pawian
4 Aug 2011
Life / Moving to Poland - what is the most important thing I need to do, once I'm in Poland? [51]
Can you see your place in the photo above?
Can you see your place in the photo above?
pawian
4 Aug 2011
Language / Double meanings, Polish slang and embarrassment [49]
Jeża -[jezha]
Jeż - [jesh]
for jeża does the a at the end change the pronunciation of the ż?
Jeża -[jezha]
Jeż - [jesh]
pawian
4 Aug 2011
Language / Double meanings, Polish slang and embarrassment [49]
What is the second meaning of jeża?
There is a big problem with pronouncing Polish consonants at the end of words. Most of them are uttered as voiceless, even if are written as voiced.
jeż - [jesh]
też - [tesh]
lew = [lef]
jabłko [japko]
etc etc
That is why it is a tragic task to try to teach Polish learners to pronounce English words with voiced endings. For most Poles dock and dog have the same pronunciation.
you can use your imagination for the second meaning.
What is the second meaning of jeża?
One day I was pointing out that the ż sound at the ends of words isn't always pronounced the same, jeż and też.
There is a big problem with pronouncing Polish consonants at the end of words. Most of them are uttered as voiceless, even if are written as voiced.
jeż - [jesh]
też - [tesh]
lew = [lef]
jabłko [japko]
etc etc
That is why it is a tragic task to try to teach Polish learners to pronounce English words with voiced endings. For most Poles dock and dog have the same pronunciation.
pawian
4 Aug 2011
Life / Moving to Poland - what is the most important thing I need to do, once I'm in Poland? [51]
Wow! Mysiadło is a great place!
because I've already brought a flat in Mysiadlo. :)
Wow! Mysiadło is a great place!
pawian
2 Aug 2011
Travel / Traveling around Poland - our photo stories with very personal commentary [225]
I promise to contribute more oldies and other stuff when we come back. I am fed up with waiting for better weather, we are leaving anyway and going to spend most of August out of this horrible city. :):):):):):)
I will try to be in touch between trips.
Just like now.
When we don`t go too far on vacation, we still leave the city and visit the neighboorhood. Krakow`s area offers plenty of oportunities.
You can go to Niepołomice Forest
Aurochs got extinct in Poland in early 17 century.
By the 13th century A.D., the aurochs' range was restricted to Poland, Lithuania, Moldavia, Transylvania and East Prussia. The right to hunt large animals on any land was restricted to nobles and gradually to the royal household. As the population of aurochs declined, hunting ceased but the royal court still required gamekeepers to provide open fields for the aurochs to graze in. The gamekeepers were exempted from local taxes in exchange for their service and a decree made poaching an aurochs punishable by death. In 1564, the gamekeepers knew of only 38 animals, according to the royal survey. The last recorded live aurochs, a female, died in 1627 in the Jaktorów Forest, Poland from natural causes. The skull was later looted by the Swedish Army during the Swedish invasion of Poland (1655-1660) and is now the property of Livrustkammaren in Stockholm. The causes of extinction were hunting, a narrowing of habitat due to the development of farming, climatic changes, and diseases transmitted by domestic cattle.
More history in Niepołomice:
Jewish decrepit cemetery
and monument to Polish residents exterminated in WW2.
I promise to contribute more oldies and other stuff when we come back. I am fed up with waiting for better weather, we are leaving anyway and going to spend most of August out of this horrible city. :):):):):):)
I will try to be in touch between trips.
I will try to be in touch between trips.
Just like now.
When we don`t go too far on vacation, we still leave the city and visit the neighboorhood. Krakow`s area offers plenty of oportunities.
You can go to Niepołomice Forest
Aurochs got extinct in Poland in early 17 century.
By the 13th century A.D., the aurochs' range was restricted to Poland, Lithuania, Moldavia, Transylvania and East Prussia. The right to hunt large animals on any land was restricted to nobles and gradually to the royal household. As the population of aurochs declined, hunting ceased but the royal court still required gamekeepers to provide open fields for the aurochs to graze in. The gamekeepers were exempted from local taxes in exchange for their service and a decree made poaching an aurochs punishable by death. In 1564, the gamekeepers knew of only 38 animals, according to the royal survey. The last recorded live aurochs, a female, died in 1627 in the Jaktorów Forest, Poland from natural causes. The skull was later looted by the Swedish Army during the Swedish invasion of Poland (1655-1660) and is now the property of Livrustkammaren in Stockholm. The causes of extinction were hunting, a narrowing of habitat due to the development of farming, climatic changes, and diseases transmitted by domestic cattle.
More history in Niepołomice:
Jewish decrepit cemetery
and monument to Polish residents exterminated in WW2.
pawian
1 Aug 2011
Life / Cost of raising a child in Poland [21]
As a daddy of 3, I can only say it can cost quite a lot, but we never made any detailed calculations because it wouldn`t make sense. Besides, we seldom buy clothes because we get them from family and friends whose kids grew up.
I can tell you that a big packet of Pampers diapers costs from 40 to 50 zlotys.
As a daddy of 3, I can only say it can cost quite a lot, but we never made any detailed calculations because it wouldn`t make sense. Besides, we seldom buy clothes because we get them from family and friends whose kids grew up.
I can tell you that a big packet of Pampers diapers costs from 40 to 50 zlotys.
pawian
1 Aug 2011
USA, Canada / Why are Polish restaurants not successful in the USA? [698]
I like smoked trout, it is tastier than smoked salmon and not so salty.
=FUZZYWICKETS]let's be honest......of all the polish people on this forum, how many of you have actually eaten this meal? digging up some random recipe you saw one day in a real deal polish restaurant hardly says anything about the debate at hand.
I like smoked trout, it is tastier than smoked salmon and not so salty.
pawian
1 Aug 2011
UK, Ireland / Poles in the UK not a problem as far as i can tell [79]
Yes, I did. And most Poles did, so nobody wants your communism back. :):):)
Oh, my God. How such an intelligent guy can say such unintelligent things, I wonder?
Ironside - Did you enjoy an economical boom and so called growth since 1989?
And before quite a few years of exploitations of Polish economy by western countries.
And before quite a few years of exploitations of Polish economy by western countries.
Ironside - It was in part on Poland expense -
Yes, I did. And most Poles did, so nobody wants your communism back. :):):)
Oh, my God. How such an intelligent guy can say such unintelligent things, I wonder?
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Life / What is with Polish and their indoor plants? [26]
I am glad. How about outdoor floral decorations? I mean not only private gardens but also local council`s initiatives, like this:
Do you also consider them unusual?
I am glad. How about outdoor floral decorations? I mean not only private gardens but also local council`s initiatives, like this:
Do you also consider them unusual?
pawian
31 Jul 2011
USA, Canada / Why are Polish restaurants not successful in the USA? [698]
But it is unfair competition. Polish restaurants will never be in the black if they continue throwing away fat and tendons and cartilage and udders and ears and hooves and brains. Other national restaurants use up all of that inedible stuff and prepare wonderful meals for clients, that is why thye are able to go down with costs.
Polish restaurant owners are too decent guys that is why they are losing.
Because fat is tasty when cooked!
But it is unfair competition. Polish restaurants will never be in the black if they continue throwing away fat and tendons and cartilage and udders and ears and hooves and brains. Other national restaurants use up all of that inedible stuff and prepare wonderful meals for clients, that is why thye are able to go down with costs.
Polish restaurant owners are too decent guys that is why they are losing.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Life / What is with Polish and their indoor plants? [26]
The answer is easy. When you want to have a drink, and don`t want your wife to see it, you can hide in the jungle and shoot a shot or two.
The answer is easy. When you want to have a drink, and don`t want your wife to see it, you can hide in the jungle and shoot a shot or two.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
USA, Canada / Why are Polish restaurants not successful in the USA? [698]
In Polish restaurants various inedible crap, like fat and tendons is thrown away. In other restaurants, it is minced and added to regular dishes. That is why they are more popular.
In Polish restaurants various inedible crap, like fat and tendons is thrown away. In other restaurants, it is minced and added to regular dishes. That is why they are more popular.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
USA, Canada / Why are Polish restaurants not successful in the USA? [698]
Cause it is true. Polish bread is real bread, not that cotton ball sponge you can get at your place.
=FUZZYWICKETS] at least we don't eat fake food like you guys!"
Cause it is true. Polish bread is real bread, not that cotton ball sponge you can get at your place.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Travel / Traveling around Poland - our photo stories with very personal commentary [225]
I fully realise this. That is why I start such threads as this one or Rich man, Poor man - todays`s Poland. I am an educator, after all. By vocation. :):):)
Trust me, many Westerners have highly skewed perceptions of Poland if they haven't been here.
I fully realise this. That is why I start such threads as this one or Rich man, Poor man - todays`s Poland. I am an educator, after all. By vocation. :):):)
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Travel / Traveling around Poland - our photo stories with very personal commentary [225]
Thank you. :):):) I am glad our Travel photo stories thread here is so popular.
Oops, how old is your daughter? :):):):)
I will, unless we go on holiday.
:):):) Thank you. One photo=1000 words. I don`t like writing too much.
Pawian I'm really enjoying your photo essays. I show them to my wife and daughter, who have yet to visit Poland. Thank you and keep 'em coming!
Thank you. :):):) I am glad our Travel photo stories thread here is so popular.
Oops, how old is your daughter? :):):):)
Thank you and keep 'em coming!
I will, unless we go on holiday.
He is keeping things right on track here and who doesn't like photos?
:):):) Thank you. One photo=1000 words. I don`t like writing too much.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
News / Will Poland ever host the Olympics? [18]
Yes. I asked my consulting assistant- she says they will take place in 2027. Plus minus.
Poland, to the best of my knowledge, has never hosted the Olympic games--Summer or Winter. Do you think Poland will ever host the Olympics in the future?
Yes. I asked my consulting assistant- she says they will take place in 2027. Plus minus.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Travel / Traveling around Poland - our photo stories with very personal commentary [225]
Shet. This is really crazy. It has been raining since morning and for the last two weeks. And similar weather, maybe only a little better, is forecast for August, too.
It seems we can kiss goodbye to our annual trip to the seaside. It would be a complete waste of time and money to tool 700 kilometers from Krakow to Hel Peninsula.
Pity. We have been looking forward to it all year long. Fortunately, in August we are going to the mountains again and lakes.
Now I can only look through the old photos from the last year`s trip to the seaside. Consolation. :(:(:(:(
Everybody admires sunsets on the beach, don`t they?
Fresh fish is good for you.
Sometimes the beach is empty
Sometimes people lie on each other.
But water is crystal clear
A dozen or so lighthouses along the Polish coastline offer a good view.
Seal Aquarium in Hel
A lot of souvenirs are waiting for customers, especially precious Amber.
Going on a sea cruise is cheap fun.
Apart from old architecture
There is also modern though funny
History is also important for us - Hel Peninsula defended the longest in 1939 campaign against Germans - till 2 October.
Today`s monuments
and remnants of fortifications
which you can explore but at your own risk:
Last but not the least, a symbolic grave to sailors from Hel, fallen in storms and sea disasters, whose bodies weren`t given back by the sea:
Shet. This is really crazy. It has been raining since morning and for the last two weeks. And similar weather, maybe only a little better, is forecast for August, too.
It seems we can kiss goodbye to our annual trip to the seaside. It would be a complete waste of time and money to tool 700 kilometers from Krakow to Hel Peninsula.
Pity. We have been looking forward to it all year long. Fortunately, in August we are going to the mountains again and lakes.
Now I can only look through the old photos from the last year`s trip to the seaside. Consolation. :(:(:(:(
Everybody admires sunsets on the beach, don`t they?
Fresh fish is good for you.
Sometimes the beach is empty
Sometimes people lie on each other.
But water is crystal clear
A dozen or so lighthouses along the Polish coastline offer a good view.
Seal Aquarium in Hel
A lot of souvenirs are waiting for customers, especially precious Amber.
Going on a sea cruise is cheap fun.
Apart from old architecture
There is also modern though funny
History is also important for us - Hel Peninsula defended the longest in 1939 campaign against Germans - till 2 October.
Today`s monuments
and remnants of fortifications
which you can explore but at your own risk:
Last but not the least, a symbolic grave to sailors from Hel, fallen in storms and sea disasters, whose bodies weren`t given back by the sea:
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Love / Polish women USED TO BE much more attractive: [162]
Hey, I didn`t say this! I don`t brag about my forum achievements.
Yes, I do, but not due to sweets. Fast food and salty snacks are much more dangerous.
=Foreigner4]pawianThreads: 51Posts: 2,924Joined: May 30, 08
Hey, I didn`t say this! I don`t brag about my forum achievements.
Tell me you don't see a change in people's physiques here.
Yes, I do, but not due to sweets. Fast food and salty snacks are much more dangerous.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Love / Polish women USED TO BE much more attractive: [162]
Why do you think that cinabon culture is just arising in Poland and it hasn`t been here before? Such sweet baked goods were available in private or state points, called cukiernia, in communism, too.
Salty snacks are more harmful, I believe.
Why do you think that cinabon culture is just arising in Poland and it hasn`t been here before? Such sweet baked goods were available in private or state points, called cukiernia, in communism, too.
Salty snacks are more harmful, I believe.
pawian
31 Jul 2011
Work / Polish salaries - New statistics [38]
Yes, it is interesting how low the efficiency in communism had to be if it has risen by about 10% every year for the last dozen years or so and is still 66%.
It means we need to learn how to organize our work time efficiently. A read an article that Poles spend a lot of time at work but waste it on useless things.
Yes, it is interesting how low the efficiency in communism had to be if it has risen by about 10% every year for the last dozen years or so and is still 66%.
It means we need to learn how to organize our work time efficiently. A read an article that Poles spend a lot of time at work but waste it on useless things.
pawian
30 Jul 2011
Work / Polish salaries - New statistics [38]
The salaries in Poland are low due to low work efficiency/productivity. The second chart shows it:
The salaries in Poland are low due to low work efficiency/productivity. The second chart shows it:
pawian
29 Jul 2011
UK, Ireland / Poles in the UK not a problem as far as i can tell [79]
Who knows?
But, I think, as we are social creatures and generally can`t live on our own, anybody who doesn`t like people is deeply frustrated. :):):):)
I don’t think he was frustrated he just seemed to not like people.
Who knows?
But, I think, as we are social creatures and generally can`t live on our own, anybody who doesn`t like people is deeply frustrated. :):):):)
pawian
29 Jul 2011
UK, Ireland / Poles in the UK not a problem as far as i can tell [79]
Shortly speaking, he was frustrated.
What was this "who won the war" thing?
Shortly speaking, he was frustrated.
What was this "who won the war" thing?
pawian
28 Jul 2011
Food / Is there a good substitute of Philadelphia Cheese in Poland? [14]
It looks like Polish homo cheese:
It looks like Polish homo cheese:
pawian
28 Jul 2011
Work / American English Teachers in Poland. Job prospects? [9]
But teaching methods are like from Gulag.
The cost of living there is very small. And the quality of life is quite good (in some ways better than EU + NA).
But teaching methods are like from Gulag.
pawian
28 Jul 2011
History / Why did communism in Poland fail? [180]
Not really. Communism is only one, characterised by Soviet rule and electrification!
Коммунизм, это власть советов плюс электрификация всей
there are more than 200 countries in the world today.. Each of them is having a communial life.. So, there are 200 communist countries in the world today. So, how communism failed?
Not really. Communism is only one, characterised by Soviet rule and electrification!
Коммунизм, это власть советов плюс электрификация всей
pawian
28 Jul 2011
Food / Best Farmer's Market in Warsaw area? [14]
At the main open air market in Krakow you can see that the produce brought for sale is farmer`s.
At the main open air market in Krakow you can see that the produce brought for sale is farmer`s.
pawian
28 Jul 2011
History / Why did communism in Poland fail? [180]
As my Polish teacher in high school, a confirmed communist, used to say: If people were angels, communism would be like Paradise.
Unfortunately, people are not angels. That is why the system had to fail .:(:(:(
No! People who rejected communism weren`t paranoic. They were very clever, in fact.
=Ogorki]The communist - IDEA - is actually quite good.
As my Polish teacher in high school, a confirmed communist, used to say: If people were angels, communism would be like Paradise.
Communism failed because of human greed
Unfortunately, people are not angels. That is why the system had to fail .:(:(:(
and paranoia
No! People who rejected communism weren`t paranoic. They were very clever, in fact.
pawian
28 Jul 2011
USA, Canada / Wyborowa or Luksusowa Wódka - where to buy in the US?! [26]
When I was in US, I couldn`t buy Wyborowa, either. One day it occured to me I need to look for Veebarova. Bingo!!
I still remember those posters with a Polish peasant ploughing the field and the slogan: Veeborova - traditional Polish vodka from pure grain or sth like that.
I am desperately looking for a place in the US to buy Wyborowa wódka!!
When I was in US, I couldn`t buy Wyborowa, either. One day it occured to me I need to look for Veebarova. Bingo!!
I still remember those posters with a Polish peasant ploughing the field and the slogan: Veeborova - traditional Polish vodka from pure grain or sth like that.
pawian
27 Jul 2011
Food / Are there any real kebab shops in Gdansk? [20]
Baby cows, in the form of veal, aren`t popular either.
I dont like eating BABY sheep either :)
Baby cows, in the form of veal, aren`t popular either.