"A dozen people outside a Milan metro station on Wednesday stared intently at their phones until 8 a.m., when an Instagram post provided a location. Run, don't walk: we're in the Castello area, said the post. Pins are available while supplies last. It sent the group sprinting. Early each morning in Milan, eager collectors have been gathering to await word of the exact spot where they can score highly prized, limited-edition Olympics pins that if they're fast enough are free."
"Ilaria Pasqua has gotten up and out early every day since Saturday to snag the coveted pins from YesMilano, the city's promotional agency, and she plans to complete the collection of seven neighborhoods including Isola and Porta Venezia and five iconic landmarks, like the Duomo. She teamed up with three collectors she met on the first day, and they have developed a system to be among the first in line."
"Each day after receiving her pins, Pasqua says she stuffs them deep in her coat pocket out of view from latecomers looking for a trade that she doesn't want to make. Pin Pecking Order Pin collecting is an essential part of the Olympic subculture, with people traveling far and wide to the Games just to add to what is often a very substantial array of enameled pins at home."
Collectors in Milan gather early near metro stations and await Instagram posts that announce free, limited-edition Olympic pin drop locations. YesMilano distributes pins representing seven neighborhoods and five landmarks, including Isola, Porta Venezia and the Duomo. Collectors form small teams and develop systems to be first in line and to secure the pins. Many keep pins hidden to avoid unwanted trades. Pin collecting functions as a social activity and a way to explore the city. The practice ties into a broader Olympic subculture of enthusiasts who travel to Games and organize pin trading and stock.
Read at www.mercurynews.com
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