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TRANSCRIPT
OVERVIEW OF THIS GUIDE
This guide provides an overview of the travel logistics, hotel options, excursions and itinerary for the wedding
festivities. Use this guide to make some decisions on your travel dates, lodging, wedding excursion and additional
travel experiences.
Please choose travel dates and book your flights first if you have not done so already. We have blocked a number
of rooms at a few different hotel options until May so hotel rooms can be booked shortly afterwards. If you have
any questions or need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to contact David at [email protected] or 647.801.7498
or Signy at [email protected] or 647.338.4134.
We will be circulating a link to a guest survey shortly for all guests to fill in travel information (flight information,
arrival and departure dates), transportation needs and selected excursions. We can assist with booking and
arranging airport transfers (pre-arranged pickup, private car service or group), and once we get numbers firmed up
for excursions we will be able to finalize the bookings. The link to the survey will also be available from our
wedding website below.
We will have a wedding website at www.signyanddavid.com up shortly.
If you are interested in additional excursions separate from the wedding itinerary detailed herein, please see
www.icelandtravel.is or www.nineworlds.is. We have partnered with Nine Worlds travel agency for wedding
logistics, excursions and transportation. For any customized itineraries or additional travel needs, please contact
David or Signy and we will connect you with Nine Worlds directly.
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THINGS TO KNOW…
High Season
Iceland is becoming an incredibly popular travel destination and we happened to pick our wedding date during the busiest time
of the year. We recommend booking transportation, restaurant reservations, and excursions as early as possible.
Daylight hours & adjusting to the time change
During July in Iceland there will be nearly 24 hours of daylight. There is a 4 hour time change between Toronto and Reykjavik.
The initial flight over is usually overnight with limited ability to sleep so the first day will need to be a recovery day. Please keep
this into consideration when booking.
Temperature this time of year
Due to the gulfstream, Reykjavik never gets that too warm or too cold. At this time of year, the high will likely be around 15-20
degrees during the day and low of 10 degrees. It can be windy and rainy. If you will be traveling inland (on say the Golden Circle
Tour), it can feel colder. Bring layers including sweaters and a waterproof midweight jacket for excursions and evenings.
Dress in Reykjavik
Reykjavik is a casual city. With the exception of the wedding ceremony, gentlemen do not need jackets most places and most
restaurants and venues are quite casual.
Arrival & transportation from the airport
The airport is quite far from downtown and taxis are very expensive (~C$200 each way). Many people rent cars in Iceland for
ease of getting around and we can assist with renting cars as needed. We have also arranged lower flat rate private taxi service
from the airport as well as vans / shuttle bus for groups arriving around the same time which is much more economical. Once we
get responses from our guest survey including arrival information we will assist in arranging transportation to and from the
airport as necessary.
…Before you go.
3
THINGS TO KNOW…
Overnight Flight & Time Change
Note that flights from North America are typically overnight and the flight is approximately 5.5hrs with a 4 hour time change. If
you can spare the time, it’s helpful to either come in a day early to allow for additional rest time to get over the jet lag or book a
hotel room the night before so it’s available upon arrival. Otherwise you may arrive very early in the morning and have to wait 5-
6 hours for your hotel room to be ready.
Money & Exchange
Iceland uses the Icelandic Krona. The exchange rate is approximately ISK90 to C$1. Pretty much everywhere, including taxis, all
restaurants, shops, etc. take credit card so you rarely need cash. Service is always included in the price in Iceland and you will
never need to add gratuity.
Bring a Plug Adapter
In Iceland the power plugs and sockets are of type F. The standard voltage is 230 V and the standard frequency is 50 Hz. You will
need a plug adapter – these are typically sold in convenience stores in Iceland and the hotels frequently have them. However, be
careful with small appliances such as hair curlers and tools as they will blow without a proper voltage converter.
Further Travel Information
For further travel info, please visit the following sites:
- https://visitorsguide.is/
- https://www.travelandleisure.com/travel-guide/iceland
- https://www.icelandtravel.is/iceland/
…continued.
4
ITINERARY OVERVIEW
Iceland has many beautiful sites to see. We have created a fun itinerary that includes some of the highlights in and around Reykjavik. If you can spare the
time, try to spend more time traveling around Iceland. See the end of this document for some additional suggested excursions and customized itineraries.
DAY 1 – WED 7/10 DAY 2 – THURS 7/11
DAY 3 – FRI 7/12 DAY 4 - SAT 7/13
DAY 5 – SUN 7/14 DAY 6 - MON 7/15Departure Day:
Most guests departing today.
Signy & David wedding photo day to south coast of Iceland
Departure Day:
Remaining guests departing.
Signy & David depart for Honeymoon!
Wedding Day:
3:00-3:45PM: Wedding Ceremony – arrive at Hallgrimkirkja between 2:30 and 2:45
3:45-4:30PM: Optional visit to top of the clock tower at the church; walk over to Harpa
(weather permitting)
4:00-5:00PM: Arrive at Harpa for welcome cocktail at the bar at Kolabrautin Restaurant
6:00PM-Late: Dinner and Party at Kolabrautin Restaurant in Harpa
The Day After:
10:00-12:30 Brunch at convenient location downtown Reykjavik (TBD)
Optional Excursion (Afternoon):
▪ Blue Lagoon Afternoon: Early afternoon departure to Iceland’s famous Blue Lagoon.
Approx 4 hours
OR
▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown. Departure at early
afternoon, approx. 1.5 hours. (Recommended)
Optional Excursion (Evening): Blue Lagoon - Enjoy Iceland’s 24 hour daylight with an
evening at the Blue Lagoon. 6:30PM departure, approx. 4 hours. (Recommended)
Dinner at leisure on your own account
Arrival Day:
Most guests arriving early AM – book airport transfer (transfer options to come), hotel
check-in and rest
Evening:
6:00-10:00PM: Reception at Jamie’s Italian in Hotel Borg
Hotel Borg
Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Excursion Options – Explore Iceland:
▪ Golden Circle Tour: 8AM departure to see some of Iceland’s great sights. Includes
transportation and lunch. Approx 6-8 hours. Departs in the AM.
OR
▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown. Mid-day departure,
approx. 1.5 hours.
Evening:
5:00PM Wedding rehearsal for wedding party Hallgrimskirkja
Dinner at leisure on your own account
5
M A P O F V E N U E L O C A T I O N S
All wedding venues are within a 10-15 min walk of each
other right in the heart of downtown. All hotels we
have chosen are within easy walking distance of each
other. In the case of bad weather, we will have shuttles
running between the locations on wedding day, but if
the weather is nice it makes for an enjoyable walk.
Reykjavik is a very walking friendly city in the downtown
area so walking around late in the evening (say, back to
your hotel after the dinner/party at the Harpa) will be
very safe (it will still be light out also!).
Parking is a hassle downtown and expensive (especially
during high season) so we don’t recommend renting a
car during your stay unless you are planning on touring
around Iceland on your own.
1.3km
(~15 min
walk)
HALLGRIMSKIRKJA
BORG
APOTEK
PLAZA
KLOPP
SKJALDBREID
0.7km
(~8 min walk)
HARPA
1.0km
(~10 min
walk)
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HOTEL OPTIONS
We have selected several hotels and worked with the hotel managers to book blocks of rooms at the various hotels. It will be easiest to have guests in
central locations for transportation and logistics. If you have any further questions about the hotels, please don’t hesitate to contact David or Signy.
The rooms held under our blocks of rooms will be released May 1st, so please book as soon as you can to lock in the rate and availability. Please book
by contacting the hotel directly via phone or email at the contact information below, and reference Signy & David Wedding as well as the booking
number as applicable. All prices listed below are per night.
HOTEL BORGDignified and imposing, Hotel Borg overlooks the beautiful square of Austurvöllur, in the
heart of Reykjavík, across from Althingi, the Icelandic parliament and the cathedral. One of
Reykjavik’s landmarks, is conveniently located within walking distance of variety of
restaurants, businesses, souvenir shops, art galleries and specialty shops. The hotel is
classic Art Deco style throughout, with elegantly appointed guestrooms and an extensive
array of modern amenities. (located next to hotel Apotek)
Block of rooms reserved.
Website: https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/hotel-borg
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/DMy56FFrCb72
Email for booking: [email protected]
Phone: +354 551 1440
Booking number: R-551737
HOTEL APOTEKApotek Hotel is a stylish boutique hotel located right next door to the Hotel Borg. The
historical building formerly housed the pharmacy Reykjavikur Apotek and is widely
considered to be one of the most remarkable buildings in Reykjavik and features modern
and sleek guest rooms, restaurant and amenities.
Block of rooms reserved.
Website: https://www.keahotels.is/en/hotels/apotek-hotel
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/TQdKBCBhuv42
Email for booking: [email protected]
Phone: +354 512 9000
Booking number: R-551098
Refundable Rates Non-Refundable Rates
Borg ISK CAD
Double ISK 46,000 $506
Double Superior ISK 53,300 $586
Double Deluxe ISK 60,200 $662
Junior Suite ISK 83,300 $916
Non-Refundable Rates
Borg ISK CAD
Double ISK 43,800 $482
Double Superior ISK 50,630 $557
Double Deluxe ISK 56,900 $626
Junior Suite ISK 79,130 $870
Refundable Rates Non-Refundable Rates
Apotek ISK CAD
Double ISK 41,500 $457
Double Superior ISK 47,800 $526
Double Deluxe ISK 53,500 $589
Junior Suite ISK 70,800 $779
Non-Refundable Rates
Apotek ISK CAD
Double ISK 40,500 $446
Double Superior ISK 46,650 $513
Double Deluxe ISK 52,000 $572
Junior Suite ISK 60,750 $668
BLOCK OF ROOMS HELD
BLOCK OF ROOMS HELD
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HOTEL OPTIONS
SKJALDBREID KLOPP
PLAZA At hotel Plaza you will find 201 bright and comfortable rooms and a spacious lobby
area with hotel bar where you can relax after an eventful day in Reykjavik. Breakfast
buffet is included and all rooms are equipped with a mini bar, telephone, flat screen
TV, shower, hairdryer and wi-fi.
Block of rooms reserved.
Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels-hotel-plaza/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/5P8XnmZCVLn
Email for booking: [email protected]
Price: €215 / night
Phone: +354 595 8550
Quote Signy & David's Wedding at the time of booking
CenterHotel Klopp is right in the city center of Reykjavik, ideally located to explore the
city on foot with a myriad of shops and restaurants all around the hotel. Offering 46
comfortable rooms, breakfast area, hotel bar, free wi-fi, friendly service and a warm
welcoming atmosphere. In the evening the lobby lounge area turns into a nice bar
area where you can relax. Happy Hour is at the bar every day from 16 to 18. Each
room at Klopp has a mini-bar that can be stocked upon request, hairdryer, shower, flat
screen TV and free wi-fi.
Price: 15% off lowest rate from hotel website
Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels-hotel-klopp/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/w2McZcvwb9F2
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE +354 595 8520
Quote Signy & David's Wedding at the time of booking
CenterHotel Skjaldbreid is located on an enviable central spot on Laugavegur,
Reykjavik’s main shopping street in close vicinity to cafés, restaurants and the myriad
of colorful happenings that only Laugavegur brings out. Offering 33 warm and
comfortable rooms and breakfast area along with personal and friendly service. Each
room at Skjaldbreid has a mini bar that can be stocked upon request, hairdryer,
shower, flat screen TV, coffee and tea making facilities and wi-fi.
Price: 15% off lowest rate from hotel website
Website: https://www.centerhotels.com/our-hotels-hotel-skjaldbreid/
Location: https://goo.gl/maps/UzTeoZT81Ex
EMAIL: [email protected]
PHONE +354 595 8510
Quote Signy & David's Wedding at the time of booking
BLOCK OF ROOMS HELD
9
DAY 1WED. JULY 10
Welcome to Reykjavik!
Most guests arriving early AM – book airport
transfer (transfer options to come), hotel
check-in and rest.
Evening:
6:00-10:00PM: Reception at Jamie’s Italian in
Hotel Borg:
Pósthússtræti 11, 101 Reykjavík, Iceland
Note: it is very easy to get taxis from the
airport, however a taxi to downtown Reykjavik
will typically cost ~C$200. The public bus
option is much cheaper, however you may end
up walking some distance from the central
drop off locations in Reykjavik.
We have worked with taxi and transportation
companies to provide lower cost options for
our guests. We can offer a discounted private
car service or a shuttle option.
Indicate your preference for a pre-arranged
pickup or group transfer on the guest survey
and we will arrange transportation for you.
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THURS, JULY 11
DAY 2
S+D
Explore Iceland:
▪ Golden Circle Tour: Early AM departure to see some of Iceland’s great sights. Includes
transportation and lunch. Approx 6-8 hours.
OR
▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown. Mid-day departure, approx.
1.5hours.
5:00PM Wedding rehearsal for wedding party Hallgrimskirkja
Dinner at leisure on your own account
Restaurant Recommendations:
▪ Forettabarinn – mix with locals at this lively Icelandic restaurant & beer hall
https://www.forrettabarinn.is/
▪ Restaurant Kopal – enjoy views of the harbor from this quaint seafood bistro
https://www.koparrestaurant.is/en/home-2/
▪ Sjavargrillid – high-end seafood restaurant steps from Hallgrimskirkja
https://www.sjavargrillid.is/en/
▪ Kol Restaurant
https://kolrestaurant.is/
▪ Fish Company
https://www.fiskfelagid.is/en/
▪ Grillmarket
http://www.grillmarkadurinn.is/en/
▪ Fish Markt
http://www.fiskmarkadurinn.is/12
DAY 3FRI. JULY 12
S+D
Wedding Day:
3:00-3:45PM: Wedding Ceremony – arrive at church
between 2:30 and 2:45PM
3:45-4:30PM: Optional visit to top of the clock tower at
the church; wedding party photos
4:00-5:00PM: Arrive at Harpa for welcome cocktail at the bar at
Kolabrautin Restaurant
6:00PM-Late: Dinner and Party at Kolabrautin Restaurant in Harpa
Wedding Day Logistics:
Shuttles will be running between Hotel Borg, Hallgrimskirkja and Harpa
regardless of weather conditions for guest that either cannot or do not
wish to walk. Note: The walk up to the Hallgrimskirkja is uphill the
entire way.
The Harpa will be ready to receive guests in the main hall / bar area
outside the restaurant anytime after 4:00PM for drinks and canapes so
feel free to head straight there for a drink, take a leisurely walk over or
stop by your hotel first if needed. The Harpa is a spectacular building so
you may want to spend some time enjoying the architecture before (or
after) proceeding to the bar for a drink.
Signy & David plan to arrive at the Harpa between 5:30 and 6:00PM.
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SAT. JULY 13
DAY 4
S+D
The Day After:
10:00–12:30 Brunch at convenient location downtown Reykjavik
(venue to be determined pending final numbers)
Optional Excursion (Afternoon):
▪ Blue Lagoon Afternoon: Early afternoon departure to Iceland’s
famous Blue Lagoon. Approx. 4 hours.
OR
▪ Reykjavik City Tour: Walking tour of Reykjavik’s downtown.
Departure early afternoon, approx. 1.5 hours.
Optional Excursion (Evening):
▪ Blue Lagoon Evening: Enjoy Iceland’s 24 hour daylight with an
evening at the Blue Lagoon. 6:30PM departure, approx. 4 hours.
(Recommended)
Dinner at leisure on your own account
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FAQFAQWhen and where should I arrive?
Guests should fly into Keflavik International Airport (airport code KEF), which is just outside Reykjavik. Most guests will be flying overnight on
the evening of July 9th. The overnight flight is very tiring as the flight is approximately 5.5hrs with a 4 hour time change. Therefore flights
departing Toronto at 9PM will arrive at approximately 6:30AM in Reykjavik, with limited time to be able to sleep on the flight. Therefore, the
first day is needed as a recovery day. If you can spare the time, we would recommend flying out on the 6th, 7th or 8th to get some additional
recovery time and take advantage of some of the other wonders Iceland has to offer.
What are the passport requirements: Do I need a visa / travel permit?
Canadian and U.S. passport holders do not require visas.
Attire / Packing suggestions
Make sure to bring layers and waterproof outdoor clothing as the weather in Iceland can be quite variable, especially during excursions when
traveling inland. Comfortable walking shoes are also encouraged.
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GOLDEN CIRCLE TOUR
Thingvellir National Park:
• Start with driving to Thingvellir National Park (UNESCO) which is Iceland’s greatest historical site and a jewel of nature. It is the
visible site of the mid-Atlantic Ridge where the N. American and Eurasian tectonic plates meet. Thingvellir is also where the first
ever parliament was created by the Vikings in the year 930.
Gullfoss:
• A short ride across the fertile farmlands in the south reveals the breathtaking Gullfoss ‘Golden’ Waterfall where traversing a
narrow path provides close-up views of the thundering two-tiered cascade below.
• In Icelandic, Gullfoss means “Golden Waterfall”, because on a sunny day, the water takes on a golden-brown colour. This is due to
the fact that it’s glacial water and therefore carries lots of sediments that glacial ice has carved off the earth throughout the years.
Geysir:
• Nearby you will find the Geysir geothermal area where hot springs are in abundance, geysers explode and boiling pools of mud
bubble.
• Although the great Geysir is not as active these days, its neighbor Strokkur is very active, spouting water 30 meters (100 feet) up
into the air every few minutes in a thrilling display of nature’s forces.
• The area became active more than 1000 years ago and comprises more than a dozen hot water blow holes.
• The great Geysir is the original and lends its name to hot springs all over the world. It was the first geyser described in a printed
source and the first known to modern Europeans.
Duration:
• 6-8hrs total depending on itinerary
For Further Information:
https://www.icelandtravel.is/golden-circle/18
REYKJAVIK CITY TOUR
The Reykjavik Capital Area consists of seven municipalities with approximately 200,000 inhabitants. With an abundance of space, clean air
and natural green energy - Reykjavik clearly revels in its reputation as being one of the most modern, forward thinking societies in Europe.
Walk around Reykjavik with an expert guide, visiting some of the city’s main sites while enjoying fun stops to taste some of the traditional
food items Iceland has to offer. This includes tasting Hakarl and Brennevin (you’ll find out what this is on the tour…you won’t forget it)!
Duration 1.5hrs
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BLUE LAGOON
The Blue Lagoon is a geothermal spa found on the Reykjanes Peninsula in southwest Iceland. It is the most popular attraction in Iceland.
History
The Blue Lagoon Spa is renowned for having qualities that heals skin conditions.
The Blue Lagoon started as a pool of wastewater from the Svartsengi geothermal plant in 1976. The first person to bathe there was Valur
Margeirsson in 1981. He was met with some resistance prior to taking the first dip as people thought he was mad for wanting to bath in a "blue
mud pool". He and others soon began to notice the unusual but remarkable healing qualities of the azure waters.
Those with conditions such as psoriasis found the waters immediately soothing for their condition. News quickly spread, and by 1987, the first
swimming facilities were officially opened.
Since then, the establishment has only grown, from an open pool with no surrounding buildings to a luxurious spa, research centre and hotel.
Today
The Blue Lagoon is considered to have such notable regenerative qualities because the water is rich in silica and sulphur. A research and
development facility on site finds cures and remedies for skin ailments, and silica mud is available for free on the sides of the pool for guests to
enjoy a facemask.
The Blue Lagoon also boasts the LAVA Restaurant, the Blue Café and the Lagoon Spa: you can thus enjoy cocktails, health products, delicious
meals and treatments such as massages without leaving the premises. Saunas, steam rooms and a small waterfall are also on site.
Things to Note
The Blue Lagoon Spa is open throughout the year, and popular in every season. Due to the fact it has a maximum capacity for the comfort of its
guests, it is essential that you book several months in advance to ensure your space.
Further Information:
https://www.bluelagoon.com/
https://guidetoiceland.is/best-of-iceland/blue-lagoon-the-ultimate-guide
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HALLGRIMSKIRKJA
Hallgrímskirkja is a Lutheran (Church of Iceland) parish church in Reykjavík,
Iceland. At 74.5 metres (244 ft) high, it is the largest church in Iceland and
among the tallest structures in the country. The church is named after the
Icelandic poet and clergyman Hallgrímur Pétursson (1614–1674), author of the
Passion Hymns.
Situated in the centre of Reykjavík, it is one of the city's best-known landmarks
and is visible throughout the city. State Architect Guðjón Samúelsson's design
of the church was commissioned in 1937. He is said to have designed it to
resemble the trap rocks, mountains and glaciers of Iceland's landscape.
It took 41 years to build the church: construction started in 1945 and ended in
1986, but the landmark tower being completed long before the whole church
was completed. The crypt beneath the choir was consecrated in 1948, the
steeple and wings were completed in 1974, and the nave was consecrated in
1986. At the time of construction, the building was criticized as too old-
fashioned and as a blend of different architectural styles. The church was
originally intended to be less tall, but the leaders of the Church of Iceland
wanted a large spire so as to outshine Landakotskirkja (Landakot's Church),
which was the cathedral of the Catholic Church in Iceland.
The interior is 1,676 square metres (18,040 sq ft). In 2008, the church
underwent a major restoration of the main tower, and was covered in
scaffolding. In late 2009, restoration was completed and the scaffolding was
removed.
The church is also used as an observation tower. An observer can take a lift up
to the viewing deck and view Reykjavík and the surrounding mountains.
The statue of explorer Leif Erikson (c.970 – c.1020) by Alexander Stirling Calder
in front of the church predates its construction. It was a gift from the United
States in honor of the 1930 Althing Millennial Festival, commemorating the
1000th anniversary of Iceland's parliament at Þingvellir in 930 AD.
24
HARPA
Harpa was designed by the Danish firm Henning Larsen Architects in co-
operation with Danish-Icelandic artist Olafur Eliasson. The structure
consists of a steel framework clad with geometric shaped glass panels of
different colours. The building was originally part of a redevelopment of
the Austurhöfn area dubbed World Trade Center Reykjavík, which was
partially abandoned when the financial crisis took hold.
Construction started in 2007 but was halted with the start of the 2008
Icelandic financial crisis. The completion of the structure was uncertain
until the government decided in 2008 to fully fund the rest of the
construction costs for the half-built concert hall. For several years it was
the only construction project in existence in Iceland. The building was
given its name on the Day of Icelandic Music on 11 December 2009,
prior to which it was called The Reykjavík Concert Hall and Conference
Centre (Icelandic: Tónlistar- og ráðstefnuhúsið í Reykjavík). The building
is the first purpose-built concert hall in Reykjavík and it was developed
in consultation with artistic advisor Vladimir Ashkenazy and international
consultant Jasper Parrott of HarrisonParrott. It houses the Iceland
Symphony Orchestra and the offices of The Icelandic Opera.
In 2013, the building won the European Union’s Mies van der Rohe
award for contemporary architecture.
26
OTHER TOURS
▪ South Coast of Iceland – Waterfalls, Black Sand Beach, Glacier
Lake - https://www.icelandtravel.is/iceland/stunning-south-
coast/
▪ Ice cave exploring - https://www.icelandtravel.is/tours/fast-
track-ice-cave-tour/
▪ Hiking
▪ Horseback Riding
See www.icelandtravel.is for other tour ideas or see
https://nineworlds.is/ for bespoke itineraries
▪ Whale watching
▪ Hot Springs
▪ Hekla Volcano
▪ Helicopter tour
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