August 7 - Lecco

By changing around a few vowels, we have come from Lucca to Lecco.  Well yes, the change has entailed a little train travel as well.

Our day in Lucca was pleasant and relaxing.  We took the train from Pisa and upon arrival, walked the two and a half miles around the top of the city wall.  The elevation was just high enough to catch a cool breeze.  We wandered down into the church square and ate ice cream - all very nice!

Now we are in Lecco.  This city is a forty-minute train ride north of Milan.  It is located on the east arm of the upside down "Y" of Lake Como.  It is also the site of this year's World Ultimate Club Championship tournament.  Our son is playing on the Winnipeg Mens Masters team and our daughter-in-law is playing on the Winnipeg women's team.  How could we not be here as well!

Ultimate is a competitive game of team frisbee.  Two groups of seven players oppose one another on a soccer-sized playing field.  The disc can only be advanced by passing.  Although players must stand still when passing the disc, there is much running to block and receive passes. Unique to Ultimate, there are no referees in the game.  Players are bound by the "Spirit of the Game" to call their own fouls. 

Now, with all this activity and movement, you might wonder why a blind or visually impaired person might want to be a spectator to such a sport.  For instance, can I see any of the players as they run back and forth on the field?  The answer is no, but can I hear the shouts of the players and the cheers of the spectators?  The answer is yes.  Can I hear the pounding of the running feet and the slap of the disc when it is caught?  Yes.  Can I hear the beating of the drums and the throb of music from other world teams who bring their traditions with them?  Yes.  Can I share in the excitement of the game with my son and daughter-in-law?  Yes, I can!  The past two days have been amazing, and Lyle and I are both so pleased that we were able to come to the tournament.

We leave Lecco tomorrow with some regret.  It is a beautiful setting in the mountains by the lake. More time here would have been perfect, but tomorrow we head on to Siena.  We will be back some day!