" YL2002 Palermo"

Two years ago, New Zealand WARO hosted the YL2000 Meet in Hamilton. Lots of complementary comments are still being expressed.  But Palermo did us proud too.  Biny ZL2AZY and myself Cathy ZL2ADK along with our respective OMs had the fortune to attend the YL2002 Meet in Palermo, Sicily last weekend.

What can we say.  So much crammed into 3 days.  110 participants.  16 countries represented which included Taiwan, Luxembourg and Spain.  19 WARO members among them.

We talked, laughed, struggled with the languages and Italian food.  We walked for miles - saw so many very old buildings and elaborate churches and cathedrals, exchanged gifts and had endless photos taken.  For us from colder climates, the continual 30+C temperatures were a shock but most free time was spent in swimming pools or under cool showers.

Friday night was Nationality night where we were all to wear National costumes.  For us from New Zealand and Australia that was a little difficult but an All Black jersey, a black flag and a rugby ball made one YL distinctly New Zealand.  Bev VK6DE and Gwen VK3DYL solved their costume problem nicely with their hats of bobbing corks.   There were many beautiful costumes presented from around the world.

Saturday night's banquet was more formal - well it began that way and consisted of a 6 course real Sicilian meal.  Entertainment was provided by a very polished Sicilian dance group.

The YL forum on Sunday saw all YLs introduce themselves.  Greetings were given by many YL organisitions.  This included a beautiful card from NZ WARO which included a small donation from them.

Announcements were made on the possible formation of a Scandanavian YL Club and the DXpedition to Lord Howe Island, followed by Raratonga later in the year.  The Spanish YL made a passioned plea for more YL radio contacts. Wen from Taiwan was hoping to join the Triple Two YL Net.

And so it is all over.  You will hear more about this wonderfully colourful event when we return, but may we suggest you all start saving for YL2004 where the next get together will be held in Seoul, in South Korea at the beginning of October.  You won't regret the effort.  Ciaow* from Palermo, Sicily.

de Cathy ZL2ADK "

*Ciaow is pronounced.  Chow!