Radio Romania
\ninvited you to participate in a new prize-winning contest entitled Govora Spa,
\na healing oasis, devoted to one of the most famous spas in Valcea County, in
\nsouthern Romania. By closing date, April 30, we received 258 correct and
\ncomplete answers.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The Grand Prize
\nis a 7-night stay with full accommodation in a double room, with six days of
\nspa treatment available. This includes two daily sessions between June 15 and
\n30, 2015 at Hotel Palace, housed in a historic building erected between 1911
\nand 1914 in Govora Spa, Valcea County. As usual, the winners will have to
\nprovide for their own international transport to and from Romania, and cover
\nthe prospective expenses related to obtaining a visa for Romania. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The contest was
\nsponsored by Hotel Palace – SC Baile Govora SA, and was organized by the
\nValcea County Council, Govora Spa Town Hall, the Ramnic Archbishopric and the
\nValcea branch of the Union of Fine Artists. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Before we let
\nyou know the names of the winners, here are the questions again, together with
\nthe correct answers, which you were able to find out from our shows, from the
\nRRI web site as well as our Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn and Google+ accounts: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
When was Hotel
\nPalace built in Govora Spa? The answer was between 1911 and 1914.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
What is the
\nGovora Spa resort best known for? Answer: its waters rich in iodine and sodium
\nchloride, as well as the sapropelic mud recommended for the treatment of
\nbreathing, rheumatic or digestive disorders.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
What is the name
\nof the city acting as seat for the county where Govora Spa is located in?
\nCorrect answer: Ramnicu Valcea.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Name five
\ntourist attractions in Valcea County. For this answer you could choose from
\namong tens of sites presented in our broadcasts or online, including the spa
\nresorts, well-known monasteries, traditional pottery shops in Horezu and
\nvarious museums in the region.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And now, here
\nare the winners: the 30
\nhonorable mentions offered by our sponsors went to: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Herbert J\u00f6rger, of
\nGermany, Mohamed El-Sayed Abdel-Rahim and Mary Magdi Yousef, from Egypt,
\nAbdelilah Boubchir, Algeria, Volodimir Bondar, from Ukraine, Idriss Bou
\nOudina, of Morrocco, who
\nwrote to the French Section, Nina \u015eevciuk, of Belarus, Dmitri Kotenev and
\nVasili Guliaev, from Russia, Xue Fei, Li Lili, Fan Hongjie, He Xige, all 4 from
\nChina, Enric Ballester Burcet, Jos\u00e9 Luis Corcuera and Juan Franco Crespo, all 3
\nfrom Spain, Massimo de Muro, Marco di Leo, Raffaele Ponticelli and Agide
\nMelloni, all 4 from Italy, Bernardino Atilio Orellana, of Japan, Raif Chaaban, of Lebanon, Hamad
\nKiani, of Pakistan, Fachri, of Indonesia, Chitturi Vamsi, from India, M. A.
\nWaheed, of Oman, Henk Poortvliet, from the Netherlands, Mofizur Rahman, from
\nBangladesh, Hans Verner Lollike, of Denmark, and Syed Ali Akbar, of Pakistan.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We had 20 3rd prizes
\nthat were awarded to the following friends of RRI: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Werner Hoffmann, of
\nGermany,Abdelillah Izou, of Morrocco, Olexandr Kozlenko,
\nfrom Ukraine, Paul Jamet, of France, Prigodici Nikolai, of Belarus, Ji Yuan, of China, Miguel Ram\u00f3n Bauset, from
\nSpain, David Iurescia, from Argentina, Cinzia Colo and Stefano Riccardi, both
\nfrom Italy, Jaroslaw Jedrzejczak, from Poland, Obaid Alam
\nand Asghar Shah, both from Pakistan, Radhakrishna Pillai N and P.
\nSivashanmugham, both from India, Ashik Eqbal Tokon, of Bangladesh, Keith
\nSimmonds, from France, Kamlesh Gautam, Sourodeep Sarkar and Chaitali Sarkar,
\nall 3 from India.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Obaid Alam, of Pakistan, explained
\nwhy he participated in this contest: I am short wave listener, I listen to RRI
\namongst many short-wave radio stations. I have become so much inquisitive about
\nRomania after tuning in to RRI. I have a strong desire to visit this great
\ncountry and meet its people. I am convinced that there is so much to see and
\nlearn in Romania. Whenever I come across a quiz about Romania I immediately
\ntake part in it irrespective of winning or not.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Also Keith Simmonds, from France
\nexplained briefly: I just like competing,
\nespecially when it gives me an opportunity to explore new ideas, new lands and
\ntheir history and culture. I particularly like to follow Romania on all the
\nvarious media because of the beauty and diversity of its cultural landscape and
\nthe uniqueness of its people.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We also had 20 2nd
\nprizes that went to the following listeners of RRI: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Iacob Corneliu George, from Romania, Bezazel Ferhat Ben Rabeh, of Algeria,
\nEugeniusz Krzemie\u0144czucki, who wrote to the Ukrainian Section, Meriem Sabine
\nMrane, from Algeria, who wrote to the French Section, Vladimir Andrianov, a listener of the Russian programs, Alexandr
\nAbramov, from Russia, Shan Jinhai, of China, Roberto \u00c1lvarez Galloso, of the
\nUS, and Adervall Lima G\u00f3mez, from Brasil (both wrote to the Spanish Section),
\nSimona Baj, Gabriele Meregalli and
\nCristina Risso, all 3 from Italy, Jahangir Alam Manto,
\nfrom Bangladesh, Surendra Kumar, Binarani Mondal and S. B. Sharma, all 3 from
\nIndia, Matthew Weitendorf and Weldon Walles, from the US, Christer Brunstrom,
\nof Sweden, and Sola James Agboola, from Nigeria, who wrote to the English
\nSection.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Here is
\nwhat Weldon Walles,
\nfrom the US, wrote: I have been a loyal listener for many years. I am a writer
\nof crime novels and often listen to RRI while I am writing. The beautiful
\nlandscape, architecture and culture inspire my writing, i sometimes get lost in
\nthe worlds I create by wandering through the streets of imaginary cities that
\nare influenced by the wonders of Romania. I most often listen to the program
\nRomanian without tears and the news. I also enjoy the contests and try to
\nparticipate as often as I can. I hope to visit Romania one day and be further
\ninspired in my writing as I believe that experiencing the places that we admire
\ngives a whole new appreciation of what inspires us.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Jahangir
\nAlam Manto, of Bangladesh,
\nalso gave his arguments for participating in this contest: What motivated me
\nin deciding to participate in this contest is quite simple, being an ardent
\nsupporter and regular listener of Radio Romania International over last 26
\nyears I have developed an affinity for Romania and its people which I hope will
\none day culminate in me personally exploring this historic land and
\nexperiencing the warm wonderful hospitality of proud Romanians. I specially
\ninterested in traditional treatment technique. I have listened, read articles
\nabout Govora spa through RRI, where I have learned that at present spa tourism
\nhas become a major segment of the international tourist market and Romania has
\nabout 34 spa resorts. […] RRI is one of my favourite short wave stations, because
\nof its commitment to the media. Whereas other stations around the world have
\ncut back on broadcasting and facilities, RRI has done the opposite. I
\nappreciate this effort and will support the station into the future as long as
\nI am alive. Participation in RRI contest is an opportunity to explore the
\nRomania.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Sola
\nJames Agboola, of Nigeria, wrote: The reasons for which I compete and follow RRI programs on air or online
\nis that I trust the organisers. I believe that the competition will be free,
\nfair and credible. Above all, I love the rich contents of RRI programs.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Christer
\nBrunstrom, from Sweden, also provided his arguments for participating in the
\ncontest devoted to Govora:I enjoy taking part in your Contests as they provide a
\nlot of information about Romania. I use your home page and the Internet to find
\nthe answers to your questions. I have been a listener to RRI since the early
\n1960s and I find the station to be an excellent source of information about
\nyour country, its people and Culture. I am also very fond of Romanian Music
\nwhich you frequently include on your programmes.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
From India, Binarani Mondal,
\nwrote: During my school-hood I
\nhave heard the name of Nadia Elena Com\u0103neci, winner of three Olympic gold medals at the 1976
\nSummer Olympics and wondered that she was the first female gymnast who scored a
\nperfect 10 in an Olympic gymnastic event, moreover she was a Romanian! In youth
\nI have gone through the thriller ofDracula, originated
\nfrom Romania! You may know being an inhabitant of West Bengal (India) I have
\nbrought up with the communist environment, thus I have some natural curiosity
\nabout the Romania history of communism. Obviously all these tempt me to follow RRI programs
\non air or online. And to me Radio Romania International is a wide-open window
\nto know Romania better. This time just to judge my knowledge about the DACIA
\npresent-day Romania I have compete the contest!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Another friend from India, S. B. Sharma, wrote
\nthe following: RRI is our third eye to see and
\nfeel Romania, Romania history, arts & cultures, people &
\nplaces and travel destination. RRI is my one and only best
\nsource to gather information about Romania. one day I want to visit Romania
\nthat’s why I am collecting much information about great country. So I
\nfollow RRI broadcasts.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
And from
\nthe US, Matthew Weitendorf, wrote: As a librarian with an interest in museum
\nstudies, i make it a point to listen to World of Culture and the History Show.
\nBoth of these programs offer a wealth of information that is not readily
\navailable to those of us living in the United States. For similar reasons i
\nenjoy listening to broadcasts of Inside Romania. Learning about the Govora Spa
\nis its own reward, bu the chance for an opportunity of actually visiting one of
\nthe places one hears about via Radio Romania International is one that I did
\nnot want to miss.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
The 10 1st prizes went to the following listeners of RRI and
\nInternet users: Romanian-born Alexandru Bu\u015fneag, of Germany, Boudoukha
\nMohamed, from Algeria, Volodimir Gudzenko, of Russia, who wrote to the
\nUkrainian Section, Christian Ghibaudo, of France, Alexandr Kuzeminski, from
\nUkraine, who wrote to the Russian Section, Wu Xuan, of China, Julio Mora S\u00e1nchez, from
\nCuba, Giovanna Zagni,
\nfrom Italy, Mogire Machuki, of Kenya, and Mitul Kansal, from India.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Here is what Mitul Kansal, from
\nIndia wrote to us: I have been a regular listener of RRI English service since 2004. RRI is
\nthe only source for me to learn more and more about the history, culture,
\neconomy, traditions, nature, politics and peoples’ daily lives activities. Its
\nprograms are up-to-date, to the point, well-discussed and
\nwell-analyzed which gives me a true picture of Romania and its point of
\nview on various national and international issues. Now why I am taking part in
\nthis contest because I am nature lover and love the beauties of nature.
\nSecondly I have learnt that Hotel Palace in Govara Spa is an ideal hotel
\nfor conferences, for spa and for visiting the green environment and full
\ntouristic attractions.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Another faithful
\nlistener of RRI, Mogire
\nMachuki, from Kenya, explained: This contest like other previous
\ncontests continue to let me discover the real Romania. In fact am so impressed
\nby the cultural and traditional revolutions found in Romania. For one here for
\nexample in my country Kenya natural healing used to be applied during
\nyesteryears but as the situation is now technology has changed everything. This
\ncontest has opened a new chapter for me to peruse through and get to understand
\nthat Romania tradition still posses a place in the modern Romania. It has a key
\nrole to play and I am quite happy that we have this type of natural healing in
\nRomania, something I never imagined still exists. I am taking part in this
\ncontest because I for one love nature, living traditional can contribute to
\nhealthy bodies free of diseases. In fact through this contest about
\nResorts and Spas has thrilled me. It is a project of its own. Like
\nme I never drink bottled water, am used to water from river sources. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
We also had 10 special prizes that went to the following
\nlisteners and Internet users: Marco Schaa, from Germania,Ben Chohra Ali, of Algeria, Nikolai Larin, from Russia, Ge Shaopeng, from
\nChina, Alexis Rocas Ram\u00edrez, of Venezuela, Hugo Calder\u00f3n Carbajal, from Mexico,
\nMichela Citro, from Italy, Per Allan Olsson, of Sweden, Muhammad Shamim S, from
\nIndia, and Jonathan Murphy from Ireland.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Muhammad
\nShamim S, from India, wrote the following: In today’s world, tourism does not merely mean a
\nvacation, a source of entertainment, or a way of expanding one’s knowledge but
\ntourism in the recent years has emerged as one of the most important socio-economic sector of nation. It is now
\nrecognized as an industry providing substantial support to the economy of a
\ncountry. […]It also
\nhelps in improvisation of infrastructure, creates more opportunities of
\nemployment and most importantly provides foreign exchange. Tourism in Valcea
\ncounty plays a vital role in the Romania’s economy, cultural growth and unity.
\nValcea’s great diversity and cultural richness provides ample potential for
\ngrowth in tourism. The rich heritage of art, architecture, pre-historic spots, places of historical importance […] all speak of the infinite possibility of Valcea
\nbecoming a favourite tourist destination in Romania. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Per Allan Olsson, from Sweden
\nexplained his participating as follows: I am, I must admit, shamefully
\nhealthy, so my reason for competing is not primarily to receive treatment at
\nthe spa, even though I wouldn’t pass the opportunity to indulge myself in mud
\nbaths and mineral water therapy, but more to relax in a beautiful and inspiring
\nenvironment, with opportunity to make exploratory trips in the Valcea County,
\nwhich obviously is full of both cultural and culinary treasures for the visitor
\nto enjoy. I have more recently picked up an old childhood hobby of mine,
\nshortwave listening, so I haven’t followed RRI programs for longer than about a
\nmonth, but the initial impression I have is that RRI programs, and that
\ncertainly includes the presenters, is characterized by their professionalism
\nand friendliness towards the listener, and that is a concept that has had me
\nreturn again and again to the station’s broadcasts as well as to the web site. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Our old friend from Ireland,
\nJonathan Murphy, also gave arguments for his participation in the contest: I am entering this competition first and
\nforemost because I would like to visit Govora Spa and Valcea County! I have
\nnever been to this part of Romania. The closest I have come isCurtea
\nde Arge\u015f andT\u00e2rgovi\u015fte. Afterresearching my answers
\nfor this competition, I learned that Valcea County offers a perfectly balanced
\nholiday within its borders, with nature, history, art and architecture,
\nfolklore, and even a zoo! […] I follow RRI’s programmes on the radio and online in
\norder to understand Romania better: its history, culture, politics and people.
\nI have a longstanding interest in Romania and have enjoyed living there in
\n2014. […] I am
\nindebted to RRI as an
\ninvaluable source of news, comment and friendship. Many thanks for organising
\ncompetitions such as these and giving your audience a chance to research
\nRomania and the dream of visiting!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Thank you all
\nfor answering our questions and for telling us what inspired you to take part
\nin the quiz. And now the most eagerly awaited moment: the winner of the 7-night
\nstay for two, with full accommodation in a double room, with six days of spa
\ntreatment, two sessions a day, in Govora, Valcea County, is … Beate Hansen,
\nof Germany! Congratulations, we are looking forward to seeing you in
\nRomania in the second half of June!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Beate Hansen
\ntold us why she took part in RRI’s contest: One of the reasons why I take part
\nin these contests is that chances to win are high. I don’t have all the
\nproblems that can be treated in Govora or Mangalia, but any reason for me to
\nreturn to Romania is welcome. I think Romania is experiencing interesting and
\noptimistic processes, which I wouldn’t want to miss. But because the German
\nmass media do not cover them extensively, the only sources of information I am
\nleft with are the Internet and RRI. I also access the Internet, but the
\nadvantage when listening to the radio is that you can do other things as well
\nat the same time.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The awards and
\nhonourable mentions will be sent by post, so please send us a confirmation
\nletter, email or fax, regarding both the receipt and the content of the
\nparcels. Once again, thank you for participating in the Govora Spa contest, and
\nmake sure you don’t miss our broadcasts and our future quizzes!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
We give you the winners of the RRI quiz Govora Spa, a Healing Oasis<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":125689,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[44685],"tags":[44731],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-160530","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-world-of-culture","tag-govora-spa-contest"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n