Life / Health system in Poland one of the worst in Europe: report [78]

Sometimes older people whose families have abandoned them simply go to the doctors to have someone to talk to, even though their condition does not require medical attention. I have seen this countless of times. Instead of changing for example their diet or moving a bit more, or meeting other people, every time they get a twinge, it's off to the doctors, instead of seeking solutions within themselves. Problem is compounded by the fact that instead of visiting a chemist or alternative medicine suppliers (herbal shops) for something, they feel that they must have the beginning of a dire medical condition which requires immediate attention.

People's attitude towards medical conditions such as diabetes, thyroid trouble, or other similar drug-controlled conditions are thought of as almost one leg in the grave, and instead of continuing to live life as much as possible, within the confines of their abilities, they absolutely delight in telling everybody how they have to suffer daily and what medications they take and how much it costs.

Language / Idiomatic Polish [65]

There is a saying in Polish: 'Czy mozemy porozmawiac w 4 oczy' (rough translation - 'can we talk using 4 eyes') which might be 'can we talk one to one' in English.

Life / Any place like a "Goodwill" in Warsaw? [10]

Sometimes the town council will take used/old furniture. Find out on their websites and arrange delivery. I know that in Krakow they take small electrical items free of charge and will come for them to your address.

Work / What is the average accounting/auditing salary in Poland? [42]

To get an idea of the type of salary that you could earn, email some accountancy firms. A degree in accountancy is now standard requirement as is ACCA. CIMA is not widely known in Poland. Email the Big firms.

The filed of accountancy is too great, starting from someone who just adds numbers to the CEO of a major company....

Life / Top 10 Poland fashion brands [25]

Wittchen for leather items

Law / Questions regarding pregnancy laws / maternity and paternity leave in Poland [18]

From what I can gather through a quick look on google:
If you are the father of the child and are working full time on 'omowa o prace' , then you are entitled to 2 weeks leave after the birth of the child.

Language / Idiomatic Polish [65]

A very rough translation of that would be 'you don't rat on your own sort'.

UK, Ireland / I'm so confused where to settle down - UK or Poland? Advice please. [21]

I agree that it is possible. However, you need a good job to keep you going. Unless you have enough to buy yourself a flat/apartment or a house, you will struggle with paying the mortgage, the bills and with everyday living. Unless of course, you can rely on your family giving you a helping hand.

As for real estate or flats or apartments or houses - the prices, when compared to the UK are higher than in the UK. You get less in Poland than you would in the UK.

UK, Ireland / I'm so confused where to settle down - UK or Poland? Advice please. [21]

If the poster has lived in the UK for the last 10 years, I am sure that she has come into contact with all sectors of the community. Maybe that is the reason for wanting a change. The problem as I see it, is that the poster wants to have the same standard of living, but actually live in Poland. No can do.

The problem with advice - is that nobody wants to hear it, they have already made their mind up, and, most importantly what happens if it does not work out they just want someone else to blame.

I've said it before: sentiment does not put food on the table or pay your bills. You have to see how much you can earn, what that will buy and see if you can accept that.

Life / Health system in Poland one of the worst in Europe: report [78]

The problem with NFZ is that the best qualified doctors and specialists have now left. The ones that are still doing their 'training' (junior resident doctors) are only staying till they finish their specializations and they will leave Poland. The Ministry tried to get them all signed up for promise to work off so many years after finishing their training to get more money now. Their pay whilst finishing their training is 'peanuts' compared with other sectors.

People will of course say that doctors get 'envelopes' and we all know that they do, but you cannot rely on 'envelopes' as a substitute of your pay. I personally know of doctors who sign people off-sick for a consideration, have used private doctors for a prescription and home visits, and have had private treatment for a knee operation.

The situation in hospitals is dire.
The best way to survive is either not to be ill or have plenty of money to pay for your treatment.

Language / Help with idiomatic translation ... [48]

IN UK we have an expression 'mutton dressed as lamb' for ladies who want to look 20, but are well over 60....

Polonia / Poland Embassy at New Delhi fraud [8]

I am at a loss to understand how anyone on a public forum can speed up the process of your visa, especially at Christmas?

Life / How do Polish people see homosexuality? [152]

Just in case anyone hears this. Poles could call you 'Ciota' - (homosex.)

UK, Ireland / I'm so confused where to settle down - UK or Poland? Advice please. [21]

To me, it all depends on the job and security you have in the U.K. If you have transferable skills and can get a job in Poland which would afford you similar lifestyle - then move to Poland.

But remember, sentiment will not put food on the table or pay your bills and living on 3K gross per month is no joke.

Life / Moving from India to Krakow for employment - suggestion for good location to live with family [22]

I believe that it is easier to get a job in Poland for an Indian national. Their belief, I presume is that once they get their foot in the EU door, (by working in Poland) they think that it will be easier for them to move to a more beneficial country, having experience in an EU country already.

Life / Moving from India to Krakow for employment - suggestion for good location to live with family [22]

I have actually spoken to Indians working in Krakow. They earn from 10K pln plus gross per month. Some are here with their wives, others not.

Life / Why is Polish Christmas on the 24th? [87]

I have just read on 'google' that the Scandinavians and the Italians also celebrate the 24th December.

Life / Moving from India to Krakow for employment - suggestion for good location to live with family [22]

It could also be that the requirements of the job, such as being able to speak foreign languages is one of the deciding factors.

Life / Moving from India to Krakow for employment - suggestion for good location to live with family [22]

Make sure you have good links to your mode of transport. All areas are o.k.

Law / No availability to apply for Poland's National Visa. Indian national married to Polish. [30]

Cam someone explain to me, how anyone on this Polish Forum can in any way speed up the officials in the Embassies. If they told you to wait, then that is what you do. There is absolutely nothing that anyone from this forum can do to speed things up. Things take as long as they take.

All details of opening hours, appointments are on their websites.

Real Estate / Farm for sale in Poland - how to find a buyer from other country? [12]

The problem is that there are very strict laws regarding the sale and purchase of farmland. You MUST make yourself familiar with them. Search on google, and get yourself a lawyer who specializes in this area. The only person that can buy farmland is a person who is deemed to be a 'farmer' with experience and qualifications. ,

Life / Pretending you don't speak Polish - Poles have a strong preference and love for English [18]

I'll tell you a strange story. I sometimes make mistakes in my Polish when I speak, but I've found that Poles delight in correcting me on the spot. I just say 'thank you, I didn't know that, I will try to remember'. However, when someone speaks to me in English and I correct them in a similar manner, they take it personally, think that I am laughing at them and their whole demeanour changes towards me. I am not laughing but trying to help.

This has happened to me numerous times, so in the end I don't even bother correcting some people, as it is not worth the abuse I get from them, such as 'you think you know everything', 'you think you're clever, but you have made mistakes in your life' - which is totally irrelevant to the conversation.

Classifieds / Looking for room to rent in Wroclaw from 12 Jan 2017 for long term !! [3]

Go on gumtree for Wroclaw. Other than that look for all estate agents, ring them up, email them, ask for your requirements. See how much similar places are going. Find a map of Wroclaw, look for the location, google how it is to live in that specific area. You have to do the donkey work - we are all bury with Christmas festivities.

Life / Pretending you don't speak Polish - Poles have a strong preference and love for English [18]

Maybe people just want to practice speaking English and use you as a sounding block.....

Law / Polish grandparents, citizenship? Parents moved from Poland to Australia before my birth. [8]

Bring with you all the documents your husband has confirming his citizenship. have the baby's birth certificate translated (by a sworn translator) into Polish. Then upon your arrival go immediately to the Urzad Cywilny in your husband's birthplace and register the baby.

Language / "Co ty" - communication and expressions [26]

'Co ty' is use very often. However, what it means is this: Co ty nie mowisz? - (what are you saying?)act of absolute surprise at what is being heard.

Co ty robisz? (what are you doing) - act of surprise or could be act of amazement or fear - it all depends on how it is said, it could be a soft question or a hard order.

Just aside, Poles do not often use the words 'please' in the same manner as would be expected of an English speaker. When someone for example asks for money for something that you have ordered in a bar, bought in a shop, it is usual in English to say...That will be 5, 10 pounds or 5,10 dollars PLEASE. You never hear the word 'please' (prosze) in any shop in Poland when they ask for the money. It is just the amount and that's all.

Law / Polish Citizenship for a foreigner whose parents was born in Poland [174]

One of the witnesses at my wedding had a VM, served at Monte Cassino (originally came from Przemysl) and he never had to do anything to actively reject (and what does that mean anyway) his Polish citizenship. He had a Polish passport till the day he died. He lived permanently in England after the war.

Same treatment means: the right to reside and work, be entitled to benefits, pension - all things that a British citizen is entitled to.

Law / Polish Citizenship for a foreigner whose parents was born in Poland [174]

Just to clear something up. After the war, many Polish people who found themselves on British soil and who had been in the Polish Army became subject of the Displacement Persons Act. This allowed them to stay in England definitely without giving up their Polish citizenship. Many had become naturalized British citizens, but many did not. Those that did not, were entitled to the same treatment as British citizens.

Life / Where and how can I report parking violations on my street in Poland? [7]

When you see any parking violations always but always take a photograph with the date and time, then call the Straz. If they do not want to do anything, there is always Google to shame the drivers. However, you must inform the driver first if you intend putting his parking violation on the www, but a note on the window (take a photo of it too) will do the trick.

News / Poland's Party of Law and Justice (PiS) reconstruction [38]

About 3 months ago, in a late night radio broadcast a 'mole' close to the Government said that Szydlo's days were numbered, and everyone knew it. After discussions with the Boss, she was willing to give up the Main job as long as she got a job in Europe. Except that now they know her in Europe, so she might have problems with being accepted as a serious politician. It was just a matter of time and getting the 'public' used to someone else.

On this forum, about 6 months ago, I wrote that she was 'dead man walking'...the Boss had had enough of her, but couldn't just push her out.

No matter who gets the top job, Poland will be ruled by the Boss and everyone knows it.