And economic strains clearly prompted many shoppers to brave the midnight crowds in return for deep discounts.

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Since appearing in Donmar productions Othello and Ivanov in 2008, Hiddleston has gone on to achieve international fame in films such as The Avengers, Thor, The Deep Blue Sea, War Horse and Midnight in Paris.

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The second day I was a bit wobbly but went with my hosts deep into the rugged steppe for a traditional barbecue capped by races to the top of mountains and a clifftop midnight wrestling match.

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