St Ed w a rd’ s I n t ern a tional St ud en t Magaz ine
A collection of articles from our international student community
From the Editor A warm welcome to the first international magazine produced at St Edward’s. Its aim is quite simply to celebrate the range of nationalities at the school in all their diversity. At present there are 19 different nationalities and indeed 1 in 6 of us here at school is a non-British national, which may surprise you! What follows are really interesting contributions from a number of international students designed to inform you all about some of the fascinating facts, cultures and traditions of their home countries. We trust you will be both informed and entertained! Mr Chatburn Head of Languages Faculty
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German vs English School Lene Zimmermann, Year 10
Differences in German and English schools: School Start In England school starts at about 8:20am however in Germany it start much earlier at 7:45am. No Uniform! In Germany students do not have to wear a uniform to school! School finish Most schools in Germany finish after or around lunchtime however at the secondary school you finish at 3-4 o’clock on a Friday. Back to school shopping Many schools in England provide you with everything you need like folders and textbooks. However before school starts in Germany you would have to go shopping and buy all things necessary as it is not given to you.
The three different types of German secondary school: Hauptschule
Realschule
Gymnasium
These schools give students a basic general education, usually the pupils will go straight into a job in the many trades and industries in Germany, for which formal training is required
Offers business subjects in addition to the regular curriculum. A diploma from the Realschule (Mittlere Reife) qualifies students to continue their education at upper-level schools.
Prepares students for higher education and a lot of Gymnasium students go to a foreign country as exchange students in their 11th year. A diploma from a Gymnasium is known as the Abitur.
There is a two-week break in December, January and Easter as well as a week off in autumn. In addition, children do not go to school on many religious and national holidays, these can often fall in the middle of the week, unlike our bank holidays.
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Extreme Weather In Russia Misha Sharyy, Year 11
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The Russian climate differs from England’s one in a most unusual way. Generally, in England, it isn’t either too hot nor too cold throughout the year. However, in Russia, that’s not the way it is. In Russia, in winter it’s insanely cold and in summer it’s unbelievably hot! The Russian summer temperature can rise to 38 degrees, and you’ll be even more surprised to find out that in certain regions the winter temperature can drop down to -67.7 degrees! This isn’t everywhere though, as in most places in Russia the winter temperature goes from -15 degrees to -30 degrees. In winter, my grandparents often send me very snowy photos from their window. //
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Traditional Japanese Music Mai Wako, Year 10
Have you ever listened to Japanese music before? I think there are some people who have listened to J-pop or Anime songs. But most people don’t know about Traditional Japanese music very well. By the way I have learned the Shamisen for ten years. Shamisen is a traditional Japanese instrument. It is like a guitar. And as I learned it, I got to know the charm of Japanese traditional music. So I would like you to know about it through this magazine.
Traditional Japanese music is called Ho-gaku. It means ‘Own country’s music’. It has a variety of sounds and delicate tones. But even Japanese people don’t hear it on a daily basis. If they hear it, it’s in a high-class Japanese restaurant or department store, and Kabuki, Nou: traditional Japanese theatre. Due to Japan’s defeat in the Pacific War, music education in Japan has been based on the principles of European classical music. We have been taught that Western classical music is the music of music, that bel canto-like vocalisations are beautiful, and that the earthy voices used in Ho-gaku are dirty. For example, there are very few people who have ever played the shamisen, even if they have played the guitar, and very few children who have learned the Koto: Japanese instrument, even if they have learned the piano. There is also a lack of successors in Japan, as not many people have learnt to play Japanese instruments in Japan. And the appeal of Japanese music is not yet sufficiently felt abroad. However, Japanese traditional music bands are very popular recently. The fusion of Japanese and Western music is attracting a lot of attention not only in Japan but also abroad.
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Japanese instruments, an introduction: Shamisen
Shakuhachi
The Shamisen is called a Japanese guitar. Its strings are played with a plectrum. You can play with a powerful sound by striking the strings with a plectrum. It is used for the music accompanying Kabuki or other traditional music.
Shakuhachi is a vertical Japanese flute made of a bamboo stem generally with five finger holes. Through fingering and blowing techniques it can produce many different tones.
Koto It is a thirteen-stringed musical instrument. It was introduced to Japan in the 8th century from China. similar to a zither. The strings stretch over an oblong board. It is usually played by women.
Standard Songs 1
Sakura Sakura: if you can’t decide what song to listen to, listen to it first!
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Kojo no Tsuki: It is famous for its Koto music.
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Senbon Zakura: A lot of musicians cover this song.
Please search on YouTube!
How was this article? Did you enjoy it? I hope you are interested in Ho-Gaku through it. Although more and more people in Japan and abroad are interested in it, there are still many people who don’t know about it. It’s fun to listen to them, but it’s even more enjoyable when you can see them in action. And if you ever have the chance to come to Japan, please enjoy traditional Japanese theatre such as Kabuki. There are now plenty of audio and subtitle guides in English for foreigners! Also, I brought the shamisen to England. I hope I can play it in front of you one day. Thank you for reading !!//
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An Introduction to Iran Pouria Sanikhani, Year 11
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Nowruz is the Iranian New
Haft-Sin is an arrangement
The Shahnameh (The
Year, also known as the
of seven symbolic items
Shahnameh is a long epic
Persian New Year, which
with names starts with the
poem written by the Persian
begins on the spring equinox,
letter seen (S) in the Persian
poet Ferdowsi between c.
marking the first day of
alphabet. It is traditionally
977 and 1010 CE and is the
Farvardin, the first month of
decorated and displayed at
national epic of Greater
the Iranian solar calendar.
Nowruz 2019, marking the
Iran.) credits the foundation
It is celebrated worldwide
beginning of spring. Each
of Nowruz to the mythical
by various ethno-linguistic
of the items symbolises a
Iranian King Jamshid, who
groups, and falls on or around
different hope for the New
saves mankind from a winter
March 21 of the Gregorian
Year.
destined to kill every living
calendar. Nowruz falls on March 20 in 2021. Nowruz is the national New Year festivity celebrated in Iran, Afghanistan, and the Kurdish regions of Iraq, Turkey and Syria, and throughout Central Asia.
Chaharshanbe Suri is a prelude to the New Year. In Iran, it is celebrated on the eve of the last Wednesday before Nowruz. It is usually celebrated in the evening by performing rituals such as jumping over bonfires and lighting off firecrackers and fireworks. Spoon banging is a tradition observed on the eve of Charshanbe Suri, similar to the Halloween custom of trick-or-treating. In Iran,
creature. To defeat the killer winter, Jamshid constructed a throne studded with gems. He had demons raise him above the earth into the heavens; there he sat, shining like the Sun. The world’s creatures gathered and scattered jewels around him and proclaimed that this was the New Day (Nowruz). This was the first day of Farvardin, which is the first month of the Iranian calendar.
people wear disguises and go
In Iran, the Nowruz holidays
door-to-door banging spoons
last thirteen days. On the
against plates or bowls and
thirteenth day of the New
receive packaged snacks.
Year, Iranians leave their
Iranians celebrate Nowruz with traditional festivals, and it has been a national holiday since the rule of Cyrus the Great (538 BC). Historically, the celebration was to mark the victory of the Zoroastrian God, Ahura Mazda over the evil spirit, Ahriman.
houses to enjoy nature and picnic outdoors, as part of the Sizdah bedar ceremony. The greenery grown for the Haftsin setting is thrown away, particularly into a running water. It is also customary for young people. Another custom associated with Sizdah Bedar is the playing of jokes and pranks, similar to April Fools’ Day.//
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Thoughts On Internationalism In The 21st Century Annabel Sykes, Year 13
E L
L’internationalisme estil important au vingt-etunième siècle ?
’internationalisme est, selon ‘Universalis.fr’, « la doctrine préconisant
siècle ?
D
’abord, il y a beaucoup à gagner de l’internationalisme.
L’internationalisme encourage une plus grande
l’union internationale des
coopération politique et
peuples, sans tenir compte
économique entre les États
des frontières » Nous
et les nations. Chaque pays
avons vu la montée des
a ses propres domaines
mouvements et des partis
d’expertise, de sorte que le
politiques nationalistes
monde est meilleur si nous
ces dernières années. Le
apprenons les uns des autres.
président Trump aux États-
Il est évident par la montée
Unis et le président Poutine
des réseaux sociaux que les
en Russie se sont tous deux
gens peuvent se connecter et
concentrés principalement
communiquer mondialement,
sur le renforcement de
et avoir une perspective
la puissance de leur
internationale est essentiel.
propre pays. Il y a eu une
Travailler ensemble en tant
augmentation récente du
que citoyens du monde est la
soutien aux partis fortement
voie à suivre.
nationalistes, qui ont des politiques anti-immigration, dans plusieurs pays européens tels que l’Italie, l’Allemagne et l’Autriche. Il serait pardonnable de penser, que c’est la fin de l’internationalisme, donc dans quelle mesure est-il important au vingt-et-unième
L
a pandémie de Covid-19 nous a montré combien nos vies sont liées à
celles des habitants d’autres pays autour du monde. Le développement de vaccins a été un effort véritablement international, avec des scientifiques de pays divers
partageant des données mondiales et testant leurs vaccins sur des individus du monde entier. L’achat et la distribution de vaccins sont également internationaux, par exemple au RoyaumeUni, le premier vaccin Covid-19 utilisé a été mis au point par la collaboration de deux entreprises, une américaine et une allemande. L’Organisation Mondiale de la Santé a donné la possibilité aux pays de partager leurs connaissances et leurs statistiques sur Covid-19. Ces organisations internationales sont nécessaires pour gérer des situations mondiales menaçantes.
A
présent, les pays les plus riches doivent également soutenir
les pays les plus pauvres, de façon que l’internationalisme est nécessaire pour éviter les souffrances des populations qui luttent en raison de conflits, de catastrophes naturelles ou d’un manque de ressources. Ces populations
dépendent d’une aide financière et pratique. Avec espoir l’internationalisme accru au 21e siècle conduira à une plus grande égalité à travers le monde afin qu’il y ait moins de fracture entre les nations riches et pauvres.
N
ous sommes tous résidents de la même planète ; par
conséquent nous devons tenir compte des considérations environnementales pour l’avenir des enfants partout. Il est important de travailler ensemble et de partager des expériences internationales. Cependant, les différences nationales doivent être célébrées. Je ne pense pas que quiconque souhaite que l’internationalisme rende tous les pays du monde identiques ! Imaginez si l’internationalisme encourageait tous les enfants à parler la même langue, lire les mêmes livres, porter les mêmes vêtements et manger les mêmes plats. Le monde serait beaucoup moins intéressant. Nous devons célébrer notre diversité tout en comprenant nos différences et en partageant nos ressources. Ce serait l’internationalisme sous son meilleur jour. //
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St Edward’s, an International Community Some facinating facts about the countries represented by students at St Edward’s
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Russia Population: 145.9 million In 2012, Russian scientists were able to regenerate a plant from a seed found in Siberian permafrost that was more than 30,000 years old. Moscow has more billionaires per capita than anywhere else in the world. It has 100000 rivers, including some of the longest and most powerful in the world. The coldest inhabited town on Earth is in Russia – Oymyakon in Siberia recording -77.8 degrees C in 1938.
Poland Population: 37.9 million The humble but delicious bagel was invented in this European country. It’s not known exactly when, but it appears to date to at least 1610 and possibly as far back as the 1300s. (Thanks, Poland!) Polish food is said to be delicious and its dumplings are considered to be the best in the world. The Poles welcome Spring in style, making a straw doll with colourful ribbons, setting it on fire before dousing it with water. It is an intelligent nation – there are 17 Nobel Prize winners with Polish roots!
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Germany Population: 83.5 million Everyone who lives in this European country, even foreigners, can attend college tuition-free. 65% of the highways in Germany have no speed limit. Berlin is 9 times bigger than Paris and has more bridges than Venice. The first printed book was in German and the first magazine ever seen was launched in Germany in 1663.
Philippines
Ireland Population: 4.9 million
Population: 145.9 million
About a quarter of all overseas nurses come from the Philippines, making it the world’s top supplier of nurses.
Guinness is arguably this European nation’s most recognizable beverage. When Arthur Guinness signed the lease for the brewery’s St. James Gate property in 1759, it was for 9,000 years at £45 per month. Those terms are still adhered to today.
The Philippines is named after King Philip II of Spain.
The Wild Atlantic Way is the longest coastal driving route in the world.
It is the second largest archipelago in the world.
There were never any snakes in Ireland and Halloween also originated in Ireland.
Philippines Population: 108.1 million
52 million people speak English, making it the 5th largest Englishspeaking nation.
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Iran Population: 82.9 million This Middle East country is more committed to family planning than any other country on the planet. Religious edicts called fatwas encourage contraceptives, and both men and women are required by law to take a class on modern contraception before their marriage license will be issued.
United Kingdom Population: 67.5 million Tea is big on our island nation — we reportedly drink 165 million cups a day. But it was a Portuguese woman who first brought the drink to the isles. After Catherine of Braganza wed King Charles II in 1662, her favourite libation, tea from China, quickly caught on in the royal palace, then the rest of the country. The UK has a strong maritime tradition and there is not a single point anywhere in the UK that is more than 75 miles away from a coastline. It also has a strong tradition of creativity and invention. Apart from its many playwrights, poets, novelists and painters, it introduced the industrial revolution and invented many of the world’s most popular sports – football, Rugby, golf, boxing and cricket among them. Also, there are more chickens in England than people!
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Iran also has the highest volcano in Asia and is the birthplace of one of the world’s oldest civilisations.
France Population: 65.1 million This European nation is the most visited country in the world with 89 million annual tourists. Many travel around by car and they can experience its many roundabouts – in fact more than half of the world’s roundabouts are in France! It has the most time zones of any country in the world (12) and it has the distinction of being the first country in the world to make throwing out or burning food illegal.
Italy Population: 60.6 million One of the most iconic foods in this European nation is the tomato. But Italians have only been eating this fruit since the 1500s, when Spanish conquistadors brought it from Peru to Naples, which at the time was under Spanish rule. All three of Europe’s active volcanoes are in Italy. Naples is the birthplace of pizza and in Rome, tourists throw a million euros into the Trevi Fountain every year!
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Norway
Portugal
Population: 5.4 million
Population: 10.2 million
In the 1980s, Norway started selling salmon, one of its major exports, to Japan because that island nation was facing a seafood shortage. The Norwegians even suggested using it in sushi and sashimi. Though the Japanese were hesitant at first, it became a raw-seafood staple for them by 1995.
There’s a small fishing village called Nazare north of Lisbon where the world’s largest rideable waves occur. It’s believed the biggest-ever wave was 100 feet high.
The sun doesn’t set in summer in Northern Norway and it is one of the best countries in the world to see the northern lights.
Romania Population: 19.4 million
The man who invented the steam espresso machine and the Illycaffe brand, Francesco Illy, was born in this European nation in 1892. The world’s best driving road is in Romania (according to Jeremy Clarkson!) The second largest building in the world is in Bucharest – the Palace of Parliament. It has 12 storeys and 1100 rooms.
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Portuguese is the official language of 9 countries. It is the largest cork producer in the world and also boasts the oldest bookstore in the world.
Denmark Population: 5.8 million Bicycles are much more prevalent than personal automobiles in this European country. Only four out of 10 Danes own a vehicle, while nine out of 10 own a bike. Denmark is one of the happiest countries in the world and has a special word for a cosy feeling of togetherness – hygge. There are also no mountains so cycling is only rarely uphill.
Canada Population: 37.4 million
The 49th parallel marks the border between Canada and the United States. At 5,525 miles, it’s the world’s longest unprotected border. The world’s oldest known rocks are found in Canada and it also has the longest coastline in the world. Santa Claus is Canadian. In 2012 Canada’s Immigration Minister declared that Santa was indeed Canadian! The Literacy rate is very high in Canada at 99% + so almost all Canadians can read and write.//
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China Population: 1.43 billion There are 63 million pairs of chopsticks — or 126 million single sticks — manufactured in China every year. These range from mass-produced disposable chopsticks to high-quality sticks that can take up to (yes) a month to painstakingly make. Over 50% of Chinese live in cities, creating a country in which there are over 170 cities with a population of over 1 million. It is now also the world’s largest producer of concrete, steel, fertilizer, clothing and toys.
USA Population: 329.1 million The stars and stripes make up one of the most recognizable flags of any country in the world. But did you know the modern iteration containing 50 stars was designed for a class project by an enterprising high school student in 1958, who anticipated the addition of Alaska and Hawaii a year later? Amazingly, the boy’s unimpressed teacher gave him a BMore than nine in ten Americans have eaten pizza in the last month and it has been estimated that Americans consume 100 acres of pizza every day. The USA is at the centre of global invention. Airplanes, computers, mobile phones and potato chips all came from the USA. The Americans love dogs. There are 75.8 million dogs in the USA, more than double that of the second-placed nation. 20
India Population: 1.37 billion India gave the world its sweet tooth. Although sugarcane originated in Southeast Asia, it was first chemically refined about 2,500 years ago in India. (Thanks, India!) It has never invaded any country in its 100000 years of history and it is the largest democracy in the world. Chess, algebra, trigonometry and calculus all originated in India.//
Spain
Japan
Population: 46.7 million
Population: 126.9 million
This European country is the birthplace of Miguel de Cervantes, whose iconic “Don Quixote” is considered the first modern novel. The first part was published in 1605 and the second 10 years later. He published several other works but made almost no money off any of them. Around 406 million people in the world speak Spanish and it is a healthy place to live with the second highest life expectancy in the world. Most importantly, it’s thanks to the Spanish that we have chocolate!
Located along the earthquake-prone Ring of Fire, this Asian island nation experiences 20 percent of the world’s 6.0-magnitude or higher temblors annually. Earthquakes that size can (and do) cause major destruction. Japanese trains are among the most punctual in the world. The number 4 is extremely unlucky in Japan as it sounds too similar to the word for death! The Japanese love wacky flavours – eel flavoured ice cream and Green tea KitKats are just two examples
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JAPANESE TRADITIONS Nanae Kumeda, Year 11 Japan is an island country off the East Sea coast of Asia. The population of Japan is about 120 million and about twice the population of England. The capital of Japan is Tokyo, where you can enjoy both of cutting-edge and retro atmosphere at the same time. We have 3 types of alphabets in Japan, Kanji, Hiragana and Katakana. Hiragana is like the English alphabet and has 46 letters. If you learn Hiragana, you will be able to understand and pronounce Japanese. If I write England in Japanese:
Kanji→英国 Hiragana→いぎりす Katakana→イギリス
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to Japan, you can eat sushi for about a pound per plate.
EATING If you come to Japan, I would like to recommend sushi and wagash: ・Sushi is already very popular all over the world. There are several Japanese restaurants in UK where you can eat sushi such as wagamama and KIBOU. It’s definitely one of the most famous things about the culture of Japan. Tuna is the most popular in Japan. There are several types of tuna, such as large toro and medium toro. Kaitenzushi is especially popular among Japanese people, cheap and very delicious. Kaitenzushi restaurant is the place which you pick sushi from a rotating conveyor belt. It’s everywhere in Japan. If you come
・Wagashi is Japanese sweets Wagashi is one of the Japanese traditional confectioneries, that is served with Japanese green tea. Wagashi are typically made of rice, wheat, red bean per and sugar etc. I recommend Castella to you because it doesn’t contain matcha or sweet bean paste, so even those unfamiliar with Japanese confectionery can easily try it. Castella is a Japanese sponge cake made of sugar, flour, eggs and starch syrup. It is a sweet and moist. It’s everywhere in Japan but Kyoto is famous for Japanese sweets, so please try Castella when you visit Kyoto.
Sushi restaurant address Wagashi shop adress 2-8-9 Sotokanda, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 1-19-4 Shinjuku, Shinjyukuku, Tokyo
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TOKYO Tokyo is recommended for those who want to enjoy both the cutting-edge of Japan and the retro atmosphere. ・GINZA SIX: if you want to shop in Tokyo, I recommend you “GINZA SIX”. The largest shopping complex in Ginza comprised of fashion/lifestyle shops, restaurants, offices, Kanze Noth Theather, and rooftop garden. Address: 6-10-1 Ginza, Chuoku ・Sensoji Temple: if you want to go to a temple in Tokyo, I recommend you “Sensoji Temple”. The oldest temple in Tokyo, said to have been built in 628. It is famous for its main Kaminarimon Gate, where a giant lantern hang.
PUBLIC ETIQU
Address: 2-3-1 Asakusa, Taito-ku
Visiting Shrines
・Ryogoku Kokugikan: if you want to get in touch with Japanese culture in Tokyo, I recommend you “Ryougoku Kokugikan”. Where grand tournaments of sumo, an ancient Japanese martial art, are held. Even when there are no main tournaments, visitors can still enjoy the concession stands within the premises. Address: 1-3-28 Yokoami, Sumida
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Know basic etiquette to make your stay in Japan enjoyable and pleasant.
A place enshrining kami (deities) worshipped by Japanese people since ancient times. There is always a torii gate at the entrance, and all areas beyond the torii gate are considered sacred. 1 | Bow once and enter through the torii gate. 2| Rinse your hands and mouths at the purification font. 3 | At the shrine building, bow twice, clap your hands twice, and bow twice. Visiting Temples Temples are place for Buddhist training, and many manage cemeteries. There is a magnificent sanmon gate at the entrance, and a buddha or bodhisattva
FOR THOSE WHO’VE BEEN BEFORE If you have already been to Tokyo, I recommend you the surroundings areas of Tokyo. There are many wonderful places in Japan besides Tokyo. ・ YOKOHAMA: Yokohama, a port city south of Tokyo, is a historical city known to have opened Japan’s doors to the world in 1589, after over 200
years of isolation. It is a nearby area that can be reached from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station in about 30 minutes. If you are craving a gourmet adventure, don’t forget to wander through Motomachi Shopping Street and Yokohama Chinatown, Japan’s largest Chinatown. ・KAMAKURA: The ancient city of Kamakura has one
of the highest numbers of cultural assets in Japan and is a popular spot that is always crowded with tourists. Although there are many old and historic temples and shrines here, you can also find modern and classical cafés, as well as enjoy dishes made with fresh seafood. It is an area that can be reached from Tokyo Station to Kamakura Station in about 60 minutes.
ETTE statue is enshrined in the temple buiding. 1 | Bow once the enter through the sanmon gate. 2 | Place incense sticks in the incense burner (if there is one) and purify yourself with the smoke. 3 | Gassho (put your palms together) in front of the temple building. Bathing at Japanese Hot Springs and Public Baths Soaking in a large bath at a hot spring or sento (public bath) with many people is a cultural experience. It is important to show consideration for others. 1 | Pour hot water on yourself before soaking. 2 | Do not put your towel or hair in the bath water. 3 | When showering, make sure you do not spray the person next to you. 4 | No bathing in swimsuit or underwear.//
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Romania’s Greatest Athletes Iona Nistor, Year 10
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If I say “Romania”, what comes to your mind first? Dracula, probably. But what about sports? Even though Romania isn’t as known as the UK, USA or France, it still produced some of the greatest sportspersons over the years. You or your parents may have heard of Nadia Comaneci, a very famous gymnast in the 70s. She is known for winning 5 gold medals at the Olympics but most famously for being the first gymnast to be awarded a perfect 10 at the Olympics. Nadia Comaneci was born on the 12th of November 1961 in a small town in the Carpathian Mountains, Onesti. Nadia started gymnastics at 6 when a gymnastic coach spotted her doing a cartwheel in a schoolyard and invited her to join his gymnastic school. In 1970, Comaneci began competing as a member of her hometown team and, at age nine, became the youngest gymnast ever to win the Romanian Nationals. On July 18, 1976, at only 14 years old, Comaneci made history at the Montreal Olympics. She was awarded the first perfect 10 in Olympic gymnastics for her routine on the uneven bars. And for the funny story, the judges believed that competitors could not receive a perfect ten, so the official Olympics scoreboard manufacturer had not programmed the scoreboard to display a two-digit number. Comaneci’s perfect 10 appeared as “1.00,” the judges then confirmed that she had received a 10.
week with local coach Ioan Stan until she was six, from which point on she practised daily. Halep began playing on the ITF Junior Circuit in 2005 at the age of 13. In 2014 at the French Open, Halep played her first grand slam final where she lost to Maria Sharapova. In 2017, Halep becomes world number 1 In 2018, Halep wins the French Open where she defeated Sloane Stephens in the Final and later stated that she had always wanted to win the French Open. In that same year, she was awarded the WTA player of the year. In 2019, Halep wins Wimbledon after defeating Serena Williams in the final. Recently, Simona completed an astonishing seven consecutive years in the Top-10 WTA rankings. Since making her WTA Top-10 debut on January 27, 2014, Halep has spent 346 successive weeks inside the Top-10. I could go on for days writing about sports but you will get bored (if not already) so I’m just going to leave you with some famous names: Gheorghe Hagi – a football player in the 90s who played for Real Madrid and Barcelona and with the Romanian team reached the quarter finals at the world cup in 1994. Ilie Nastase – a tennis player in the 70/80s, first world number 1. Ion Tiriac – a tennis player in the 60/70s, who, after a good tennis career, became the richest businessman in Romania.//
Now let me tell you about a more recent athlete, Simona Halep. Halep was born in Constana on the 27th of September 1991. She started playing tennis at 4 after attending one of her brother’s tennis lesson. Although her brother stopped playing the sport after a few years, Halep began practising twice a
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