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Brazil🇧🇷 | townsBúziosOrla Bardot, Rua das Pedras, horseshoe bays, Geribá surf | things to do and best time to go

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Backpacking in Búzios
🏆 Top picktown ranked #5
By Johan Kruseman 🇳🇱 | Updated October 19, 2026

Búzios is known for its beaches, about twenty of them strung along a small peninsula, but the overlooked part is that the town is really three separate centers (Armação, Manguinhos and the Rua das Pedras strip) with very different moods. It sits in the state of Rio de Janeiro, on the coast of Brazil, east of the capital city. The Rua das Pedras is pricey and mostly boutiques, so I skip shopping there and go for the evening stroll only. Manguinhos is cheap but has little sand worth lying on, so I would skip it for a beach day. I once booked a bed by the main strip, and the late noise cost me sleep, so now I sleep in Armação, where hostels cluster and meeting travelers is easy. Beach hopping works best by local bus or boat, not pricey taxis. Compared with Arraial do Cabo, Búzios is more polished and less wild.

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✨ Why go?
Ranked #5 town in BrazilWhat makes this town worth visiting

Búzios works for backpackers who want beach variety without leaving one small peninsula. Within a short ride you can swim in calm, clear water at Praia da Azeda, catch surf at Geribá, and walk a coastal trail between coves. Most travelers stay two to four days, and the ones who linger tend to be slow travelers and solo backpackers who like hostel terraces and easy conversation over caipirinhas. The center is walkable, with fish restaurants and a waterfront promenade that fills at dusk. Nightlife exists but runs mostly on Rua das Pedras, so it suits people who enjoy a drink and a stroll rather than clubs. Hikers will find short coastal paths rather than serious treks. If you want a cheap, rushed stop, it is not ideal, because the best parts reward unhurried days. For beach people and sunset … read more 👉
Búzios works for backpackers who want beach variety without leaving one small peninsula. Within a short ride you can swim in calm, clear water at Praia da Azeda, catch surf at Geribá, and walk a coastal trail between coves. Most travelers stay two to four days, and the ones who linger tend to be slow travelers and solo backpackers who like hostel terraces and easy conversation over caipirinhas. The center is walkable, with fish restaurants and a waterfront promenade that fills at dusk. Nightlife exists but runs mostly on Rua das Pedras, so it suits people who enjoy a drink and a stroll rather than clubs. Hikers will find short coastal paths rather than serious treks. If you want a cheap, rushed stop, it is not ideal, because the best parts reward unhurried days. For beach people and sunset watchers, it is among the nicest stretches of coast near Rio.

💡 HighlightsEssential experiences to have while visiting Búzios

  1. Orla Bardot: The waterfront promenade is Búzios’s best-known spot, with the bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot, who made the town famous in the 1960s. Free, 30 to 45 minutes. Go late afternoon for the light and people watching.
  2. Rua das Pedras: The cobbled main street of restaurants, boutiques and bars. Free to walk, 1 to 2 hours. Visit in the evening, when it is liveliest, and eat on the side streets for lower prices.
  3. Praia da Ferradura: A horseshoe-shaped bay with calm, shallow water, good for swimming and paddleboarding. Free, 2 to 3 hours. Mornings are quietest.
  4. Praia de Geribá: The longest beach, with waves popular for surfing and a casual strip of kiosks. Free, 2 to 4 hours. Surf lessons run about US$25 to 40.
  5. Mirante do Pôr do Sol and Praia da Azeda: A short walk from the center leads to Azeda
… read more 👉
  1. Orla Bardot: The waterfront promenade is Búzios’s best-known spot, with the bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot, who made the town famous in the 1960s. Free, 30 to 45 minutes. Go late afternoon for the light and people watching.
  2. Rua das Pedras: The cobbled main street of restaurants, boutiques and bars. Free to walk, 1 to 2 hours. Visit in the evening, when it is liveliest, and eat on the side streets for lower prices.
  3. Praia da Ferradura: A horseshoe-shaped bay with calm, shallow water, good for swimming and paddleboarding. Free, 2 to 3 hours. Mornings are quietest.
  4. Praia de Geribá: The longest beach, with waves popular for surfing and a casual strip of kiosks. Free, 2 to 4 hours. Surf lessons run about US$25 to 40.
  5. Mirante do Pôr do Sol and Praia da Azeda: A short walk from the center leads to Azeda and Azedinha, small beaches with clear water and views toward the open sea. Free, 1 to 2 hours. Late afternoon is best.
Nearby, Cabo Frio, Arraial do Cabo and the dunes of Praia do Foguete make good day trips. Ferradura and Geribá combine well in one day, starting with calm water and finishing with surf.
Spotted a mistake or missing something? Contact us.

Things to do around Búzios

Diving for Beginners and Accredited - Búzios RJ

Diving for Beginners and Accredited - Búzios RJ

4.9(229) 5h
From €91
per personViator
Búzios Iniciantes / Baptism João Fernandes Beach (Right Corner)

Búzios Iniciantes / Baptism João Fernandes Beach (Right Corner)

5.0(204) 1h 20m
From €54
per personViator
Private Boat Trip - Closed Group Whelk Frame by Drumond I

Private Boat Trip - Closed Group Whelk Frame by Drumond I

5.0(158)
From €380
per personViator
Private Boat Tour through the beautiful beaches and islands of Búzios

Private Boat Tour through the beautiful beaches and islands of Búzios

5.0(84) 4h
From €452
per personViator
Private Program for Accredited Diver in Búzios

Private Program for Accredited Diver in Búzios

4.9(86) 2h
From €68
per personViator
Secret Trail - Natural Pools of Búzios and Guardian Stone

Secret Trail - Natural Pools of Búzios and Guardian Stone

4.9(53) 3h 30m
From €39
per personViator
Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Buzios with Lunch

Boat Tour in Arraial do Cabo from Buzios with Lunch

4.1(57) 8h
From €54
per personViator
Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios

Catamaran Boat Tour in Búzios

3.9(54) 3h
From €28
per personViator
Discover scuba diving in Búzios

Discover scuba diving in Búzios

4.8(19) 2h
From €54
per personViator
Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Lunch and Transportation from Buzios

Tour in Rio de Janeiro with Lunch and Transportation from Buzios

4.9(17) 9h
From €117
per personViator

Ratings based on Tripadvisor reviews. When you book through this link, you support our work at no extra cost to you.

🏘️ NeighborhoodsWhere things are and how it's laid out

Búzios is a peninsula of about 20 beaches, so pick your area by water and by walking distance, not by the map’s first dot.
  • Rua das Pedras and Orla Bardot: The cobbled center and the waterfront promenade beside it. This is where the restaurants, bars and the bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot sit, and it is fully walkable. Dinner here is pricey, so eat a por-kilo lunch a block or two back and come for sunset and the nightlife only. Bars run late, and the street is loud until 3 a.m. in high season.
  • Centro and Manguinhos: The working side of town, on the bay facing the mainland. Bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies and the bus terminal are here, and prices are the lowest on the peninsula. Manguinhos has calm, shallow water and grilled fish shacks, but the beach itself is not worth a special trip. Walk
… read more 👉
Búzios is a peninsula of about 20 beaches, so pick your area by water and by walking distance, not by the map’s first dot.
  • Rua das Pedras and Orla Bardot: The cobbled center and the waterfront promenade beside it. This is where the restaurants, bars and the bronze statue of Brigitte Bardot sit, and it is fully walkable. Dinner here is pricey, so eat a por-kilo lunch a block or two back and come for sunset and the nightlife only. Bars run late, and the street is loud until 3 a.m. in high season.
  • Centro and Manguinhos: The working side of town, on the bay facing the mainland. Bakeries, supermarkets, pharmacies and the bus terminal are here, and prices are the lowest on the peninsula. Manguinhos has calm, shallow water and grilled fish shacks, but the beach itself is not worth a special trip. Walk Centro, take a short bus or van ride to Manguinhos for the seafood.
  • Geribá: The surf beach with long sand, bars and a relaxed young crowd. It is spread out, so you need the bus or a mototaxi between its two ends. Skip the midday sun and go late afternoon.
  • Ferradura and João Fernandes: Ferradura is a calm horseshoe bay that suits swimming, while João Fernandes has clearer water and a busier strip of beach clubs. Both need transport from town. Pay for a chair only if you want shade, as the sand is free.
  • Ossos: The old fishing quarter with boats and a small harbor. It is quiet, photogenic and a 15-minute walk from the Rua das Pedras.

⌛️ 1 dayA smart one-day plan

The day is best split between short taxi or bus hops and long stretches on foot, with a break from the midday sun under an umbrella on the sand.
8:30 AM: Praia da Azeda. Walk from the center to this small cove while it is quiet. Swim in clear water and take photos before the boats arrive.
10:30 AM: Praia dos Ossos. Stroll along the old fishing beach, where wooden boats are pulled up on the sand. It is a short walk from Azeda, and the real working side of town.
12:30 PM: Lunch at the center. Try grilled fish on a side street rather than the main strip. Rest for an hour.
2:30 PM: Praia da Ferradura. Take a short taxi ride. The water is calm for swimming or paddleboarding, which suits the hot afternoon.
4:30 PM: Praia de Tucuns. This quieter beach on the far side of the peninsula is usually skipped … read more 👉
The day is best split between short taxi or bus hops and long stretches on foot, with a break from the midday sun under an umbrella on the sand.
8:30 AM: Praia da Azeda. Walk from the center to this small cove while it is quiet. Swim in clear water and take photos before the boats arrive.
10:30 AM: Praia dos Ossos. Stroll along the old fishing beach, where wooden boats are pulled up on the sand. It is a short walk from Azeda, and the real working side of town.
12:30 PM: Lunch at the center. Try grilled fish on a side street rather than the main strip. Rest for an hour.
2:30 PM: Praia da Ferradura. Take a short taxi ride. The water is calm for swimming or paddleboarding, which suits the hot afternoon.
4:30 PM: Praia de Tucuns. This quieter beach on the far side of the peninsula is usually skipped by day-trippers. Walk the sand and enjoy the lower-key kiosks.
6:30 PM: Orla Bardot. Return to town for the waterfront at dusk, then finish with dinner and a stroll along Rua das Pedras.

🌤️ When to go?Seasonal considerations and timing

Búzios is driest and sunniest from May to September, when days run 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F) and the sea is clear but cool.
  • December to February: Hot and humid at 28 to 35°C (82 to 95°F), with long days of about 13 hours of light. Crowds and prices peak, especially around Christmas, New Year and Carnival, and many places require multi-night minimums.
  • March to April: Still warm at 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F) with some afternoon showers. Crowds thin out and lodging gets cheaper after Easter.
  • May to September: Mild, dry and the best window for walking between beaches. Days are shorter (about 11 hours of light), and weekends fill up with visitors from Rio.
  • October to November: Warming up to 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), with fewer people and lower rates. Showers return, and the water is warm enough for swimming.
… read more 👉
Búzios is driest and sunniest from May to September, when days run 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F) and the sea is clear but cool.
  • December to February: Hot and humid at 28 to 35°C (82 to 95°F), with long days of about 13 hours of light. Crowds and prices peak, especially around Christmas, New Year and Carnival, and many places require multi-night minimums.
  • March to April: Still warm at 26 to 32°C (79 to 90°F) with some afternoon showers. Crowds thin out and lodging gets cheaper after Easter.
  • May to September: Mild, dry and the best window for walking between beaches. Days are shorter (about 11 hours of light), and weekends fill up with visitors from Rio.
  • October to November: Warming up to 25 to 30°C (77 to 86°F), with fewer people and lower rates. Showers return, and the water is warm enough for swimming.
Visit midweek in any month and you will pay noticeably less for beds and boat tours.


source: climatestotravel.comJANJanuary: good for travelingFEBFebruary: good for travelingMARMarch: highly recommended for travelingAPRApril: highly recommended for travelingMAYMay: highly recommended for travelingJUNJune: excellent for travelingJULJuly: excellent for travelingAUGAugust: excellent for travelingSEPSeptember: highly recommended for travelingOCTOctober: highly recommended for travelingNOVNovember: highly recommended for travelingDECDecember: good for traveling
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✈️ The backpacker research shortcutBrazil Travel Guide

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🛏️ Where to stay?Best areas and accommodation options

Centro is the best base for most budget travelers in Búzios, with Manguinhos as a cheaper backup. Dorm beds and simple guesthouse rooms cluster in Centro, and you can reach the bus terminal, supermarkets and the cobbled waterfront on foot. That saves money on rides every day, and you can eat at por-kilo restaurants instead of tourist menus.

The streets are well lit and busy until late, and walking back after dinner is comfortable. Rooms close to the Rua das Pedras can be loud on weekends, so ask for a quiet room at the back or choose a spot a few blocks inland. Prices jump sharply from late December … read more 👉
Centro is the best base for most budget travelers in Búzios, with Manguinhos as a cheaper backup. Dorm beds and simple guesthouse rooms cluster in Centro, and you can reach the bus terminal, supermarkets and the cobbled waterfront on foot. That saves money on rides every day, and you can eat at por-kilo restaurants instead of tourist menus.

The streets are well lit and busy until late, and walking back after dinner is comfortable. Rooms close to the Rua das Pedras can be loud on weekends, so ask for a quiet room at the back or choose a spot a few blocks inland. Prices jump sharply from late December through Carnival, and many places set minimum stays, so book early for those dates.

Manguinhos has the lowest prices on the peninsula and more guesthouses with kitchens, which helps if you cook. It is residential and quiet at night, with fewer bars, and you will need the bus or a van to reach the main beaches. Staying out at Geribá suits surfers who want to wake up at the waves, but beds are fewer and you depend on transport for food and nightlife.
Best hostels in Brazil


Best quality hotels in Brazil

🚌 Getting aroundTransportation options and practical tips

A local bus ride in Búzios costs about US$1 to 1.50, paid in cash to the fare collector as you board. The peninsula is long and hilly, so walking works within Centro and Rua das Pedras but not between beaches. Traffic backs up on the main road in summer and on holiday weekends, and it is worth leaving beach trips earlier than you think.
  • Walking: Free and best for Centro, Orla Bardot and Ossos, which are a flat 10 to 15 minutes apart. Do not walk the roads to Geribá or Ferradura at night, since the stretches are dark with no sidewalks.
  • Local bus: Runs between the Centro terminal and the main beaches for roughly US$1 to 1.50. Buses are less frequent in the evening and finish early, so check the last departure with the driver before you go out for dinner.
  • Vans and shared minibuses: Informal vans
… read more 👉
A local bus ride in Búzios costs about US$1 to 1.50, paid in cash to the fare collector as you board. The peninsula is long and hilly, so walking works within Centro and Rua das Pedras but not between beaches. Traffic backs up on the main road in summer and on holiday weekends, and it is worth leaving beach trips earlier than you think.
  • Walking: Free and best for Centro, Orla Bardot and Ossos, which are a flat 10 to 15 minutes apart. Do not walk the roads to Geribá or Ferradura at night, since the stretches are dark with no sidewalks.
  • Local bus: Runs between the Centro terminal and the main beaches for roughly US$1 to 1.50. Buses are less frequent in the evening and finish early, so check the last departure with the driver before you go out for dinner.
  • Vans and shared minibuses: Informal vans cover popular routes for about US$1.50 to 3. They fill up quickly in summer, so they can be quicker than waiting for a bus.
  • Mototaxi: A short hop costs US$2 to 5 and beats a taxi when you are alone with a small bag. Agree on the price before you climb on, and insist on a helmet.
  • Taxi and ride apps: A ride between town and a far beach costs around US$6 to 15. Taxis are metered poorly or not at all, so ask the fare first. Apps can be thin at night, and a taxi stand in Centro is the safer bet.
Most backpackers skip car rental. Parking is tight near the beaches, and the buses are fine for a three-day stay.

👛 Costs (as of 19 October 2026)How expensive it really is

A backpacker in Búzios spends about US$68 to 100 a day, and the table below adds up to US$85 in high season. Prices rise sharply from December to Carnival, and you pay in reais.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$20 to 40 (high season US$30)Low season beds start near US$20, while New Year can double that and require minimum stays.
MealsUS$12 to 22 (US$15)Por-kilo lunches in Centro cost US$6 to 9, and waterfront dinners run US$18 and up.
Local transportUS$3 to 8 (US$5)Buses are about US$1 to 1.50 a ride, and mototaxis add up quickly.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$0 to 25 (US$20)Beaches are free, while a boat tour costs US$15 to 25.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$8 to 15 (US$15)Includes caipirinhas at US$4 to 7, sunscreen, water and chair rental at beaches.
Total Daily BudgetUS$85Per
… read more 👉
A backpacker in Búzios spends about US$68 to 100 a day, and the table below adds up to US$85 in high season. Prices rise sharply from December to Carnival, and you pay in reais.
CategoryBudget RangeLocal Reality
Dorm accommodationUS$20 to 40 (high season US$30)Low season beds start near US$20, while New Year can double that and require minimum stays.
MealsUS$12 to 22 (US$15)Por-kilo lunches in Centro cost US$6 to 9, and waterfront dinners run US$18 and up.
Local transportUS$3 to 8 (US$5)Buses are about US$1 to 1.50 a ride, and mototaxis add up quickly.
Basic activities/entry feesUS$0 to 25 (US$20)Beaches are free, while a boat tour costs US$15 to 25.
Miscellaneous expensesUS$8 to 15 (US$15)Includes caipirinhas at US$4 to 7, sunscreen, water and chair rental at beaches.
Total Daily BudgetUS$85Per person, per day, in high season.
Eat your main meal at lunch in a por-kilo restaurant and buy snacks and drinks at the supermarket in Centro to save US$5 to 10 a day.


source: buzios.rj.gov.br
⚠️ Prices can change and everyone travels differently, so take this as a rough guide. Hope it helps you plan your adventure!

🚌 Day tripsBest day trips from Búzios

Búzios works well as a base for day trips, with boat tours leaving from the town pier and Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo within reach by bus.
Schooner Boat Tour:
A 2 to 3 hour boat tour past Ilha Branca, Azeda and Azedinha and Ferradura costs roughly US$15 to 25, with stops to swim. Go in the morning when the sea is calmer, and avoid the cheapest tours that cram in too many people. Skip the jewelry vendors on board.

Cabo Frio:
About 30 to 45 minutes by local bus for US$2 to 3 each way. Praia do Forte has long white sand and calm water, and the old fort and lighthouse hill offer views. Many first-timers underestimate the traffic on return and miss the last bus, so leave by late afternoon.
👉 Explore Cabo Frio
Arraial do Cabo:
The clearest water in the region, reached by bus via Cabo Frio in about … read more 👉
Búzios works well as a base for day trips, with boat tours leaving from the town pier and Cabo Frio and Arraial do Cabo within reach by bus.
Schooner Boat Tour:
A 2 to 3 hour boat tour past Ilha Branca, Azeda and Azedinha and Ferradura costs roughly US$15 to 25, with stops to swim. Go in the morning when the sea is calmer, and avoid the cheapest tours that cram in too many people. Skip the jewelry vendors on board.

Cabo Frio:
About 30 to 45 minutes by local bus for US$2 to 3 each way. Praia do Forte has long white sand and calm water, and the old fort and lighthouse hill offer views. Many first-timers underestimate the traffic on return and miss the last bus, so leave by late afternoon.
👉 Explore Cabo Frio
Arraial do Cabo:
The clearest water in the region, reached by bus via Cabo Frio in about 1.5 to 2 hours, with total costs near US$10 to 15 plus a boat tour of US$20 to 30. Go on weekdays outside the summer to avoid crowds, and start early.
👉 Explore Arraial do Cabo
Praia do Forte and Dunas:
The dunes and the Peró area near Cabo Frio suit a half day, with bus and sandboarding fees around US$10 to 20. Choose the dry months for the best sand and light.

🛡️ SafetyTraveler Safety Guide

Búzios is safe by Brazilian standards, and most problems are petty theft that you can avoid. Leave phones and cameras unattended on the sand and you may lose them, so keep valuables in a zipped bag and take only the cash you need. Quiet beaches such as Ferradura and Geribá are fine in daylight, but dark roads between them are poor places to walk at night. Use a taxi or mototaxi after dark.

Solo travelers can go out in Rua das Pedras comfortably, where crowds and lighting are good until the bars close. Drink spiking is rare but possible in crowded clubs, so watch your glass. Beach vendors can be persistent, and a calm “não, obrigado” works. Check prices on menus before ordering, as some waterfront places add a service charge that is already included. Taxis rarely use meters, so agree on the … read more 👉
Búzios is safe by Brazilian standards, and most problems are petty theft that you can avoid. Leave phones and cameras unattended on the sand and you may lose them, so keep valuables in a zipped bag and take only the cash you need. Quiet beaches such as Ferradura and Geribá are fine in daylight, but dark roads between them are poor places to walk at night. Use a taxi or mototaxi after dark.

Solo travelers can go out in Rua das Pedras comfortably, where crowds and lighting are good until the bars close. Drink spiking is rare but possible in crowded clubs, so watch your glass. Beach vendors can be persistent, and a calm “não, obrigado” works. Check prices on menus before ordering, as some waterfront places add a service charge that is already included. Taxis rarely use meters, so agree on the fare first. Rental scooters and quad bikes cause injuries, and loose gravel on hilly roads adds to the risk.
Check Country Safety

FAQFrequently asked questions about Búzios

Búzios is worth a stay of its own, not a stopover, if you want beaches. The peninsula has about 20 beaches, with Geribá for surf and Ferradura for calm water, plus boat tours at around US$15 to 25. It is pricey in summer, but low season keeps costs manageable.
Búzios suits 3 to 4 days. That gives you one day for Centro and Rua das Pedras, one or two for beach hopping at Geribá, Ferradura and João Fernandes, and a day for a boat tour or a trip to Arraial do Cabo. Add a day if you want to surf or visit Cabo Frio.
Búzios can be done as a day trip from Rio, but it is a long haul. The bus takes about 3 to 3.5 hours each way, with fares around US$15 to 25, and weekend traffic can add an hour. Staying at least one night lets you see two or three beaches without rushing back to the bus.
⚠️ Things can change over time, so always validate details locally before you go.

Other Brazilian towns near Búzios

Explore more nearby:

  • Arraial do Cabo—Clear coves, Prainhas, Gruta Azul, fishing harbor| 28 km away
  • Paraty—Tidal cobblestones, colonial doors, bay boats, car-free center| 294 km away
  • Tiradentes—Gilded organ church, Rua Direita, stone fountain, Serra trails| 299 km away

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We 💚 feedbackKey takeaways before you go

Go on a weekday in the shoulder months, when beaches are calm and prices drop. Búzios is at its best in the early morning, before the boats and buggies start. I would rent a bike or share a taxi, skip the pricey beach clubs, and save the evening for the waterfront.

✈️ When did I visit Brazil?
Call it good timing or luck, but I was able to celebrate Carnaval in Rio de Janeiro in February 2022, after a round trip in the north and east coast.

✍️ Help improve this page!
The information on this page is based on my own backpacking experience in Brazil, supplemented with up-to-date research and feedback from other travelers. Travel details can change, so if you notice anything outdated or incomplete, feel free to let me know.



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👋 Meet the founderWho’s Behind Take Your Backpack?

Johan, backpacker and founder of TakeYourBackpackHi, I’m Johan (Netherlands 🇳🇱), the creator of TakeYourBackpack. Over the past 3 decades, I’ve backpacked through 90+ countries across six continents, gaining extensive experience with independent travel, long-term trips, and overland routes.

This site is built on a combination of firsthand travel experience and carefully curated insights from other backpackers. Many guides are based on places I’ve personally visited, while others bring together tips, observations, and practical advice shared by trusted travelers I’ve met along the way.

The goal is to provide realistic, experience-driven guidance — not generic itineraries — so you can explore destinations with better context, clearer expectations, and more confidence.

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