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Posts by Robert A  

Joined: 29 Jul 2008 / Male ♂
Last Post: 20 Sep 2010
Threads: Total: 1 / In This Archive: 0
Posts: Total: 102 / In This Archive: 64
From: LUTON, United Kingdom
Speaks Polish?: Nie
Interests: Learning Polish, Science & Technology & Military Aviation

Displayed posts: 64 / page 1 of 3
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Robert A   
17 Sep 2008
Travel / Poor Edward in Kraków [28]

Thanks PE - made an enjoyable read. I hope to go next year sometime . . . but I'll be going with my Polish Girl!!! :)

PS Be sure to get the photos up soon ;)
Robert A   
17 Sep 2008
Life / Compulsory National Service in Poland [26]

I remember when I was in the RAF, the only time we got DF beer & smokes was when we were on overseas posting, deployment or did a beer run on the Op Banner to Germany - although drinking on base was cheaper than in the local boozers. :)
Robert A   
17 Sep 2008
News / Should we change the rules to let Poles join the British Army? [119]

yes the gurkhas were truly great soldiers

Just a minor correction Torny: ". . the gurkhas are truly great soldiers . . " The Gurkha Regiment is still in existence today and serving both in Iraq & Afghanistan.

and another minor correction

If i'm right in thinking the Gurkhas were more of an extension rather than part of the British army

Sorry, but The Gurkha Regiment has been a part of the British Army for nearly 200 years. Moreover, as a regiment, they have won more VCs than any other regiment within the British Army.

As for the Polish contribution during WW II: I was based at RAF Northolt for a few years and can confirm that their contribution is acknowledged in the form of a memorial at the south- east corner of the base adjacent to the A40.

In principle, I have nothing against Polish nationals joining the British forces. As very few Gurkhas can actually speak English - they rely on senior NCOs & Officers to translate instructions - I don't see the inability to speak English as an impediment to joining-up
Robert A   
4 Oct 2008
UK, Ireland / All That Manners Business [I'm Polish, moved to UK as an au pair.] [87]

it is inappropriate to say you're actually not ok or start complaining about some aches and pains you were gettin recently.

Not true :) If someone asks me how I'm feeling, and I'm feeling like crap, I tell them I'm feeling crap!!

The English love their small talk.

Never liked small talk - it's banal

she's just being petty and she knows it

Absolutely right. However, I would add that she's rather insular too.

get her something like a box of chocolates

Don't buy her the chocolates - it will just feed (no pun intended) her obvious feeling of superiority over you, or give her the impression that you're trying to suck-up to her.

Just tell her how you feel about your relationship with her. She'll probably do one of 2 things: she'll respond to your concerns and explain how she feels . . . or . . . she'll just ignore you and carry on as before. If she does the latter, there's nothing you can say or do to change the situation - better that you can work around the situation. Generally, this means having as little contact with her as possible.

The English are not very direct people and they hardly ever say what they think and feel to your face

Not entirely true. I am very happy to say that I don't conform to that stereotype, nor do my friends & contemporaries. My girlfriend is Polish and is not afraid of saying what she feels to my face, be it good or bad, a trait I like very much - so refreshing :)

if you can't think of any subjects to discuss with her, just chat about the weather, or maybe watch a few episodes of coronation street or eastenders, they all watch it (i know it's rubbish! lol) and start a convo about that

Given the amount of airtime that coronation street & eastenders get during the day and evening this probably isn't the best of topics to discuss - she'll probably switch on the TV so she can catch up on the episodes she's missed!!! The weather is usually a safe bet ;)

Based on what you have written it would seem that you are in a no-win situation. Your boyfriend's mother has decided that she doesn't like you - I don't think she's jealous of your relationship with her son - some people are like that.

Instead, think of ways you can work around being in close proximity to her - out of sight is out of mind! Finally, if she refuses to accept you as you are that's her problem - enjoy your relationship with your boyfriend as best you can.
Robert A   
4 Oct 2008
UK, Ireland / All That Manners Business [I'm Polish, moved to UK as an au pair.] [87]

it's not all about you, it's about people like this guys mom

Thing is . . . one of my former girlfriend's mother was just like this one. In the end we just avoided each other like the plague. I tried to talk with her about this but in the end I just had to accept that she didn't like me. As I said, some people are like that.

I think it's best to be honest and nice

Agreed, but it seems this approach has already been tried. Those like this woman generally interpret such gestures as something contemptible. By all means give it some time, she my come around but I wouldn't hold my breath!
Robert A   
6 Oct 2008
Travel / An English person in Poland, some random thoughts [5]

Every time I entered a compartment, for example, a man instantly stood up and offered to lift my bag up onto the rack. Much more quickly than a British man would help one, for sure. In fact a Brit would probably wait to be asked.

Writing as a Brit male, there was time when I would have done the same without waiting to be asked. These days I don't bother - rarely are such courtesies acknowledged on the part of the woman.

If, "manners maketh the man", what is 'it' that makes the lady?

Polish adverts on TV. Absolutely hilarious.

Agreed. My g/f has Polish satellite TV and I love watching the ads. lol
Robert A   
6 Oct 2008
Law / Got my Polish residency [22]

Thanks for that and congrats on obtaining your residency. :)
Robert A   
6 Oct 2008
Travel / An English person in Poland, some random thoughts [5]

As a women, should I say thank you 20 times

Not at all - a smile would suffice: a simple 'thank you' would be an honour :)

Seriously if you have to ask, you are in serious trouble.

It was a rhetorical question. lol

They do...unfortunately this kind is fading off the face of the earth.

Much the same situation with women . . . alas
Robert A   
6 Oct 2008
Life / Poems for Poland. [41]

I wish to make my English better than the Englishmen (I actually feel like their english is poor).

Indeed, your observation is accurate. . . sadly.

But these are not only poems...but they have tunes too....which i play on my guitar....so these are songs aswell.

Rock on Tommy !!!! :)
Robert A   
6 Oct 2008
Travel / PLANES VERSUS TRAINS ~ WHAT ARE YOUR THOUGHTS? [32]

True but you can't really shunt aircraft either

Sorry but you can. An aircraft tug is used to move aircraft from one place to another - they also used to "push-back" aircraft from their parking stands prior to taxing.
Robert A   
25 Nov 2008
UK, Ireland / Cheap Flights on WizzAir.....is it a con ? [27]

JustysiaS

sausage GOLD MEMBER

OK, this is my area of "expertise" - I work as a Shift Co-ordinator for a groundhandling agent at Luton A/P.

The list quoted by JustysiaS is a guide - it refers to items of personal value and/or necessity. You may carry these items in your hold luggage, but entirely at your own risk. You can even transport weapons such as rifles, pistols and shotguns if you choose; however PPR (Prior Permission Required) is needed before you do so.

Under no circumstances will you be allowed to transport ammunition - nothing to do with security - simply because airlines that operate passenger services only have never been allowed to carry explosives on passenger flights, it's a flight safety issue.

Sausage, as you've observed, they didn't mention Aerosols - surprising indeed as they constitute "dangerous goods". But to clarify: you are allowed to carry aerosol products as long as they have been discharged at least once (if new) prior to packing in your hold luggage.

Finally, insurance: when you purchase your ticket you purchase a seat on a specified flight. Insurance is a seperate matter and should be dealt with accordingly. You can purchase insurance from the airline you're flying with - but be aware that, generally, the list that JustysiaS quoted will undoubtedly be included in the exclusions clause of their insurance. So, best to take out insurance with an alternative provider.

Hope this proves useful. :)
Robert A   
25 Nov 2008
UK, Ireland / Cheap Flights on WizzAir.....is it a con ? [27]

You're welcome

WizzAir's wording is confusing to say the least.

Indeed

g) liquid (except: acid battery of a wheel chair);

Under no circumstances would anyone be allowed to transport a Liqiud cell battery. Item g on the list suggests you can!!! You can carry dry cell batteries as long as they are disconnected and packaged seperately.

One more thing, check-in staff are less than consistent when it comes to allowing certain items to travel. If you encounter problems of this nature ask to Speak with the Passenger/Customer Services supervisor or Duty Manager. :)
Robert A   
25 Nov 2008
Travel / Is Poland mostly plains? [57]

Farmer versus peasant.

Is he a farmer or a peasant??:

Could be he's in training for a Trotting competition . . . :)
Robert A   
27 Nov 2008
UK, Ireland / Cheap Flights on WizzAir.....is it a con ? [27]

e-invoice from wizzair do i need to print it out

I think you're talking about the booking confirmation. If so, you can print it out and keep it with you as it will have your booking ref. on it.

Easyjet & Ryanair operate the same system and it can speed up the check-in process - especially if the check-in system fails, which happens from time to time. Also, if there is a problem at check-in, relating to your flight booking, you will have a "hard copy" of your booking confirmation.

You shouldn't have to sign anything - it's for your information. You only need to print one copy, as your booking ref is valid for both legs of your journey (if return flight was booked at the same time as departure flight).

If you have more questions, I'll be glad to answer them - if I can. ;)
Robert A   
27 Nov 2008
News / What did Poland get out of the wars and struggles for others? [1108]

what Poland got (ie benefit, or simply commensurate consideration) out of the many wars and struggles that Poland participated in for the benefit of others?

A vested interest in its own survival . . . perhaps?
Robert A   
27 Nov 2008
News / What did Poland get out of the wars and struggles for others? [1108]

Already there are some surprising differences between the British physicians examination decades ago, and results of today.

Hardly surprising given the advances made in all of the sciences since that time.

So can any British national tell me why the British govermnent has 'frozen' the documents pertaining to Sikorski's death for 50 years?

Probably for good reason - it may well be another 50 years before these documets released.

I thought the EU strived for transparency? I guess not.

Naive
Robert A   
27 Nov 2008
News / What did Poland get out of the wars and struggles for others? [1108]

Yes, but I meant after only the general examination.

I stand by my original comment. What was then considered to be thorough may very well be considered "cursory" by today's standards.

Robert A:

Probably for good reason

Can you name me one?

The documents have been destroyed.

100 years, and anyone with a voice against Britain will be 6 feet under.

There will always be historians seeking answers to questions such as yours.

I thought the EU strived for transparency? I guess not.

As I understand it, this statement applies to the EU in its current form - and is not applied retrospectively to its member states; as the EU was not in existence at that time, it would be difficult to enforce. I for one do not care for such socio-politcal statements - I am a cynic and tend to view such as a smoke screen.
Robert A   
27 Nov 2008
News / What did Poland get out of the wars and struggles for others? [1108]

Does the British govermnent make a habit out of burning documents pertaining to seemingly innocent cases like this?

As it happens, they do!

Who cares though? We'll be dead by then anyway, and without answers.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing . . . :)

I was being quite cynical in my original statement

You? Cynical? Never! You strike me as being wholly earnest in your search for the truth.
Robert A   
21 Jan 2009
Travel / Horse Riding in Poland [24]

I'll try to give you some anwqers:

Worming>> Do you do your own. How much?

As required, if you put them out in the field, they'll need worning reguarly.

Teeth. Does the teeth have
to be cleaned every year

Speak to your vet, wolf teeth can be a problem.

Food.. Hay and oats.. What else?

Maze, during the winter - makes frisky. One thing to watch for during the spring and summer, if you put them to pasture, is Laminitis - when horse eats succulent grass this creates inflammation in the pastern - makes lame.

Are shoes necessary.?

Yes. On average about 6-8 weeks they need re-shoing.

How much pasture land?

Not entirely sure about this one, but about !.5 acres per animal comes to mind.

Haven't done any horse husbandry in years, hence my answers may prove inaccurate.

Correction Edit

nunczka:
Food.. Hay and oats.. What else?

Maze, during the winter - makes them lively. One thing to watch for during the spring and summer, if you put them to pasture, is Laminitis - when horse a eats succulent grass this can create inflammation in the Laminae - makes them lame.

:)
Robert A   
21 Jan 2009
Travel / Horse Riding in Poland [24]

If I put them out to pastre, how can I tell them what to eat. If I feed them hay and oats then put them out to pasture.. They are going to eat grass anyhow..

Sorry, my mistake. During the winter months you would bring them into stables etc. and put them out to grass after feeding - by the way concrete isn't good for them as 'bare' flooring: usually you would put down a lot of straw (approx 0.5 meter deep), this cushions their hooves & legs, also comfy for them to rest (downside is that you have to "muck-out" daily, they pee & crap all over the place!).

During the winter months grass isn't a real problem - it isn't as lush and succulent as it is during the spring and summer. During these times, it is best to cut the grass before you turn them out - all they get is the shoots not the juicy stuff!!!

One other thing, I mentioned that you can feed them maze during the winter: do this only if you are going to work them. If you feed them maze and don't work them there is a good chance they will go lame - it has the same effect as succulent grass.

Horses are hard work. If you don't want to do all that but still want to ride, you might consider employing a couple of local girls/boys to do all the donkey work (no offense osiol) in exchange for riding your animals, daily, to exercise them. Keeps them fit for all those long "hacks" you want to do :)