Life / Things to be afraid of in Poland? [109]

Hi all,

I'm sure you'll have a nice time in Poland :)

Before you go, check with your bank what they will charge you for using your credit/debit cards overseas. I know my bank basically steals from me, so whenever I go, I try to take out enough cash. They charge me for ATM withdrawals, purchases, plus they apply some fee for currency exchange adjustment. They charge me a percentage and also a dollar amount. I use my credit card only if I have to. Thought it might be of some help.

:)

Genealogy / Surname: Markwart ... born in Izbica, Kujawska [7]

Well, maybe you can try to contact Anders Army living members. Or some veterans' organizations. Try to google it.

:)

Love / My polish g/f can be a nightmare,is it always like this [262]

No, it is NOT the Polish mentality, it is HER mentality. So now you know. By the way, what is her legal status in the USA? Just out of curiosity :)

Love / My polish g/f can be a nightmare,is it always like this [262]

"Maybe" you can walk away from her?!

I'm sorry, but how old are you? I think you are in some weird twisted way enjoying this whole situation! You ***** and moan about it, but you take absolutely no action to get it resolved. I think you both need a shrink!

Genealogy / Surname: Markwart ... born in Izbica, Kujawska [7]

You know what, I'll ask my mom if by any chance she knows anybody from this town, some distant family of ours maybe, a friend, whoever. I'll ask her tomorrow :) My family is mostly form around Warsaw and Lodz :) Who knows...

Hi,

I asked my mom about it, but she doesn't know anybody from Izbica. Good luck anyway :)

Life / Things to be afraid of in Poland? [109]

Hi all,

So Enni should be afraid of red hair? What is there in red hair to be afraid of? I'm not afraid of red hair and I see plenty of red in my neighborhood. Plenty of black hair, some blond. What's the difference? People can be rude and nasty no matter what place you go to. Some of this forum's members are sometimes rude, too. I guess they must have scary red hair!!! LOL

Enni, next time you post a question, formulate it differently. How about "What to expect when traveling to Poland?", or "What should I be aware of when traveling to Poland?". But I think somebody has suggested that earlier. And the most important thing is to go with the positive attitude. :) NYC is lots of fun, for the most part, but parts of it are creepy and dangerous. But millions of people visit it every year anyway. So, again, the right attitude!!!

News / Is Poland experiencing the same economic problems as is USA? [30]

Hi,

I prefer to spend my money in the US though. I can afford here much more such as clothing, car expenses (even with gas prices over $4 per gallon), cosmetics, household products, groceries etc.

Whenever I am in Poland, which is twice a year, I go to the dentist, get everything fixed up, see my eye doctor, get new glasses, you know. Medical expenses in the States are absolutely killing me! Not to mention a very average quality of services that are provided. It's an outrage! Plus, a lot of things are not even covered by my insurance even though the monthly premium is very high.

Bottom line, some things are more affordable in the USA while some others are more affordable in Poland. Depending on what it is. Electronics - definitely USA. I can buy a lot of things for a $1000 here, in Poland not as much as one might think. Actually, not much at all :(

G.

Genealogy / Surname: Markwart ... born in Izbica, Kujawska [7]

Hi there,

Well, maybe you could contact (in person) the local hospital where he was born. At that time I imagine it was difficult if not impossible to keep any records of babies, but who knows? Or find the local church. You would be surprised how much you can find out. The church keeps their "books" or whatever it's called. The name of the baby, date of birth, christening date, names of parents and god parents etc. During the war the church was quite often an asylum for people, you know. Also, you may ask about the cemetery registry. Maybe you will find out where your dad's grave is (I'm assuming he passed away). Do you know his last name/DOB? If so, go to the city council/hall. They should have some data there.

Stay positive! It won't be an easy task considering the circumstances. Good luck!

News / Is Poland experiencing the same economic problems as is USA? [30]

Hi there,

Hell yeah!!! Just a bit different version of it.

Polish people are kind of used to this ongoing situation, not that it makes it any easier. Gas prices - up, unemployment - we don't really know, some say it's up, some say it's down, real estate prices - I'd say up, especially in Warsaw, Cracow and Wroclaw. Loans are definitely up. Groceries are up. Every time I am visiting my mom, we spend more on food. And we don't buy anything different, u know.

Cigarettes up, alcohol up, everything is going up. Heat, electricity etc. up. Clothing - up. Should I go on? I think you get the picture. It's freaking scary. Airfare on short distances seems to be a little down, surprisingly. Drugs - up...

EU also has an effect on Polish economy. They regulate certain prices, standards for services and so on.

I know that in August when I get back to the States, I will be broke :)

GAB

Life / Things to be afraid of in Poland? [109]

Hi all,

I think Enni should stay home :) LOL

Love / My polish g/f can be a nightmare,is it always like this [262]

Dear smiffer,

Please get some BALLS!!! You are getting abused, emotionally, mentally and financially! Sad, but true. I do not mean to offend you, but there is a term for men like you and it goes like this: "p.s.y". Get a life, my friend. Do something for yourself for once :) Call up some friends, go for a happy hour with the guys, go to a game :)

She's got a sick hold of you! Run! Run as fast as you can! And don't look back.

It's funny coming from a woman, but I see too many girls/women mistreating their men.

Good luck to you :)

Life / Garbage and Smoke Pollution in Poland [13]

nauczyciel,

I suggest that you visit New York City sometime. Parts of it are spotless while some other parts are filthy, smelly and disgusting. What a nice mosaic of contrasts :) Point being, no country is perfect :)

Life / Things to be afraid of in Poland? [109]

Hi there,

I'd say keep an eye on your wallet. Your money will fly out of it like crazy. Where exactly is it that you are going?

Travel / Travel from Poland to any EU country with European Union Passport? [4]

Hi,

Polish Consulate issues passports :)

Law / American wishing to obtain dual citizenship [16]

Hi,

I think Poland would require from you to live at least 1 year in Poland. But that would be the final step. You would have to apply for a temporary stay and all. I think... From what I understand the process is pretty complicated. Plus now that Poland is a part of EU, things might be a little different. Contact Polish Consulate. They should be able to give you some advice on how to proceed.

Real Estate / United States Tax Laws for sale of property inherited in Poland [10]

Hi there,

I'm not an expert on inheritance law / real estate law, but if I were you I would first contact Polish Consulate and inquire there first. Since the property is in Poland, Polish laws will most probably apply and you will have to prove your family ties. As far as the taxes go, I am not sure. But they should be able to give u some pointers, I'm assuming. I don't know if Polish Embassy can assist you with this matter. You could also hire a real estate/inheritance lawyer, which will certainly be costly. Bringing the money to the US will be a separate matter. I would inquire within the US Consulate, I guess.

Good luck to you :)

Life / Divorce rates in Poland [26]

LAGirl, I am sorry 2 hear all that.

I am sure you know what you're doing. I guess sometimes it might be the best solution - not that I'm an expert ... I am assuming it is also very hard. You take good care of yourself and be strong :)

P.S. Are you Polish yourself? Just curious :)

Life / Divorce rates in Poland [26]

CIA needs to update their records. The divorce rate in Poland is almost 20% these days.

divorcemag.com/statistics/statsWorld.shtml

Life / Divorce rates in Poland [26]

Brian,

The divorce rate is sky-rocketing among Polish people compared to the rate from the past. It went significantly up since Poland entered the EU. But even in Poland, for the people who actually live in Poland, it has increased. It's not close to 50% like in the USA, but still, pretty high. I am not even sure if that has anything to do with the Catholic tradition in Poland. People are tired of the religious / political bs that they are exposed to. Especially younger generations, like myself, we do not seem to be attached to Church that much anymore. I don't think my family has ever been, to be honest with you.

My parents, for instance, they were married for 44 years!!! And they would continue to be had it not been for my dad's passing last year. My grandparents, another example, 55 yrs!!! When you compare the older generations to us these days, we are rookies :) And they were the ones that had to go thru hell of a lot more than my generation. WWI, WWII, communism ...

We had it made, but somehow it took the toll on how we live and value family, relationships, marriage, for that matter. Isn't it a paradox?! I think the socio-economical changes that have occurred over the last say 20 years in Poland had an impact on all those things. It's all interconnected in my mind. Our lifestyle is different and I am not sure if we got used to it yet. I also think that people these days give up at a much quicker rate than before. They do not know how to fight and they choose an easy solution - divorce. It's also acceptable more today than it used to be in the past. Divorce is not such a big deal any more.

I am quite shocked when I look at the statistics in my home country, but I think I can understand why things are happening. I may not like it, but I certainly understand. I think marriage is a challenge like any other serious relationship. And it's not for everybody.

Ok, Brian, I wrote almost an essay here. Gotta go :) Take care, GAB