Marzena
17 Jan 2006
Life / Polish Christmas customs and food [20]
Basicus,so how did you manage the food on Christmas Eve? :) What is norwegian food like?
Basicus,so how did you manage the food on Christmas Eve? :) What is norwegian food like?
Marzena
19 Jan 2006
Food / Eating out in Poland [43]
Yeah, it's hard to judge. They might have to start some American type of restaurants to have more business in Poland (Polish people might love it) but also some tourists might not like our food, so it's good that they have an option to eat something they like (and not leave the country hungry :) ). On top of it, like Pole said, even regular hamburgers are so much better when 'made in Poland' :).
But our own traditional cuisine should also have a big special place in the Polish 'food world', it is not only very delicious, but definitely interesting for foreigners and Polish people should be proud of it!
Yeah, it's hard to judge. They might have to start some American type of restaurants to have more business in Poland (Polish people might love it) but also some tourists might not like our food, so it's good that they have an option to eat something they like (and not leave the country hungry :) ). On top of it, like Pole said, even regular hamburgers are so much better when 'made in Poland' :).
But our own traditional cuisine should also have a big special place in the Polish 'food world', it is not only very delicious, but definitely interesting for foreigners and Polish people should be proud of it!
Marzena
26 Jan 2006
Love / I met a Polish girl working in the canteen... [11]
As a Polish girl living in the US I can say that this is very true. I had many similar situations and what Andy said is right to the point.
As a Polish girl living in the US I can say that this is very true. I had many similar situations and what Andy said is right to the point.
Marzena
7 Feb 2006
Life / Poland: The Things That Make Foreigners Lift a Brow [123]
This is the first time I hear that Polish people don't celebrate birthdays - I have always celebrated mine, as well as everybody I ever knew! Name days - is probably a less known occasion for a foreigner, which was not extremely strongly celebrated in my family and circles either, nevertheless most adults did celebrate them.
Can someone tell me in which part of Poland people don't celebrate birthdays? Definitely not in the central one.
This is the first time I hear that Polish people don't celebrate birthdays - I have always celebrated mine, as well as everybody I ever knew! Name days - is probably a less known occasion for a foreigner, which was not extremely strongly celebrated in my family and circles either, nevertheless most adults did celebrate them.
Can someone tell me in which part of Poland people don't celebrate birthdays? Definitely not in the central one.
Marzena
8 Feb 2006
Life / Poland: The Things That Make Foreigners Lift a Brow [123]
Ok, that makes it much more specific and true. Namedays are more of a social event, with friends from work or neighbors that you're befriended with. Family also comes, as Polish people are looking for reasons for celebrations :).
I haven't seen the younger generation celebrating namedays though, birthdays are much more popular there - as far as my experience goes :), and especially if it's your 18th birthday - you wouldn't want to miss a big party on that day :) :) :).
Ok, that makes it much more specific and true. Namedays are more of a social event, with friends from work or neighbors that you're befriended with. Family also comes, as Polish people are looking for reasons for celebrations :).
I haven't seen the younger generation celebrating namedays though, birthdays are much more popular there - as far as my experience goes :), and especially if it's your 18th birthday - you wouldn't want to miss a big party on that day :) :) :).
Marzena
21 Feb 2006
Life / Irish man wanna move to Poland [60]
Derek, there might be some Irish communities, but they're probably not very big or popular - at least to my knowledge. But don't be afraid of that, why would you like to spend all your life with the same kind of people, maybe different is actually for the better! :). After all Poland is not that far from Ireland either.
I'm sure you'll meet many incredible Polish people, but the thing is that you'll probably have to learn the language or it might become difficult to carry on.
Derek, there might be some Irish communities, but they're probably not very big or popular - at least to my knowledge. But don't be afraid of that, why would you like to spend all your life with the same kind of people, maybe different is actually for the better! :). After all Poland is not that far from Ireland either.
I'm sure you'll meet many incredible Polish people, but the thing is that you'll probably have to learn the language or it might become difficult to carry on.
Marzena
11 Sep 2006
Love / Polish Women to be nice respectful [59]
oh yeah, we love stereotypes, don't we? what a comfort zone :). anyways, just kidding. I'm Polish (obviously) but I can't cook almost anything and in fact it's my Turkish boyfriend who taught me how to cook a few things... so ditch the stereotypes or expectations based on nationality.
I am really wondering why people are so shocked that British don't cook as much, but prefer to microwave frozen dishes - it's because it's so much easier to do and such a time saver in their hectic lifes! also, in Poland, such food is rather expensive as opposed to US or UK. I bet that some Europeans who move to those countries will opt to eat that food sometimes as well.
oh yeah, we love stereotypes, don't we? what a comfort zone :). anyways, just kidding. I'm Polish (obviously) but I can't cook almost anything and in fact it's my Turkish boyfriend who taught me how to cook a few things... so ditch the stereotypes or expectations based on nationality.
I am really wondering why people are so shocked that British don't cook as much, but prefer to microwave frozen dishes - it's because it's so much easier to do and such a time saver in their hectic lifes! also, in Poland, such food is rather expensive as opposed to US or UK. I bet that some Europeans who move to those countries will opt to eat that food sometimes as well.
Marzena
14 Sep 2006
Life / Black people in Poland [357]
Let's not get offended with criticism. I think that Polish people are quite divided as far as racism goes. There are some people who have outdated stereotypical opinions, but aren't harmful, and there are those who are really curious and excited to see a foreigner in Poland, and these people are the majority. There was one black person in my university in ToruĊ, and everybody loved him and we were so proud that he chose to come to Poland and to our university.
However, it takes one stupid, ignorant fuck-up to ruin everything. And there are also such people - racist, anti-Semits and such (and radio maryja is just making things go over the edge here). And unfortunately, Polish legal system is not well prepared to deal with racism and discrimination, I suppose it was never an issue, since there were no foreigners there anyway.
If I was a foreigner in Poland, especially of different race, I would kind of check out which places are better then others and find some kind of safety net, in case something does happen. Also, it's good to have some Polish friends who can explain things to you and share insider's tips.
Let's not get offended with criticism. I think that Polish people are quite divided as far as racism goes. There are some people who have outdated stereotypical opinions, but aren't harmful, and there are those who are really curious and excited to see a foreigner in Poland, and these people are the majority. There was one black person in my university in ToruĊ, and everybody loved him and we were so proud that he chose to come to Poland and to our university.
However, it takes one stupid, ignorant fuck-up to ruin everything. And there are also such people - racist, anti-Semits and such (and radio maryja is just making things go over the edge here). And unfortunately, Polish legal system is not well prepared to deal with racism and discrimination, I suppose it was never an issue, since there were no foreigners there anyway.
If I was a foreigner in Poland, especially of different race, I would kind of check out which places are better then others and find some kind of safety net, in case something does happen. Also, it's good to have some Polish friends who can explain things to you and share insider's tips.
Marzena
14 Sep 2006
Life / Black people in Poland [357]
Connections are not EVERYTHING, but they are SOMETHING wherever you go. And what's the sudden comparison with Russia, aren't there other places in the world??
Connections are not EVERYTHING, but they are SOMETHING wherever you go. And what's the sudden comparison with Russia, aren't there other places in the world??
Marzena
14 Sep 2006
Life / Black people in Poland [357]
wow, that's pretty fucked up, but I don't think it's the same in Poland, but I have no idea about the business world.
wow, that's pretty fucked up, but I don't think it's the same in Poland, but I have no idea about the business world.
Marzena
14 Sep 2006
Marzena
14 Sep 2006
Life / Black people in Poland [357]
Yes, from the things I can deduce myself it seems like although there are some extra political barriers, the competition isn't as tough as elsewhere (although business is political everywhere). But I bet that at times doing business becomes a nerve-wrecking and human-origins-questioning experience.
I suppose it's a compliment that I'm not a "nice girl", which I agree with by the way hehe. And thanks for the job offer, I will keep it in mind in case my career plans don't quite work out :).
Yes, from the things I can deduce myself it seems like although there are some extra political barriers, the competition isn't as tough as elsewhere (although business is political everywhere). But I bet that at times doing business becomes a nerve-wrecking and human-origins-questioning experience.
I suppose it's a compliment that I'm not a "nice girl", which I agree with by the way hehe. And thanks for the job offer, I will keep it in mind in case my career plans don't quite work out :).
Marzena
14 Sep 2006
Work / Italian girl moving to Poland, where I can ask for a job? [60]
I think that nightlife and cultural life is much better in Poland then at least in the US. People are more relaxed and social and there is always something going on, especially in the larger cities. I think that entertainment has more quality to it then it does here - which is a prime example of majority being tv wathers and getting drunk as entertainment. Seems like going to movies is the best thing you can do if you wanna go out but avoid drinking, but how much of it can you do??
The thing about older people is true though, however I know of some clubs where older folks go and have a fantastic time till morning (I think one of them is called Lolek and it's in Warsaw). However, with that attitude, I don't think you can have fun anywhere. Just get the hell out of there and move back to the UK, you're killing yourself dude.
Post - communist trauma - have to agree with that, however you're exaggerating the negatives due to your depressive state.
I think that nightlife and cultural life is much better in Poland then at least in the US. People are more relaxed and social and there is always something going on, especially in the larger cities. I think that entertainment has more quality to it then it does here - which is a prime example of majority being tv wathers and getting drunk as entertainment. Seems like going to movies is the best thing you can do if you wanna go out but avoid drinking, but how much of it can you do??
The thing about older people is true though, however I know of some clubs where older folks go and have a fantastic time till morning (I think one of them is called Lolek and it's in Warsaw). However, with that attitude, I don't think you can have fun anywhere. Just get the hell out of there and move back to the UK, you're killing yourself dude.
Post - communist trauma - have to agree with that, however you're exaggerating the negatives due to your depressive state.
Marzena
15 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
That is really awesome Sudheer :). What exactly are you doing in Poland? - is it for studies or work? I recently talked to and Indian man who said that there are some Indians coming to Poland to medical schools, I wonder how common that is.
That is really awesome Sudheer :). What exactly are you doing in Poland? - is it for studies or work? I recently talked to and Indian man who said that there are some Indians coming to Poland to medical schools, I wonder how common that is.
Marzena
15 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
Sudheer, so how do you manage your family life if your job makes you switch places like that?
Sudheer, so how do you manage your family life if your job makes you switch places like that?
Marzena
15 Sep 2006
Marzena
16 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
Sudheer, thank you for your answer. I hope that things will work out well for you. I have no clue on how custody laws work in the world, but I can imagine that it must be damn hard for the father to take the child away from the mother, even if he far supercedes as a parent.
By the way, have you met a lot of Indians in Poland or for that matter any other foreigners? And how are you doing with the language? I think that it must be difficult to live in Poland without knowing the language.
Sudheer, thank you for your answer. I hope that things will work out well for you. I have no clue on how custody laws work in the world, but I can imagine that it must be damn hard for the father to take the child away from the mother, even if he far supercedes as a parent.
By the way, have you met a lot of Indians in Poland or for that matter any other foreigners? And how are you doing with the language? I think that it must be difficult to live in Poland without knowing the language.
Marzena
17 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
Polaca - I would have to disagree with you a little bit. I think that although Polish universities provide good education, they don't have enough flexibility to allow people make more satisfying career choices. And also, it is way too hierarchical and at times it tends to sway away from the purpose of teaching to a display of power.
However, it seems to me that this is more of a European thing then just specifically Polish.
Polaca - I would have to disagree with you a little bit. I think that although Polish universities provide good education, they don't have enough flexibility to allow people make more satisfying career choices. And also, it is way too hierarchical and at times it tends to sway away from the purpose of teaching to a display of power.
However, it seems to me that this is more of a European thing then just specifically Polish.
Marzena
17 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
I don't agree with you. I think that polish universities really teach people to think, the part I have a problem with is the infrastructure, that stops many smart people from getting good education. I'm comparing it with the US system. But of course it's not a fair comparison, because education in the US is extremely expensive, so they are geared to make money, while in a free, high-level university, the rules are much more strict. That is also the case with top US universities, that are very hard to get into and require a lot of adjusting and accepting.
I don't agree with you. I think that polish universities really teach people to think, the part I have a problem with is the infrastructure, that stops many smart people from getting good education. I'm comparing it with the US system. But of course it's not a fair comparison, because education in the US is extremely expensive, so they are geared to make money, while in a free, high-level university, the rules are much more strict. That is also the case with top US universities, that are very hard to get into and require a lot of adjusting and accepting.
Marzena
17 Sep 2006
Marzena
17 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
Wroclaw, while that can be certainly true, I don't think it's a rule. You may be hearing stories from frustrated students. Also, a lot depends on the professors and how they teach, and there are variations like that everywhere.
Wroclaw, while that can be certainly true, I don't think it's a rule. You may be hearing stories from frustrated students. Also, a lot depends on the professors and how they teach, and there are variations like that everywhere.
Marzena
17 Sep 2006
Life / Indian moved to Poland [532]
I think what you are talking about is the strict and too demanding norms within which we are allowed to think. For example I always hated my Polish classes, because the standards that were required in order to express opinions were too high. There were only a few people in my class who were artistic enough to feel free in it and on the other hand, some other polish teachers were focusing on giving information and memorization and did not spare room for discussions and practical approach. Basically the requirements of education are so high, that nobody has time to think, and is just trying to keep up with the material.
However, there were some other teachers, who were constantly making us think in the history and biology class.. so it depended a lot on the teachers.
What is missing is the requirement from the board of education to incorporate more discussions and ditch so much memorization. Right now it's more of an individual approach. However, if a student is creative, I don't think that it's suppressed or not encouraged. For example, I heard that the computer programmers from Eastern Europe are the ones that are most creative as opposed to Chinese and Indians (although they are also very good).
In Poland we have a particular style of education, which does work, but I think could be better.
I think what you are talking about is the strict and too demanding norms within which we are allowed to think. For example I always hated my Polish classes, because the standards that were required in order to express opinions were too high. There were only a few people in my class who were artistic enough to feel free in it and on the other hand, some other polish teachers were focusing on giving information and memorization and did not spare room for discussions and practical approach. Basically the requirements of education are so high, that nobody has time to think, and is just trying to keep up with the material.
However, there were some other teachers, who were constantly making us think in the history and biology class.. so it depended a lot on the teachers.
What is missing is the requirement from the board of education to incorporate more discussions and ditch so much memorization. Right now it's more of an individual approach. However, if a student is creative, I don't think that it's suppressed or not encouraged. For example, I heard that the computer programmers from Eastern Europe are the ones that are most creative as opposed to Chinese and Indians (although they are also very good).
Marzena
17 Sep 2006
Marzena
27 Sep 2006
Love / Cultural dating differences?? [19]
I'm sure there are differences, but it's hard to think of them without knowing the other culture. For example I think that most Polish women wouldn't sleep with the guy on the first... second, third... date.
Perhaps you can tell us something about the British dating customs and we can tell you how it's different in Poland.
I'm sure there are differences, but it's hard to think of them without knowing the other culture. For example I think that most Polish women wouldn't sleep with the guy on the first... second, third... date.
Perhaps you can tell us something about the British dating customs and we can tell you how it's different in Poland.
Marzena
27 Sep 2006
Love / Cultural dating differences?? [19]
heheh, good for you :), perhaps she thought that that's all you were gonna be good for :)
heheh, good for you :), perhaps she thought that that's all you were gonna be good for :)
Marzena
28 Sep 2006
Love / Cultural dating differences?? [19]
ok, so men actually ARE romantic - sweet :). well, at least some.
ok, so men actually ARE romantic - sweet :). well, at least some.
Marzena
28 Sep 2006
News / Countries in Europe where abortion is allowed/not allowed? [110]
this is such a simplification to think that abortion has anything to do with birth rates. if the Catholic church banned the use of condoms, maybe that would affect it... like it does in Africa.
the declining birth rates is a sociological phenomenon. people who have lots of kids are either very poor where the woman doesn't work, or very rich, where the woman doesn't work either. some women choose not to have kids at all, since they are independent, unlike in the past.
however, there will be immigration from the newly admitted EU members, so the land of innovation won't decline :).
According to this article only Ireland, Portugual, Malta and Poland (to some extent) are strict on LIMITING abortion. Does any state flat out ban it? This is what is causing Europe to decline. I don't want to see the continent of innovation, invention, intelligence, and culture disappear.
this is such a simplification to think that abortion has anything to do with birth rates. if the Catholic church banned the use of condoms, maybe that would affect it... like it does in Africa.
the declining birth rates is a sociological phenomenon. people who have lots of kids are either very poor where the woman doesn't work, or very rich, where the woman doesn't work either. some women choose not to have kids at all, since they are independent, unlike in the past.
however, there will be immigration from the newly admitted EU members, so the land of innovation won't decline :).
Marzena
28 Sep 2006
Marzena
29 Sep 2006
Love / How honest are Polish men? [26]
Ranj, I am also a little bit suspicious about the man you met. What is so difficult in making a phone call. Also, why was he buying you such expensive gifts? Was it the way he wanted to win you? It takes much more to build a relationship. It is weird that he didn't leave you any contact information. You know, sometimes words dont' mean much if they aren't backed by actions. Men do make effort in relationships that they truly care about. This is my sceptical approach.. in our age of communication there are many ways to contact a person.
However, if you finally talk to him and he tells you about some really legitimate reason, maybe he will deserve another chance, but something like this shouldn't happen again.
I'm sorry about how you are probably feeling right now.
Ranj, I am also a little bit suspicious about the man you met. What is so difficult in making a phone call. Also, why was he buying you such expensive gifts? Was it the way he wanted to win you? It takes much more to build a relationship. It is weird that he didn't leave you any contact information. You know, sometimes words dont' mean much if they aren't backed by actions. Men do make effort in relationships that they truly care about. This is my sceptical approach.. in our age of communication there are many ways to contact a person.
However, if you finally talk to him and he tells you about some really legitimate reason, maybe he will deserve another chance, but something like this shouldn't happen again.
I'm sorry about how you are probably feeling right now.
Marzena
29 Sep 2006