scottie1113
19 Jan 2009
News / I love Poland because... (in 10 words or less) [182]
Golonka, golabki, bigos, Okocim, kobiety, krupnik, zatoka Gdanska, and others
Golonka, golabki, bigos, Okocim, kobiety, krupnik, zatoka Gdanska, and others
scottie1113
17 Sep 2008
Law / Renewing Karta pobytu in Warsaw [35]
As an English teacher you don't need a work permit but as an American you do need a residency card. I went on Monday to renew mine and only spent 10 minutes in the office, most of it watching the woman stamp all my documents. Now I'm waiting for it to be approved. Last year it took six weeks and another three months until I actually got the card but I had a paper saying it had been approved so that was OK.It's not an easy process but it's worth jumping through all the hoops to be able to live in Poland.
As an English teacher you don't need a work permit but as an American you do need a residency card. I went on Monday to renew mine and only spent 10 minutes in the office, most of it watching the woman stamp all my documents. Now I'm waiting for it to be approved. Last year it took six weeks and another three months until I actually got the card but I had a paper saying it had been approved so that was OK.It's not an easy process but it's worth jumping through all the hoops to be able to live in Poland.
scottie1113
17 Sep 2008
Life / Is Poland cold? [40]
Define cold. It's certainly not Southern California but the coldest day we had last winter in Gdansk was -12 C and we only had a few days like that. It gets colder in the south.
Well, is it?
Define cold. It's certainly not Southern California but the coldest day we had last winter in Gdansk was -12 C and we only had a few days like that. It gets colder in the south.
scottie1113
12 Sep 2008
Life / How important is it to have a car in Poland? [37]
I don't think you'll need one, but you might want one if only for exploring the countryside. Having the rental car will certainly help you make a decision. I've been here for a year, and it's the first time in my adult life I haven't had one, and I don't miss it at all.
I don't think you'll need one, but you might want one if only for exploring the countryside. Having the rental car will certainly help you make a decision. I've been here for a year, and it's the first time in my adult life I haven't had one, and I don't miss it at all.
scottie1113
12 Sep 2008
USA, Canada / What can I expect in Poland compared to the United States? [48]
So do I. There are several markets and lots of small shops near my flat so I shop almost every day. It helps me meet people and practice my Polish.
My fridge is smaller than the ones I had in the US but it's more than adequate.
Much less crime here. Also lower salaries, but I can live comfortably but not extravagantly on my teacher's salary.
Poland's a white country. I lived in San Diego plus a lot of other places and I'm used to a multicultural environment. You won't find that here.
Ah, the language. I majored in French in college and speak it very well, plus some Italian and Japanese and Polish is by far the most difficult language I've studied. But don't let that discourage you. You'd be surprised how many people in the larger cities speak at least some English, and in my experience Poles appreciate it when I trot out my Polish, many mistakes notwithstanding. You've just got to try a little.
Clothes and electronics are a lot more expensive here. The digital camera I paid $200 for in the US costs twice that here. The last time I bought Levis in the US I paid $25 for them. The same pair here is 300 zl. That's almost $150. I found a pair of almost new jeans in a second hand store for 16 zl. Quite a difference.
One other thing. I live in Gdansk, so my perspective is limited. It's like asking what life is like in the US. Depends on what part you're talking about. New York is very different from California, and the same is true in Poland.
Give me time and I'll think of a whole lot more.
Poles tend to buy fresh and cook, rather than having a freezer full of read-made meals.
So do I. There are several markets and lots of small shops near my flat so I shop almost every day. It helps me meet people and practice my Polish.
My fridge is smaller than the ones I had in the US but it's more than adequate.
Much less crime here. Also lower salaries, but I can live comfortably but not extravagantly on my teacher's salary.
Poland's a white country. I lived in San Diego plus a lot of other places and I'm used to a multicultural environment. You won't find that here.
Ah, the language. I majored in French in college and speak it very well, plus some Italian and Japanese and Polish is by far the most difficult language I've studied. But don't let that discourage you. You'd be surprised how many people in the larger cities speak at least some English, and in my experience Poles appreciate it when I trot out my Polish, many mistakes notwithstanding. You've just got to try a little.
Clothes and electronics are a lot more expensive here. The digital camera I paid $200 for in the US costs twice that here. The last time I bought Levis in the US I paid $25 for them. The same pair here is 300 zl. That's almost $150. I found a pair of almost new jeans in a second hand store for 16 zl. Quite a difference.
One other thing. I live in Gdansk, so my perspective is limited. It's like asking what life is like in the US. Depends on what part you're talking about. New York is very different from California, and the same is true in Poland.
Give me time and I'll think of a whole lot more.
scottie1113
12 Sep 2008
USA, Canada / What can I expect in Poland compared to the United States? [48]
Not a chance. Flats(apartments), which is where most of us live, are much smaller. 500 sq ft is considered large. Mine is 2 rooms, a kitchen, and bathroom and is very nice. The additional plus is that's in the city center in Old Town Gdansk so I can walk everywhere. 4 minutes to school and to my favorite pubs (bars).
Public transportation is very good. I can get to anywhere I want to go by bus, tram, or train. For the first time in my life I don't have a car and I don't need one.
About food and beer: I think Polish beer is good, but I miss the microbreweries in the US. Ditto for Mexican food, fresh seafood, lamb, good pizza, and lots of different fresh vegetables. Having said that, some Polish food is great. It just depends what you like.
But I love this place and I'm going to be here for a very long time. I'll get back to you with some more information/opinions.
I live in Northern Michigan. I have an associates degree and I'm able to find Office Management /bookkeeping positions that afford me a three bedroom, one and one half baths 1200 square foot house. Would this be comparable in Poland?
Not a chance. Flats(apartments), which is where most of us live, are much smaller. 500 sq ft is considered large. Mine is 2 rooms, a kitchen, and bathroom and is very nice. The additional plus is that's in the city center in Old Town Gdansk so I can walk everywhere. 4 minutes to school and to my favorite pubs (bars).
Public transportation is very good. I can get to anywhere I want to go by bus, tram, or train. For the first time in my life I don't have a car and I don't need one.
About food and beer: I think Polish beer is good, but I miss the microbreweries in the US. Ditto for Mexican food, fresh seafood, lamb, good pizza, and lots of different fresh vegetables. Having said that, some Polish food is great. It just depends what you like.
But I love this place and I'm going to be here for a very long time. I'll get back to you with some more information/opinions.
scottie1113
10 Sep 2008
scottie1113
10 Sep 2008
Law / Renewing Karta pobytu in Warsaw [35]
gtd, what kind of work do you do? I'm a teacher and my school helps with all the red tape. Tell us a little about yourself.
gtd, what kind of work do you do? I'm a teacher and my school helps with all the red tape. Tell us a little about yourself.
scottie1113
9 Sep 2008
Law / Renewing Karta pobytu in Warsaw [35]
No, it was in Gdansk. We non EU citizens have to jump through a lot of hoops but it's worth it for me. I love it here and will probably stay in Gdansk until I croak.
Scottie was this in Warsaw? Are they asking for educational proof now?
No, it was in Gdansk. We non EU citizens have to jump through a lot of hoops but it's worth it for me. I love it here and will probably stay in Gdansk until I croak.
scottie1113
9 Sep 2008
Law / Renewing Karta pobytu in Warsaw [35]
I'm also American and went through this process last year. I'm going back on Friday to renew it. My school is handling all the documents this year so I've got no tips for you. Last year I needed one copy of my passport, four photos, a copy of my CELTA and university degree, birth certificate, a copy of my contract with the school, and a copy of my lease.
They also asked for a police report which I didn't have so they accepted a statement that I'm not a criminal. Same with a bank statement and IRS forms. Statements that I had some money and didn't owe taxes were acceptable.
Funny how the requirements vary from place to place, but this is Poland. Oh, it took three months from the time they approved my application until I actually got the card.
I'm also American and went through this process last year. I'm going back on Friday to renew it. My school is handling all the documents this year so I've got no tips for you. Last year I needed one copy of my passport, four photos, a copy of my CELTA and university degree, birth certificate, a copy of my contract with the school, and a copy of my lease.
They also asked for a police report which I didn't have so they accepted a statement that I'm not a criminal. Same with a bank statement and IRS forms. Statements that I had some money and didn't owe taxes were acceptable.
Funny how the requirements vary from place to place, but this is Poland. Oh, it took three months from the time they approved my application until I actually got the card.
scottie1113
1 Sep 2008
History / September 1st 1939, A day to remember [10]
I was at Westerplatte at 04.30 this morning for the ceremony. It began at 04.47, the time that the first shots were fired. After a short video about the battle the politicians began to give their speeches, beginning with the mayor of Gdansk, Donald Tusk, the Minister of Defense, some guy I don't remember, and finally a Cardinal from the church. Then followed a long procession of guests and dignitaries escorted by Polish soldiers and sailors who laid beautiful red and white wreaths at the base of the Westerplatte monument.
I'm American and with me were Monika, a Polish woman who had never been to Westerplatte before, and my Romanian friend Vlad. It's a day we'll never forget, nor should we ever forget this date.
Thanks for remembering.
I was at Westerplatte at 04.30 this morning for the ceremony. It began at 04.47, the time that the first shots were fired. After a short video about the battle the politicians began to give their speeches, beginning with the mayor of Gdansk, Donald Tusk, the Minister of Defense, some guy I don't remember, and finally a Cardinal from the church. Then followed a long procession of guests and dignitaries escorted by Polish soldiers and sailors who laid beautiful red and white wreaths at the base of the Westerplatte monument.
I'm American and with me were Monika, a Polish woman who had never been to Westerplatte before, and my Romanian friend Vlad. It's a day we'll never forget, nor should we ever forget this date.
Thanks for remembering.
scottie1113
25 Aug 2008
Language / I know "się" is the only reflexive personal pronoun..but "jak się masz?" [34]
Ah, phrasal verbs are easy. I've been using them all my life. But I know what you mean. My school has a book of phrasal verbs. Turn merits three pages!
Man, I love this forum. I've learned so much here, thanks to all of you. I understand reflexive verbs since I speak French, but it's their use in Polish that I'm still learning.
Ah, phrasal verbs are easy. I've been using them all my life. But I know what you mean. My school has a book of phrasal verbs. Turn merits three pages!
Man, I love this forum. I've learned so much here, thanks to all of you. I understand reflexive verbs since I speak French, but it's their use in Polish that I'm still learning.
scottie1113
16 Aug 2008
News / Tornado hits Poland [39]
It's been raining pretty heavily in Gdansk for the past two days and today is no different. Thunderstorms, but no tornados.
It's been raining pretty heavily in Gdansk for the past two days and today is no different. Thunderstorms, but no tornados.
scottie1113
15 Aug 2008
Life / HEAT IN POLAND (with no air-condition) [26]
Hmmm. At 21.30 it's 14 in Gdansk, rainy and windy and it's been like that all day.
[quote=Wroclaw Boy]
Yanks living in hot areas with the AC on 24/7, another reason why America contributes 25% of the Worlds co2 emmissions.
Maybe, but I never used the AC, either at home or in my car. I've lived in Virginia and coastal North Carolina without AC. It's not a big thing for me.
Hmmm. At 21.30 it's 14 in Gdansk, rainy and windy and it's been like that all day.
[quote=Wroclaw Boy]
Yanks living in hot areas with the AC on 24/7, another reason why America contributes 25% of the Worlds co2 emmissions.
Maybe, but I never used the AC, either at home or in my car. I've lived in Virginia and coastal North Carolina without AC. It's not a big thing for me.
scottie1113
13 Aug 2008
Life / HEAT IN POLAND (with no air-condition) [26]
What heat? I don't think we've had more than a couple of days above 25C this summer in Gdansk. My Polish friends tell me it's hot and I laugh. In California 40C was common. But I'm enjoying the summer here.
What heat? I don't think we've had more than a couple of days above 25C this summer in Gdansk. My Polish friends tell me it's hot and I laugh. In California 40C was common. But I'm enjoying the summer here.
scottie1113
10 Aug 2008
Life / Smokers in Poland..... price rise. [47]
Not much difference. They're about 9 zl and change here.
Not much difference. They're about 9 zl and change here.
scottie1113
10 Aug 2008
Travel / Cost of private driver with car from Warsaw airport to Elblag [9]
I don't know when you're planning to arrive so I don't know if you've already bought your train tickets. I travel second class because it's about half the price and there isn't any difference between the two. Just make sure you get a reserved seat.
I can't answer your questions about taxi drivers, but there are usually cabs available until the wee hours and then some. Find a regulated cab with a meter as some without them will charge significantly higher prices.
I don't know when you're planning to arrive so I don't know if you've already bought your train tickets. I travel second class because it's about half the price and there isn't any difference between the two. Just make sure you get a reserved seat.
I can't answer your questions about taxi drivers, but there are usually cabs available until the wee hours and then some. Find a regulated cab with a meter as some without them will charge significantly higher prices.
scottie1113
10 Aug 2008
scottie1113
10 Aug 2008
scottie1113
8 Aug 2008
scottie1113
7 Aug 2008
Travel / Itinerary for trip to Poland - comments/tips? [27]
The hostel by the train station has a good reputation. There's also a boat on the river that's really nice and rooms are 60 zl a night. My friend's family stayed there three weeks ago and really liked it. I don't know if it will be there in September but I'll go tomorrow and get their web site for you.
Don't miss the Old Town here. The architecture has a strong Hanseatic influence and is different from other Polish Old Towns. Plenty of music and people here.
I should be free on 21 September. I start my new contract on 22 September and don't know yet when I'll have to be at the school.
I can't tell you about life in Poland, just in Gdansk, and I'm an American!
The hostel by the train station has a good reputation. There's also a boat on the river that's really nice and rooms are 60 zl a night. My friend's family stayed there three weeks ago and really liked it. I don't know if it will be there in September but I'll go tomorrow and get their web site for you.
Don't miss the Old Town here. The architecture has a strong Hanseatic influence and is different from other Polish Old Towns. Plenty of music and people here.
I should be free on 21 September. I start my new contract on 22 September and don't know yet when I'll have to be at the school.
I can't tell you about life in Poland, just in Gdansk, and I'm an American!
scottie1113
7 Aug 2008
scottie1113
6 Aug 2008
Travel / hotels Gdansk [14]
Merged: I'm in Gdansk - hotels or cottages on the Polish sea with fireplaces?
Does anyone know of any? I'm in Gdansk and have been thinking of a winter getaway to a place with wood burning fireplaces in the rooms. Do they exist? If so, where?
Merged: I'm in Gdansk - hotels or cottages on the Polish sea with fireplaces?
Does anyone know of any? I'm in Gdansk and have been thinking of a winter getaway to a place with wood burning fireplaces in the rooms. Do they exist? If so, where?
scottie1113
6 Aug 2008
Travel / Itinerary for trip to Poland - comments/tips? [27]
Depends on the map scale. The ferries motor along at about 10 knots which is why it takes that long. You'll land in Gdansk along the river near the gate to Dlugi Targ (Long Street on most maps in English( and it's a short walk to your hotel. I live here so if you need help finding your way around just email me.
Sorry about the punctuation. It's a Romanian keyboard.
The ferry seems to take a very long time. It looks such a short distance on the map.
Depends on the map scale. The ferries motor along at about 10 knots which is why it takes that long. You'll land in Gdansk along the river near the gate to Dlugi Targ (Long Street on most maps in English( and it's a short walk to your hotel. I live here so if you need help finding your way around just email me.
Sorry about the punctuation. It's a Romanian keyboard.
scottie1113
5 Aug 2008
scottie1113
5 Aug 2008
Life / Cost of living in Gdansk [16]
Depending upon where you live in Gdansk, rents can vary a lot. Last year I had a very small flat across the street from Madison and paid 700 plus bills. It came to about 1100 total, including a telephone which I never used, tv, high speed internet, gas and electricity.
Now I'm sharing a beautiful flat right behind Hala for only 1200, but that's very unusual. Expect to pay much more if you want to live in the city center, which I do, but I'm only four minutes from school and my favorite pub and it's worth it to me.
If I were you I'd dump the car. You won't need it here as buses, trams and trains will get you anywhere you want to go, and if your car is RHD it'll be a royal pain. Besides, most of us walk a lot. Petrol, or gasoline to me, is almost 5 zl a liter if you buy 98. A little cheaper for 95.
Teaching's not lucrative but you can live here on a teacher's salary, and if you work for more than one school you can make even more. I choose not to do that because I like my school even though it get's a bad rap for not paying very well and I enjoy a little free time between morning and afternoon and evening classes. Private lessons can augment your income but I wouldn't count on them. Think of them as gravy.
Gdansk is a wonderful city. I love it here and wouldn't live anywhere else in Poland except the trojmiasto. Look me up when you get here and I'll show you around Old Town.
Depending upon where you live in Gdansk, rents can vary a lot. Last year I had a very small flat across the street from Madison and paid 700 plus bills. It came to about 1100 total, including a telephone which I never used, tv, high speed internet, gas and electricity.
Now I'm sharing a beautiful flat right behind Hala for only 1200, but that's very unusual. Expect to pay much more if you want to live in the city center, which I do, but I'm only four minutes from school and my favorite pub and it's worth it to me.
If I were you I'd dump the car. You won't need it here as buses, trams and trains will get you anywhere you want to go, and if your car is RHD it'll be a royal pain. Besides, most of us walk a lot. Petrol, or gasoline to me, is almost 5 zl a liter if you buy 98. A little cheaper for 95.
Teaching's not lucrative but you can live here on a teacher's salary, and if you work for more than one school you can make even more. I choose not to do that because I like my school even though it get's a bad rap for not paying very well and I enjoy a little free time between morning and afternoon and evening classes. Private lessons can augment your income but I wouldn't count on them. Think of them as gravy.
Gdansk is a wonderful city. I love it here and wouldn't live anywhere else in Poland except the trojmiasto. Look me up when you get here and I'll show you around Old Town.
scottie1113
29 Jul 2008
Work / Americans teaching english...your help please! [51]
I was having a beer with a British buddy last week and he asked if he could pinch a fag. Then he said :I guess I shouldn't have said that to a Yank. We both laughed.
I was having a beer with a British buddy last week and he asked if he could pinch a fag. Then he said :I guess I shouldn't have said that to a Yank. We both laughed.
scottie1113
16 Jun 2008
Work / Any english teachers in Poland here with tips to share? [55]
I'm from California and I teach English in Gdansk. I love it. You might want to go to esl cafe. and check out the Poland forum. Lots of good stuff there.
I'm from California and I teach English in Gdansk. I love it. You might want to go to esl cafe. and check out the Poland forum. Lots of good stuff there.
scottie1113
9 Jun 2008
Life / Who has moved to Poland in the last year? Swap stories. [115]
Sure sounds like it!
Mar 20, 08, 07:25 Report #43
If You want to talk pants about taking out the trash then watching a movie of the Man united soccer match go ahead. We speak English the way it is supposed to be spoken biatch!!
If You want to talk pants about taking out the trash then watching a movie of the Man united soccer match go ahead. We speak English the way it is supposed to be spoken biatch!!
Sure sounds like it!
scottie1113
1 Jun 2008
Travel / Warsaw Uprising Museum [7]
I visited last summer when I was in Warsaw. Truly a moving experience. I could have watched the old films in the theater for hours. And yes, if you don't know anything about what happened to Warsaw in WWII it helps to explain why the city looks like it does today.
I visited last summer when I was in Warsaw. Truly a moving experience. I could have watched the old films in the theater for hours. And yes, if you don't know anything about what happened to Warsaw in WWII it helps to explain why the city looks like it does today.