed to see TWO castles and he climbed to the highest top at both Gorey Castle and Elizabeth Castle.    He now also understands the true meaning of Inclines ...and Uphills.....  and Stairs...... and Steps ...... and Climbing - which is a daily routine for Jersey people.    His vocabulary at times was inspiring - but for sailors and not for children! 

The Virgin Atlantic return flight from Heathrow to OT on 11 September (arrival 12 September 08h30) was beautifully punctual.   Luggage arrived promptly and intact and we had plenty of time to re-adjust and have coffee before settling in at departure lounge Gate E2 for our Jhb/Bloem connection.   

Thank you again, Tessa, for your job always done so professionally.   Thank you also for having the foresight to confirm the return flight for us - this seemingly tiny but hugely important aspect had slipped our minds completely during our last precious day with Grace.  With a few more people like you, and the rest of Etnique's  competent  guys,   we could run (and improve)  any airline!  

Carlen Yazbek
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Hallo Johann

Net om weer ‘n slag te sê baie dankie vir die sorgsaamheid, kundigheid en entoesiasme waarmee julle my en Urshula se toer na Italië en Israel reël.

Ons sien baie daarna uit en om dit saam met julle te kan doen, verskaf ons groot gerustheid.

Groetnis
Niel Viljoen
Hoofdirekteur Bedryf
Universiteit van die Vrystaat.

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Hi Tessa,

I must apologise for not sending you this ‘e’ mail earlier. Firstly I would like to thank you for the excellent service that you gave us.

We encountered no problems on the tour and the arrangements on Trafalgar Tours side were first class. The tour director, Alberto Fratino, was excellent. Dubai airport was amazing, but the four hour wait was exhausting. The tour through Rome was very interesting and the highlight was without a doubt the visit to the Vatican City and the Basilica of St. Peter.

There were many highlights on the tour and it would take me hours to highlight them all, so I will give you a few that really impressed me. The Isle of Capri was stunning. We went on a boat trip round part of the island and could not believe how clear and clean the water was. We took a taxi to the top of the island in a bus. The road to the top of the mountain is at places not wide enough for two vehicles. The shops and hotels are amazing. I was told that the restaurants and shops are open 20 hours a day. The gardens are beautiful and the vegetation is sub-tropical. On the way back, we stopped at Sorrento and spent a few hours walking around and to enjoy ice cream. We could choose from a selection of over 100 flavors. The Northern part of Italy is very much like the Western Cape and the garden route with regard to the vegetation (plenty of grapes are grown in this area as well as wheat).

Our trip to Venice was fascinating. The streets are narrow, with the result that there are no motor vehicles to be seen. The shops are very ‘classy’ and all the top clothing name brands are present. Most of the hotels are five stars and the going rate is about 600 euro per night. We went on a trip through the canals on a gondola which was very interesting. Buildings are being repaired on an ongoing basis due to the damage being done by the water.

The Italian lakes were beautiful and the scenery was awesome. The leaning tower of Pisa is a magnificent piece of architecture as are all the buildings in Italy. It is amazing how the churches and buildings were built in those days without the equipment that we have these days. Some of the churches took more than 100 years to build.

Florence and all the marble statues was also an experience. The tour ended in Rome and we then went to visit my son in Gravina, which is in the southern part of Italy. We took a bus to Gravina which took us 5 hrs. As a matter of interest, Gravina was built before Rome. The town has 50,000 inhabitants. People stay in the older part of the town, but are the very poor people. The area is very much like the Free State with regard to the vegetation. While we were there, the temperature was in the high 30’s centigrade. We spent a wonderful week in Gravina with my son and got to know a lot about the people and how they live.

Kind regards
Stuart & Elna du Plessis
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Kalimera Tessa,
Everything went well in Greece. We enjoyed ourselves without forgetting that we had attended a conference. Thanks for everything. We decided with Marietjie that in future we will be using your office for arrangements of our travels. Hope you also enjoyed your stay in Greece.
Mr Chitja Twala, University of the Free State, Department of History
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Melanie
Ons is terug in SA.  Ons het die kuier by ons kinders (in  Kanada en in Switserland) baie geniet; albei lande waar alles so perfek en nietjies verloop - nie 'n stompie op straat te sien nie met al die inwoners wat volgens die reël en gedissiplineerd leef.  Dit is eintlik 'n skok om weer terug te wees in die chaotiese Suid-Afrika. Ons wil vir Etnique en vir jou in die besonder baie hartlik bedank vir al die reëlings wat so goed gedoen is.  Daar was geen probleme nie en alles het goed verloop. Ons sal graag in die toekoms weer van julle puik diens wil gebruik maak - d.i. as ons ooit weer genoeg geld sal hê om oorsee te gaan. Met ons geld wat daar so waardeloos is, is dit maar 'n duur storie om te gaan. Groete en ons hoop jy werk lekker.
Prof Charles en Geri Kotzé
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TRAFALGAR TOER - HIGHLIGHTS OF EASTERN EUROPE - JULIE 2009
“By verre die genotvolste toer wat ons nog ervaar het. Dit was te danke aan die goeie weer (slegs een dag reën en wind), die feit dat ons groep uit slegs 29 toeriste bestaan het, goeie gesondheid, die wonderlike hotelle en etes, die professionele hantering van die toer en die feit dat ons twee nagte in al die stede oorgebly het. Die belangrikste van alles was egter die groot aantal hoogtepunte en wonderlike ervaring van bykans al die stede wat ons besoek het. Slovenië het verassend genoeg twee van die grootste hoogtepunte opgelewer afgesien van die pragtige natuurskoon van die Italiaanse Alpe. Die grotte van Postojna was asemrowend. ‘n Mens gaan die grotte binne met ‘n treinrit van 2 kilometers voor die begeleide staptoer van 1.5 kilometers, en die terugrit weer per trein, terwyl ‘n mens die hele tyd groot kamers, selfs sale, vol stalagtite en stalagmite van verskeie kleure en vorms besigtig. Amper so groots was die kabelspoortot bo-op Mount Vogel met ‘n ongelooflike uitsig oor sneeupieke en klein dorpies reg onder. Die enigste hotel nie in ‘n stad geleë nie, was juis die hotel in Lake Bled. Lake Bled was asemrowend met sy kerkie in die middel van die meer en verder omring deur pragtige berge en ‘n kasteel. Die stappie van 6 kilometers om die meer was idillies. Die tweede grootste hoogtepunt was die besoek aan die historiese soutmyn van Wielickzka naby Cracow. Hier gaan ‘n mens met ‘n mynhyser af nie verskeie ondergrondse vlakke waar daar talle kamers en kapelle is, onder meer ‘n reuse katedraal met beelde, ‘n orrel, ‘n altaar en muurpanele te siene is, alles uit harde soutrots gemaak. Ander tonele wat uitgebeeld word is Copernicus en soutrotsbeelde van geskiedkundige en ander tonele. Alles is geskep deur veral drie mynwerkers. Ook roerend, en selfs ontstellend, was die besigtiging van die Nazi konsentrasiekamp, Auschwitz met sy gaskamers en vertrekke vol tasse, borsels, menshare, skoene en klere van Joodse eienaars wat in gaskamers gesterf het. Die ou leefvertrekke en teregstellingsplekke het alles goed bewaar gebly omdat die Nazi’s die plek vinnig moes ontruim. Van die stede wat ons besoek het, was Budapest en Praag met hul riviere en brûe seker van die mooistes. Budapest het nog die duurste en tweede grootste parlementsgebou in Europa. Beide stede het pragtige kastele en katedrale, soos die St Vitus katedraal in Praag. Die geskiedenis van hierdie lande, sowel as Pole, en hul verdrukking onder die Habsburgs, Nazi’s en kommuniste is deur die plaaslike gidse oorgedra. Verdere hoogtepunte was die uiters moderne stede van Warsawa en Berlyn met hul groot glas toringgeboue naas die herbouing van die ou geskiedkundige geboue. ‘n Kort besoek aan Dresden se ou stad met herboude operahuis, kunsmuseum en katedraal was ook besonders. Na beëndiging van die toer was ons vier dae in Munchen. Met ons voete en ‘n “Hop-On” bus het ons alles verken, onder meer die somerpaleis Nymphenberg, verskeie kunsmuseums, natuurparke, die Marienplatz en ook ‘n opera bygewoon in die Nationaltheater. Selfs inkopies was opwindend met uitverkopings oral. Ons kon met Engels oral regkom, hoewel ietwat moeiliker in Pole en die Tsjeggiese Republiek. Alle reëlings het vlot verloop te danke aan Etnique se voorafbeplanning en uiters volledige en deeglike reisgids wat kaarte, busroetes en talle ander wenke, asook persoonlike besonderhede bevat het.”
Regter George en Mev Rina Wright, Bloemfontein
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hallo Johann,

Wou by julle inloer Donderdagmiddag, was in die Vrystaat vir die naweek, maar my vlug was met ure vertraag. Julle nuusbrief is leesgenot, en baie goed saamgestel. Ek voel ook so "tuis" ; ek glo die vlugte was so vertraag as gevolg van Kunstefees volumes, mal vir die PASSI tydskrif en ook Top Billing. Doet so voort, sien julle volgende keer, baie dankie vir julle besigheid, and continue to be the kite AGAINST the wind!
Erika Kok CEO Global Accommodation Kaapstad
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Dear Christa & Johann
The new look ETCETERA is excellent and mouthwatering, as always!
Archiving these for my retirement – kids will be out of the house and hopefully there will be the money to follow up on all your exciting newsletters!
Louis Nel - Benchmark Bryanston
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Beste Nerina
Baie dankie vir dit wat jy vir my doen en beteken.
Joyce Gibson - Parexel
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Beste Johann
Graag sê ons dankie vir die uitstekende diens wat julle gelewer het gedurende ons onlangse besoek oorsee. Melanie en ander in jou kantoor het soveel moeite gedoen dat ek eintlik skaam gekry het. In die drie jaar wat Melanie ons reisbesprekings doen, het sy ontwikkel tot 'n wêreldwyse, selfversekerde dame. Met Tessa wat oor haar (en my) skouer loer, kon niks verkeerd gaan nie. Ons voel sommer lus en gaan weer. Weereens baie dankie.
Frank en Rene Hodgson - Bloemfontein
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Johann
Ons is oppad Johannesburg toe vir die rugby en om die aansoeke Maandag in te handig by die Duitse Ambassade en dan het ons 'n afspraak komende Vrydag 10 Julie 2009 by die Britte. My opregte dank aan Lizelle van der Heever, wat uit haar pad gegaan het om my in kennis te stel van die nuwe verwikkelinge en die online visa aansoeke.  As dit nie vir Lizelle was nie, sou ons volgende week sonder 'n afspraak daar opgedaag het by die Britse mense, aangesien hulle 2 weke gelede my gekontak het en gesê het dat die afspraak sisteem nie meer van toepassing is nie.  Lizelle het nie net dit haar taak gemaak om my in kennis te stel nie, maar sy het ook uit haar pad gegaan om die mense te kontak en ons vrae te beantwoord.  Sy het nie moed opgegee met die honderde e-posse waarmee sy gebombardeer was nie en het elke vraag geantwoord en hulp aangebied. Baie dankie vir die ongelooflike inspirasie wat jy vir jou mense is, om sulke diens te kan lewer.
Zonja van der Ness - Bloemfontein
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Hi Melanie
Ons is terug in SA. Ons het die kuier by ons kinders (in Kanada en in Switserland) baie geniet; albei lande waar alles so perfek en nietjies verloop - nie 'n stompie op straat te sien nie met al die inwoners wat volgens die reël en gedissiplineerd leef. Dit is eintlik 'n skok om weer terug te wees in die chaotiese Suid-Afrika.

Ons wil vir Etnique en vir jou in die besonder baie hartlik bedank vir al die reëlings wat so goed gedoen is. Daar was geen probleme nie en alles het goed verloop.

Ons sal graag in die toekoms weer van julle puik diens wil gebruik maak - d.i. as ons ooit weer genoeg geld sal hê om oorsee te gaan. Met ons geld wat daar so waardeloos is, is dit maar 'n duur storie om te gaan.

Groete en ons hoop jy werk lekker.
Charles en Geri Kotzé
 

• Yolande
  Ongelooflik dankie jy het onvoortreflike diens gelewer!  Ek voel veilig in jou hande en het groot waardering vir die gesindheid waarin jy my altyd help.  Jy is 'n ster. Nogmaals dankie.
  Alta Myburgh – Bestuurskool UFS
   

• Beste Johann
  Ek wil net graag van die geleentheid gebruik maak om die puik diens wat ek weereens van Nerina die afgelope tyd ontvang het onder jou aandag te bring. Sy moet waarskynlik een van die sterre in jou span wees.
  Dr Cobus Pienaar - Departement Industriële Sielkunde, UFS
   

• Dear Tessa 
  It was quite a long time ago (2004) when you last did our bookings to England and Italy, and you surely have not lost your impressive skills! Peter and I would like to thank you for the fantastic way in which you put together “the spur of the moment” bookings for my visit to Grace in Jersey. Thank you for the details you finalized so precisely and so thoughtfully and giving me ample time to make my way from airports to buses to airports … and then back again.
  
  It was quite a challenge to travel alone internationally for the first time in my life. But the way you prepared the itinerary made it unbelievably uncomplicated. I told my family that I now have such a swollen head and inflated sense of self-importance (just like out president) that I have put my name down on NASA’s inter galactic space travel programme … scheduled for Jupiter in 2090. I hope that you will still be around at Etnique to handle my travel arrangements! Thanks so much Tessie for the personal attention and delightful sense of caring that you always display in your dealings with us. Your professional expertise combined with that “touch of Tessa” makes all the difference in approaching the somewhat daunting area of flying, for all of us! With love and best wishes. 
  Carlen Yazbek - Bloemfontein
   

• Beste Christa en Lizelle 
  Baie dankie vir al julle ure en harde werk wat julle ingesit het om ons reisplan en toer tot hier te kry.  Die trippie is iets waaroor ek, Lizelle en Tessa al reeds meer as 12 maande oor gesels het.  Ek was nog altyd baie wantrouig teenoor ander mense, aangesien die lewe my geleer het om als maar eerder self te doen. 
  
  Wat 'n wonderlike vreugde, om te kan getuig dat Lizelle v.d. Heever, met haar sagte hart en besige verstand, vir my duisende dinge kon leer rondom vlugte en hotel besprekings...en dan die ongelooflike reisplan wat Christa opgestel het...fenominaal fantasties...baie dankie dat ek nou met 'n geruste hart kan weet om alles aan julle bekwame span te kan toevertrou.
  Zonja van der Ness - Bloemfontein  
   

• “Beste Nerina, hiermee wil ek graag aan die begin van 2009 vir jou bedank dat jy altyd so bereid is om te help met enige ongewone versoek. Dit maak nie saak wat 'n mens versoek nie, jy weet ALTYD hoe om 'n probleem op te los! Baie dankie vir die ekstra myl wat jy altyd saam met my reis - of ek nou gestrand op Algiers se lughawe sit, of maar net gou oornag 'n vliegkaartjie Johannesburg toe wil verander - jy is altyd gereed met 'n plan. Ek hoop dat jy sommer nog vir baie dekades vir ons almal kan help om rond te beweeg - of dit nou Kaapstad of Kentucky is waarheen ons wil gaan - jy sit reeds gereed met die blou houer in jou hand!  Geniet die nuwe jaar en mag al jou kliënte se versoeke vir jou kinderspeletjies wees!”
  Corrie Geldenhuys - UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Lizelle van der Heever en Tessa, baie baie dankie vir al die moeite wat julle met ons toer na Egipte toe gedoen het. Sylvia Tours was puik en hulle diens van hoogstaande gehalte. Ook die hotel en bootreis was puik! Voorwaar ‘n onvergeetlike ondervinding! Ek is so spyt ons het nie na jou geluister Tessa, en Sharm el Sheik toe gegaan nie. Dit is SOOOOO veilig, veral as jy met ‘n toergroep gaan. Ons sal maar net weer moet gaan! Die verkeer was natuurlik “hair raising”. Daar is geen reëls nie. Geen robotte, geen stopstrate, geen strepe nie. Jy toer net en jy ry! ‘n U-draai in die middel van ‘n 5-baan op en 5-baan-af verkeer is niks snaaks nie. Jy toet net en ry. Ons het permanent gegiggel van pure senuwees. Hulle sê daar is net 3 vereistes: “good brakes, good hooter en good luck!!” Voorwaar waar. Ongelooflike geskiedenis met uitstekende ingeligte gidse. Gaan weer!!!!”
  Vis & Annette Raath - Bloemfontein
   

• “Hello Melanie, a quick note to say thank you for all the smooth travel arrangements which you made for me regarding my trip to the States. Everything went well, the baby arrived timeously and I am back home again. For interest sake, the seat allocation 18F on that particular plane (which I cannot identify!!) is a great place to sit - quite close to the loo and embarkation point. Only problem is that it has a box under the seat so you cannot put your feet back. Thought I should just mention it to you for future reference. Maybe a 17F is better? Hope you had good Christmas and that 2009 will be great.”
  Lil Oelrich - Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Nerina, our trip went off very well all around. Thankyou for your assistance. It is certainly a relief to be back in the sub-tropics. I am a convert to the comfort on the TAP daylight flight apart from the awkward arrival time. On the way over there were only 26 passengers on a wide bodied jet! I would like to make a trip in July, with Roz, to visit two of my overseas based daughters. One lives in Reykjavik and the other north of Vancouver.”
  Rodney Harber - Musgrave, South Africa
   

• “Morning Tessa, and a wonderful 2009 for you.....!!! I just want to thank you again for everything you have done for us last year.
  Karin Burger - Gestetner, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Nerina, my good Prof has thankfully arrived safely (with his daughter) in Israel.  He has asked me to convey his sincere thanks for all the trouble you went to (at such short notice) for his daughter to accompany him!  I know that you had cancellations and reservations, etc. at the last minute, and once again you pulled out all the stops!  He is really impressed and thankful that you could seat him next to his daughter all the way to Tel Aviv! Thank you so much!”
  Vanessa White - UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hallo Tessa, it was a great trip. Hard work but nevertheless GREAT. Thanks for all your help as it sure worked in exact detail as you intended. Never a mishap or missed flight. Had a few problems with the Ryan Air you organised but nothing that couldn’t be solved. Started with the Edinburgh Festival and ended with a medieval festival in Gualdo Tadina in Umbria. Lake Maggiore has to many tourists. Lake Orta on the other hand was much easier to handle. But all in all good. Thanks so much again.”
  Edmund Hattingh - Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Lizelle, thank you very much for your time.  I appreciate your feedback and will convey it to my parents.  I wish you and your Company a Merry Christmas and a Happy 2009.  Keep up the good work. Greetings from Brisbane, Australia.”
  Charles Jewaskewitz - Brisbane, Australia
   

• “Hi Tessa, I just want to express my appreciation of your services in preparation for this trip. Everything was well arranged and I did not have any problems on the trip to. The little hitch was my collection from Dubai to Abu Dhabi but that did not present any problems. Keep up the good work.”
  Ntefeleng Tshiboho -  Lesotho Revenue Authority


 

• “We had a marvelous trip, thanks in large part to your unfailing expertise, care, and good cheer, Tessa. In Franschhoek we had dinner at Le Quartier Francais, we have agreed that it was the best dinner we’ve had in our lives, which is saying quite a lot since we go out of our way to find great meals wherever we travel. John asks that I convey to you that the Blue Train exceeded his expectations, which were high to start with. We loved how easy everything was with car rentals and air. We loved the Ambassador in Cape Town. Next time we go we will ask you to arrange everything since the things I managed weren’t up to your standard. The bush camp in Madikwe was wonderful, but we are pretty over-experienced with regard to wildlife, having started our safari experience many years ago with camping on the floor of Ngorongoro Crater and continued more recently (thanks to you!) with the Okavango. John enjoyed the game drives, but the best thing for me there was hanging out by the birdbath in camp. The wildlife experience is too managed for my taste. Chris, the owner/operator at the bush camp, was delightful, helpful, and an excellent host. But boy was it cold! I’m very glad I had an opportunity to spend a couple of days in Harare, my friend there and I chatted incessantly for two days, and I also got to see a few other old friends and meet a couple of new ones.”
  Susanne Oldham - Yellow Springs, Ohio, USA
   

• “Hi Lizelle, ek wil vir jou baie dankie sê vir al jou geduld en moeite met ons! Sonder jou sou  ek dalk maar die reis gelos het! Dit is maar moeilik as Ma om die kinders  wat nog nie oorsee was nie,  te laat verstaan dat daar betyds aansoek gedoen moet word vir paspoorte ens. Baie, baie dankie!”
  Rika Marx - Parexel, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Tessa, a big thank you for all the trouble you went through to make the Interlochen trip possible for Anke. This was the experience of a lifetime . . . the good, the bad, and the ugly! The organisational effort for an unaccompanied minor had all the elements for an award winning soap opera, hopefully never to be repeated! But she did enjoy every minute, after having survived the poor service afforded by SAA and NWA. We cannot thank you enough for all the time spent, even after we came back from the States.”
  Dr Susan van Dyk (Fourie), Bloemfontein
   

• “Yolandé, a very big thank you for your special efforts and always going the extra mile. We appreciate it.”
  Pastor Att & Ngaretta Boshoff
   

• “Lizelle, baie dankie vir jou flinke diens. Ek dink ek sal in die toekoms my oorsese vlugte ook by julle doen (was nog altyd by jullle opposisie, maar hulle was baie halstarrig om my te help met die Voyagerbespreking; het hulle toe maar gelos).”
  Prof Hermie C van Zyl, Dekaan, Fakulteit Teologie, UFS
   

• “Nerina, this is just a small token of our appreciation for your FANTASTIC work in organizing our Australian trip. We are extremely grateful for all you did to ensure that every aspect of our flights and bookings were done in the most professional way. It is amazing to think that every little detail, stretching over such a vast expanse of ocean and land, was covered from your office here in Bloemfontein! We were also blessed that all of our luggage on every flight was recovered without damage or loss.”
  Peter & Carlen Yazbek, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hi Tessa. just to let you know we are back. Everything went well and we had a great time. Thank you for all your efforts.”
  Steven Haswell. Laduma Sales & Merchandising, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hi Lizelle M & Lizelle vd H, baie dankie vir die professionele en vriendelike wyse waarop julle ons gehelp het, veral nadat ons nog 'n kansellasie gehad het ook. Ek sal regtig met vrymoedigheid mense na julle toe verwys”.
  Lizette Pretorius, Department of Public Management
  Faculty of Economic & Management Sciences, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Melanie, thank you very much for all your help in sorting out our travel arrangements and accommodation. It all went very well, and we are glad to be back. Once again, thank you so much for your help, very much appreciated.”
  Mr & Mrs Trichard -  Australia
   

• Hi Tessa, what a wonderful holiday, we had such fun without the men. Wimbledon was wonderful and the first day that we went we sat so near to the court that you could almost touch the players. Saw the most incredible tennis, managed to go everyday, the days that we did not have tickets, we queued and managed to get entrance to the grounds each day. Only one that I did not get to see was my favourite Nadal. Even saw Cliff Richards. We were most fortunate to have very little rain - 20 minutes at the most. Saw a musical in London called Wicked, based on Wizard of Oz (highly recommended). Sipped on Pimms and strawberries and cream every day. Turkey was fantastic, dont know if it was just that we were two girls on our own, had the men eating out of our hands, very friendly and helpful. One of the lads from the hotel took us out to the backpackers area for drinks, and I think Diane has invited about 10 turks for the world cup. We stayed in a fantastic hotel and will defintely go back to the same one again, breakfast was just turkey food and there was no liquor allowed in the hotel, but plenty of pubs in vacinity.  sending through a photo of hotel. You can really recommend Istanbul to your clients as a tourist destination and the hotel which was very inexpensive. Had we stayed in five star hotels we would have had to make use of company transport to get anywhere, we were right in the middle of the touriest district, could walk to the bazaar, blue mosque and palace. Turkish airlines one of the best that I have been on, lots of leg room, almost as much as business class. They serve all night and we had plenty of wine.  Highly recommended. Thanks Tessa for all your help with airline tickets etc.  Oh yes seats may be prebooked 24 hours before the flight on the internet. must remember for next time.
  Jenny Smith, Bloemfontein
   

• “Nerina, dankie vir al ons reëlings, veranderinge, rondskuif en 7 kaartjie na Europa en VSA.  Sien uit na nog  besprekings einde Oktober.”
  Prof Esta van Heerden, Department of Biotechnology, UFS
   

• “Hi Nerina, wil net weer baie dankie sê, ons het ons reis vreeslik geniet. Sal jul definitief aanbeveel. Het gesê ek sal jou laat weet van die bagasie se wrap. In JHB wrap Emirates wel die bagasie self gratis voordat jy inweeg.  In London moes ons betaal om dit te laat wrap. Jy kan aan jou kliënte so deurgee, daar was ‘n paar mense wat buite betaal het om bagasie te wrap en toe is dit gratis binne.”
  Anneri Bosch - Bosch Finansiële Dienste, Bloemfontein
   

• “Tessa, we are back, safe and sound .... the trip to and from was wonderful without any hiccups, everything went smoothly and well. I can recommend SAA and their pilots. Our thanks to you for the efficient and friendly way you organised everything.”
  Hendrik and Engela Erasmus, Ventersburg
   

• “Beste Nerina, ek en Ina is terug uit Kanada en wil net graag dankie sê vir die bekwame wyse waarop jy al ons reisreëlings getref het.  Virgin Atlantic is beslis, wat ons betref, beter as SAL, maar die ou sitplekkies is ook maar besonder nou.  Iemand het êrens besluit om die pret uit oorsese vlugte te haal.  Ek moet sê Air Canada beïndruk ons elke keer meer en meer.  Eienaardig genoeg wou SAL ons nie toelaat om elkeen meer as 20 kg bagasie vanaf Johannesburg na Bloemfontein te bring nie ten spyte daarvan dat ons vanaf Bloemfontein na Johannesburg gevlieg het met swaarder bagasie.  Die sekuriteit op Vancouver grens ‘n bietjie aan belaglikheid.  Aan die einde van die dag egter, was dit ‘n baie suksesvolle toer en jou bydrae daartoe was onvermydelik.”
  Adv Hans en Ina de Bruin, Bloemfontein


 

• “Liewe Landie, weereens dankie vir al die persoonlike aandag wat ek van jou gekry het i.v.m.die reelings van my vlugte en visum dit was waarlike diens met ‘n verskil”.
  Jaco Grove, Ugie
   

• “Thanks Yolandé, you are too kind. In an industry that is renowned for it’s efficiency you shine out. Thanks for your brilliant service so far, I look forward to working with you again.”
  Loretta Houghton, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hallo Johann, net om dankie te sê aan Etnique Travel en meer spesifiek aan Tessa vir 'n wonderlike, vriendelike en professionele diens wat ons ontvang het vir my en  my vrou se toer na Parys en Londen. Ek het eintlik geen ander keuse om julle elke keer te gebruik nie, want geen ander agentskap bied alles wat julle bied nie. Veral ook aan Tessa, baie dankie vir jou vriendelike en professionele diens.”
  Professor Ebben van Zyl, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hi Yolande, what can I say, when you’re good, you’re good!!! An absolute star you are!!! Really appreciate your positive attitude, endless patience & going the extra mile. It certainly is a pleasure doing business with you.”
  Lynette Goodwill, Personal Assistant to Pastor At Boshoff, Christian Revival Church, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Melanie, just wanted to say a BIG thank you for taking care of all the arrangements of my original and amended travel plans. You are a star!”
  Dr Pierre Jordaan - Cardiologist and Snr Director, Business Development, Parexel, Bloemfontein
   

• “Beste Johann, ek gaan vir drie weke in Europa rondrits saam met my seun van 12, Danie. Hy gaan onder andere aan die Statebond Karate Kampioenskap in Edinburgh, as lid van die Protea span, deelneem. Dankie vir Melanie en jou span mense wat my so bekwaam en goed gehelp het. Dit was groot pret om hierdie budget toer te beplan. Ek vertrou die toer gaan self ook pret wees.”
  Dolf Schutte - Naudes, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Tessa, thanks again for helping to make this trip possible for my parents. We are still very sad they had to leave and wish them to return soon and send them on other adventures in the US. We have heavy hearts for them and this last trip increased our awareness or their needs and desires even more for all of us. People go about their jobs or days and think they just do a job or their routine, they don’t often realise the good impact and effects it has on others… Trust me, what you do is more than just a job. You help solidify familes, through growth, you help people see their life again through another set of eyes, you show people what they can do and help strengthen their own confidence. With much gratitude and appreciation.”
  Joe, Hilary, Chaya & Rochel Mendelson - New York
   

• “Hi Tessa, thanks for all arrangements, I am very impressed, everything went well in England and the USA.”
  Mr Reginald Hiscock - UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• Hi Tessa, taken as a whole everything went very well and we really enjoyed our trip to England and the USA. Thanks for taking care of us.”
  Prof Niel Viljoen - Chief Director:  Operations, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Tessa, this is just a note from me to tell you how I appreciate your concern about my welfare. In this busy time of your life you made time for me. It is good to know there are still exist people like you, who exist! Thank you so much!”
  Mrs Maggie Bruwer - Saskatoon, Canada
   

• “Liewe Nerina, hiermee net weer baie dankie vir jou voortreflike reëlings vir ons besoek aan Switserland en Oostenryk! En afgesien daarvan ook tonne dankies vir al die moeite wat jy gedoen het om my man se paspoort, en toe ons albei se visums, betyds gereed te kry - daar het jy regtig die onmoontlike reggekry! Jy is 'n ware staatmaker.”
  Louise Cilliers - UFS, Bloemfontein

• “Hallo Melanie, hierdie week het woes gegaan. Tussen my KKNK en China trip was ek lank van die werk af weg met die gevolg dat ek heelwat dingetjies moes gaan opvolg toe ek terugkom. Die China besoek het verbasend glad verloop. Die lughawens is uitstekend uitgelê en ons het nooit regtig probleme ondervind om by ons plekke uit te kom nie. Maar die tyd wat ons spandeer het om op die lughawens te kom, te vlieg en te wag vir die volgende vliegtuie, was erg! Toe ons Sondag hier aankom was ek en Kobus teen daardie tyd 35 ure lank wakker want slaap op die vliegtuig is onmoontlik. Die 6 ure tydsverskil tas mens erg aan! Singapoer se lughawe is ongelooflik mooi. So ook is Beijing se lughawe iets ongeloofliks. Enorm en spieëlblinkskoon, gemaak van die beste materiale. Om een of ander rede waarsku almal mens oor China se kos, maar om eerlik te wees (veral in Shunde waar hulle baie meer tradisioneel eet) was elke ete wat ons gehad het van die beste kos wat ek nog gehad het. Daardie mense weet hoe om kos te maak! Wat daar in was, kan mens nie altyd waarborg nie, maar smaaklik sonder twyfel. In Weihai en Beijing waar verwestering erg ingetree het, was die kos goed, maar in tipiese westerse styl waar geld en tyd praat, baie afgewater. In Shunde was dit ook moeilik om jou pad te kry omdat die mense daar nog nie regtig Engels magtig is nie. Beijing en Weihai is geen probleem nie. Shunde is 'n arm deel van China en ons het nie besef plekke kan soos Weihai lyk nie. Dis 'n pragtige stad - een waar ek sonder twyfel sou kon bly as ek gedwing was. 

  Beijing was goed om te sien en die reëlings wat jy daar getref het, het ongelooflik baie gehelp. Die lughawe is amper 'n uur se ry van die hotel af en die vervoer reëlings het baie gehelp. Die toer die volgende dag was baie interessant en die Forbidden City is 'n moet vir iemand wat daarlangs kom.

  Ons het 'n hele paar duisend rand se sy-items gekoop by 'n sy fabriek, maar hulle cater ongelukkig nie vir die lywiger Suid Afrikaanse vrouens nie met 'n 5-XL bloes wat nog nie eers 'n nommer 16 op ons rakke sal wees nie.  Die enigste wat ons gepla het in Beijing was die hotel wat buitensporig duur was met kameritems soos water, koeldranke en internet konneksies. Daar vra hulle R 40 vir 'n 500ml water en R 45 per uur vir internet waar internet in die ander twee hotelle gratis was. Maar dit gaan waarskynlik 'n verskynsel by alle hotelle in hierdie omgewing wees en hulle beweer dat met die Olimpiese spele die tariewe ses maal gaan verhoog! Alles in ag geneem, het die reis baie glad verloop. Ons wil jou net bedank vir jou reëlings wat daartoe gehelp het.”
  Koos Uys - Bloemfontein
   

• “Melanie, baie dankie vir al jou hulp - dit is die moeite werd om met ‘n reisagentskap soos julle sin te werk as mens sulke goeie diens kry.”
  Dorette du Toit - Bloemfontein

 

• “Nerina, ek wil graag vir jou, Yolandé en Maquida baie dankie sê vir julle moeites, maar in besonder dankie sê vir die vriendelike wyse waarop julle my altyd akkommodeer.”
  Joyce Gibson - Parexel, Bloemfontein
   

• “Nerina, baie dankie vir jou spoedige antwoord - ons waardeer dit verskriklik baie. Ja, ons geniet regtig ons kuier by die kinders hierdie laaste week. Baie dankie vir jou moeite met die bespreking van die sitplekke, jy is ‘n absolute juweel. Ons het die afgelope 3 dae heerlike sonnige weer in Londen, maar op die weervoorspelling sien ons dat dit van môre af weer bewolk en reënerig raak, maar dit maak nie saak nie, ons kuier lekker. Sien jou oor min of meer 10 dae en weereens baie, baie dankie.”
  Koos en Soekie Strachan, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hi Melanie, thanks again for all your help in making it an unforgettable experience - everything went so smoothly, and we were so impressed with Waleed, our guide on the Nile! He even made it look easy to decipher the hieroglyphs! The feluccas were amazing, even though we saw one overturned with approx 10 students in the water!! Unfortunately I didn't take any pictures of the Mercure, but the pool area was beautiful and what made it especially nice was it's location, since it was close to the museum and on the banks of the Nile. Hesham, our contact in Cairo, spared no trouble to ensure that we have the best time ever. We both can't wait to go back again. What a wonderful country to tour in. We will recommend you highly to all our friends! Best wishes.”
  Judge Fritz and Elaine Brand 
   

• Dear Tessa, thank you very much for the caring and professional way in which you are helping my mom. It really is a joy to work with such a professional person” 
  Dr Debora Bruwer - Saskatoon, Canada


 

• “Johann, your newsletters are really interesting and informative and I’m sure they are a great marketing tool for Sure Etnique. You do a really fantastic job on this great little communication tool!”
  Kate Nathan - Editor, Business Travel Now, Deputy Editor, Travel News Weekly (TNW)
   

• “Dear Tessa, I wanted to thank you for your kind support, thinking of all the small details, like the guesthouses in Johannesburg. I stayed with Green Palms which was nice and friendly. I am sure that I will contact you again for other arrangements.”
  Anne Kress - German Volunteer, Lesotho
   

• “Beste Nerina, baie dankie vir die puik reëlings vir Colloquium 2007 in België”.
  Prof. L.T. du Plessis en Personeel, Eenheid vir Taalbestuur, Fakulteit ekonomie & Bestuurswetenskappe, UFS
   

• “I would like to compliment Lizelle van der Heever on the excellent service we have received from her. We make use of Etnique / Sure Travel at work.  When I request a quote, she always delivers it to me in a timely manner - no need for me to follow up.  She has a "nothing-is-too-much" attitude and is always willing to change our arrangements as needed (even 6 or 7 times if neccessary!) She has delivered consistently great service to our department and I would sincerely like to thank her.
  Hanlie Duvenage, PAREXEL, Data Management, Bloemfontein 
   

• “Ek het by Etnique ingestap om net ‘n kwotasie te kry vir ‘n groepsgebpreking na Griekeland. Ek is dadelik deur Tessa gehelp, al was sy eintlik oppad uit. Ek het absoluut ongelooflike diens ontvang wat moeilik geëwenaar sal word. Van die eerste oomblik af was hierdie groep vir haar belangrik. Met ons eerste afspraak kon ek duidelik sien die moeite in die voorbereiding en aanbieding van haar voorstelle. Die besluit het geval op Rhodos want ons kon vir 'n dag ook Turkye besoek. Dit was 'n hoogtepunt en absoluut die moeite werd. Ek is konstant op hoogte gehou met al die vordering en reë lings en het nooit gewonder wat aangaan. Probleme met van die groeplede se paspoorte en visas, het sy 'n persoonlike saak gemaak. Weereens het sy nie die moeite ontsien om al die verantwoordelikheid in haar hande te neem en dit op te los. Tessa het selfs by die lugredery "pre-seating" vir ons groep gereël, en toe ek my oe uitvee toe staan sy by "check-in" in Jhb, al die pad van Bfn af, om toe te sien dat alles glad verloop. Die probleme wat wel langs die pad opgeduik het was nie van Etnique se kant af nie. Terug in SA het Tessa dadelik gehelp om 'n vergete selfoon op te spoor, en wag nog vir 'n antwoord oor 'n ete by 'n restaurant in Athene. Sy is 'n baie aangename mens en absoluut 'n aanwins vir Etnique. Daarom is dit net 'n plesier om weer besigheid met haar en Etnique te doen. Ek en my man besoek Thailand in Desember.”
  Karin Burger - Gestetner, Bloemfontein
   

• “Beste Nerina, graag wil ek jou net langs hierdie weg van harte bedank vir die pragtige paspoorthouer van Etnique wat my Maandag op my lessenaar ingewag het.  Dit is werklik 'n mooi gebaar van julle kant af en ek stel dit enorm hoog op prys, net soos ek ook julle voortreflike diens waardeer. Groetnis”.
  Prof. L.T. du Plessis, Eenheid vir Taalbestuur, UFS
   

• “Johann, ek wil jou baie lof toesing vir die uiters ordentlike manier waarop jy besigheid doen. Diens en terugvoer soos joune bestaan nie, dit is uitsonderlik skaars! Nee, SAX weet min van goeie diens. Ek het gister teruggevlieg van Jhb na Kby en was twee keer vertraag met verskonings wat niks beteken nie. Ek wil weet wat beteken “Operational Reasons”. Ek wonder hoekom duur vliegtuie se klank so swak is!? Wat my erg vies maak is dat hulle jou so lank laat staan op die bus voordat die bus na die vliegtuig ry. Daar moet ‘n manier wees waarop hierdie mense reggeruk kan word en hul diens kry tot op net ‘n tiende van jou diens, want dit sal hulle al klaar goed maak.”
  Hardus Mans - Kimberley
   

• “Johann, Tessa & Lizelle, ek en my man het op die nippertjie besluit om langer in Italië agter te bly, met baie min tyd om te reël en net net 5 dae tot ons beskikking, wou ons natuurlik die beste van dit maak. Johann se ongelooflike kennis van Italië het alles moontlik gemaak.Lizelle het my binne ‘n week teruggebel, vlugte was verander en ‘n reisplan klaar uiteengesit. Ons het in Rome in ‘n motor geklim en in Venesië geindig, vanwaar ons teruggevlieg het. Alles was tot in die fynste detail gereël, saamgevat en gebind, met ‘n reisplan, kaarte, “vouchers” en hotelbevestigings. ‘n Oproep op ‘n Saterdagaand aan Johann en Tessa vanuit Italië was ook geen moeite. Hulle het my binne ‘n halfuur teruggebel met antwoorde, en is ook die volgende dag oorval met sms’e om seker te maak ons het reggekom. Ongelooflik!! Van die begin af was die diens absoluut fantasties. Dit waarvoor jy betaal, kry jy dubbel terug. Daar was geen weggesteekte kostes en ek is telefonies op hoogte gehou van alle vordering met die reëlings. Ek sal enige iemand aanraai om met die grootste vrymoedigheid by Etnique in te stap.”
  Karin Burger - Bloemfontein
   

• “Hallo Nerina, na die naelbytery oor die Visum, is alles nou weer wel. Baie dankie vir die reëlings - alles het goed verloop en nêrens was daar haakplekke.. Baie dankie vir die goeie en professionele optrede.  Dit is lekker om met so 'n vriendelike mens besigheid te doen. Groete”.
  Prof Kobus Lazenby - Dept Ondernemingsbestuur, UFS
   

• “Beste Johann, graag bedank ek jou en jou personeel vir die uitstekende toer wat jy vir ons toergroep na Frankryk, Italië en Engeland gereël het. Die reisreëlings, hotelle en aanduidings was puik en ons het werklik 'n wonderlike tyd beleef, danksy julle ondersteuning, besprekings, toerprogram en inligting.”
  Prof Basie Verster - Dept Bourekenkunde, UFS
   

• “Hi Melanie, all the travelling went very well, in contrast to the delays on the Quebec trip at the end of April!! The change over in Munich on the way there, and the day in Frankfurt on the return journey all slotted into place neatly. I stayed at the Hotel Excelsior in Frankfurt, directly across the road from the main station. This was convenient for the trip in from the airport, and well located for one to stroll to the “old“ part of the city.  Pleasant squares with old facades surrounding them, the weather overcast but not wet, and the German beer as tasty as always. Djerba was interesting with a considerable amount of history going back many, many centuries to Roman times. Thank you for all your assistance in ensuring that the travels went smoothly, obviously including a whisper in the airlines’ ears that I was not to be subjected to the delays of my previous trip!!”
  Mark Webber - Bloemfontein
   

• “Johann, graag wil ek ook jou en jou personeel bedank vir die professionele wyse waarop julle ons toer gereel het. Die gids met ons reisplanne was werklik uniek en die beste wat ek nog ooit ontvang het.”
  Willem Venter - Worcester
   

• “Melanie, weereens wil ek baie dankie sê vir die moeite wat jy gedoen het na die kansellasie van my vlug vanaf London Gatwick na Dallas, veral na die baie kort kennisgewing. Dit word opreg waardeer. Met beste wense”.
  P J van der Merwe, SA Doping Control Laboratory, UFS
   

• "Marié, ek weet nie of ek al vir jou dankie gesê het vir jou reëlings met my besoek aan Tanzania en Zanzibar in Junie vanjaar nie.  Alles het glad verloop en ek het die kuier baie geniet. Sal jou dienste beslis aanbeveel! Baie dankie!”
  David Bekker - Harrismith
   

• "Hiermee wil ek julle net bedank vir die uitstekende diens wat julle lewer. Ek en my man reis al die afgelope 23 jaar, en wat julle alles doen het ek nog nooit teegekom nie. Almal wat ek ken sal beslis daarvan hoor. Spesiale dankie aan Melanie - hou so aan!”
  Dennis en Glenda van Heerden - Bloemfontein
   

• "Beste Nerina, my opregte dank vir jou puik reëlings tydens my onlangse oorsese reise. Dit is so gerusstellend om te weet dat ek op so ‘n staatmaker kan staatmaak met ‘n reisplan wat dikwels voortdurende aanpassings verg. Selfs onder geweldige druk is jy altyd bereid om die ekstra myl te stap. Jy kwyt jou uitstekend van jou taak!  Sure Etnique Travel kan met reg trots wees op jou. Jou diensingesteldheid verdien beslis onderskeiding.”
  Dr Michelle Middle - PAREXEL SA
   

• ”Hi Marié, ek wil graag baie dankie sê vir jou harde werk met die reël van ons verblyf. Ek weet dit kon nie altyd maklik gewees het nie (so baie “demands” van ons kant af). Ons waardeer dit opreg.”
  Ernst du Plooy - CUT, Bloemfontein
   

• ”Les and I want to say a big “thank you” to Nerina for “going the extra mile” in all our bookings, and many changes, help with visas etc. Thank you Nerina, for all your help.”
  Les & Lorna Levitt, Bloemfontein
   

• ”Hi Marié, just to let you know that everything went extremely well - thanks for the excellent travel arrangements you made. Your timing of all the flights were brilliant.”
  Ray Ferraris - Letseng Diamond Mine, Lesotho
   

• "Beste Nerina, net ‘n kort briefie om te sê baie dankie vir die uitstekende reëlings wat jy getref het in verband met ons pas afgelope besoek aan Las Vegas en Kanada. In Las Vegas het ons die wonderlike voorreg gehad om die wêreldbekende Cirque Soleil in die MGM Grand Teater te sien. Dit was ‘n skouspel wat ‘n mens vir niemand kan beskryf nie. In Kanada het ons die kinders in Terrace (op die noordweskus) besoek en saam met hulle ‘n tydjie deurgebring in die Okanagan Vallei synde dié gedeelte van Kanada waar wyn en die wonderlikste vrugte verbou word. Ek en Ina het daarna twee dae in Vancouver spandeer en een van die dae het ons die treinrit onderneem tussen Vancouver en Whistler. Die roete neem ‘n mens deur ‘n skouspelagtige gedeelte van die Rocky Mountains en Whistler is ‘n ongelooflike mooi dorp waar die 2010 Winter Olimpiese Spele aangebied gaan word. As ons kon sou ons in die toekoms beide SAL (met die klein sitplekkies en min ruimte) en Heathrow Lughawe wou vermy. Origens was ons vakansie onvergeetlik.”
  Adv Hans en Mev Ina de Bruin - Bloemfontein
   

• "Dear Johann, I sincerely wish to express my thanks to you and your staff for the excellent service and support rendered during my colleague, Rudolf van Buuren and my official visit to Turku (Finland), Bremen (Germany), Vienna and ulmitately Kufstein in Austria, during June 2007.  I can modestly claim to have travelled all over the world, making use of the services of several agencies throughout the years.  However, what I experienced during this visit, is in a class of its own, far above anything else!  The trouble that your staff went to in preparing our travel arrangements in every detail, is unmatched.  In all circumstances and at every airport, we never doubted the outcome of our next step. We would literally study our itinerary beforehand and then know exactly what to expect at each airport or hotel.  However, even being an experienced traveller, there is always the unexpected and the unforeseen. It felt to me that Etnique always had solutions ready for such occasions.  Although I prefer making my own arrangements and being in control of my comings and goings, your staff have also foreseen that. Thanks for treating me as an individual and listening to my needs, thanks for not deciding what I must do and for never letting me feel one of the herd that must be satisfied with the standard format.  Unique, different service distinguishes Etnique from the rest. My congratulations!"
  Prof Tienie Crous, Dean, Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences, UFS
   

• ”Yolande, wil net graag vir jou bedank vir jou puik reelings en wenke. Alles het vlot verloop, en ons het dit regtig vreeslik baie geniet. Die valle was oorweldigend mooi en die vlakvark was toe regtig so lekker sag en heerlik. Mooi bly, lekker dag..”
  Ima Barnard - Welkom
   

• “Dear Melanie, thank you very much for your prompt and efficient attention to my USA problems. In the end I managed to sort them out with Delta. I was feeling so rotten that the cost of doing so was of little importance. I must say that Etnique has always given me the very best service, first Tessa, who was amazing, and now you. I hope we can do business again in the future although I am no longer in Bloemfontein.”
  Judge Conradie - Cape Town
   

• “Hi Tessa, I did promise you an e-mail, but since then the world has just gone a little crazy, so before I trek off to Jhb tomorrow for the Gauteng reunion and Durban the next week for the Durban reunion and … I will write a short note to thank you very much for all the hard work in preparing for what turned out to be a lekker trip to England.  I enjoyed my time in London – even though I discovered that I was not used to walking around parks the size of Hyde Park.  All the arrangements for that leg of the journey were superb.  I found the train trip up to Carnforth quite an experience and as I said to you the only hitch there was having to use my best English accent to discover what to do when the main line train was delayed.  Unfortunately it rained while I was up in the North West but I must say that it is a really beautiful part of the world.  The flight back also went without a hitch even though people were trying to blow up Glasgow airport the day before.  Carol and I are talking about next year so we will be in touch some time.  Sorry no chocolate cake this time but have to work off those holiday pounds (I speak like a pommy now).
  Chris Thomas, Head Master, Saint Andrews School, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hallo Lizelle, Ons drie stuur hierdie briefie met baie liefde en om dankie te sê vir die moeite wat jy gedoen het om die toer vir ons so lekker en onvergeetlik te maak.  Die toer plan was baie mooi uiteengesit en het dit vir ons so maklik gemaak om te weet wanneer om waar te wees.  Ons sal regtig in die toekoms weer van Sure Etnique Travel gebruik maak en dit vir ons vriende aanbeveel. Ons vlugte met British Airways en Air-France was baie aangenaam, maar wil vra dat julle tog die mense wat van Air-France gebruik maak bedag sal maak op die gewig van hul bagasie aangesien hulle baie streng is en ons groot boetes betaal het. Ons week in Spanje waar ons op ons eie aangewese was, was een groot fees, ons dank aan Manie vir die aanbeveling.  Weereens was die toerplan en padaanwysings foutloos wat dit vir ons baie vergemaklik het. So wil ons dan ook die 12 dae "European Whirl Tour" met Trafalgar aanbeveel. Lizelle, baie-baie dankie vir jou moeite en hulp met die reëlings, dit word opreg waardeer. Etnique en Trafalgar is 'n puik span!”
  Laura Fouche - Schweizer-Reneke
  Grietjie van Wyk - Schweizer-Reneke
  Marianne de Villiers - Lichtenburg
   

• “Hi Maquida, baie dankie vir al jou insette vir ons reis na Rome en Parys. Parys was werklik fantasties en een van die hoogtepunte van ons reis - ja! Ek het my en Andri op ‘n foto met die Eiffeltoring in die agtergrond! Sorrento is uniek, die kusstreek is werklik beeldskoon en ons was selfs op die “Isle of Capri”, daar is ‘n lied van heelwat jare terug oor die eiland. Tussen Napels en Sorrento is Pompei wat ‘n mens moet besoek; wat ‘n ondervinding om tussen bouvalle van meer as 2300 jaar gelede rond te loop.”
  Prof Pieter van Wyk,  Sentrum vir Konfokale- en Elektronmikroskopie, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Geagte Johann, ek het die naweek ‘n probleem gehad en julle noodnommer geskakel. Yolandé het my gou teruggebel, en was dadelik kantoor toe gewees om ons te help. Ons werk gewoonlik met Marié, en as gevolg van die goeie werk wat sy reeds Donderdag gelewer het, is die probleem binne ‘n paar minute opgelos. Dit is ‘n plesier om met mense te werk wat so ‘n goeie diens lewer, en ek wil graag die 2 dames komplimenteer!”
  Erica Viljoen - Navorsings Verpleegkundige, Farmovs-Parexel, Bloemfontein


 

• “Hello Nerina, net om dankie te sê vir ‘n baie professionele, vriendelike (geduldige) en goeie diens wat jy aan my gelewer het. Ek sal beslis in die toekoms jou weer gebruik. Mooi bly!”
  Prof Eben van Zyl, Departement Bedryfsielkunde, UFS
   

• “Hi Tessa, thanks for the e-mail - had a great time in Europe. Just wish I had more time for sightseeing. Receiving great service from Etnique - thanks again.”
  Wayne Gibbons, Cowan International - Bloemfontein
   

• “Etnique Travel, for me it is just pure pleasure working with Lizelle again and Marié also assisted me once with info when Lizelle was busy, so from me I am completely satisfied with the service.”
  Elsie Lottering - Travel Coordinator : Project Phidisa, HJF Medical Research Int, Pretoria
   

• “Dear Johann, thank you for the newsletter. I read your Travel Stories over and over again. Wonderful and amazing!! I really enjoyed your 'trip report' almost as much as you had enjoyed visiting those sites in Japan. At the same time, I well understand how much you are interested in Japan, that pleases me a lot. I've learned a lot of things from you. Thank you. If there is another opportunity for you to come back to Hiroshima, I will be honored to serve you again. With warmest regards.”
  Tateshi Okamasu - Hiroshima, Japan
   

• “Baie dankie vir jul mooi en interessante nuusbrief. Ek geniet elke woord. Kan ek sommer nou weer sê baie dankie vir julle moeite en hulp met ons baie veranderende planne vanaf verlede jaar al. Nerina is regtig so gaaf en behulpsaam. Julle diens maak dat ek verseker mense na julle toe verwys.”
  Cecelia Ströhfeldt - Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Johann-san, thank you for giving me a wonderful newsletter about Japan! I am fine, I've been busy teaching at the school I'm currently working for, though. How about Johann-san and your lovely wife? It was such a nice memory to have enjoyed touring in Tokyo, Nagoya and Iwata! I hope everyone in the group is fine now! Best wishes.”
  Yuki Hidaka - Tokyo, Japan
   

• “Mariè, baie dankie vir jou e-pos en die "welkom terug" boodskap! Holland was heerlik gewees met die mees fantastiese weer waarvoor ek kon gehoop het! Dankie vir al die reelings en dinge. Dit het alles seepglad verloop.”
  Pieter le Roux - UFS, Bloemfontein

• “Mariè, ek wil net vir jou dankie vir sê vir al jou hulp tot nou toe met die span se visums en ekstra vlugreëlings.  Dit speel 'n belangrike rol in die bestuur van 'n span wat aan 'n internasionale kompetisie deelneem! Dankie vir die mooi manier hoe jy ons altyd help met krisisse en vir die geduld wat jy het wanneer besprekings en reëlings op die nippertjie moet verander. Wou net gesê het dat dit opreg waardeer word!”
  Ronel de Jager - Vrystaat Cheetahs (Edms) Beperk

• ”Op Vrydag, 1 Desember 2006, moes ons dringend vir prof Jackie Naudé en sy dogter in Europa opspoor nadat sy vrou, Marietjie, in ‘n ernstige motorongeluk betrokke was. Deur die genade het ek Nerina se persoonlike selfoonnommer by my gehad (omdat sy ons al meer as een maal oor die water uit verknorsings moes help). Sy was bereid om dadelik kantoor toe te gaan, al die inligting te bekom en daardeur vir prof Philip Nel in staat te stel om vir prof Jackie in Lisabon op te spoor. Binne nog ‘n halfuur het Nerina deur middel van ‘n telefoonkonferensie met beide prof Jackie en die reisversekeringsagent alles gereël gehad om binne 36 uur die Naudés veilig terug in Bloemfontein te besorg. Ek hoop dat ek hierdeur nogmaals aan Nerina en almal by Etnique het ‘n bietjie kan bedank vir alles wat julle al vir ons gedoen het!”
  Cornelia Geldenhuys, Dept Afro-Asiatiese Studie, Gebaretaal en Taalpraktyk, UFS
   

• “Hi Marié, baie dankie vir al die moeite om my en my gesin in Italië te kry. Ek is veral dankbaar dat ek nie Johannesburg toe hoef te gegaan het nie. Jou vriendelikheid word veral waardeer”.
  Franco Smith - Vrystaat Cheetahs (Edms) Beperk
   

• Dear Johann, thanks once again for your truly exceptional news letter about yours and others travels. I like the pictures being included it makes it all more personal. Thank you for your support.
  Jacqui McKnight - Professional Programme Manager, ASATA
   

• ”Nerina, groete uit Suid-Korea. Jy het in Junie 2004 vir my ‘n kaartjie Korea toe gereël. Nou kom ek DV in Desember vir 2 weke Suid-Afrika toe en benodig weereens jou dienste. Jy het my laas so mooi gehelp dat ek net gedink het ek sal jou eerste kontak. Baie dankie.”
  Johan van Rhyn
   

• ”Marié, baie dankie vir al jou moeite met my reisreëlings!”
  Nelia Oosthuysen
   

• ”Dear Tessa, a token of our appreciation for the trouble you took to get us where we wanted to go. We had a most interesting week in Istanbul. One day, hopefully, I will show you the pictures and tell what we saw.”
  Prof & Mrs Bannie Britz
   

• ”Nerina, Baie dankie vir alle energie en hulp met al die Bestuurskool se reisreëlings”.
  “Maquida, ek het groot waardering vir jou eindelose geduld en energie met al my reëlings”.
  “Marié, baie dankie vir alle geduld en professionele diens!”
  Prof Helena van Zyl, Direkteur, Bestuurskool, UFS
   

• “Hi Nerina, baie dankie aan jou vir die reel van my toer om die wereld wat so glad verloop het.  Dankie aan Tessa wat op kort kennisgewing reisplanne en versekering moes deur faks na New Zealand en laaste maar nie die minste aan Anne Woest wat my telefonies gehelp het om al die visumvorms te voltooi wat altyd sulke dubbelsinnige vrae het.  Julle bly 'n top span!”
  Dr Berna de Bruin
   

• “Dear Marié, thank you so much for all of your assistance in coordinating the travel of Rebecca Semppe, Rayna Motlalepule Ntlonze and Leah Motlalepule Shuping of St. Nicholas to Toronto. We truly appreciate all of your efforts and cooperation in ensuring their participation in the Grandmothers’ Gathering in August 2006.”
  Carolyn Doyle - Office Manager and Volunteer Coordinator Stephen Lewis Foundation, Toronto, Canada
   

• “Christa, baie dankie vir al die reëlings met die MBA Studietoer na Duitsland en Frankryk. Ek waardeer dit opreg.”
  Prof Helena van Zyl - Bestuurskool, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Marié, ek weet nie hoe kan ek ooit sê dankie genoeg vir al jou hulp en vriendelikheid die afgelope ses maand nie. Baie Dankie.!”
  Chantelle Meyer - Centlec, Bloemfontein
   

• “Maquida, Marié en almal by Etnique, ek het so ‘n lekker gevoel in my hart oor elkeen van julle en ek het GROOT waardering vir die hulp, geduld en uitstekende diens wat ek altyd by Etnique ontvang. Ek voel veilig as ek ‘n reëling met julle getref het en dit is uniek vandag. Ek sê nie genoeg dankie nie en ek wil graag hê julle moet weet ek is meer as dankbaar”.
  Alta Myburgh - Bestuurskool, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Hi Tessa, thank you, we had a wonderfull time, nice weather etc. Thank you so much for all your help and assistance, everything  went smooth!”
  Madelene Kock - Claude Reid, Bloemfontein
   

• “Beste Nerina, ek wil net weereens baie dankie sê vir al jou hulp met die reëlings van my visum en die beplanning van my reis na Amerika. Ek moet nou nog net op die vliegtuig klim! Jy is soos al die ander tye wat jy my gehelp het met reisreëlings, weereens 'n ster gewees.  Daar is nie 'n beter plek in sentraal Suid-Afrika as Sure Etnique Travel nie, gaan so voort en baie sterkte met al julle werksaamhede.”
  Dr. Cobus Pienaar - Economic & Management Sciences, UFS
   

• “Dear Tessa, thank you for your organization of my trip and the last minute accommodation in Montreal. I had a really good trip but the return trip was exhausting! Even the check-in clerk in Miami was fascinated by the length of the trip home and the extra baggage labels it generated. I spent the time in London on a visit to Windsor by coach. Lovely despite the rain, and so easy to get to from Heathrow. The Montreal hotel was very comfortable and the Metro very easy to use and close by. Conference was really interesting and I had a quick trip to the lakes north of the city to enjoy the incredible Fall colours.”
  Joan Marston, Advocacy Officer - Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa
   

• ”Tessa, thanks for your welcome home message. Loads of love and thanks for making all my arrangements so smooth.”
  Jeannette Moore, Bloemfontein
   

• ”Marié, baie dankie. Ek waardeer jou professionele hantering van ons sake. Goed gaan met jou.”
  Prof GF du Toit, Department of Curriculum Studies, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• ”Dear Tessa, thank you again for your commitment, hard work and dedication - we really do appreciate you.”
  Colin & Marieta Cilliers, Bloemfontein
   

• ”Beste Johann, dit is ‘n behoefte van die hart om vir jou te sê wat se uitmuntende diens ons van Nerina Sarluis ontvang. Dit is net ‘n plesier om met haar saam te werk. Buiten dat sy uiters professioneel is, is sy altyd vriendelik en diensingesteld. In die afgelope jaar moes sy feitlik maandeliks vir ons kantoor buitelandse reisreëlings tref, soms op baie kort kennisgewing en soms onder moeilike omstandighede, wat aansoeke van visums insluit. Soos dit dikwels met sulke reise gaan was dit onderhewig aan voortdurende veranderinge. Sy het ons nooit gefaal nie. Dra asseblief ons opregte dank en waardering aan haar oor.”
  Joyce Gibson - PA : Dr Sybrand Pretorius, FARMOVS-PAREXEL, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Marié, baie dankie vir die navraag. Dit onderstreep net weer die professionaliteit waarmee jy die hele proses hanteer het. Alles was in plek - hoegenaamd geen haakplekke nie. Ons kon dus fokus op kongres en die ontspanning. Dit was heerlik. Nogmaals dankie aan jou.”
  Prof GF du Toit - Department of Curriculum Studies, UFS
   

• “Hi Tessa, after a chilly Salzburg we experienced a bit of a heat wave in France - so it's nice to come back to spring weather. Everything went well, thanks, except for a bumpy start: My SA express flight from Bfn was 3 hours late, so I missed my Jhb - Frankfurt flight. After spending most of the night (trying to recover my checked-in suitcase; Jhb Airport is very inefficient)  and all of the next day at the airport, I eventually was lucky to get a standby seat on a Lufthansa flight, thanks to the efforts of the Lufthansa ground staff. I even tried to go standby on SAA, but they were ineffectual and not really interested in helping a stranded passenger, despite it being due to a delayed SA Express flight.  I did get hotel accommodation for one night from them, though. By the way, the check-in counter at international arrivals for domestic connecting flights is no longer there (I have used it on a previous occasion).”
  Prof James du Preez, UFS, Bloemfontein

• “Hi Tessa, thanks for everything - all was exceptionally well organised as usual! Thank you for your high standards, efficiency and professionalism. Always a pleasure to book through you! Will be going in December with the boys again so will book through you as soon as our dates are finalised!”
  Andrew and Sharon Cloete
   

• “Dear Ms Mposelwa, thank you for the professional organization you provided me with in facilitating my travel to Bloemfontein. Much appreciated.”
  Dr Ntsoane - Motivational Speaker, Johannesburg
   

• “Tessa, we are safely back and everything went well. Your arrangements were excellent - thank you very much. Prague is beautiful if you like old cities with castles, cathedrals, etc. I prefer mountains and lakes and therefore I enjoyed the trip to Switzerland more.”
  Prof Theo McDonald - UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Beste Tessa, ek vertrou jy is veilig terug uit midde-Afrika. Ons het oor julle gevlieg, maar weens die hoogte kon ons niks sien nie, het darem geweet jy is daar. Net 'n groot DANKIE vir al jou puik reëlings. Alles het presies uitgewerk volgens jou beskrywing en selfs Demitri het dadelik geweet ek is deur Tessa gestuur. 'n Pragtige straatjie waar hy sy besigheid bedryf. Tessa, nogmaals baie dankie vir jou vriendelikheid, behulpsaamheid en professionele reëlings. Ek en Gilbert het net die hoogste waardering daarvoor. Baie sterkte vir die res van die jaar se werksaamhede. It was a wonderful experience to do business with you!!!”
  Johann van Staden & Gilbert Masitsa - UFS, Bloemfontein

• “Hello Tessa!! We had a wonderful time! Everything ran like clockwork, Nicos delivered all our documents and Paros was great. I will send you some photos! The maatjie in Athens turned out to be as wonderful as I expected ! She and her hubby went out of their way to entertain us, transporting us to their home, treating us to the most awesome Greek food and driving us to the airport for our flight to London. Corrie and I will definitely arrange a longer stay in Greece next time, making Athens one of our stop overs. Thank you very much for everything Tessa ! We appreciate your kindness and expertise! We know where to go should we plan anything again. This time I'll leave ALL of Greece to you to avoid double bookings again!“
  Esti Ploos van Amstel - Bloemfontein
   

• “Tessa, Vic Falls and Chobe were great. Thanks for pointing us this way and suggesting these places.  All the guides we have spoken with confirm what you said about viewing game now rather than in the summer.  We have seen so many different animals. Game there is unbelievable and plentiful - saw lions 2 of 3 days and close up, too.  We will be in touch for some more advice.  Now we are in to Namibia and plan to wander around until we reach Swakopmund - then find an inexpensive guest house for a couple of weeks.....Thanks again.”
  Pete and Maria Neumann - Retired Peacecorps Volunteers
   

• “Dear Yolande, many thanks, we had a wonderful time. We are very grateful for your discriminating choice of places for us to stay. We enjoyed every venue you chose. Thank you and best wishes.”
  Prof Raman - Dept Architecture, UFS, Bloemfontein
   

• “Dear Tessa, many thanks for organising our trip to Sydney so efficiently and with such kindness and warmth - we really appreciate it and as usual we could rely on you to always do the best for us. The wedding was wonderful and all the plans went well - we had a marvellous time.”
  Gill & Les Greenstone - Bloemfontein
   

• “Beste Nerina, net gou om jou baie dankie te sê vir die reëlings na Amerika. Alles het baie goed verloop en jou reëlings was puik. Ek sal beslis weer van jou gebruik maak wanneer ons later die jaar verdere planne maak om na die buiteland te vertrek. Nogmaals baie dankie”.
  Albert Reitzema - Bloemfontein
   

• “Thanks Tessa for all the help. Had a wonderful time. All went well.”
  Dr Allan A van Zyl - Bloemfontein
   

• ”I wish to congratulate you on the excellent service given to me when I was enquiring about travelling to America, and also during my daughter’s recent trip to the UK. I have done business with various travel agencies in the past and I can therefore in all earnestness say that I was most impressed by die friendliness and exceptional service I received from Marié, one of your staff members. She went out of her way “to walk the extra mile”. My mission from here on will definitely be to refer all my friends and colleagues to your travel agency where they will be sure to receive efficient and excellent customer care and service. With the new technology and the great competition out there, it was refreshing to experience friendly, efficient and personal service.”
  George Fourie - Bloemfontein
   

• “Hi Tessa, baie dankie. Alles het vlot verloop. Baie dankie vir jou goeie reëlings.”
  Prof Hans Messerschmidt - Departement Rekenaarwetenskap - UFS
   

• “Dear Johann & friends, thanks for a simply an outstanding newsletter which I w ill keep on record with all the others I receive from you! The descriptions are so vivid & the pics out the top drawer!”
  Adv Louis Nel - Corporate Legal Facilitator, Benchmark
   

• “Hi Tessa, thanks once again for your hard work and patience in preparing our itinerary. Everything worked out perfectly and we had a FABULOUS time!!  I enjoyed every moment! Keep well!!”
  Mariè Viljoen - Bloemfontein
   

• “Beste Nerina, baie dankie vir die moeite met die verandering van ons kaartjies en al die reëlings. As ek nog een dag langer in Nigerië moes bly.....”
  Van Aardt Smit - UFS Bloemfontein
   

• “In March I left for Italy with my daughters, Stephanie and Debbie – I had not been in Italy since 1972. We stayed at the Hotel Diana, in Rome, which was centrally situated, near shops, restaurants, as well as the train station. From Rome, we visited Capri, a 3 hour  train journey to Naples, then 1 hour ferry crossing - but it was well worth it.  Capri is a quaint village with lots of pizza pasta restaurants, and shopping … to die for! In Rome we joined a night tour of the city and visited Trevi Fountain, where Gregory Peck and Audrey Hepburn made the movie “Three coins in a Fountain”. Off to Florence, which we most enjoyed.  So many modern museums aka Gucci, Prada, Valentino, Dior and Versace!  Regrettably didn’t do too much shopping as this is Billionaire Terrority!!  We also visited Venice, which still has a lot of charm and then took a trip to Sienna and San Gimignano which has a lot of history and most interesting.  It was in the quaint village of Sienna, that I found my designer Roberta Cavellie handbag - one I had been looking for a while!

  I attended the Cosmoproof show in Bologna which was mind boggling – Nail Manufacturers from all over the world came here to exhibit their goods.  A huge and impressive show. Tessa I followed your itinerary to the T and we had a wonderful time.!  Thank you.”
  Rayna Cramer - Bloemfontein
   

• “Tessa, Melissa and Mike had a wonderful time! To quote: "Best Vacation Ever!" I'm glad they had good weather in Capetown too. They evidently only got rained on heavily one day at Vuyetela.  They told me that they were extremely pleased with Craig from Trailfinders, that he was absolutely wonderful! They had one scary incident their first night there, when 3 men with knives wanted to relieve them of their cash, but they ended up safe and with their money still with them, so it turned out all right in the end. Melissa and Mike brought us your paperwork for our trip. Thanks again, and tell Craig he made an impression.”
  Gail Haas - USA
   

• “Hi Tessa, just to let you know that we are back from a true life experience. We enjoyed every moment of it and did not even have one hiccup anywhere. London was great and the musical surely was an experience, my high point was the British Museum. The English countryside was wonderful and definitely something we would like to do again. Every day was a unique adventure and it is difficult to pick specific highlights. Although it was cold it did not hamper us in any way and the advantage is that no place was overrun by other tourists. Paris was probably the family favourite and a place where I can easily spend a few months. The character of the city is just unbelievable and something we will always remember. Thank you for helping us make all this possible, everything that was booked by you was absolutely perfect and we surely enjoyed every moment of it.”
  Theuns Jordaan & Family - Kroonstad

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