<\/p>\nHi
\nguys!<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
It’s
\nstill that wonderful part of the year when (I hope) most of us enjoy their
\nwell-deserved summer holiday. We’ve had an action-packed summer here in Romania
\nwith many headline-grabbing events and some really hot weather too. But more
\nimportantly, we have received so many messages from you, which is why today’s
\nmost is a bit longer than usual, as we thought we would share some of the
\ninteresting ones.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
One
\nof the first messages we received at the start of August was sent by Bidhan
\nChandra Sanyal of India, who never misses an opportunity to remind us of the
\nhighlight events of each month. This time around our listener wrote to us about
\nthe International Friendship Day (July 30). Here is his message: <\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Friendship
\nties one person to another. Only like-minded people can successfully form
\nfriendships. It can develop at different stages of our life. Friendships are
\nusually formed between people of the same age, mindset and temperament. International
\nFriendship Day is celebrated on 30 July. However, in India, Bangladesh,
\nMalaysia, United Arab Emirates and USA, the first Sunday of August is marked as
\nFriendship Day.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
In
\n1930 Joyce Hall, the founder of Hallmark cards, organized Friendship Day. He
\norganized this day on 2nd August, so that everyone can celebrate the festival
\nof friendship together. But soon everyone realizes that this is a trick to sell
\ngreetings cards.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
International
\nFriendship Day was proposed on July 30, 1958 by the World Friendship Crusade. This
\norganization promotes the establishment of a peaceful culture through
\nfriendship. On July 20, 1958, the idea of \u200b\u200bcelebrating World Friendship Day came
\nto Dr. Ramon Artemio Braco. He was having dinner with his friends in Puerto
\nPinasco, Paraguay. It was then that the merry group of friends gave way to the
\nWorld Friendship Crusade. This organization works to develop selfless and
\nhumanitarian friendships irrespective of caste, colour, religion, language,
\ngender. After this, in 1998, Nan Annan, the wife of the then Secretary General
\nof the United Nations, Kovi Annan, identified the Winnie the Pooh cartoon
\ncharacter as the Ambassador of Friendship.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
On
\nApril 27, 2011, the United Nations General Assembly officially declared July 30
\nas the International Day of Friendship. The United Nations invites all states
\nto observe this day according to their own ideology and culture.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Friendship
\nbetween individuals, states, cultures will ensure peace. Besides this, it will
\ncreate bridges between different nations. International Friendship Day was
\nstarted for this purpose. Theme of International Friendship Day 2023:- Sharing
\nHuman Consciousness Through Friendship continues to focus on building
\nmeaningful connections and friendships between individuals.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
On
\nthis day friends celebrate each other with friendship bands, cards, gifts. While
\nhanging out with friends, spend time with each other. Extend your hand of
\nfriendship on this year’s Friendship Day. Forget hatred, violence, differences
\nand embrace everyone.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Thank
\nfor sending this beautiful message, Bidhan. We hope it reaches as wide an
\naudience as possible. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
One
\nof our loyal listeners from Italy, Guido Panebianco sent us a number of reports
\nand messages in the last weeks, reporting good reception conditions on his
\nfrequency. Here is a snapshot of his receiver he enclosed.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
From
\nMexico, Roman Moreno wrote to us praising the wonders of SW listening. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\nam from a small town in the north of Mexico. Desertic, dry area…. our summers
\nare between 40 -50 degrees C. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
When
\nI was a kid, before dawn, 4, 5 a.m…..and for some reason I was awake, I used to
\nturn on the radio…. And I found out I could get radio signal from very very far
\naway places, cities in Mexico….<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\nwas amazed. How can an old radio received that far away radio stations ??? I
\nloved it.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\ndidn’t know anything about Short Wave Radio…I found out about SW many years
\nlater….<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
At
\nthe beginning, I had a small notebook…where I used to write the stations I
\nget…. But, it turned so difficult to get SW radio stations, that i was just
\nglad when I found one. And I didn’t used my small notebook any more. And focus
\nin find the stations. I’ve gotten signals from Brazil, China, Cuba, Costa Rica,
\nUSA (Cuba and USA are near form Mexico). From Europe, only you and Bulgaria.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\nthought QSL cards were a myth nowadays….. you know, send the QSL card, in a
\npost office…. I haven’t seen a letterman here in Mexico in years…..<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\nguess now is different. I’ve never received any QSL. Hope to still getting your
\nsignal, guys….!!!!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Dear
\nRoman, we’re so happy you are able to pick up our station and others across
\ncontinents. SW listening can indeed be fascinating to those who have a curious
\nmind for other cultures. We wish you good listening conditions and hope to hear
\nmore from you soon. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
At
\nthe start of the month, we were touched to receive a very nice message from
\nFred Waterer (Canada), who sent us a message celebrating his first QSL report
\nsent 45 years ago on that very day. Here is an excerpt from his email: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I hope this email finds you well.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I am a long time listener to RRI programs, going back
\nto the days when you were known as Radio Bucharest. I have been listening since
\n1978. One of the most interesting broadcasts I ever heard was in December 1989
\na few days after the dictator Ceaucescu was executed.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I try to catch your programs as often as I can. Your
\nsignals into North America where I live (St. Catharines Ontario, Canada near
\nNiagara Falls) are often some of the best on the shortwave bands.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Tonight (August 2, 2023) I listened at 0300 UTC on
\n9850 kHz. I would rate the SINPO as 44434<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
This is a special report for me as 45 years ago to the
\nday and even the minute, 17 year old me submitted his very first reception
\nreport which was QSLed by HCJB in Quito, Ecuador for a broadcast on 11915 kHz
\nat 0340 UTC.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
In 1978 shortwave listening was brand new to me and I
\nhad no idea it would become a lifetime hobby.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
It has been a long time since I sent for a QSL so I
\ndecided in honour of 45 years of listening I would send one tonight at the
\nexact same time as I did in 1978. I picked Radio Romania International as it
\nhas a reliable signal and lots of interesting programming and music.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
It was wonderful to read your message, Fred, made us
\nall emotional. So nice to hear RRI was part of your festive moment. And it’s
\nwonderful to hear from passionate DXers such as yourself, who haven’t given up
\ntheir hobby after so many years. We’re honored to have you as part of our
\ncommunity! <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
You can check out the QSL Fred was talking about below<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
From
\nCanada, Richard Lemke wrote to us to say that the Canadian International DX
\nClub is this year celebrating its 60th anniversary. Congratulations on this
\nspecial occasion Richard. We know you are a proud member since 1984, and that
\nRRI has been one of your favorite radio stations over the years. It’s really an
\naccomplishment I’m sure many of our listeners look up to. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
As
\nalways, we have also received a number of letters arriving at our office
\nthrough regular mail. It makes us nostalgic when we get these letters, which
\nremind us of the good old days when the Internet and electronic mail were ideas
\nin a distant future. So take the messages below as a tribute to everyone still
\nwriting letters the ‘old-fashioned way’.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Grant Skinner (England) <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Congratulations
\nto Radio Romania International, you have terrific shows. Keep up the good
\nwork.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Thanks,
\nGrant. Your letters have kept coming to our office throughout the years, and
\nthey are a constant reminder to everyone on the team of how we used to
\ncommunicate with you in the old days. Thanks for your constant efforts! <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Mark Williams (USA)<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\ndo not request or expect a QSL for such a brief report after so long a time.
\nHowever, I’ve kept my ear on Romania for decades. Sadly, I must tune in via
\nlive stream.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
How
\nI long for the good old days of SWL! Obviously, I kept my log books and page
\nthrough them from time to time.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\nvery much enjoy your music segments, particularly those with rustic flavor.
\nAlso, your weekly jazz program. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
It’s
\nnever late to reconnect, Mark! And it sure made our day you did. Mark actually
\nsubmitted a report for a 1990 (!) broadcast on 11940 kHz he caught in Hanau
\n(Germany). The programme mostly dealt with Romania post-Ceau\u0219escu. It’s a reminder to all our other
\nlisteners – if you find a dusty report in the drawer you forgot to post, now is
\nthe time! J<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Paul Hayes (Ireland) <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Have
\nbeen off the bands for a while. Good to hear Radio Romania again.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Thanks
\nfor tuning back to RRI, Paul. It’s always good to hear from you. <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Johannes Lammi (Finland)<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Dear
\nRRI English Section, I’m Johannes Lammi, 17-year-old student, electrician
\napprentice and of course a regular RRI listener. I live in Espoo, Finland, but
\nspend most of my weekends in Nurmij\u00e4rvi, Finland. I love to listen to SW radio
\nand prepare to write my reception reports by hand. I guess I’m a little ‘old
\nschool’, but that doesn’t bother me!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Dear
\nRRI English Section. I last wrote to you some weeks ago. Nothing that
\ninteresting has happened her in Finland since then. My summer work in a
\nconstruction site began 1.5 weeks ago as an electrician apprentice. I have
\ncontinued to listen to RRI many times during these weeks. <\/p>\n
We have to say it’s highly unusual to get hand-written letters from 17-year-olds, and it makes us really happy to hear it. Thanks for tuning in!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Hidemitsu Miyake (Japan) <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Hello!
\nOver the past few days the temperatures in Hiroshima have regularly been over
\n30 degrees. I wonder whether we are going to experience a heat wave as we did
\nlast year. Please accept this report of my reception of your station, I hope
\nyou will find it of interest.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Thanks
\nfor your letter, it is just wonderful! I feel closer to your country now.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
As
\ndaylight hours have been getting longer I find myself stopping by somewhere on
\nthe way home from the office more often than not.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
The
\nschool uniform has changed from the winter one to the summer one. It’s getting
\nhotter these days.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Your
\nletters are always an inspiration to us, Hidemitsu. It is always a joy when we
\nread your name on the envelope. Take care and enjoy the rest of the summer!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
From
\nJapan, Yoshio Anda sent us a reception report and enclosed a video. We’ve taken
\na snapshot to share with the rest of you.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Mikio
\nKohara (Japan) sent us a report in August, also saying: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Summer
\nfestivals and fireworks displays are held in various parts of Japan from the
\nend of July to August. Many of these events started as Obon event. Obon is
\none of the Buddhist events. In Buddhism, it is believed that the spirits of
\nfamily ancestors come back to this world during the Obon period between July
\nand August, and a series of events take place to commemorate them. And, Obon is
\nregarded as one of the most important family occasions of the year in Japan.
\nAlthough Obon is not an official holiday, many offices, shops and restaurants
\nare temporarily closed for business during this period. Due to this measure,
\nmany employees can easily plan and go back to their hometowns for family
\ngatherings and visit a family grave. Recently, there are people who go on
\noverseas trips because it is a summer vacation. This year, it will be closed
\nfrom August 11th to 16th, 17th for Obon. But, now, Typhoon No. 7 is moving
\nnorth in the Pacific Ocean, and there is a high possibility that it will
\ncontinue to move north with a strong wind area, making landfall on the Kii
\nPeninsula on the morning of the 15th, and approaching Osaka and Kansai area.
\nThe maximum instantaneous wind speed is expected to be 40 to 60 meters, so I am
\nworried that there will be damage in various places. Due to the typhoon, trains
\nand planes will be suspended, and highways will be closed, which will have a
\ngreat impact on the ability of people returning to their hometowns to return
\nhome for Obon.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
It’s
\nvery interesting to learn about Obon, Mikio. Sorry to hear the typhoon is
\ngiving the population trouble. It’s never easy when faced with such extreme
\nphenomena, although many in your region have grown accustomed to them.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Early
\nin August Mohamad Haidir Hasim (Malaysia) wrote the following message: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Hello
\nand greetings to Radio International Romania.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Firstly,
\nI would like to introduce myself. I am Mohamad Haidir Hasim from Pulau Pinang,
\nMalaysia. I recently got involved in the hobby of listening to shortwave radio
\nbroadcasts, particularly in March. Sometimes, I can hear Radio International
\nRomania’s broadcasts from my home in Pulau Pinang and also in my hometown in
\nSelangor. Although Malaysia and Romania are separated by more than 8000km, when
\nI hear broadcasts from Radio International Romania, I feel like Malaysia and Romania
\nare close to each other. I also want to share with you about the community of
\nshortwave radio listeners in Malaysia, which has a group on the social media
\nplatform Facebook. The name of our Facebook group or community is Short
\nWave and AM Listening Malaysia, where we share the broadcasts we manage
\nto receive, including those from Radio International Romania. I hope Radio
\nInternational Romania can provide moral support to our community so that we can
\nremain loyal listeners to your broadcasts and other radios. I wish Radio
\nInternational Romania to continue and even thrive and become even better. Radio
\nInternational Romania is my favorite radio station, and I will strive to listen
\nto your broadcasts. In conclusion, thank you for broadcasting happiness, truth,
\nand enjoyment to us throughout the existence of Radio International Romania.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Our
\nlistener was very happy to pick up our station and sent us a snapshot of the
\nreceiver he used.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Thank
\nyou for this very nice message, Mohamad, we are happy to learn RRI means a lot
\nto you and your community. <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
From
\nthe Netherlands, Peter Reuderink sent us a message describing reception
\nconditions for August. Here is what he adds: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
I
\nam 61 years old, and started listening to shortwave radio 44 years ago when I
\nwas 17. What made me listen then still makes me listen today. There is no
\nbetter way to get a feel for culture, politics and what goes on in a country
\nthan listening to their radio programs. On the basis of your news bulletin, I
\nconcluded that Romania prioritizes government expenses, national culture,
\nRomanian contribution to security and safety in NATO and EU… and I applaud
\nRomania for that! Wish that was as high on the agenda in The Netherlands.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Dear
\nPeter, we’re glad to have you in our community of listeners. SW listeners such
\nas yourself are hard to find these days, as most have switched to online
\nlistening in the digital era. Thanks for staying loyal to our station for such
\na long time.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Here
\nis also what Alan Gale (England) wrote to us earlier this month: <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Romania’s
\nmonth of ‘Oven’ seems to have really lived up to its name, but things have been
\nvery different here, and after the warm and unusually dry months of April, May
\nand June, the months of July and August so far have been very cool and wet,
\nwith July being the wettest month on record ever, with nearly 300% of the
\nannual rainfall. This was all down to the position of the Gulf Stream, which also
\ncaused the high temperatures in southern Europe, but I’m not complaining, as I
\ndo not like the heat, and don’t think I could have stood the temperatures that
\nhave been seen in Romania this year. I hope things are a little cooler now and
\nfeeling a lot more comfortable\/ <\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Dear
\nAlan, temperatures have indeed been unusually high of late, all the more with
\nJuly being declared the hottest month in history. Let’s hope we won’t get too
\nmany heatwaves this August.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
To
\ngive just one of the many examples of receivers our listeners use to pick up
\nour station, here is the equipment Saleem Akhtar (Pakistan) uses to tune in to
\nour programmes.<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
As
\nalways, we get a variety of posts on our Facebook page from listeners
\ncommenting on our programmes. From Pakistan, Muhammad Aqeel Bashir wrote: The programs are always
\nwell-produced and informative, and they provide me with a valuable source of
\nentertainment and education. I appreciate the wide variety of programs that
\nRadio Romania offers. I appreciate the timely and informative posts that Radio
\nRomania shares on Facebook. I’m grateful for the opportunity to connect with
\nother Romanians and people interested in Romania through Radio Romania’s
\nprograms. Radio Romania’s Facebook posts are a great way to stay connected with
\nRomania, even if I’m not able to visit in person. Thank you, Radio Romania, for
\nproviding such a valuable service! Keep up the good work!<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
Muhammad
\nSaleem Akhtar also wrote briefly Keep up the good work! <\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
\n
\n
\n
<\/p>\n
***<\/p>\n
\n
<\/p>\n
It’s
\nnow time to mention some of our listeners who took the time to send reports,
\nfeedbacks or comments regarding our broadcasts. Many thanks to Tomasz Kotas
\n(Poland), Sam Loh (Malaysia), Stig Hartvig Nielsen (Denmark), Tapan Basak
\n(India), Jaouad Saber (Morocco), Najim Uddin (India), Malik Allah Bachaya
\n(Pakistan), Rob den Boer (the Netherlands), Vicen\u021biu Tudor (Canada), Anand Mohan Bain (India), Teruhiko
\nKachi (Japan), Albert Ewing (USA), Toshiki Tsuboi (Japan), Riski Rosianto
\n(Indonesia), Madhab Chandra Sagour (India), Philippe Schaetti (Germany),
\nEtienne Sertyn (Belgium), Bruce Lee (Australia), Rajarshi Roy (India), Marc
\nSoens (Belgium), Siddhartha Bhattacharjee (India), Christer Brunstr\u00f6m (Sweden),
\nFrancis Lawlor (Ireland), Ratan Kumar Paul (India), Chris Malboeuf (Canada), Eddy
\nPrabowo (Indonesia), Timofeyev Uhra (Kazakhstan), Ciro Ciaramella (Italy), Michael
\nNaven (USA), Rafael Gustavo Grajeda Rosado (Mexico), Simon Rudd (United
\nKingdom), Scott Josenhans (USA), Fachri Ilyas (Indonesia), Kevin Ryan (USA), Zidong
\nWang (Beijing), Tarun Sethi (India), Taylor Fosha (USA), Hans Verner Lollike
\n(Denmark), Sakae Onozawa (Japan), Viet Anh Pham (Vietnam), Joandric \u00c1vila
\nFern\u00e1ndez (Costa Rica), Hiromichi Kinoshita
\n(Japan), Ding Lu (China), Shin Makino (Japan), Srihadet Kraikupt (Thailand).<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
73!<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A roundup of messages we’ve received in the last two weeks<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":41,"featured_media":176745,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[46165],"tags":[],"coauthors":[],"class_list":["post-176918","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-listeners-corner"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n