excitement as each new group arrived.

There were YLs and OMs from 16 different countries, some spoke little or no English, others were very fluent English speakers although in must cases English was not their native tongue. The staff at the Novotel were just amazed to see all the laughter, hugging, talking, gift giving, that was happening amongst so many people who had never met in person before. One staff member remarked to me that they had had many conventions held at their hotel but had never witnesed such a Happy,Caring, Friendly group as the YL2000 attendees. The continual chatter fur the whole weekend was just incredible.

A large group of those attending made their way to Cobb and Co for an evening meal, The staff at Cubb and Co could nut believe their eyes when such a big group walked in fur dinner on Thursday night. Everyone had an enjoyable meal and new friendships were made. Friday dawned and a big group of us had booked to lunch on the Waipa Delta Paddle Steamer on the Waikato River which runs through the heart of Hamilton. All safely aboard the Waipa Delta and off we went, of course the talking, hugging, and excitement still continued as old friends were meeting, or YLs and OMs who had had contacts on the radio were meeting for the first time.

We all enjoyed a fabulous lunch, the DX YLs really loved the Pavlova for dessert,

(Maya OHlMK I gut the recipe for pavlwa on a fridge magnet of Lee-Ann ZLlTLO.I have made it once, it came not as fine as you had in NZ, I think my oven was a little too hot, but 1'1l try again. ) The cameras were kept busy taking photos for must of the trip. I just wonder how many rolls of film were used during the weekend of YL 20001. I know one of my friends took 7 rolls. One and a half happy hours were spent together and then it was back to the Novotel Tainui Hotel. We then opened the registration desk for YL2000 and a fantastic weekend with lasting memories of food, bus trips, wining and dining, presentations, new friendships - all in the spirit of everything involved in the fellowship of amateur radio - was just beginning. A weekend I will not forget in a hurry.

Maya OHlMK - Our journey to New Zealand was very nice and interesting - withoutNZ-YLs we would never have come to `Down Under'. You have had much to do organising such a big event The program during the days was fine, all excursions to Waitumu Caves, Tamahere, Rotorua and Papakura Radio Club. And your delicious meals - I thought we have to join Weight Watchers at home.

Rosemay ZLlWRO - I wonder how many OMs were reassured before YL 2000 by their YLs with `Don't worry, there will be at least a couple of OMs there that you know and it won't be too strange How many OMs (like mine) found that the DX OMs attending YL2000 were such a friendly and interesting lot and so easy to talk to, although English may not have been their first language I know that some on-going fri endships have developed between OMs as a result of meeting at YL2000.

Ruth LA6ZH - Apart from the weather -which nobody could do anything about - I have beautiful and lifelong memories from the YL2000.

Robyn VK3WX -To Biny, the members of your committee and all New Zealand YLs this warm greeting comes to bring many thanks for Everything! Thank You So Much.