Dear Friends:

God gave me the fantastic opportunity to attend to the three WRTC events, Seattle, San Francisco and now Bled in Slovenia.

It has been both, an honor and pleasure to be at those three marvelous ham competition parties. The chance to be together with hundreds of five stars operators from all over the world is something that not one of us will forget.

The Slovenians organized the event combining all positive aspects and lessons learned from the other two previous events, adding a perfect organization and an unforgettable fraternal friendly ambient in all Slovenian country.

When we arrived at the airport the military guides really acted as old friends, giving us answers to all our questions, demonstrating a deep knowledge relative to the country's history and of course about the event organization.

At the hotel, I must to admit that I never made such a fast check in at 11:00 at night!!!

On the next day when we went to the Hotel Astoria to register, everything was perfect again!!. There we started to feel something different. The treatment was not only kind, but gentle and extraordinary friendly. People treated us as very old friends making us comfortable as if we were at home.

I really don't know how the organizers succeeded in involving all the Slovenian people within the ham's atmosphere. In the restaurants, in the bars, on the streets everybody acted as WRTC attendants.

The opening ceremony was also fantastic. I felt as an Olympic participant, and the emotion several times overpassed the reality.

Then we met our hosts. What marvelous people!!!. They stayed with us during all the time as real brothers. If we had decided to eat all the food which they offered to the competitors and referees, we would have been in bad shape.

The organization of the Contest simulation was, once again, perfect. The very democratic discussions on the rules, having competitors, referees, Judge committee, all together, was excellent. The committee has answered all the competitor questions.

Another surprise!! The QTH locations, fantastic again!!. We all were imagining how they succeeded to have so many similar superb locations. Really they created some miracles!!.

The organizers didn't forget some other minor details. Together with Trival Antene (one of the sponsors) they offered a spectacular dinner to the Contest Hall of Fame members present at the event. I think that this was the first time this kind of meeting was organized. Applause again!!.

They also provided us space and time to have a very good CQWW CONTEST COMMITTEE meeting at Hotel Astoria. The fraternal atmosphere permitted us to maintain a very efficient meeting with some important innovated suggestions for the future contest rules.

The tours provided by the Slovenians also gave us an excellent opportunity to visit some of the wonderful spots around Bled. Again 5 star treatment.

Another magnificent surprise. The closing ceremony. Impossible to be at the same time more, beautiful, simple and full of ham radio spirit.

When I was ready to return, I realized that it was impossible to obtain such success only due the fantastic job of the organization committee lead by this miraculous Tine Brajnik S50A. ALL THE SLOVENIAN PEOPLE MADE THE DIFFERENCE. They worked together with the S5 just as an orchestra would do.

Finally I must thank GOD for:

To be there in Bled with my wife Marcia ZZ5MCO, receiving the gift to participate in this WRTC 2000.

To be together with PP5JR and Monica, PY5CC, PY2NY and Ana, PY1KN (The Brazilian mission), beloved Brothers.

To consolidate a solid friendship with so many hams.

To visit this marvelous country Slovenia, and to meet this even marvelous people.

To learn with the competitors and referees.

To honor our Argentinean friend and member of our Araucaria Group LU8DQ (Silent Key) offering a Trophy to the Canadian Team for the best score outside Europe and US.

To call all of you as BROTHERS.

To all Slovenian people our deep and best thanks.

Well my brothers I promise, with the help of God to attend all the future WRTC events.

Best 73

Atilano de Oms PY5EG