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To Perugia, with thanks

Our fascinating trip to Perugia has passed and we're back down to earth - well, nearly! It is apparent that this episode in the HDBs short history needs some form of 'closure' to coin John Huband's phrase.
To this end a photographic commentary will be published on our site shortly, once all the photos are in and I've managed to find some time to put thoughts to paper.

But also, when I got back from Perugia, I felt the need to say 'Thank You' for what was a wonderful week.
I therefore, on behalf of the HDBs, wrote a letter of thanks, and sent this via Helen Donegan, who did such a marvellous job organising accomodation and transport for so many Dark Blue fans.

But who do I address this letter to? I can't name the people who helped make our trip - I can't even remember half of them! So, rather pretentiously, I addressed it to 'The Mayor and People of Perugia'. Sending it by email to Helen, I assumed she may hand it in to the Town Hall or similar.

Helen has replied. She was delighted to receive the letter and has translated it into Italian. I have heard from Helen again. She has an appointment today (Friday 24th October) with the Mayor of Perugia when, she said, she will be delighted to have the pleasure of handing over our letter! Could this be another first for the Highland Dark Blues? Or have I overstepped the mark this time? Judge for yourselves...................

Jab-bashful

THE HIGHLAND DARK BLUES

I write, as Secretary, on behalf of the Highland Dark Blues Supporters Club, returning from our visit to support our team Dundee FC against AC Perugia in the UEFA Cup. No amount of research via websites could prepare us for what we found in your beautiful city. We live in and around Inverness in the Scottish Highlands, and we think that we can provide traditional warm Scottish hospitality. It must be said, however, that the people of Perugia can show us a thing or two about hospitality towards visitors.

We fell in love with your city immediately we arrived. It's beauty and warmth were only exceeded by that of it's women! So, it was easy to see why we also fell in love with your women, to the extent that one of our number even proposed marriage! (allegedly!)

We found a warm welcome wherever we went, whether it was our hotel, the restaurants, the pubs or the shops. The wearing of the traditional kilt, and the playing of the bagpipes seemed to help break down any remaining barriers, and it was good to see your citizens coming out in numbers to join with our supporters in and around Piazza IV Novembre.

It was always our intention to enjoy a party atmosphere and make friends - irrespective of the football result - and I would like to think that this was achieved. It is also hoped that our presence did not spoil the visit to your city of the many other tourists taking the official guided tours.

Your city and it's people have left a lasting impression on all the supporters I have spoken to since returning home, and I hope that we have left a similarly good impression. We will have stories to tell our grandchildren in the years ahead, of our visit to Perugia and the friends we made. But, before that, I know of a number of us planning our next visit, but this time we will need to take our wives!!