The VHF and UHF bands have "bad" propagation, compared to the short wave bands. "Bad" meaning quasi-optical. That makes them less interesting for the "more traditional" amateur operating modes. On the other hand, they are more reliable. Because, while the distance you can reach is limited, the perimeter that you can reach, you can reach directly, not relying on specific atmospheric conditions.
That's why I like working VHF/UHF. I like using repeaters for the same reason. I like reliability. But, to get good propagation, you need a good antenna. I bought a λ/2 antenna for the 2m bands for my handheld radio. It's almost 1m long, but can be folded easily. You do stand out a bit using this antenna in public. Using in from Darmstadt's Mathildenhöhe, I've been approached by two security staff once. One of them asked me what I was doing. I said, I'm working an amateur radio repeater. The security guard said to his colleague: Told you so! They were both very friendly and seemed to be very interested in amateur radio.
We talked for at least 15 minutes. I told them about the 50ohm.de website and how to pass the license and about all the different operation modes that are available to an amateur radio operator. Let's see, maybe one day when I use my handheld radio from the Mathildenhöhe again, they'll approach me not physically but on the air using their own call signs %}
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