pawian
19 Oct 2008
Food / Polish National Dish [54]
It is just delicious. We eat it almost every day:
does any1 know it? how does it taste?
It is just delicious. We eat it almost every day:
pawian
18 Oct 2008
History / Question related to Jews during Saturday night in II Rzeczypospolita [12]
A person born to Jewish parents.
A person born to Jewish parents.
pawian
18 Oct 2008
History / Question related to Jews during Saturday night in II Rzeczypospolita [12]
There were many Jews, especially in the inteligentsia class, who didn`t follow the religious principle in life. They spoke Polish instead of Jiddish, lived in Polish districts, had Polish friends.
They were looked upon with contempt by other religious Jews, that`s for sure.
But were they worse or unreal?
I don`t think so.
When Germans came, all Jews, whether religious or not, were treated as real.
There were many Jews, especially in the inteligentsia class, who didn`t follow the religious principle in life. They spoke Polish instead of Jiddish, lived in Polish districts, had Polish friends.
They were looked upon with contempt by other religious Jews, that`s for sure.
But were they worse or unreal?
I don`t think so.
When Germans came, all Jews, whether religious or not, were treated as real.
pawian
18 Oct 2008
History / Question related to Jews during Saturday night in II Rzeczypospolita [12]
If they were orthodox religious pious people, they had to observe Sabbath.
If they weren`t pious Jews, they could do what they wanted.
Why?
If they were orthodox religious pious people, they had to observe Sabbath.
If they weren`t pious Jews, they could do what they wanted.
Why?
pawian
15 Oct 2008
Life / Where can I find Italian sausage in Kraków? [9]
You mean salami sausage from donkey/mule meat?
I'm talking the real thing - not a Polish substitute. Any ideas? Thanks...
You mean salami sausage from donkey/mule meat?
pawian
14 Oct 2008
Life / What to do with my penny jar full of Polish coins? [10]
Why don`t you throw them into a fountain located in a town/city you would like to return to? A jar of coins will significantly enhance your chances of coming there back... :):):)
How about this fountain?
I have a jar full of coins, mostly 20gr or less.
Why don`t you throw them into a fountain located in a town/city you would like to return to? A jar of coins will significantly enhance your chances of coming there back... :):):)
How about this fountain?
pawian
14 Oct 2008
Life / Where to do laundry in Krakow? [24]
There is a big pond with clean water in the nearby Jordan Park.... :):):)
Sorry for the joke but I have no idea about laundrettes in Kraków. They are not very popular in Poland. Most people have a washing machine...
Does anyone know of somewhere I can do my laundry that is near to the mining college, or at least in that area of the city?
There is a big pond with clean water in the nearby Jordan Park.... :):):)
Sorry for the joke but I have no idea about laundrettes in Kraków. They are not very popular in Poland. Most people have a washing machine...
pawian
14 Oct 2008
Travel / My trip to Poland - I hated Katowice, loved Krakow, and adored Bielsko [59]
It is Zakrzówek, a former limestone quarry, today flooded by underground water. A beautiful place, especially when you swim close under the cliffs....
We spent a few days at a lake in the area where my girlfriend was learning to scuba dive... does anyone know what this lake is called? it had beautiful clay cliffs bordering the water.
It is Zakrzówek, a former limestone quarry, today flooded by underground water. A beautiful place, especially when you swim close under the cliffs....
pawian
11 Oct 2008
Language / CIZIA & KOCIAK? [17]
Cizia isn`t used anymore. The last time I heard it was in 1980s, when my girlfriend`s father used it talking about his secretary. In his meaning cizia was a young silly unexperienced girl.
Kociak is still used today, though quite rarely.
Cizia isn`t used anymore. The last time I heard it was in 1980s, when my girlfriend`s father used it talking about his secretary. In his meaning cizia was a young silly unexperienced girl.
Kociak is still used today, though quite rarely.
pawian
10 Oct 2008
Law / Personal loan in Poland? (not paid off) [11]
If the matter is taken to court and it decides she owes money and has to pay it back, the police will be after her if she doesn`t.
Besides, the loan will never terminate, what is worse, interest rates will be added to it. One day she will have to pay much more than the original 40.000.
Unless she chooses to live in the Amazon jungle for the rest of her life.
If the matter is taken to court and it decides she owes money and has to pay it back, the police will be after her if she doesn`t.
Besides, the loan will never terminate, what is worse, interest rates will be added to it. One day she will have to pay much more than the original 40.000.
Unless she chooses to live in the Amazon jungle for the rest of her life.
pawian
10 Oct 2008
Genealogy / What is typical perception of people from Jaszkówka/Klodzko? [5]
Here is a site by and about people from Kłodzko area. See the photo gallery of the region. (click the arrow and scroll).
gmina.klodzko.pl/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=56
Here is a site by and about people from Kłodzko area. See the photo gallery of the region. (click the arrow and scroll).
gmina.klodzko.pl/modules.php?name=Content&pa=showpage&pid=56
pawian
10 Oct 2008
Genealogy / What are the people like from Choszczno? [4]
Here is the senior football team from Choszczno. You can also check the local site of the town: choszczno.info.pl/category/na-luzie
All serious answers will be greatly appreciated. :)
Here is the senior football team from Choszczno. You can also check the local site of the town: choszczno.info.pl/category/na-luzie
pawian
9 Oct 2008
Life / Is it expensive to give birth in Poland? [26]
I already said somewhere else in the forum that I participated in 3 births of my sons. The first cost us 500 zlotys, the second 300, the third in 2006 was for free. All births were taken care of by professional dedicated doctors and nurses.
However, it also matters what happens afterwards. A woman must spend a few days/weeks in the maternal ward. Before the third birth my wife had been regularly consulting the main gynecologist in the hospital, in his private surgery, each visit cost 80 zlotys (today it may be 100 or even more) and there were a dozen of them or more. After the birth the doctor looked after my wife, showed a lot of interest, explained and advised.
My wife said that other women didn`t have such comfort, especially the young ones. Nobody talked to them, they were practically ignored by the staff.
I already said somewhere else in the forum that I participated in 3 births of my sons. The first cost us 500 zlotys, the second 300, the third in 2006 was for free. All births were taken care of by professional dedicated doctors and nurses.
However, it also matters what happens afterwards. A woman must spend a few days/weeks in the maternal ward. Before the third birth my wife had been regularly consulting the main gynecologist in the hospital, in his private surgery, each visit cost 80 zlotys (today it may be 100 or even more) and there were a dozen of them or more. After the birth the doctor looked after my wife, showed a lot of interest, explained and advised.
My wife said that other women didn`t have such comfort, especially the young ones. Nobody talked to them, they were practically ignored by the staff.
pawian
7 Oct 2008
Life / Poland peasant or noble tradition? [34]
The fact of writing diaries is enough to be acknowledged as a symbol of high culture.
Pasek, a representative of gentry, seemed to be driven by high culture needs.
Yes, it is all messed up pretty well.
Polish nobility (when it existed) didn't usually represent too much of high culture. Try reading Pasek's diaries, Pan Tadeusz or Zemsta and you'll see who I'm talking about.
The fact of writing diaries is enough to be acknowledged as a symbol of high culture.
Pasek, a representative of gentry, seemed to be driven by high culture needs.
Actually, bigos is a noble tradition in Poland. It was introduced to Poland by a royalty. Pierogi are Italian ravioli. Doesn't ravioli sound classy, even if it's the same thing as the allegedly lowly pierogi? As for Jazz... now we're talking "peasant" tradition.
Yes, it is all messed up pretty well.
pawian
6 Oct 2008
Life / Poland peasant or noble tradition? [34]
So I told you. We can observe a combination of two cultures.
Communism has changed Polish society and I have been thinking about result of this mix and final result.
So I told you. We can observe a combination of two cultures.
pawian
6 Oct 2008
Life / Poland peasant or noble tradition? [34]
The truth is that in the remote past Poland`s dominant culture was the one created by aristocrats and gentry. Later, when they passed away into oblivion in result of various historical storms, peasants` culture surfaced and became dominant.
Paradoxically, peasants acquired a lot and borrowed heavily from noblemen.
Today, the Polish culture is a perfect mixture of peasants` low and noblemen`s high culture.
Like in every country. Don`t Americans have their country music and Broadway plays?????
Caviar is eaten with bread too.
What is your opinion about Polish mentality and dominant traditions?
The truth is that in the remote past Poland`s dominant culture was the one created by aristocrats and gentry. Later, when they passed away into oblivion in result of various historical storms, peasants` culture surfaced and became dominant.
Paradoxically, peasants acquired a lot and borrowed heavily from noblemen.
Today, the Polish culture is a perfect mixture of peasants` low and noblemen`s high culture.
Like in every country. Don`t Americans have their country music and Broadway plays?????
Noble Polish tradition: a fairly fancy restaurant in Toronto. Polish group walks in, stands around having fancy drinks and after an hour asks for bread. That's it. They have fancy drinks and bread dipped in olive oil/balsamic vinegar.
Caviar is eaten with bread too.
pawian
3 Oct 2008
Love / Need advice re: Polish man. What can I do to make him interested? [50]
When I was a high school student, certain girl made a forward move which I still consider unusually clever. She called me saying: I am calling to tell you that you are inviting me to the cinema.
Of course, I obeyed and we were a couple for a few months.
Caro, if you really fancy him, I am sure you will be able to give up your natural shyness (which certainly looks fascinating) and become more (straight)forward for a while.
However, there can be a catch. To make things clear, I am almost sure he is married. Left his wife and kids in Poland. Earns money to make their life easier. I have seen tens of such families here in Poland.
When I was a high school student, certain girl made a forward move which I still consider unusually clever. She called me saying: I am calling to tell you that you are inviting me to the cinema.
Of course, I obeyed and we were a couple for a few months.
Caro, if you really fancy him, I am sure you will be able to give up your natural shyness (which certainly looks fascinating) and become more (straight)forward for a while.
However, there can be a catch. To make things clear, I am almost sure he is married. Left his wife and kids in Poland. Earns money to make their life easier. I have seen tens of such families here in Poland.
pawian
2 Oct 2008
History / Scotland and Poland. Mutual connections since 1576 [45]
Guys, don`t forget masses of Scottish mercenaries who visited Poland on various occasions, mostly with invading armies. Where do our Polish red-haired types come from?
Guys, don`t forget masses of Scottish mercenaries who visited Poland on various occasions, mostly with invading armies. Where do our Polish red-haired types come from?
pawian
27 Sep 2008
History / Polish - Soviet Brotherhood in Arms. [35]
Nazi Germans planned an annihilation of the Polish Jews community. They succeeded. 3 million Polish Jews perished.
Germans also planned the extermination of the Polish elite and inteligentsia. They partly fulfilled their plans. 1.7 - 2 million ethnic Poles were killed by Germans. Their further plans involved transfering 20 million Poles to Siberia, so that occupied Poland could be settled by German colonists. Fortunately, that wasn`t realised.
Soviet Russians at first cooperated with Nazi Germans. They invaded Poland and conducted extermination of Polish elites together with Nazi murderers.
Suddenly Russians fell out with Germans and Poles gained an ally. Suspicious, savage, barbarian, but still an ally. So, it happened that Russians liberated Poland and again the Polish language could be used freely. Polish schools could open. Polish flags could wave in the air. The Polish anthem could be sung without persecution.
It is true that Soviet Russians raped Polish women from 5 to 70 years old. It is true they stole things from poor Poles, especially watches. They arrested patriotic Poles from the underground and sent them to Gulag camps. Yet, they never thought of getting rid of the Polish nation as a whole like Nazis did. Though occupied by Soviet armies, Poland was reborn after German occupation which meant death for the Polish nation.
The monuments to Polish Soviet brotherhood in arms are still present in Poland and they seem to remain there for a long time....
Thank you for reading this post...:)
No comments from me - I would like to hear your opinion.
Nazi Germans planned an annihilation of the Polish Jews community. They succeeded. 3 million Polish Jews perished.
Germans also planned the extermination of the Polish elite and inteligentsia. They partly fulfilled their plans. 1.7 - 2 million ethnic Poles were killed by Germans. Their further plans involved transfering 20 million Poles to Siberia, so that occupied Poland could be settled by German colonists. Fortunately, that wasn`t realised.
Soviet Russians at first cooperated with Nazi Germans. They invaded Poland and conducted extermination of Polish elites together with Nazi murderers.
Suddenly Russians fell out with Germans and Poles gained an ally. Suspicious, savage, barbarian, but still an ally. So, it happened that Russians liberated Poland and again the Polish language could be used freely. Polish schools could open. Polish flags could wave in the air. The Polish anthem could be sung without persecution.
It is true that Soviet Russians raped Polish women from 5 to 70 years old. It is true they stole things from poor Poles, especially watches. They arrested patriotic Poles from the underground and sent them to Gulag camps. Yet, they never thought of getting rid of the Polish nation as a whole like Nazis did. Though occupied by Soviet armies, Poland was reborn after German occupation which meant death for the Polish nation.
The monuments to Polish Soviet brotherhood in arms are still present in Poland and they seem to remain there for a long time....
Thank you for reading this post...:)
pawian
26 Sep 2008
Genealogy / Reply from USC - will they answer in Polish? [11]
USC= Urząd Stanu Cywilnego. Civil Registry.
What does USC stand for. Some government agency I would think they might.
USC= Urząd Stanu Cywilnego. Civil Registry.
pawian
26 Sep 2008
History / Responsibility for Murder of Catholic Poles during WWII ? [172]
Yes, these figures are quite correct. From 1.700.000 to 2.000.000 ethnic Poles were killed due to German war activities or extermination.
Ukrainian UPA murdered, according to various estimates, from 30 to 60 thousand ethnic Poles in Volhynia region.
But I would say that in case of ethnic Poles that's more or less:
2-2.1 million for Gerries, 400-500k for Soviets and 100k for "others".
Grzegorz, your figures seem reasonable according to my historical investigations. Thanks for your input.
2-2.1 million for Gerries, 400-500k for Soviets and 100k for "others".
Grzegorz, your figures seem reasonable according to my historical investigations. Thanks for your input.
Yes, these figures are quite correct. From 1.700.000 to 2.000.000 ethnic Poles were killed due to German war activities or extermination.
Ukrainains, Lithuanians, Jews, Slovaks, to mention few.
Ukrainian UPA murdered, according to various estimates, from 30 to 60 thousand ethnic Poles in Volhynia region.
pawian
24 Sep 2008
Life / What is your experience about giving birth in Poland? [12]
I assisted my wife at 3 births. The first one was in 1999 and we paid 500 zlotys for the privilege because it was some novelty then. The second cost us 300 zlotys, while the last one, in 2006, was for free. I still can`t believe it.
I assisted my wife at 3 births. The first one was in 1999 and we paid 500 zlotys for the privilege because it was some novelty then. The second cost us 300 zlotys, while the last one, in 2006, was for free. I still can`t believe it.
pawian
24 Sep 2008
Genealogy / Last name Natkaniec [14]
Yes, correct. And here is the most recent visualization of Jacek Natkaniec:
Kraków and its environs are the unquestioned ancestral stronghold of the Natkaniec clan.
Yes, correct. And here is the most recent visualization of Jacek Natkaniec:
pawian
23 Sep 2008
Life / Are Polish traditions dissapearing [93]
Not quite. When you talk more to people living in the countryside, you will know that most stork nests have been set up by farmers who wanted to have the birds near or even on their houses.
Yes, but culture are those strange things that PEOPLE do. Not what what animals do. We don't do anything about storks, they are just here.
Not quite. When you talk more to people living in the countryside, you will know that most stork nests have been set up by farmers who wanted to have the birds near or even on their houses.
pawian
23 Sep 2008
Genealogy / Last name Natkaniec [14]
Jacek Natkaniec used to work as a PE teacher in our school in Krakow. He lives in the country close to Kraków.
Jacek Natkaniec used to work as a PE teacher in our school in Krakow. He lives in the country close to Kraków.
pawian
23 Sep 2008
Life / Are Polish traditions dissapearing [93]
You seem to have doubts. Why? Mushroom hunting is a tradition. Storks treated as a good omen are also deeply rooted in Polish culture.
What is tradition:
The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.
A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present.
Well, everything has once started as religious ceremony. Don`t you know that ancient Slavs believed the forest was a magical place so people who went to it to pick mushrooms were specially prepared?
Mushroom picking is a way of getting mushroom. It's as much of a tradition as going to the baker's to buy some bread. And it's an excuse to walk around in a forest.
Storks????
Storks????
You seem to have doubts. Why? Mushroom hunting is a tradition. Storks treated as a good omen are also deeply rooted in Polish culture.
What is tradition:
The passing down of elements of a culture from generation to generation, especially by oral communication.
A mode of thought or behavior followed by a people continuously from generation to generation; a custom or usage.
A set of such customs and usages viewed as a coherent body of precedents influencing the present.
It derives from the time when wedding could be only a religious ceremony.
Well, everything has once started as religious ceremony. Don`t you know that ancient Slavs believed the forest was a magical place so people who went to it to pick mushrooms were specially prepared?
pawian
22 Sep 2008
Life / Are Polish traditions dissapearing [93]
Yes, most Polish traditions which stand fast today are religious:
Poland Christmas
Poland Easter
Corpus Christi
Peregrination of the copy of the Holy Picture
Palm Sunday
All Saints` Day
However, there are certain lay traditions too. Some are becoming rare, it`s true.
Mushroom hunting
Hand kissing
Ransom demanded from newly weds on the road
Storks in Poland
Yes, most Polish traditions which stand fast today are religious:
Poland Christmas
Poland Easter
Corpus Christi
Peregrination of the copy of the Holy Picture
Palm Sunday
All Saints` Day
However, there are certain lay traditions too. Some are becoming rare, it`s true.
Mushroom hunting
Hand kissing
Ransom demanded from newly weds on the road
Storks in Poland
pawian
22 Sep 2008
Life / Catholic Church services in Poland [10]
I guess so. Roman Catholic masses should go accordin to one pattern throughout the whole world. If not, they are not Roman Cathoilic anymore, but sth else.
In Poland you can do both - most people bow heads, but some shake hands. So, if your neighbour extends his/her hand to you, don`t feel surprised.
No. It is the same amen.
One more remark: you receive bread in your mouth, not into hand, in Poland.
Most do nothing, just stand, but some priests request people to raise their hands.
Each parish has different hours. In my church it is 11 o clock, in others 12. SO, eaxch church requires an individual approach.
When was the last time you went to a mass in Poland??? :):):)
Are the Catholic masses in Poland structured like the ones in America?
I guess so. Roman Catholic masses should go accordin to one pattern throughout the whole world. If not, they are not Roman Cathoilic anymore, but sth else.
I've only observed Catholic masses in two countries: America and the Philippines. In the Philippines, people greet each other during the peace greeting portion by looking at each other and bowing their heads. In the US, people greet each other by shaking their hands.
In Poland you can do both - most people bow heads, but some shake hands. So, if your neighbour extends his/her hand to you, don`t feel surprised.
Also, when I go for communion I normally say "amen" after receiving the bread. Is there a Polish word for this?
No. It is the same amen.
One more remark: you receive bread in your mouth, not into hand, in Poland.
Another thing, when the "Our Father" part comes, all parishioners hold hands. In the Philippines, I remember people just sticking their hands out as if they were receiving the Holy Spirit. I wonder what parishioners do in Poland.
Most do nothing, just stand, but some priests request people to raise their hands.
Lastly, what times during Sunday are mass services shorter than usual? If I had the chance here in the US, I would go as early as possible to avoid extra songs normally injected during midday services.
Each parish has different hours. In my church it is 11 o clock, in others 12. SO, eaxch church requires an individual approach.
When was the last time you went to a mass in Poland??? :):):)
pawian
21 Sep 2008
Real Estate / how should I understand this rent condition? [7]
The advertisement of the house for rent probably attracted your attention as it seemed quite cheap comparing to other. Yet, there was a catch - housemates from construction.
You made a right decision - sharing a house with them would be a disaster. Construction guys are the biggest rednecks of all....
The advertisement of the house for rent probably attracted your attention as it seemed quite cheap comparing to other. Yet, there was a catch - housemates from construction.
You made a right decision - sharing a house with them would be a disaster. Construction guys are the biggest rednecks of all....
pawian
21 Sep 2008
Life / Electrical heating vs central heating in Poland [9]
Oh, I see. So, there is a giant power station which supplies Krakow with electricity by burning coal and additionally heats up water for central heating.
As for costs, central heating is by far cheaper than electric heating. If you live in a house which is insulated and the owner takes proper care of the pipes which are located in the house`s vicinity, then the overall cost is quite low.
Oh, I see. So, there is a giant power station which supplies Krakow with electricity by burning coal and additionally heats up water for central heating.
As for costs, central heating is by far cheaper than electric heating. If you live in a house which is insulated and the owner takes proper care of the pipes which are located in the house`s vicinity, then the overall cost is quite low.