Author: plusroi

Easter is one of the most important days of the year, marking the Resurrection. It’s also a great time to go on a vacation with family, especially on the white sandy beaches of  Providenciales.

Easter in the Turks and Caicos

The date of Easter changes every year and generally falls within late March to Late April.

The holiday extends from Good Friday to Easter Monday, both of which are public holidays. Locals may choose to attend churches to mark the arrival of Easter.

Unlike other islands in the Caribbean, Turks and Caicos does not have a festival such as Carnival to mark the beginning of Lent.

The Annual Kite Flying Festival

The Annual Kite Flying Festival is held every year, on Easter Monday. The event features live music, tasty food, and of course, kites. Families can participate in fun activities, such including sack races, tug-of-war, and the Easter Egg hunt.

This year’s Kite Flying Festival will be held on April 22. On Providenciales, the festival is set to occur at the Children’s Park on the Bight. Families may wish to considering taking a cab or a shuttle to the festivities.

Celebrating the New Year with Maskanoo and Junkanoo

If you’re looking for a Carnival-like event, the period between Christmas and New Years is very festive in the Turks and Caicos. Maskanoo , observed on December 26th, is the island’s “Carnival”. The streets are alive with live music, a parade, and delicious food. Of course, it wouldn’t be “Maskanoo” without the vibrant, colorful masks found everywhere.

Junkanoo public holidays are celebrated throughout the day. However, the biggest Junkanoo celebration is observed on New Year’s Day . The celebration harkens back to the slave trade, when slaves were allowed one day off to celebrate the holidays with their families.

Celebrants take to the streets, wearing striking masks and outrageous costumes in order to win prizes. Traditional African music fills the streets and the party lasts from Midnight until dawn.

Let Us Help You Enjoy Easter at the Sands Resort

Easter may be a popular time in Providenciales, with many families electing to spend time here during their holidays. We are happy to help you Easter plans during your vacation to Turks and Caicos. If you would like to attend church services, or would like to connect to the Easter Bunny directly, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Grace Bay beach has once again been recognized by TripAdvisor’s Traveller’s Choice awards as one of the top 25 beaches in the world. On top of that, Grace Bay continues to hold a five star-rating on TripAdvisor.   Website reviews describe the beach as “a little piece of heaven”, “breathtaking”, and of course, “amazing Grace”.

In fact, Grace Bay, Providenciales and the Turks and Caicos regularly win awards and recognition for being the best Caribbean destination.

Provo Golf Course Wins Prestigious Award

Provo Golf Club , has been recognized by independent readers as one of the Carribbean’s top ten golf courses by USA Today for the second year in a row.

Travel experts select twenty of the top sites in the caribbean and it’s up to the readers narrow the list down to best ten. The gold club ranked #5 on the list.

Provo Golf Club features the natural environmental beauty of the islands.

The club offers welcomes players of all levels and features a challenging 18-hole championship golf course. For these reasons, the golf course proudly calls itself “the jewel in Turks and Caicos’ crown”.

The golf club is open year-round to members and non-members.

The Race for the Conch Celebrates its 10th Anniversary

Grace Bay beach is once again gearing up for the annual “ Race for the Conch ” Eco-SeaSwim.

The race, which features a unique conch trophy, is celebrating its tenth anniversary. Individuals from around the world participate in this annual swim race along Grace Bay’s beautiful turquoise waters.

Both Professionals and amateurs participate in one of three race events. These events include the 2.4 mile Ironman swim, one mile swim and half-mile swim. There is also a 100 metre swim race for competitors 10 and younger.

The Race for the Conch is scheduled for June 29, 2019. For more information or to register, please visit the race website at https://www.ecoseaswim.com/ .

Celebrating the Sands 20th Anniversary

In 1998, the Hartling Group opened its first luxury report along the beautiful Grace Bay beach.

Twenty years later, the Sands Resort is has kicked off its official anniversary celebration with special events to take place throughout the year. In addition to launching a social media campaign with the hashtag #TheSandsCelebrates20, past and present guests are encouraged to send share memories of their stay.

Other events include the search for the Sands’ ultimate fan, the Sands Selfie Scavenger Hunter, and the Sands Time Capsule.

Contact Us to Plan Your Trip to Turks and Caicos

If you would like more information about these events or if you’d like to plan your vacation with us, please do not hesitate to contact us .

Grace Bay beach is the crown jewel of not only Providenciales, but all of Turks and Caicos. Named after Grace Hutchings, the wife of former Turks and Caicos Administrator Houston Hutchins, Grace Bay beach has been award the title the world’s best beach by Tripadvisor’s Travelers Choice Awards, most recently in 2018, and the #5 beach in the world in February 2019.

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Between its sublime turquoise waters, vibrant marine life and powdery white sands, it’s easy to see why Grace Bay beach deserves all the accolades.

Grace Bay beach offers a little something for everyone. Whether you are looking to enjoy quiet time with loved ones or get into lively adventures, there is a place at Grace Bay beach that will appeal to you!

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Undersea Adventures in the Bight and Coral Gardens

The Coral Gardens is a fifteen-minute walk west of Grace Bay beach. It is a popular place for snorkeling. Also, the water is shallow, making it easy to experience the island’s vibrant marine life firsthand.

Further west is the Bight reef, another excellent snorkelling spot. The Bight is a very busy area due to its close proximity to Providenciales’ city center as well as its popularity with tourists.

While it is possible to reach Coral Gardens and Bight Reef by foot, families are encouraged to take a shuttle or hire a taxi.
Already an expert at snorkeling? Looking to live a little under the sea? The Sands offers its popular four-hour Snorkel-and-Conch Cruise twice daily. Contact our Tours and Excursions Desk for more information.

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Your Own Private Beach in Leeward

Crowds not your thing? Fancy a quiet walk across a deserted island? Leeward, located on the eastern side of Providenciales, is the spot for you. A beautiful beach in its own right, Leeward Beach offers the same white sands and crystal clear waters as Grace Bay beach. However, due to its remote location, Leeward is less busy and may be a good place for a private swim.

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Leeward also hosts a mangrove ecosystem that protects the island’s vibrant marine life. Activities such as SUP (Stand-up Paddling) and kayaking are sure to attract the adventurous types.

Guides are recommended for activities on Leeward Beach. The Tour Excursion Desk will be happy to connect you to the perfect tour or excursion.

Rest and Relaxation at the Sands Resort

The Sands Resort offers the best of both worlds. On one hand, our 114-suite hotel offers tranquility and privacy with amazing views of Grace Bay beach. On the other hand, the resort is located near restaurants, shops, and other local amenities.

Mr. Grouper’s Restaurant offers tasty local fare, including grilled snapper, lobster and blackened grouper. It’s about a ten minute car ride from the resort.
Looking for a family-friendly restaurant? Da Conch Restaurant is one of the most popular restaurant on the island, named one of the world’s best beach restaurants by BBC and CNN. The restaurant offers local seafood dishes, jerk chicken, and vegetarian options.

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Grace Bay Beach is Waiting for You!

Ready to drop everything and get to the beach? The Sands Resort would be happy to help you plan your Grace Bay beach getaway. If would like to get started right away, contact us or leave a comment down below!

Going on the vacation of your dreams is an unforgettable experience. Planning the vacation of your dreams, on the other hand, can be daunting. Fortunately, going on a vacation is good for you, offering a boost in confidence, decreased stress levels and overall happiness.

To help you plan your trip, here are five tips you can use when planning you dream vacation.

Tip #1: Visualize Where You’d Like to Go

Before planning your ideal vacation, it’s a good idea to visualize where you’d like to go. Is dream vacation somewhere hot and sunny, or cold and snowy?

Visualizing your ideal vacation can help you answer these questions.

For example, if you’d like to visit a beach locale, search online for images of beautiful beaches, including the world-renowned Grace Bay beach in Providenciales.

Once you select a destination, you can begin the planning process.

Tip #2: Travel When It’s Ideal for You and Your Destination

Popular travel destinations typically have various peak tourism periods throughout the year. Airfares and hotel rates then to be much higher during peak periods than any other time of year, and these travel hotspots also tend to be very crowded during these times.

Weather is another factor when choosing your destination, as popular activities and excursions are only available during certain times of the year.

Turks and Caicos enjoys excellent weather throughout the year, although there can be rain in the summer months. The most popular time to travel to Turks and Caicos is from November until the end of March.

July through September can be quieter, and there are often good travel deals then, too.

Tip #3: Use Travel Planning Apps

Smartphone apps are used to help plan out every aspect of our day, so why not use apps to help you plan your trip!

Travel apps such as Hopper, KAYAK Flights and Skyscanner can help you find cheap flights. The moment when airfares to your dream beach locale drop, an alert will be sent to you. Once you’ve booked your vacation, use the TripIt app to streamline every aspect of your trip. The app allows you to access trip itineraries, confirmations, and various bookings all in one app.

Tip #4: Look Where You’re Going

As you plan for your trip, it’s natural to be curious about where you are travelling to. Visit sites such as Instagram and Pinterest to find photos of your travel destination.

You may end up discovering activities, excursions, and locations you wish to visit during your stay. For example, when searching for Grace Bay beach photos, you may discover a restaurant or an area of the island you would like to visit.

Tip #5: Ask the Locals

Travel-booking websites such as Expedia, Travelocity and Orbitz offer ease and convenience but may still lack the “insider” knowledge.

By connecting with a local, you’ll discover places and activities not found on the usual travel websites. Hotel blogs, such as the Sands Resort blog, provide a wealth of information related to your future stay. The Sands’ Tour Excursion Desk can connect you to range of excursions that will make you dream vacation even better.

All you have to do is ask!

Turks and Caicos is Waiting for You

The Turks and Caicos is the perfect getaway for couples and families. Located on Grace Bay beach, recognized as the world’s best beach, the Sands Resort has been in the business of providing guests with a blissful experience for twenty years. If you still need help planning your perfect Turks and Caicos vacation, we would happy to help you.

On Valentine’s Day, couples give each other the usual gifts of flowers and chocolate. Other lovers take a more personal approach, perhaps by cooking a romantic meal or writing a passionate love letter.

Whatever you do, Valentine’s Day is the day to express your your love and how much you appreciate that special someone.

A Romantic Setting of Powdery White Sands, Turquoise Waters

If you want to make your Valentine’s Day a unique and unforgettable experience, why not plan a romantic getaway in the sublimely beautiful Turks and Caicos Islands?

Powdery white sands, crystal-clear blue waters, and quiet privacy are sure to inspire passion and romance with your loved one that lasts long after the last petals fall and the last piece of chocolate melts.

From sipping drinks in the moonlight to intimate walks along the world’s most celebrated beach, a stay at the Sands offers the perfect getaway for Valentine’s Day.

How to Plan a Romantic Dinner in Paradise

The Sands is steps away from a variety of award-winning restaurants on Grace Bay beach. Each restaurant showcases an exquisite selection of local dishes and global cuisine, sure to bring excitement to the palette of even the most discerning foodie.

Looking to try something new? A fusion of classic and contemporary Caribbean dishes served within a garden oasis awaits you at Cobaya Restaurant. For couples wanting to dine closer to home, on-site Hemingway’s offer casual dining for couples looking to try classic Caribbean dishes under starry skies.

Cap off your delicious meal with the best rum punch in Turks and Caicos.

Pamper Yourself and Your Valentine at the Sands

Valentine’s Day is all about pampering the one you love. A treatment at The Spa Tropique offer a promises to deliver the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation. Sit back and relax at the sight of swimming pools and the breathtaking beauty of Providenciales’ crown jewel, Grace Bay beach.

Spa Tropique include “His-and-Hers Couple” Massages, body facials, and manicures and pedicures.

Be sure to book an appointment for the popular “Kookoo for Coconuts” body scrub, known for leaving the skin soft and silky like never before.

Plan an Intimate Adventure in Turks and Caicos

Do your Valentine’s plans include getting the adrenaline pumping? If you are looking to create an exhilarating experience like no other, the Sands is happy to connect you to activities that will get your hearts racing.

Snorkeling is a popular activity on Providenciales due to warm, clear waters and vibrant marine life. The Coral Gardens at the Bight, located twenty minutes from the resort is a popular place for snorkelling, due to its shallow waters. The Sands offers the “Snorkel and Conch Cruise” excursion for those looking to dive right into adventure.

Plan a Romantic SUP Adventure

Enjoy kayaking or itching to try Stand-Up Padding (SUP)? Leeward on the western side of Providenciales is the place to go. Free from trade winds, it’s home to the vibrant mangrove ecosystem. The Sands can help you connect with a guide who help you enjoy your adventures to the fullest.

Our Tour Excursion Desk can help arrange a day trip to the other amazing islands of Turks and Caicos.

Experience Tranquility at Grace Bay beach

There is no better place to spend time with your partner than at the Sands. We are an all-inclusive resort located on one of the most celebrated beaches in the world. We strive to provide stellar service and friendly hospitality to our guests. For our efforts, we have received TripAdvisor’s Certificate of Excellence seven years running.

Start Your Romantic Vacation as Soon as Your Arrive

Providenciales is located in the northwest part of the Turks and Caicos Islands. Grace Bay beach, the crown jewel of the island, is known for its pristine white sands and clear turquoise waters. The island’s International Airport is nearby to our resorts, making visits to us easy and convenient.

Contact Us

The Sands would love to help you plan the perfect Valentine’s Day getaway for your the one your love. If you have any questions would would like start planning immediately, please do not hesitate to reach out to us!

Imagine a beach where there are pristine white sands at your feet and clear blue waters as far as the eye can the see. Now, imagine that such a place is not a dream, but a reality. Here on Providenciales, located in northwest Turks and Caicos, a stunning array of scenic Turks and Caicos beaches await you.  

Grace Bay beach

Grace Bay beach is the crown jewel of “Provo”, awarded two TripAdvisor’s Travelers Choice awards as the best beach in the world in 2016 and 2018. Named after the wife of former Turks and Caicos administrator Houston Hutchings, Grace Bay beach offers stunning waters of turquoise and emerald, and white powdery sands for long walks or little fun in the sun.  

Grace Bay beach (along with the Coral Gardens and Leeward) is part of the Princess Alexandra National Park, a protected coastal and marine park. The entire northeast coastline of Providenciales is perfect for swimming, kayaking, paddle boarding or just relaxing on the beach.

Because the beach is located on the Leeward side of the island, it is less affected by trade winds. Grace Bay beach is also close to many resorts, which makes it a popular destination for couples and families.  The Sands Resort is the perfect place to enjoy Grace Bay beach and is a good place to plan day trips to other Turks and Caicos beaches.

Coral Gardens at the Bight

Providenciales is as magical under the sea as it is on land. A great example of this is Coral Gardens, a popular snorkeling spot located to the east of Grace Bay beach. The water around Coral Gardens is shallow, making it a popular place for children to wade out to the shallow reef and experience the beauty of marine life first hand. For experienced snorkelers or those looking for a little adventure, the Sands offers a Snorkel and Conch Cruise excursion.

The Coral Gardens is located twenty minutes away from The Sands Resort, so families might wish to consider taking a shuttle or a taxi rather than walk.

Leeward

Located on the western end of Providenciales, Leeward offers exciting activities for the more adventurous.  As its name suggests, Leeward is sheltered from trade winds, and as a result is home to a mangrove ecosystem. The mangroves of Leeward protect the marine environment from erosion and sediment, allowing marine life to thrive, making the area a great place to go kayaking or try out SUP.

We recommend travelling with a guide in order to have the most fun. Our Tour Excursion Desk will be happy to help you set up a tour.

Long Bay Beach

The area is especially ideal for families and those looking for a little privacy, as there are few resorts in the area. Visitors are sure to have the area to themselves.

Long Bay Beach, located on the northwest coast of the island, offers the same clear, turquoise waters and white sands found in other beaches on Providenciales. Long Bay Beach is famous for its strong, dependable trade winds that have made it a kitesurfing hot spot in the Caribbean.  

Also, the experience of riding a “Provo Pony” into the shallow waters of Long Bay is an unforgettable experience.

Mudjin Harbour and Dragon Cay

Mudjin Harbour is on Middle Caicos. Middle Caicos is an island or cay that lies to the east of Providenciales, and has the fewest residents in all of Turks and Caicos. If you like exploring, you will enjoy the many walking trails of the area and there are several great spots for snorkeling and sailing.  

Close by, Dragon Cay offers scenic views at low tide, when it connects to Mudjin Harbour. Conch Bar caves is another highlight of Middle Caicos.

Got Questions about Turks and Caicos?

If you have any questions about Turks and Caicos, leave us a comment below! We will be happy to help you plan your perfect vacation on Grace Bay beach.

To mark the start of winter we hope to entice you to plan a Turks and Caicos vacation with some stunning snapshots of Grace Bay beach.

The warm sun, white sand and impossibly turquoise ocean all combine to create paradise on earth and an escape from snow, ice and dark days.
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Award-winning Grace Bay is regularly recognized as one of the world’s top beaches. Providenciales has also received accolades as one of the world’s top islands. Why, do you ask? A picture tells a thousand words.
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It’s so romantic and beautiful here that Grace Bay beach is also a favorite place to tie the know.
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Here on Providenciales, you can get up to any number of different adventures this winter, including snorkeling, kiteboarding, stand-up paddle boarding (SUP), or exploring a deserted beach. Here, a happy visitor goes wakeboarding near Leeward.
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Kayaking is one of the best ways to explore the coastline. Floating above an impossibly azure sea, you have a window-seat to everything happening around you.
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There are also opportunities this winter to experience scenes that have to be seen to be believed.
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Got Questions about Turks and Caicos?

If you have any questions about Turks and Caicos, leave us a comment below! We will be happy to give you an answer.

Today is our 20th Anniversary and we are thrilled to announce the kick-off of our milestone anniversary celebration year. In 1998 The Hartling Group opened the doors to The Sands, its first luxury property on Turks and Caicos’ acclaimed Grace Bay Beach. Since then, The Sands has continued evolving to be the very best it has ever been. Breathtaking ocean views, lush tropical gardens, highly rated service and hospitality, and amazing location along Grace Bay Beach – TripAdvisor’s World’s #1 Beach – it’s all here waiting for you!

To celebrate this exciting milestone, the resort has coined this year “The Sands’ Better than Ever Celebration” and will be featuring, promotions, and social media fun starting today to further commemorate this splendid anniversary.

On the heels of its multi-million dollar resort upgrade, the resort continues to dazzle guests and receive noteworthy awards. Most recently The Sands at Grace Bay was honored in the acclaimed “Guest Review Awards” presented by Booking.com, and The Sands is now a 2018 “Recommended” property on HolidayCheck – Europe’s biggest hotel review portal. The resort is proud to once again carry the acclaim as a TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence property for the seventh year. U.S. News & World Report has named The Sands at Grace Bay as one of the 2018 “Best Hotels in the Turks and Caicos”– a commendation the resort has received since 2015. Additionally, past guest reviews have made The Sands a 2018 Hotels.com™ “Loved by Guests” award winner as well as a “2017 Family Favorite Hotel” by Family Vacation Critic.

A truly exciting time to experience all that The Sands at Grace Bay has to offer is during this special “Better Than Ever” 20th Anniversary celebration year. While our official anniversary date is today, the jubilation will be shared all year long. Guests can look forward to enjoying and engaging with The Sands on such celebration fun to be unveiled throughout the year as: The Sands’ Selfie Scavenger Hunt, featuring the 20 coolest places to take the best selfies at The Sands; #SandsBestFan campaign, where guests will be invited to share why they are the ultimate The Sands’ fan; #TheSandsCelebrates20 campaign and Timecapsule contest, inviting guests to submit photos and memorabilia of The Sands over the past twenty years. Additional 20th Anniversary fun will include spring and summer promotions, special anniversary drink creations by Hemingway’s, and more!

To get the celebration started, we are launching a new social media campaign – #TheSandsCelebrates20. Past and present guests are invited to join #TheSandsTC social community by sharing photos and memories gathered during any stay at The Sands at Grace Bay and tagging them with #TheSandsCelebrates20. Select user photos will be shared on the brand’s @TheSandsTC social media channels, as well as on the resort’s blog at https://thesandstc.flywheelstaging.com/blog/. All submissions will be reviewed for inclusion in the property’s 20th Anniversary Timecapsule Contest promotion with prizes to be announced along with full promotion details in 2019. The more that guests post, the more chances they will have to win.

Whether travelers are looking to have fun with the family, explore the Caribbean culture of Providenciales, join in an outdoor adventure on or around our beautiful island, have a blissfully romantic retreat, or enjoy an ultimate escape with friends, The Sands at Grace Bay is the ideal home away from home in Turks and Caicos. This stylish resort caters to guests of all ages: from families with children and multigenerational family groups, to honeymooners, and active adults seeking a refreshing getaway. Start dreaming of your perfect vacation at The Sands at Grace Bay.

Now that Thanksgiving and Providenciale’s Conch Festival are behind us, we’re ready to kick off the 2019 travel season. Cold, wet and dark weather has already settled in almost everywhere, but here on Grace Bay beach the skies are blue, the water is calm, and our famous powdery sand is toasty and warm. Can we tempt you with a vacation?

We’re ready for you to visit, and to help get you started here’s a short guide about how to plan the perfect Turks and Caicos vacation in 2019.

New Turks and Caicos Flights for 2018

To prepare you for the months of icy snow and darkness ahead we have some new information on new Turks and Caicos flights. We also have some tips on how to find cheap tickets to save money on your vacation on warm and sandy Grace Bay Beach.

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Awesome Travel Planning Tools For Your Caribbean Vacation

Planning a Caribbean vacation can be a lot of work. As the fall and winter travel season approaches, we’ve gathered some useful travel tools to make your planning easier.

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What is the Best Season to Visit Turks and Caicos and Other Questions

We get asked a lot of questions about Turks and Caicos. Here are the answers to some of our most common FAQs.

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Fantastic Photos of Turks and Caicos

Many of us look forward to spending time in the summer with our families. In Turks and Caicos, the warm sun, white sand and impossibly turquoise ocean make for a perfect holiday. To get you in the mood, here are some photos of our favorite parts.

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How to Plan the Ultimate Family Spring Break in Turks And Caicos

Spring Break is a perfect time to enjoy clear blue skies and crystal-clear waters of Providenciales. Our island in the Caribbean is a family-friendly paradise promising a variety of beach holiday adventures. Here are just a few ideas.

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How to Avoid Constant Screen Time on Your Vacation

For children vacation means freedom from the day-to-day routine of school. However, for parents the word “vacation” tend to conjure up a dilemma: how to make sure devices and screens don’t fill every waking minute of every day.

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How to Build the Perfect Sandcastle on Grace Bay Beach

If you’re already planning your winter vacation, there will soon be warm, sunny days to spend on the beach with your family. To help you escape the winter blues, here is a short guide to building a sandcastle on Grace Bay beach.

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Experience a North and Middle Caicos Adventure

Explore the sights of the Turks and Caicos islands with Sands General Manager Mona Beeson and her special young friend.

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Got Questions about Turks and Caicos?

If you have any questions about Turks and Caicos, leave us a comment below! We will be happy to give you an answer.