Life / Help wanted with the Polish law; she got pregnant and returned to Poland [41]

Abortion is dependent on two things...the belief system of the person considering it and the laws of the country they wish to have it in (and the latter can be worked around)

What it is NOT dependent on in the least is the opinion of people on the internet or anywhere else for that matter.

I know that infuriates some of you to no end...but it is life :)

Life / Why is Poland so slow; it takes a lot of time to arrange anything here [53]

No...just here a little while longer enjoying the wonderful weather and superb service!

Life / Why is Poland so slow; it takes a lot of time to arrange anything here [53]

Jesus are you kidding? Go into any shop or office. It should be clear.

Work / Six-figure USD income doing business in Poland... Possible? [44]

Are you really that dense? You do know that not every place in the USA has such insane prices right?

The house you mentioned in the midwest could be 150k.

That being said...Poland is not cheap. The same price for a tiny two room flat in an old building as for a whole house in many states is not a good value.

UK, Ireland / Three more Polish males lose lives on Irish roads [18]

I should add I am a "crapdriverophobe" and that knows no borders...before I get accused of being racist.

Love / My polish boyfriend and i love one another -- dilema, advice please. [16]

Hey if you can go visit why not? It will let you meet the folks and see his homeland. But If his family has that much influence over him it is not gonna change.

As for being happy when he is there it is EASY to be happy for a while anywhere...especially if it is new and different. The test comes after living a normal life there a while. I was ok with Poland when I first came here. After many years I am sick of it and we are moving away as soon as we get some stuff sorted. I am fortunate that my wife to be has been abroad to as many places as I have and her family is modern and not controlling.

We think living in a third country foreign to both of us is going to be best...it will put us on even footing and allow us to grow together even more.

UK, Ireland / Three more Polish males lose lives on Irish roads [18]

The Polish driving education and testing system is a revenue generator nothing more. The instructors are a joke and the test is routinely "failed" a few times so they have to pay again to retest.

I refuse to ride with most driver's here.

Work / Six-figure USD income doing business in Poland... Possible? [44]

Very few Poles make that kind of money. Expats working for international banks and multinationals could pull it off.

Love / My polish boyfriend and i love one another -- dilema, advice please. [16]

If he is not willing to pick you over his family's wishes it will ALWAYS be that way. Polish men and very strongly influenced by their families...their mother's especially. So if you get along with mum great...if not it ain't gonna be easy.

Since he lives at home he is also most likely used to mum doing everything for him...washing, cooking etc. So if he comes to you expect that to be a shock for him if you don't take over mum's role. Plus the parent's will always be making him feel guilty for leaving.

In my opinion making a major location change for someone you haven't lived with for a while is a recipe for disaster. Can it work? Sure...but people are people and most are not that flexible.

UK, Ireland / Three more Polish males lose lives on Irish roads [18]

No it is true...Germans (for all their faults) are exceptional drivers. The follow the rules and are safe. They understand what it takes to move at high speeds safely and to share the road.

Poles are the opposite...they ignore the rules and drive selfishly and inattentively.

Food / Is there McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Hut etc in Poland? Food survey. [222]

Actually there has been a Hard Rock Cafe and Burger King at Zlote Terasy in Warsaw for nearly a year now.

Chain stuff like McDonald's tastes the same in most countries because they have tight rules on ingredients.

The Mexican food here however is horrid...nothing like real Mexican OR USA style Tex Mex. Also I have not had a decent 'pub burger' anywhere in Poland. Lousiana, Champions's, Chicago...all have nasty burgers. Chicago's was the worst and I couldn't even finish it.

Poland has some tasty local dishes but nothing I like all the time and it is not the place to go if you want variety and quality in food.

Food / Eating out in Poland [43]

Well that is my point...it is no worse than Scandinavia. It is some myth perpetuated here that is is so scary and dangerous in the city at night.

My fiancee has lived in the center her whole life and she even acts all nervous like that...yet she has never experienced or known anyone that has experienced and problem.

It is fear mongering honestly....it is not any more dangerous here than any other modern/ semi modern place.

Food / Eating out in Poland [43]

The sky is falling the sky is falling!

In ANY country where young people are drinking and partying at night there will be some incidents. I have lived in the center of Warsaw for years and seen ZERO violence even when walking around at all hours alone going to and from all areas of town.

Most Poles just like to make noise when drunk...they won't do anything.

The violent worries in the city are exaggerated horribly.

Food / Eating out in Poland [43]

In Poland you are more likely to die of old age trying to get ANYTHING done than to be chopped up.

I think you are safe.

Life / Is plastic surgery a large part of Polish culture? [35]

It's like anywhere else...people with money can afford it and normal folks can't. Go to any high end club or restaurant frequented by rich Poles or celebrities and you will see fake boobs, lips etc.

Vanity knows no borders.

Life / Why is Poland so slow; it takes a lot of time to arrange anything here [53]

Apathy...it is innate to the culture.

It isn't that they can't get things done...they just don't give a damn often.

Law / Permit of residence in Warsaw? [32]

If you go to queue and the mafia is trying to cause trouble there call the Police. Contrary to some people's statements most Polish police are good folks and hate this kind of nonsense. Be polite to them and they will help you out.

Language / "sorry" instead of "przepraszam" [76]

Slyder where do you live in PL? In Warsaw I hear people using English words for the 'cool factor' all the time...mostly the 30 and under crowd of course.

There are English words and phrases in advertisements all over the city...just look up and you will see it.

Personally I would like to see languages of all sorts stay pure. Often evolving language is dumbed down with stupid slang and 'cool speak' and it sounds bad.

I get grief from young folks for my formal Polish but praise from adults...funny how that is the same in every generation that passes. I never spoke like an idiot when I was young...um, ya know, like, dude....but you'd be pressed to find a teenage in the states that doesn't talk that way.

Language / "sorry" instead of "przepraszam" [76]

Much of it has to do with sounding "international". All languages do it...they think it sounds 'smart' to use terms from other languages. English is the dominant global language (for now...may be Chinese someday depending on the tide) so that's the language people pilfer from.

I hear people here in Poland all the time smattering English words into a Polish conversation in an attempt to sound hip, smart or some how add emphasis to their meaning. It's funny when they are doing this in a pub and they realize you are a native English speaker...

My wife to be speaks perfect English and she hates this cool guy talk.

News / What makes Poland different from other countries [55]

Lithuania has in large a slightly lower standard of high end services available but living standards, food, recreation are as good as and sometimes better than that in Poland (in my experience)

The people are generally nicer and more helpful as well...true Lithuanians anyway. The Russian population there is hit and miss...some are nice but some are typically Russian (though the way they are treated by many Lithuanians I don't blame them for being a bit grumpy.

There is a large segment of Lithuanians that don't like Poles at all...goes back generations. Before anyone gets their panties in a wad I did not say MOST I said a "large segment".

If have obligations in PL so I am here for now, but if I had the choice between the two LT would be my pick.

UK, Ireland / British/Polish baby [29]

Haha....Harry got spanked. He tries to come off so wise but then he blows his stack like that and shows he is just a chav in sheep's clothing...hehe...haha...oh love it.

Life / So whats your opinion on the Polish health care system? [17]

They are as good as anyplace but they still haven't managed to cure Harry's case of inadequacy ;) (Queue Harry explaining how he is NOT feeling inadequate and trying desperately to prove his manhood.)

Oh and Harry dear I know you have missed me as I don't check into this circus much...I don't read the content of your posts (I'm not into oedipal musings) so any response here will be purely for your own amusement. I know that makes you soooo happy :) See you in a month or so if I get bored.

Kisses deary.

Life / Polish legal system. [30]

Welcome to Harry's Bizzaro World ladies and gentlemen!

Step right up and have your reality interpreted by the all seeing, all knowing Hairy Harry!

Hey buddy...what are the winning Lotto numbers this time around? You seem to know everything so I figure you can pull this one out too :)

Life / Polish legal system. [30]

Hahahaha....Harry, Harry, Harry....I will not answer your questions because I don't have to. I know that irritates you to no end. You are clearly a person that thinks he can demand things of others.

You enjoy calling people names and acting all superior don't you?

Am I supposed to be impressed you write articles? No doubt they are about how wise and amazing you are. You are silly.

How in the world can you twist me not liking something to me not being able to handle it? Clearly I can handle it as I am here. You have a weird reality filter.

Damn...I really need to work on ignoring you...you are quite good at the trolling/baiting thing. Oh well...we all have weak moments.

USA, Canada / How to send money back home (to the US) [12]

Open a Citibank account here and even though it is another division from the US you may be able to transfer for free or cheaper since it is the same company.

Here is a list:

Warszawa
00-950
ul. Traugutta 7/9
tel. (022) 692 51 35
fax (022) 826 21 32

Warszawa
ul. Czerniowiecka 9
tel. (022) 543 00 80
fax (022) 543 00 95

Warszawa
01-258
ul. Wolska 167
tel. (022) 690 10 30
fax (022) 837 07 84

Warszawa
04-175
ul. Ostrobramska 75a
tel. (022) 613 88 55
fax (022) 613 95 95

Life / Is drinking water in Poland good? [96]

I am curious if this is out of habit or reality. I catch myself drinking from the tap sometimes out of habit and my gf freaks out.

A lot of people in the states drink bottled water even though many city systems are cleaner. It is just a fear,habit,wive's tale scenario.

Thats also the problem with information...it is hard to get it accurately...especially here in Poland.

USA, Canada / How to send money back home (to the US) [12]

Kman,

I have a question about tax liability if you don't mind. If you transfer money into your US based account as a favor for someone (ie to get their money from EU to USA so they can purchase something) are you tax liable at all since that money enters your account?

It seems since it is not income or earnings and you are simply a transport medium that you wouldn't be. I would be able to produce a document from them saying it was theirs...in addition I am aware I would be liable for any interest earned as a result of the funds being there but am more concerned with the principle amount.

Just trying to be nice to someone but don't want to get into a hassle.

Thanks

Law / 40- Temp. Resident Cards for the Foreigners Lost inside WAW Depart. [13]

That is interesting Jawbaw...when I have spoken to them (in person AND by phone) more than one person told me you cannot make an appointment and you HAVE to queue and take a number. Imagine that...conflicting information in Poland :) I would say of all the things I try to get info about here...only 10-20% ends up being correct in any business or service. I have gone many a time to an office/shop where I was guaranteed they had a service or product I needed....only to arrive and have them deny it and then be sent to another place that normally doesn't have it as well...it is pretty typical in Poland. I never ask for directions here because you rarely get sent to the right place...it is like rather than saying they don't know they feel they have to say something.

Personally I'd rather just go...but it is more convenient for us to be here a bit longer so I will suffer through it. Plus I need to stay just to get under Harry's skin :)

Can you tell me what number you are calling and who you are speaking to to get the appointment? Maybe it is a different section than I have dealt with.

USA, Canada / How to send money back home (to the US) [12]

There are a few ways I know of...each with pros and cons.

1. If you have a bank account in the USA and here (or access to someone who does) you can just do a bank transfer (called a wire transfer in the USA). You will need to get your account number, SWIFT code and name, address etc in the USA all gathered in order to send it. Your US bank should be able to give you the codes etc but they may not have experience with this as it is not so common there so just ask for someone else if they act like you are speaking Chinese. There is usually a flat fee to send that can vary from 10-50usd from what I have seen depending on bank. Also...if you send large sums repeatedly the IRS may ask what's up so if it is income you are not declaring in the USA beware...Uncle Sam says you pay taxes no matter where you earn. This method can take several days to a week to end up in the account...possibly longer but it is rare.

2. Western Union as you mentioned is easy for the infrequent sending of cash. Bad thing is they take nearly 10% depending on where and how much you send. It is fast...often a few hours or at least the same day availability. You would also need someone to collect it and either pay the bills or deposit to your account.

3. A US based PayPal account is another option if you are able to have money sent to the account (ie people can pay you into the PayPal account online). You then just move the money from your PayPal to your bank account (free and takes a few days) and voila.

If you don't use online banking I highly recommend you do. It will allow you to pay the bills in a few minutes from your computer.

News / Has global warming affected Poland? And in what ways? [73]

The sky is falling the sky is falling!

We are insignificant in the big picture...face it.