History / What does it mean to be Polish? [46]

I think that even if you are only part Polish and have never lived in Poland you still have it in your blood ie. you are naturally curious about Poland and drawn to Polish stuff.

To really understand the political and economic system, however, you need to either live in Poland or be up-to-date on all current issues etc. perhaps through the media, your family, visits etc. It also helps to speak Polish. For me one of the best things about Poland is the language, I love the way it is so polite ie. "Pani" and "Pan" and the slang is brilliant.

Here are a few of my favourite slang words:

puszysta
laska
zakichany
gosc
splywaj
odteguj sie
nie podskakuj
stul pysk (this one is a bit rude)
wal (tj. mow)
prosto z mostu
ale aparat itp itd.

and the way they make everything sound so little and cute

ie. pieniazki
obiadek
serniczek
pyszczek
berecik
szkolka
mieszkanko
ciuszek
sklepik

itp

News / Mine disaster in Poland [23]

Actually Casper, Poland has one of the best records for coal mining in Europe.

The incident concerned happened when methan unexpectedly exploded. 23 people died, two of whom were just 21.

These men were not all miners, some were very experienced miners and some were just men who were sent down to do a particular job (ie they were not mining at the time).

the temperatures reached 1500C and they all incinerated alive.

It's a terrible tragedy for Poland and especially for the families of those concerned. Many have left children behind, some as young as 6 month old babies.

All safety precautions were adhered to and at this point in time it is not clear why the methan gas exploded.

Please say a prayer for those men and the families and children they leave behind.

Travel / Why is Poland so Un-Sexy? [84]

Patrycja, you wicked woman :) :)

That made me laugh, thanks

Life / Worrying observation about Polish attitudes to lying and cheating [62]

I have been taught in both English and Polish schools and I can honestly say there is cheating in both.

I really don;t know where you get this 'most Polish parents' from - have you spoken to them? Where are you getting this information from?

Do you speak fluent Polish?

I am not getting at you but I need to understand what prompts you to write such generalisation.

As for cheating in love - well that's a different kettle of fish and cannot be compared to cheating in schools.

The English educational system differs a lot from the Polish one. Polish schools are more demanding and more pressurised. Tests are frequent.

In English schools the atmosphere is a lot more relaxed - tests are only given pre-warned.

If you do not perform well they simply put you in a lower set. Not much pressure.

Exams at the end of the year are well moderated, usually from the front as well as the back and make cheating practically impossible (the punishment for cheating is disqualification which puts people off anyway).

Finally, going to church in Poland is a way of life. Churches are full on Sundays. In the UK people go shopping or got oc ar boot sales/ play football.

Just because someone goes to church does not mean they are a saint or that they never swear, lie, or are selfish. It would be a very simplistic view to assume that if you go to church you are perfect. People are only people. Personally, I think that if they didn't go to church they would perhaps be even worse.

I think religion is a private thing but you need to go to church occassionally to remind yourself what's it all about.

Hope this answers your questions.:)

Travel / Why is Poland so Un-Sexy? [84]

BALANGA = party

It's slang but widely used

Travel / Why is Poland so Un-Sexy? [84]

Warsaw is full of bars, clubs, museums, theatres, shops etc. Lots of places for you to meet a nice girl. Do you have any Polish friends? Ask them if you can tag along to any discos, clubs, pubs they go to. Get out a bit more, meet some people.

A lot of people in Poland have balangi (parties) at home. Make some friends and get yourself invited to a few.

Whingeing about Poland and your non-existent sex life is not going to make you any friends. Noone really wants to know about your sex life apart from you.

Krysia, I know what you mean. Some older people can be very rude.

As a child I was always expected to give up a seat, even at 8 or 9!

It is practically expected in Poland.

USA, Canada / How 9 11 affected me as a Pole. [12]

That was really interesting.

i have it easy as my name is Anna which is spelt the same in both coutries, it's just the pronounication which is slightly different. My family & Polish friends call me Ania, everyone else calls me Anna.

Life / Polish Parents are controlling [58]

the most embarrassing thing my mum did to me was come and drag me out of a pub (bar if you are in the US). I went out with my workfriends for a Xmas drink. it was not even that late only about 10pm.

It was the first time I had been out in a year as I had a baby the year before, and I was really enjoying myself. I even broke the heel on one of my boots :), it was a great night, the place was packed, the atmosphere jolly... and then my mum comes and drags me out and tells me I have to go home. I was SOOOOO embarrased - I was 31!

Life / Old Polish Song~ Possibly children's [36]

Rosvaseli sounds like it could be rozweseli

but I am stuck as to the rodenu

could you give us some more clues?

Life / Old Polish Song~ Possibly children's [36]

what's the song?

UK, Ireland / polish community invited in edgware london nw4 [7]

Frank, I like this avatar.

i could have gone for a pretty girl avatar but I chose this one!

I agree it's a bit offputting :)

PS. Don't worry i don't look like that in real life, well maybe apart from the ears :)

UK, Ireland / polish community invited in edgware london nw4 [7]

pardon?

I would be weary of anyone I didn't know who wanted to get me drunk and then talk about my financial accounts.

Life / do polish girls get pregnant while in school? [28]

It does happen, but not common.

Life / Poland and health care - Drs take "gifts" [3]

Unfortunately, it is true to some extent.

Not all doctors are guilty of it, but the older generation have got used to it under communism.

it is called 'lapowka' which means backhander, lapa means "paw', it is slang for putting something in your paw :)

When Poland was communist lapowki were common not just in hospitals but occassionally you had to produce one in shops when things were scarce (they used to hide stuff under the counter) or to get things moving such as your application for a flat/house etc.

These habits die hard and I believe some doctors in Poland would still accept backhanders.

Pay for doctors in Poland is low.

I think people are still treated whether they have 'extra' to give or not, but a 'lapowka' gets you a better place in the queue, or ocassionally, more personal attention etc.

Life / Poles need to learn to save! [73]

Nita, I have never seen Poles use paper towels, rather ordinary kitchen towels.

Don't assume that just because one family does it, the rest of the country does it too.

As regards plastic bottles recycling I am all for that but the truth unless you give people some sort of incentive they won't do it - regardless of nationality.

In the UK they had to cut down on bin collections, they now empty bins once a fortnight instead of weekly - and have provided red bins for plastics etc.

I am not sure what it is like in the US - I have never been.

But Americans seem to have a big fast food culture - much more so than in Poland.

UK, Ireland / polish community invited in edgware london nw4 [7]

Talking about financial accounts??

Whatever for?

Are you selling something? In which case why not be upfront about it?

Feedback / How did you find this site? [88]

Hi Mr B.

yes I know. I still go on it, it's a lot quieter these days, a lot of good people like yourself seem to have left.

Why are you not wanted? Did you apply for a p/word?

UK, Ireland / BEWARE when coming over UK [363]

There is an element of truth in what the original poster said.

I meant the first post warning Poles about possible dangers in the UK.

Another thing I would add, Polish people often behave quite loudly when out together in a group and may attract muggers or just other men out for a fight etc.

Some British men will see them as a threat whether it's to do with jobs, women or just believing the constant barrage of Anti-immigrant talk in the press.

Feedback / How did you find this site? [88]

Hi everyone :)

I was introduced to this forum by Patrycja, whom I know from another forum.
I'min the UK.

krysia, I am sorry to shatter your perfect views of England and the UK in general, but animals do not get much respect here. Animal cruelty is actually on the increase.

On the one hand there are lots of charities and people who want to make a difference and improve animal welfare, especially that of 'rescue' animals, on the other hand there are countless puppy farms, illegal poachers, unscrupulous breeders (those who care more about the profit than anything else)or just ignorant and cruel owners.

Animals are a passion of mine and I do a lot of reading on this subject, as well as having worked for animal charities.

Anyone go on any other forums or just this one?

PS. I think I will change my avatar soon, I saw it and thought it was funny, but it is a bit offputting is it not?

UK, Ireland / I understand poles coming to uk [196]

I don't go to Polish restaurants.. I don't have to, my mum's an excellent cook and if need be I can cook myself too. Rosol is my favourite soup.

I adore polish food, but then again I like other types of food too.

I used to love sweet dishes best but I now prefer savoury stuff.

From speaking to the Poles who arrived in the UK in the last 1- 2 years they all miss Polish food and think English food is largely terrible. It's a matter of taste and what you are used to.

Fact.

UK, Ireland / Fit Polish staff missing [39]

Hi Mr B, yes I am.

Wine Bar, why don;t you just put an ad in the local paper? Why are you looking for Polish girls & boys specifically?

And if the ad doesn't work out I may be available..

I am very tall (over 6ft) with big ....eyes and very unusual uroda (beauty).

I have a dazzling smile and very long green/black nails (these do not interfere with my work duties)

I am able to hear customers with the softest voices and those giving their orders in whispers due to my rather oversized.....ears

Customers are normally rooted to the spot when they see me so no chance of them doing a runner from your restaurant and not spending any money..

UK, Ireland / Fit Polish staff missing [39]

Thank you, Mr B, that's very kind..

UK, Ireland / Fit Polish staff missing [39]

OK, in that case do you think I would be suitable?

PS. I look a lot like my avatar

Come on, you can be honest with me, I don't mind..

I tend to attract the older man..

UK, Ireland / Fit Polish staff missing [39]

Hi, Wine Bar, can you describe what kind of girl you are after? age, height, size, hair colour.

Life / Polish Parents are controlling [58]

Hi Krysia

I sympathise.

But why are you calling your animals dumb? Or are they really dumb?

I don't think this situation is likely to change until you move out. Mums are just like that.

There is nothing like having your own place. It improves parent-child relations instantly and brings a breath of fresh air to the relationship.

News / Americans Visiting Poland [13]

Hi Patrycja

Are you really thinking of flying to Poland next year? Do you know which city/town?

I am also planning to go next year, would be great if we could meet up somewhere.

I read somewhere on another of your posts that you like clubbing, do you mean disco clubs or something else?

It would be nice to meet up and perhaps go to a club etc together, btw don't be alarmed I am a strnager but not a total stranger, you know me from another forum..

PS. Ignore the avatar, I don't really look like that :)

UK, Ireland / I understand poles coming to uk [196]

Hi Patrycja :) and FISZ!:)