Life / Well You visited and/or lived in Poland, tell us what its like. [41]


Must be Lublin has a different kind of people. I refrain from using my cell phone in the stores when I am in a hurry. 8 out of 10 times if they hear me speak english I end up with a personal shopper/translator. It's not always a bad thing and can be fun at times. When I am rushing I don't have time for a impromptu english lesson.

Now, I don't come from a big city so maybe that's why my opinion seem to be more positive. This IS the big city for me! As far as Poland it's got a lot in common from my state. Bad weather, pot holes and crime... but I think you can get that anywhere. I can truely say, I LOVE it here and I don't think there are many places in the US that compare and I have traveled a fair amount.

I think Poland fits my personality where as others it may not. I do agree though, this forum tends to lean towards the negative. So, if so many of you have more negative than positive where is it that you rather be??

Life / Well You visited and/or lived in Poland, tell us what its like. [41]


Really? I don't live in Warsaw but being in Lublin I have to say I disagree with you on most of your opinions. Once the weather is above freezing the police march around 2 by 2 here at all hours of the day. I pass at least 6 sets on my short little walk into town. I hear the sirens but I see Lublin as pretty decent. I've never been scared but I also don't walk down the dark ally alone. Common sense right?

As far as the people. I haven't met a person I didn't like and who wasn't nice. Even the elderly people I run into don't pass a dirty look when I explain I don't speak polish. I LOVE it here and can't complain about much. Now, I dislike Warsaw but that's just me. I've been north and south in Poland and every stranger I've met is just like any other. Kind and more than willing to deal with my lack of polish language and eager to use me as a english lesson.

I came here with NO expectations other than a good vacation and found myself living here!

Travel / How do i stay in poland longer than 90 days if im already in poland [37]

I just went through this process last week. I have been crossing the border back and forth but now because of this new Shengan Zone you can't do that, or so I thought. I spent a day running around town from 1 office to another dragging my polish translator with me. After sitting in a stuffy office for over an hour, I ran into a Director, literally. Anyways, we explained my situation and he advised me to do the following: Go to Ukraine, get married or just don't bother. He said that Americans are treated with a little more acceptance at the border. If your asked why you extended your stay and your reason is valid enough they'll just pass you on through. I expressed that I would be coming back in the fall and asked if that would be a problem. The director advised me no. My reason for my extended stay is pretty good (teaching and living with a PL/USA citizen).

Funny, I seem to be the 1st one going through this because last week, there were no posts so I ran around stressing out. LOL

I am American by the way, I would just make sure that if you plan on leaving Poland you get some legal papers but if you plan on staying in PL until you go back to the states, according to my buddy the director, you should be safe.

Work / How do foreigners working in Poland send money home? [5]

I transfer money back and forth from my polish bank to American. It takes anywhere from 5-7 days and the fees vary. There is a minimum fee and a maximum depending on how much you transfer. There are many world banks here as well. ie Citibank so that could make things easier as well. I hold both a zloty account and a dollar account at my bank which makes things a little easier as well. Check around your town and see what banks are available.

My bank works online in english. BONUS!

Life / Red Bull flying machine in Poznan [6]

Thanks a TON! Sounds like a perfect reason to go to Poznan... other than it's Poznan!

I've heard of these and I've always wanted to go.

Food / Help with baking ingrediants. [18]

Thanks for all the help! And sorry, I didn't say I am living in Poland, Lublin actually. I have seen baking goods around but never stopped to look closely. Thought I rather ask then go on a wild goose chase for the goods. Anyway, I didn't think the stores would be closed today so early. In the States, they actually open late for us last minute shoppers. Although, Easter is more about pictures in the mall with the Easter Bunny than anything ; )

Thanks again, You've all made my shopping trip much easier!

Hoppy Easter ALL!

Life / Natural Herb store in Lublin? [6]

Thanks a million!!!

I am actually looking for Milk Thistle, Acidophillus ect...

Thanks again!

Travel / Going to Poland this summer -- US dollar prediction... [34]

Just look at it this way, your still getting more bang for your buck so don't complain or worry. Unless your planning to stay for a year or so, I don't see any reason to worry about the rate. It's sad to be turning in more dollars and not getting more zloty's but your still getting MORE! Enjoy the fact that your traveling to this amazing country and forget about the exchange.

Travel / Overstaying on a Visa in Poland [25]

The consulate will tell you it's not wise but I have been living here doing that a number of times. (I'll get my papers cleared about the time I am done here) It's a good excuse to travel and see the rest of Europe!

Travel / Traveling from Poland to London and back?! Transportation advice please. [9]

Thanks. I have found some sites but since I haven't done this before I'll need all the help I can get. Thanks telefonitika!

Work / Independent English teacher in Poland [4]

You can post in a newspaper for Upper Intermediate. I would call around a school though. It's much easier and I have found the pay to be better. Your schedule will be more solid and they'll deal with scheduling and such. Most schools have night classes as well.

Life / POLISH Mobile Phone Networks [12]

So no one answered. What types of plans are there out there? I have looked at each website and can't read polish. I have Hejah and run out of minutes all the time. It's a pain adding minutes all the time.

Please, any help or suggestions?!

Work / For all English teachers in Poland (who work for only $1000 a month) [102]

I teach about 15 hours a week and make the same as if I were working in an insurance office 40 hours a week. Living here is calmer, more easy going and the work is amazingly fun. I do private lessons to cusion my shoe spending money. I don't believe I could do this for the rest of my life but for 2-3 years of living abroad and learning a new culture and language first hand.... it's worth it. If life ever leaves me the option to come back for another round of 2-3 years I would be on the first plane back. I admit, there are many disadvantages but life expierence is the largest benefit and if that delays my 401K or big screen.... so be it. I will NEVER forget my time here. Ever.

News / The Maluch Car [34]


I'd take you up on it but I do doubt my little rollerskate on wheels may not make it farther than a trip to the local ice cream shop ; )

I do understand the accident issue and I come from a small town. This would be the perfect car to drive to the beach, ice cream or in a parade! Or, just to see in my driveway!

Life / "Feel" rock band [6]

I have downloaded them off the internet. Burn a cd?? Give it a whirl!

Life / Moving to Poland next year, want to bring my Nissan Skyline [46]

So Puzzler, your saying the roads here are in good condition? Then why is the EU funding reconstruction of these good roads?
There is no parking on the sidewalks? You don't hop a curb or two to park?
Tram lines are smooth as a babies butt?
Speeding isn't a issue in town?
Do you own anything imported from another country? I find it hard to believe all your belongings are Polish made?
Funny, your english is quite good for someone who is SO critical of others experiencing your culture.
I think people here are trying to help by just giving some helpful advice.

Life / Moving to Poland next year, want to bring my Nissan Skyline [46]

You will destroy this car. The roads here are terrible. Hope your bringing extra parts as well! Have you checked on secured parking where you are living? If it does make it here, good luck keeping it here. You may want to start the papers now as exporting a car is a LONG and painful thing. Good Luck but you may want to look into buying something here if this is a short stay. Maybe cheaper and less time consuming.

News / The Maluch Car [34]

I am working on buying one here and taking to the US. I used to drive a VW bug and miss it dealry and instantly fell in love with the maluch. So glad to see fellow Fiat Maluch lovers!

Work / are there ANY young, American/British females in Poland? [15]

Elis I too questioned the amount of American/British ladies teaching english. I thought maybe I was the only one. I am on my second year of living/teaching. There are plenty of American girls studying medicine but they tend to stick together. I have met 1 other American girl but she was deep into her religious studies and we didn't quite get each other. I have plenty of polish friends but they don't appreciate my imported macaroni out of a box or a good margarita.

I think ladies are a little more shy then boys. Boys will let the world know they are there, us ladies are a little more quiet and reserved.

Life / Popular Polish classic Songs [18]

Thanks for ALL your help! She's in her 50's but looks and acts like she's 30! Just a little something to remind her of home.

Thanks again all!

Life / The perfect souvenir from Poland [28]


Never heard of that. Terrible thing, people seem to be more interested in American things that teaching me about Polish things. Thanks a million for your help. I'll have to look into Flower honey?

Life / The perfect souvenir from Poland [28]

I will have been here 9 months and my father is sure I went to have a child. He does not have internet so he hasn't seen pictures of me. He thinks it's funny and tells his friends I have lied to him and went to have a child. My boyfriend is a med student here and I got some ultrasound practice photos of his kidney and sent them to him. I don't think he will think his joke is funny anymore!

Been to Cepelia and there's really nothing there that strikes me. Something unique would be wonderful but I can't figure out what it is that I want.

Love / I cheated on my girlfriend (I'm British, my gf is Polish) [167]

99nat122413 Nice! You said it perfectly! I am ashamed to say that I was cheated on and stuck around. He played the daily reminder game with me and it worked (among other things) All you can do is try to earn her trust back slowly. Baby steps. You thought things were tough before you cheated... just wait if she takes you back. If you are ready for the challenge then good luck. Once your cheated on, you never forget. You can forgive but you'll always wonder. No matter what she's always going to have the right to question you. It never goes away. In many ways it makes things stronger and others it makes things worse. Be strong and confident though, don't whimper and guilt her into taking you back. Be a man, admit your faults and work your arse off for the rest of your life making it right, because it will take that long.