Posts by scorpio

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

They write in polish, they are published in Poland, the audience is Polish, the writers are Poles...you were saying?

I'm saying now what I did earlier: That "Fakt" is German owned, and "Super Express is Swedish owned.

"Super Express" is owned by "Mediaexpress", and "Mediaexpress" is owned by the Swedish firms Tidnings AB Marieberg and The Bonnier Group.

From the "Mediaexpress" web site
mediaexpress.pl/me/index.jsp?place=Menu2&news_cat_id=12&layout=2

- W styczniu 1995 roku, ZPR S.A. powołały wspólnie ze szwedzkim inwestorem, firmą Tidnings AB Marieberg, spółkę Media Express. Pozyskany w ten sposób kapitał pozwolił na przyspieszenie rozwoju technologicznego i jakościowego pisma, w tym przejście na druk kolorowy.

W czerwcu 2006 roku Grupa Bonnier zdecydowała o wycofaniu się z inwestycji w Super Express. Udziały w Media Express należące do Tidnings AB Marieberg nabyli inwestorzy finansowi.

The "Fakt" web site speaks for itself:
axelspringer.pl/dziennik/fakt

Axel Springer is a German firm.

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

Like the magazine which showed the President and the Prime Minister of Poland sucking the breasts of the Chancellor of Germany?

Oh, wait, that was a Polish-owned Polish magazine....

The crucial difference is, nobody denied that "Wprost" is a Polish-owned Polish magazine.

In this thread, the issue is the German media giant "Deutsche Well" claims that "Fakt" and "Super Express" are "Polish tabloids, which they aren't.

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

But the journalists, writers, publishers etc. are Poles...

Bratwurst Boy, poor excuse. I'm sure the German and Swedish owners examine the contents of their publications before they hit the street. If not, then they are being poorly managed.

Let's say I, being a citizen of Poland and director of a Polish based company called ABC, own a publication called XYZ in Germany, and all of the staff and editors are German workers. For sure, I would appoint a native Pole who is an employee of the Polish parent company ABC to oversee the contents of each issue before producing a final cut of the publication XYZ.

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

IT IS GERMAN NEWSPAPER !

Lukasz, keep in mind, there are two newspapers involved: German owned "Fakt" and Swedish owned "Super Express".

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

Why aren't the Swedes getting any heat for this? Their tabloid "Super Express" also insulted the Germans. :-)

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / France to lift job restrictions on Poles [84]

Playing being 'liberal' and 'open-minded,' pal? I wonder if you were equally 'tolerant' if some 'minority' group was slammed the way Poles are, e.g. on this forum.

Puzzy, excellent point. It seems there are double standards when it comes to what is 'politically correct' and isn't. When the media and book publishers falsify historical facts about Poland, and label all Poles as being anti this-and-that, this is ok and goes unchallenged by most discrimination eyewatch groups. There is no law for revisionist views of Polish history, similar to holocaust denial. All ethnic and religious groups should be treated equally. No one group should be favored.

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

The one shoots, the other shoots back...Poles get all riled up...it's crazy when you think about it! :)

The Poles got all riled up??? Wrong. It's the Germans that got hot headed because two foreign owned (German and Swedish) publications produced in Poland insulted the Germans. This is insane.

scorpio

5 Jun 2008

News / Deutsche Welle Claims Tabloids are Polish [40]

The German media giant "Deutsche Well" claimed today that the tabloids "Fakt" and "Super Express" are "Polish" tabloids in their piece entitled, "Germans Fume as Polish Tabloids "Declare War" on Euro Rivals". How incorrect! Here are some excerpts:

- Two Polish tabloids came under fire on Thursday, June 5, for declaring a front-page war on Germany ahead of the two nations' Euro 2008 clash in Klagenfurt this Sunday.

- The two dailies, Fakt and Super Express, which ran a doctored picture calling for the heads of German striker Michael Ballack and coach Joachim Loew, were blasted by Poland's coach Leo Beenhakker and Warsaw's ambassador to Germany and also criticized by high-brow Polish media.

My comment:

"Fakt" and "Super Express" are not "Polish tabloids", and aren't even "Polish" owned. Both newpapers are foreign owned.

"Fakt" is owned by German publishing company Axel Springer AG, and modeled on Springer's German tabloid Bild. (The article admits this as well)

"Super Express" is owned by the Swedish firms Tidnings AB Marieberg and The Bonnier Group.

Two tabloids printed in Poland, with Polish employees, and controlled by German and Swedish companies. Poland or the coach of the Poland's football club has no reason to apologize, and for what...because two media publications owned and controlled by Germany and Sweden insults the Germans?

scorpio

3 Jun 2008

Travel / Does a strong Zloty damage Poland's tourism [14]

Prices come down at the weekend to about £ 60 per night but as I want to stay there for a week I am seriously having to reconisder my plans !

Spiritus, I run a guest house about 30 km south of Tarnów in the beautiful Carpathian Foothills. One room, with lock and key, a clean shared bathroom, and breakfast of 2 eggs with hash browns and tea will cost you only 50 Polish zloty per night. From this area, you can visit beautiful towns / cities such as: Nowy Sącz, Tarnów, Biecz, Ciężkowice, Lipnica Murowana, Nowy Wisnicz, Brzesko, Bochnia, Kraków, and much more. With the large amount of money you would save, you can make a day trip to Częstochowa anytime you wish. Have fun in Poland! You can e-mail me in a private message or my direct e-mail for more information.

scorpio

31 May 2008

News / France to lift job restrictions on Poles [84]

Poland voted for socialism after all the horrors of World War 2.

Ridiculous statement. Poland 'never' supported nor voted for socialism / communism. It was 'imposed' upon them against their own will by the Soviet Union (Russia). Roosevelt (USA), Stalin (Russia), and Churchill (UK) further sealed Poland's fate during the Yalta Conference. At this agreement, Stalin demanded a Soviet sphere of political influence in Poland-Czech-Hungary-etc, as essential to the USSR's national security. "Accordingly, Stalin stipulated some of his Polish demands were not negotiable: the Russians would keep the territory they had already annexed in eastern Poland, and Poland was to be compensated for that by extending its Western borders at the expense of Germany. Stalin promised free elections in Poland despite the recently-installed Communist puppet government. However the Western Powers soon saw that Stalin would not honour his free elections promise. The elections, held in January 1947 resulted in Poland's official transformation to a socialist state by 1949; they were considered rigged to favour pro-Soviet political parties." Major points:

- The status of Poland was discussed.It was agreed to reorganize the communist Provisional Government of the Republic of Poland that had been set up by the Red Army.

- The Polish eastern border would follow the Curzon Line, and Poland would receive territorial compensation in the west from Germany.

Poland's borders and government were all decided by Stalin, Roosevelt, and Churchill without considering a Polish voice in this meeting. As a result, Poland was indeed 'occupied' for the next 45 years by the Soviet Union (Russia). Even the Russian language was taught in public schools as a second language. I believe that was mandatory during Soviet rule.

scorpio

31 May 2008

News / France to lift job restrictions on Poles [84]

FAIR ???? do you know the millions of euros poland is siphoning from the eu. Where do you think the finance to build all your new roads etc is coming from. ???

poland gets FAR more out of the eu than what germany, britain, frane, italy get etc.

you are an eastern european nation for christ sake. we owe you nothing, the germans owe you nothing either.

In reference to the Marshall Plan, during the years 1948-1951, Western European nations received $12 billion US dollars in aid to rebuild after WWII. The largest recipients were: UK ($3.3 billion), France ($2.3 billion), West Germany ($1.5 billion). Adjust these figures for inflation and convert this to today's value. It's an enormous sum. Poland never received any of this aid due to the Soviet Union's influence and control, thus preventing all Eastern Block nations from taking part in the Marshall Plan. So tell me, who received a hand out? Poland was further occupied for the next 45 years until 1990. Think about it. Most Western European nations had this enormous monetary aid and time advantage to rebuild. Poland has only just begun.

It is quite surprising that Germany, who instigated WWII, was the cause of millions of deaths and destruction of entire cities and infrastructures, was part of the opposing Axis countries, along with Italy, received this sort of aid. Poland was one of the most devoted Allied countries during WWII with the largest underground operation, and ended up betrayed and neglected by its allies.

I'm not saying Germany shouldn't have received aid, however, Poland didn't.

Poland is not an "Eastern European" nation. It is a "Central European" nation, culturally and geographically.

scorpio

29 May 2008

News / France to lift job restrictions on Poles [84]

Very nice [iht.com/articles/ap/2008/05/28/europe/EU-GEN-Poland-France-Workers.php] article in today's "International Herald Tribune".

Highlights:

- As of July 1, workers from Poland, Slovakia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Estonia, Slovenia and the Czech Republic will be able to seek jobs in France without restrictions.

- Kaczynski praised France's decision, calling it "very important," especially because it covers all professions.

- Poles still face work restrictions in Germany, Austria, Denmark and Belgium.

Comments:

Merci France! It is suprising that Germany still has stiff restrictions on Poles working in their country legally. Poland allows Germnay to invest in all areas of the economy, opening stores and factories, etc. Germany should reciprocate to be fair. All in all, this is very good news regarding France.

scorpio

28 May 2008

Real Estate / Current price of Homes in Poland [41]

join the club ..... there seem to be quite a few other members of PF with the same plan !

I've already happily done so in June, 2002. :-)

At least about land prices one does not have to worry so much anymore.

This is not an entirely accurate statement. Land prices are in for a big change when the year 2012 is reached. This key year will enable foreigners to purchase farmland without any restrictions. I heard this same year will coincide with Germany's plan to allow Poles to legally work in their country, without any restrictions. Sounds like a deal was struck between the two countries when EU negotiations were in progress several years ago. :-)

scorpio

11 May 2008

History / More Revision of Historical Fact in Ynet News Israel (Poles engaged in slaughter of Jews?) [72]

if you havent learnt that generalisations can be made and stereotypes do exist then you are spectacularly niave. its a simple approach referred to as 'segmentation' in marketing terms. someone has pigeonholed you

If you are incapable of being more precise rather than vague and hollow headed when senselessly attributing characteristics to an entire population, then you are surely incompetent.

i am fortunate because it provides me with an endless source of amusement

Great to see you entertaining yourself with your shallow humor. The joke is on you and we are all laughing.

scorpio

11 May 2008

History / More Revision of Historical Fact in Ynet News Israel (Poles engaged in slaughter of Jews?) [72]

dtaylor, can you provide some concrete examples of your claim, perhaps via a link to some source on the net of what you are exactly trying to say? I've taught in a Polish public school and have seen firsthand what they learn in classes such as History. I haven't witnessed any form of a 'political agenda'. They learn accurate historical facts very well and I haven't seen anything indicating otherwise. Again, please provide examples.

scorpio

11 May 2008

History / More Revision of Historical Fact in Ynet News Israel (Poles engaged in slaughter of Jews?) [72]

Harry & BubbaWoo,

You seem to never quantify the number of Poles you are referring to as 'racist, anti-xxx, etc'. Instead, you have the tendency to say "Poles" or "Poland", indicating, you are accusing an entire country, and all Poles worldwide. That is a problem you have. Learn not to stereotype, generalize, accuse in the aggregrate, and slander. Read up on your history and current affairs as well, using objective sources. It will make you a more educated individual. Obviously, you both have an inbred hatred of Poles and Poland and a twisted agenda to distort the true facts.

scorpio

11 May 2008

History / More Revision of Historical Fact in Ynet News Israel (Poles engaged in slaughter of Jews?) [72]

the point about the polish is the lengths they go to to deny it.

Incorrect and untrue. The Poles don't deny it and do admit there is a minor issue in their country with racists etc. The true problem is the lengths that 'others' (media, certain ethnic/religious groups, certain people) go to show that Poland does have a problem with it, and it is way too often overblown and exaggerated. That is the problem as I see it.

scorpio

2 May 2008

News / Israeli youths misbehave in Poland ceremony score [47]

From Ynet News in Israel: "Bad manners at Warsaw Ghetto" by Attila Somfalvi...here is a quote from the piece:

"It's been a while since I felt both so proud and so embarrassed to be Israeli at the same time, as I felt during my visit to Poland."

"It is difficult to describe the huge Polish investment in the event. It is also difficult to describe the reverence shown by the hundreds of non-Israeli invitees to the speeches delivered by the two presidents, the singing of the El Maleh Rachamim memorial prayer, the Israeli national anthem, the Hebrew prayers, and the entire ceremony. It appeared that everyone was doing above and beyond in order to honor the memory of the Warsaw Ghetto heroes. "

The article was very fair, and honest. If Polish visitors to Israel had acted in such a disrespecful manner, they would have been immediately dubbed "anti-semitic" and the event would have made front headlines in the "New York Times" and "CBS World News". Why the double standards?

scorpio

2 May 2008

History / More Revision of Historical Fact in Ynet News Israel (Poles engaged in slaughter of Jews?) [72]

In a recent article entitled entitled "When Warsaw cried" by Noah Klieger, two events in Polish history were interpreted incorrectly and exaggerated.

The article states: "Among other things, Peres noted that in the wake of World War II, in the summer of 1946, hundreds of Poles including military and police personnel engaged in slaughter in the Jewish center in Kielce, where more than 100 Jews were brutally murdered. Peres also made note of the 1968 expulsion of about 70,000 Jews."

Until today, the initial instigators and perpetrators of the so called 'Kielce Pogrom" are being investigated by the Polish Institute of National Remembrance. There are 'two' version of the events in Kielce. One states that the pogrom was the brainchild of the Soviet (Russian) authorities during communist run Poland, as a way to discredit Poland. The Soviet's instigated and carefully orchestrated the events to unravel in a way that made it appear as though it were the work of the Poles. The second version, the one embraced by most Jewish historians and Jews alike, is that Polish Catholics attacked and killed Jews in a wild rampage, due to a blood libel rumor. Before any article mentions "Kielce", the author had better mention the 'two versions' of this ugly episode, and not only one until the true version is determined.

In reference to the 1968 expulsion of Jews from Poland, how is the number "70,000" being determined? You can read any history book on thie event and clearly see that it was 20,000 to 35,000 Polish Jews that were expelled from the country by the Soviet dominated Communist government at that time, and not 70,000.

Such articles are spewed out on a daily basis by the media, and people read and then subsequently believe what they read. Such articles must be examined and corrected, for the sake of historical truth.

scorpio

2 May 2008

Real Estate / Real estate agency in Poland (that does not target foreigners) [14]

I thought foreigners were going to have some kind of relief 5 years after Poland joined the EU?

Actually, the original year was intended to be around 2018. After Poland joined the EU, that year was reduced to 2012. I think this is what you are referring to.

but what about normal inner city houses for example, with smaller plots.

Houses which are located on plots of land not equal to or greater than 1 hectare aren't much of a problem to purchase without a permit. The key number in determing if a property is eligible to fall under the 'farm or farmland' category is "equal to or greater than 1 hectare of arable land". So, if you define a 'smaller plot' of that being less than 1 hectare, then a foreigner wishing to purchase such a property without a permit today shouldn't pose much of a problem.

scorpio

2 May 2008

Real Estate / Real estate agency in Poland (that does not target foreigners) [14]

Wroclaw Boy said: "It is dificult for a foreigner to buy houses and land till 2009 so they say."

Actually, foreigners will be able to buy houses standing on 1 hectare of land or more without a permit, starting in the year 2012. This also applies to 'land of 1 hectare or more' as well. I mentioned this in another recent thread under "Poland Real Estate".

scorpio

2 May 2008

History / An Example of Falsifying Historical Facts and Degrading Poland [46]

Listen, I am all for individuals and their relatives getting either their property back, or at least some monetary compensation. Polish Catholics and the Polish government lost a large chunk of their land after WWII, including cities like Wilno, Grodno, Lwow, Stanislawow, Tarnopol, and the thousands of private estates, palaces, castles, etc. The Polish government, and Polish Catholics, lost far more assets during the war than their fellow Polish Jews, and yet, who is it today that contantly demands restitution and whines about it? Do you see Poles demanding all of their former Eastern territories back today? No. And yet, many Jewish individuals, just like the author of this article, still think that all former Jewish properties are located in the present day boundries of Poland. They fail to realize that Poland's borders and population shifted greately after the war.

For that approximately 1/3 of Polish Jews who lived in the former Eastern territories of Poland, should present day Poland pay restitution for those properties? This is the point I was trying to make. Approximately 1,000,000 individuals isn't a small number and I wouldn't even mention this fact of Poland's borders if it were a small number. Also, Poland lost enormous wealth by losing her Eastern properties. If Jews can get compensation for their properties lost in "Poland", then why can't Poles get compensation from Russia for their large piece of Eastern territories and properties ("Kresy") lost? Sounds like hypocrism, doesn't it? Jewish historians and holocaust restitution 'assessors' should keep in mind the shifting of Poland's borders after the war, when calculating how much former Jewish wealth remains in present day Poland's borders. They should also calculate how much wealth Polish Catholics lost in the East after the war, and then ask themselves, "Are we the only one's that lost assets during WWII?"

The point in showing the second article was to provide an example of how certain Jewish authors enjoy describing some small, unflattering trivial items in Poland during their visits here. It is so common for them to talk about the 'drunks' they encounter or the "smell of urine". Every country has these negative vices and isn't something only encountered in Poland. To mention such facts along with mourning fellow Jews that perished in the 'holocaust' doesn't make sense. It seems more like the author is simply painting an ugly picture of Poland for personal reasons.

Poland has taken great strides to 'bend down' to Jews and make unnecessary apologies. Have Jews apologized for the their large number in the communist apparatus, that tortured, killed, and deported thousands of Polish Catholics yet? No, it hasn't happened.

scorpio

1 May 2008

History / An Example of Falsifying Historical Facts and Degrading Poland [46]

In today's IsraelNationalNews, some historical facts were either greatly exaggerated or simply false in the article, "Ready to be Reclaimed: Jewish Property in Poland" by Hillel Fendel.

To begin with, the article states: "Life (Jewish) was erased, but property was not; it is still there."

The above statement is not entirely correct. Under the terms of the Molotov-Ribbentrop Pact, adjusted by agreement on 28 September 1939, the Soviet Union annexed all Polish territory east of the line of the rivers Pisa, Narew, Western Bug, and San, except for Wilno Voivodship with its capital Wilno (Vilnius), which was given to Lithuania, and the Suwałki region, which was annexed by Nazi Germany. Initially captured by Poland in a series of wars between 1918 and 1921 (primarily the Polish-Soviet War), these territories had mixed population of different nationalities with Poles and Ukrainians being the most numerous ethnic groups, as well as large minorities of Belarusians and Jews. The total area, including the area given to Lithuania, was 201,015 square kilometres, with a population of 13.299 million, of which 5.274 million were ethnic Poles and 1.109 million were Jews. An additional 138,000 ethnic Poles and 198,000 Jews fled the German occupied zone and became refugees in the Soviet occupied region.

So, given those facts, current day Poland (physical land area) contains former properties of approximately 2/3 of the Jews (about 2,000,000) that lived in pre-WWII Poland, and not all of them. Hence, a large portion of the property in Poland 'has been erased', and 'not all of it is still there'. A large stake is still located in Lithuania, Belarus, Russia, and Ukraine. About 1,000,000 of Poland's Jews lived in the former Eastern lands.

The article also stated: "By not trying to claim these properties, we are allowing a situation of allowing the murderers to inherit as well...".

In essence, the author is accusing the Poles of being the murderers of the Jews during WWII, not the Germans. Any Poles that did murder Jews represent only a tiny minority of the general population, too small to even be considered significant.

in another article entitled, "No Tears in Poland", Kate Rosenberg says:
"Last night I arrived in Krakow. It was cold. The air was wet. I waited alone in this cold wet for 20 minutes.

A drunk woman stopped and swayed in front of me for a few minutes. She kindly left me an empty flask of Wodki. I felt lonely.

Finally the owner of the apartment arrived. The building smelt of cat urine. There were young men standing on the lower floor drinking."

Why even mention a 'drunk woman and a building that may have smelt of cat urine' ? How were these descriptions even integral to the heart of her article? Too me, it seems the author of the blog was only trying to show how 'uncivilized Poland is', and possibly attempting to related to her readers that Poland prior to WWII was this way. Well, to be fair, she also should have mentioned all of the prostitutes and brothels that are in Israel today, and that Israel has one of the largest sex industries and women trafficking in the entire world. It's brothels are full of 'drunks' flirting with prostitutes and the mafia present everywhere. Fair enough? I think so.

These type of news stories are only a 'drop in the bucket' when it comes to historical revision and degrading Poles and Poland. When will it ever end?

scorpio

1 May 2008

Real Estate / Another Interesting Polish Real Estate Article [3]

In "Newsday" recently a nice article on Polish real estate appeared, entitled: newsday.com/business/ny-bzwagn0422,0,3584692.story - Developer Polimeni finds paradise in Poland".

Some quotes from the article:

- ...beautiful waterfront paradise, the city of Hel, on the Hel peninsula. The site is what Polimeni calls "the Hamptons of Poland."

- "It's where everyone wants to be," he said.

- "The country's on fire," Polimeni reported fresh off the plane yesterday.

- "It's almost the reverse of what's happening here (USA)," he says. "The economy (Poland) is growing in leaps and bounds, where here (USA) we're looking at a potential disaster."

- "In Poland, meanwhile, the biggest problem is construction costs. There are labor and material shortages, and projects now cost about double what they did 10 years ago. But that barrier isn't high enough to slow him down."

Interesting view point on the Polish property market from Mr. Polimeni.

Note: There are many views on the current property market in Poland, and where it is headed. Use caution and your intelligence when choosing to invest in property anywhere.

scorpio

1 May 2008

Real Estate / Current price of Homes in Poland [41]

Tosca asked: "Could somebody advise of state of property prices in Poland, are they still going up???"

First, you must clearly define the type of property you are referring to:

1) Flat
2) House (located on less than 1 hectare of land)
3) House (located on 1 hectare or more of land, which makes it eligible for a 'farm')
4) Land (less than one hectare)
5) Land (one hectare or more which can be used for farmland if arable)

Land can be further divided into commercial or arable (farmland).

Certain restrictions apply to foreigners. A foreigner (non Polish citizen) can freely purchase (1) (2) (4), however permission may be required for (2) (4). For property types (3) (5), permission is required from the Interior Ministry and Polish government, prior to the year 2012.

From the year 2012 and thereafter, a foreigner may be able to purchase (3) (5) - farms and farmland withou restrictions or permission. This is where much further price fluctuation, appreciation, and price equilibrium are possible due to the current purchasing restrictions in place. Market forces have not yet determined the true market value and price equilibrium for such properties due to the lack of a free market (market which includes everyone) in these types. Anyone with a Polish spouse may want to seriously consider purchasing this type of property prior to the year 2012, while decent prices are still around.

Flats, private homes located on less than 1 hectare, or land less than 1 hectare have seen more market play and price equilibrium due to the open market policy in buying and selling.

So first ask yourself, which property type do you wish to invest in? It is essential to consider the facts noted above when you have determined the property you desire. Also as a previous poster had mentioned, location is part of the price formula. Again, remember the date 2012. This is a key date in the Polish property market. Good luck!

scorpio

24 Feb 2008

Travel / Your favourite Polish region/city, etc [32]

I love Garbarka , Poznan, Nowy sacz, Tuchow :) simply love these places :)

Jabwaw, I live only 15 km south-west of Tuchów. Indeed, it's a very nice small city.

I like: Tarnów, Żabno, Dąbrowa Tarnowska, Zalipie, Tuchów, Ciężkowice, Grybów, Pilzno, Ryglice, Biecz, Jasło, Krosno, Zakliczyn, Siemiechów, Wojnicz, Czchów, Lusławice, Nowy Sącz, Lipnica Murowana, and Gorlice.

I admire the Carpathian foothills more than any other area in Poland, with it's many lush forests, valleys, panoramas, farms, clean unchlorinated water, where nature abounds. Many nice castle ruins, medieval towns, and roadside chapels. I prefer the foothills to the Zakopane region anytime because I can do without the immense crowds of obnoxious tourists. It is also one of the few places in Poland where it isn't flat.

scorpio

15 Jan 2008

Real Estate / Deals available from Polish property developers [40]

Looks beautiful scorpio, and I really like the sounds of walking/jogging on your own property each day. Enjoy it in good health.

Thanks markme! Have you ever been to Poland, and if you have, do you visit often? Living here during the past 5+ years has been a big change in lifestyle for me. Instead of waking up 5:00 am each morning to take a bus, ferry, and subway to Manhattan, partaking in the rat race and working in the office each day until 10:00 pm, my lifestyle has been much more relaxing. Simple things such as renovating my barn, collecting old farming antiques that date before the second war, reading and learning about the history of this region, visiting old castle ruins and other monuments on my mountain bike with packback and camera, maintaing the trails and paths in my forests, splitting firewood, taking photos of nature, observing various plant and bird species, are some of the things I enjoy. It beats sitting dressed up with suit and tie behind my pc all day, stressed out with projects and office politics. A big change indeed! :-)

I think society today spends way too much time working until the ripe age of 65 years old, hoping to live long enough to enjoy their pension and retirement. It's wiser to make the move enjoying your dreams a bit earlier, to enjoy the free time that most people never have. Of course, many can't make this move due to family and personal reasons. It's all relative.

scorpio

12 Jan 2008

Real Estate / Deals available from Polish property developers [40]

I have bought 7 places in Jelenia Gora and Karpacz...none from developers, all needing remont, all from Polish people.

ct11,

I've done the same in 2002. The original house was a wooden log cabin type of house, located on top of a mountain with spectacular views, and lots of land surrounding it. I have a wood supply from my forest that will last me a lifetime for heating my house during the cold season, and beautiful trails that zig zag through the forest for walking and relaxing. It's even better than any small 'park'. I still have some minor cosmetic adjustments to make on the exterior, such as placing white colored 'coins' on each corner of the house, and two more doors to double up each entrance. The porch also needs some minor brick work, and then it's all finished! This is the Europe I dreamed of long ago, away from the crowded cities of the USA. A place I can plant my own vegetables, raise horses, go for long walks on my own property, and jog each day in the fresh air. :-)

scorpio

7 Jan 2008

Real Estate / Poland property boom over???? [54]

I've only seen few exceptions of similar property in Germany being priced lower than in Poland. By no means does this represent the aggregate situation. To be more specific, right now flat prices in Warsaw and Kraków are are slowly climbing towards the average Western European (Ireland to Germany) equilibrium level, and in some cases, even higher. When it comes to rural properties (farms), prices in Poland are still much lower than in the West. There is a valid reason for this though. There are no restrictions on foreigners purchasing flats in Poland, but there are heavy restrictions on foreigners wishing to buy farmland. This by itself is causing larger demand for flats (because of the simplicity involved in purchases) and thus pushing up prices. The foreign demand for rural properties has been termporarily stalled for the time being due to strict laws. Nevertheless, many foreigners are still finding ways around the regulations. The largest obstacle is trying to obtain permission from the Polish Interior Ministry. That process can take a while and many phone calls to your lawyer, and many aspirins. Please provide valid sources (links) of properties in Germany now being cheaper than in Poland?

scorpio

5 Jan 2008

Real Estate / Poland property boom over???? [54]

The thing is that in some cases they are already higher than in Western Europe If you compare them to similar locations over there, you can't compare Warsaw with London because the second one is a financial capital of the world and the first is at best a capital of Central Europe.

Grzegorz, what you mentioned [above], I already stated in an earlier posting [below].

On the flip side, anything ridiculously overpriced, being higher than similar properties in the West, are due for a downside correction.