spiritus
2 Jun 2008
spiritus
26 May 2008
Travel / Hometown / Vacation pictures Poland [201]
Warsaw Palace
All three photos taken at Lazienki Palace and Park. May 2008
Warsaw Palace
All three photos taken at Lazienki Palace and Park. May 2008
spiritus
26 May 2008
Travel / Poland Warsaw Airport to Train [26]
I was unlucky and it took close to an hour. At least it's cheap, only 2.40 zloty although I believe the fares are increasing slightly in June.
I was unlucky and it took close to an hour. At least it's cheap, only 2.40 zloty although I believe the fares are increasing slightly in June.
spiritus
24 Mar 2008
UK, Ireland / Time for the Poles from the UK to go home [437]
You know, I would have a lot more time to listen to Brits complaining about Poles if they had also voiced their objections to Pakistanis and Bangladeshis entering the UK as well as Poles.
Poles in the UK seem to be suffering from a form of "white racism". Poles are only doing what hundreds of thousands of Asians have been doing and that is coming to the UK to try and make a better life for themselves. Very few people seem to mention this and there seems to be an acceptance or ignorance of this fact. Is it perhaps easier to tell Poles to go home because it's not seen as overtly racist as telling someone who is coloured to go home ??
Comparing these two types of immigrants you would think the Poles should have had the easier time winning the hearts and minds of Brits.
Poles come here to work and work hard. Consequently they pay taxes and contribute to our economy.
Many Asians have come to the UK to join up with their extended family. The Asian culture is culturally wired so that the women do not go out to work. The women overwhelmingly stay at home, have an above average no. of kids (by Western standards) and then claim social benefits for the family.
Poles are Christians and have come to live and work in another Christian society i.e. the U.K. I have nothing against multi faith communities but with Poles you won't get anybody being "offended" for having the word "Christmas" in "Christmas lights" nor do they live in ghettoes like so many Asian communties do in Northern England.
You're also not likely to get a fanatical Pole trying to blow British people up in the name of his religion.
The only reason I can think of behind Poles being targetted for this abuse is that they have come so quickly and in so many numbers to the UK. Other immgrants have come to the UK in far greater numbers but spread over a longer time.
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You know, I would have a lot more time to listen to Brits complaining about Poles if they had also voiced their objections to Pakistanis and Bangladeshis entering the UK as well as Poles.
Poles in the UK seem to be suffering from a form of "white racism". Poles are only doing what hundreds of thousands of Asians have been doing and that is coming to the UK to try and make a better life for themselves. Very few people seem to mention this and there seems to be an acceptance or ignorance of this fact. Is it perhaps easier to tell Poles to go home because it's not seen as overtly racist as telling someone who is coloured to go home ??
Comparing these two types of immigrants you would think the Poles should have had the easier time winning the hearts and minds of Brits.
Poles come here to work and work hard. Consequently they pay taxes and contribute to our economy.
Many Asians have come to the UK to join up with their extended family. The Asian culture is culturally wired so that the women do not go out to work. The women overwhelmingly stay at home, have an above average no. of kids (by Western standards) and then claim social benefits for the family.
Poles are Christians and have come to live and work in another Christian society i.e. the U.K. I have nothing against multi faith communities but with Poles you won't get anybody being "offended" for having the word "Christmas" in "Christmas lights" nor do they live in ghettoes like so many Asian communties do in Northern England.
You're also not likely to get a fanatical Pole trying to blow British people up in the name of his religion.
The only reason I can think of behind Poles being targetted for this abuse is that they have come so quickly and in so many numbers to the UK. Other immgrants have come to the UK in far greater numbers but spread over a longer time.
*
spiritus
8 Nov 2007
Travel / Cheaper Flights to Poland [50]
I just booked for Liverpool to Gdansk middle of January for £ 42 both ways. The flights were only £ 0.49 each way but tax after tax after tax bumped the price up. They even charge you for using credit and debit cards !!
Still, £ 42 is very cheap :)
I just booked for Liverpool to Gdansk middle of January for £ 42 both ways. The flights were only £ 0.49 each way but tax after tax after tax bumped the price up. They even charge you for using credit and debit cards !!
Still, £ 42 is very cheap :)
spiritus
27 Aug 2007
Real Estate / The current property boom in Poland is a bubble [342]
Totally agree with Bubba on this one.
In any booming property market all you have to do is buy a property, sit on your arse, and sell at a decent profit later on. The more astute will make a healthier profit but at this stage of a boom EVERYONE will make a bit of money.
As the market matures it becomes harder to make money but not impossible. It's about this time that most people get a little spooked as they see capital appreciation and rental yields are not as great as when the boom was at it's apex.
This is the time when serious investors earn their money by doing lots of spade work in trying to find properties and sites with potential. I think Poland is fast approaching this stage.
Deise, Poznan is not a bad choice actually :)
Totally agree with Bubba on this one.
In any booming property market all you have to do is buy a property, sit on your arse, and sell at a decent profit later on. The more astute will make a healthier profit but at this stage of a boom EVERYONE will make a bit of money.
As the market matures it becomes harder to make money but not impossible. It's about this time that most people get a little spooked as they see capital appreciation and rental yields are not as great as when the boom was at it's apex.
This is the time when serious investors earn their money by doing lots of spade work in trying to find properties and sites with potential. I think Poland is fast approaching this stage.
Deise, Poznan is not a bad choice actually :)
spiritus
27 Aug 2007
Travel / Need information about Czestochowa! Hostels / Hotels? [24]
I have just returned last night from a 10 day stay in Czestochowa. I visit there nearly every year !
Personally, I love the place but then again I don't live there.
I have just returned last night from a 10 day stay in Czestochowa. I visit there nearly every year !
Personally, I love the place but then again I don't live there.
spiritus
13 Aug 2007
Real Estate / The current property boom in Poland is a bubble [342]
None of us know what is going to happen-we don't have a crystal ball.
Zeze is right in his/her logic but logic doesn't always dictate the way a particular market is going.
Will the property bubble burst eventually in Poland ? Yes. But when and how hard will it land can be debated until the cows come home.
The world Stock Markets had a similar meteoric rise a few years ago built upon tech. hysteria. The difference with property is that people always need somewhere to live but stocks and shares are not essential.
Zeze, as a developer in London, where's the logic behind the current UK house prices ? They should have slowed down years ago but haven't.
Whilst intellectuals are predicting doom and gloom and watching by the sidelines others are getting their hands dirty and are making fortunes from rising property prices ! Astute developers would have entered the Polish market years ago and retired now on the profits.
None of us know what is going to happen-we don't have a crystal ball.
Zeze is right in his/her logic but logic doesn't always dictate the way a particular market is going.
Will the property bubble burst eventually in Poland ? Yes. But when and how hard will it land can be debated until the cows come home.
The world Stock Markets had a similar meteoric rise a few years ago built upon tech. hysteria. The difference with property is that people always need somewhere to live but stocks and shares are not essential.
Zeze, as a developer in London, where's the logic behind the current UK house prices ? They should have slowed down years ago but haven't.
Whilst intellectuals are predicting doom and gloom and watching by the sidelines others are getting their hands dirty and are making fortunes from rising property prices ! Astute developers would have entered the Polish market years ago and retired now on the profits.
spiritus
18 Jun 2007
Travel / Vacation in Great Polish Masurian Lakes area (Mazury) [37]
Wow Justyna - does this mean you live by the side of the lake ? Stunning view !
The view out of my window.
Wow Justyna - does this mean you live by the side of the lake ? Stunning view !
spiritus
17 Jun 2007
UK, Ireland / Polish Beer In The UK [98]
Since my post in December my local Morrisons supermarket stock Zywiec, Tyskie and Lech. I don't need to buy boxes of beer anymore just a couple of bottles whenever I feel the need :)
Alternatively, go to your local Polish club and ask the barman if he can order you a box of Polish beer the next time he goes to the cash and carry.
Since my post in December my local Morrisons supermarket stock Zywiec, Tyskie and Lech. I don't need to buy boxes of beer anymore just a couple of bottles whenever I feel the need :)
spiritus
26 Mar 2007
Travel / Just back from Krakow [120]
Rainman, I have no axe to grind with you but if I'm being brutally honest I am glad that there are some bars in Krakow that take this stance. When I was last there I saw groups of English men walking the streets, wearing identical T shirts and being very rowdy and intimidating. By the same token I also walked past groups of English men seated at one of the many outdoor tables having a civilised drink together.
The point being that bars cannot differentiate between the the two unless they started interviewing anyone who entered the bar. As with many things the minority spoil it for the majority.
Just thinking out loud here but I wonder what would happen if a group decided to enter a bar individually spaced out over 30 mins or so ?
Personally, I don't want Krakow to become another Amsterdam or to aspire to be what Prague is becoming. If that means it loses it's stag reputation then so be it. Arguably in the long run this will actually INCREASE Krakow's popularity amongst tourists as I'm certain that some tourists will be put off from returning to Krakow if it becomes a mecca for stag parties.
I suspect many stag do travelers come to Krakow for the cheap beer, beautiful women and because it's something different. I doubt there are many who go to appreciate the beauty of the city.
Rainman, I have no axe to grind with you but if I'm being brutally honest I am glad that there are some bars in Krakow that take this stance. When I was last there I saw groups of English men walking the streets, wearing identical T shirts and being very rowdy and intimidating. By the same token I also walked past groups of English men seated at one of the many outdoor tables having a civilised drink together.
The point being that bars cannot differentiate between the the two unless they started interviewing anyone who entered the bar. As with many things the minority spoil it for the majority.
Just thinking out loud here but I wonder what would happen if a group decided to enter a bar individually spaced out over 30 mins or so ?
Personally, I don't want Krakow to become another Amsterdam or to aspire to be what Prague is becoming. If that means it loses it's stag reputation then so be it. Arguably in the long run this will actually INCREASE Krakow's popularity amongst tourists as I'm certain that some tourists will be put off from returning to Krakow if it becomes a mecca for stag parties.
I suspect many stag do travelers come to Krakow for the cheap beer, beautiful women and because it's something different. I doubt there are many who go to appreciate the beauty of the city.
spiritus
30 Jan 2007
UK, Ireland / Polish TV channels in the UK [95]
Ref: Option 3
I give the money to my friends in advance (it's not exactly a fortune) and then the direct debit comes out of their bank account but I see what you're saying and it depends on how you and they feel about this option.
You have Sky+ and have over 900 channels ??? I didn't think you could get so many.
I'm not an expert on the merits of Polsat over Cyfra or vice versa but my limited understanding is that they offer essentially the same channels.
Ref: Option 3
I give the money to my friends in advance (it's not exactly a fortune) and then the direct debit comes out of their bank account but I see what you're saying and it depends on how you and they feel about this option.
You have Sky+ and have over 900 channels ??? I didn't think you could get so many.
I'm not an expert on the merits of Polsat over Cyfra or vice versa but my limited understanding is that they offer essentially the same channels.
spiritus
28 Jan 2007
UK, Ireland / Polish TV channels in the UK [95]
There are three ways you can go about it and I have tried two of them.
1/ Look for a Satellite TV installer in your local newspaper/yellow pages and tell them you want "free to air" Polish channels. You will need a new satellite dish (pointing to the Hotbird satellite) and a new decoder box. Don't worry as the installer will take care of that. I think it cost me around £ 200 a few years ago.
The advantage of this is that once you've paid for the installation and equipment then every channel you receive is free.
The disadvantage is that you don't really get that many Polish channels as most of the channels you will receive will be German/French/ Arabic etc.
Another disadvantage is that the Polish TV companies have a tendency to change the satellite frequency every few months. So you may need to call the satellite man every so often to recalibrate the dish.
2/ It's possible to get a pirate subscription card which allows you to get loads of Polish channels but of course this is illegal and I wouldn't recommend it.
3/ This is the option I took last year and I think it's the best out of the three. Next time you are in Poland go to a Satellite TV shop and sign up to one of the TV packages they offer e.g. Cyfrowa Polsat. You will also need a decoder and dish which the shop will provide. I already had a dish after following Option 1 a few years ago so I only needed the decoder with card from the shop. You may need to prove Polish residency but a close friend of mine in Poland signed up for me and whenever my annual subscription comes up for renewal then I just pay them the money.
I think the decoder cost me about £ 60 and the monthly subscription worked out at about £ 5 or £ 6 a month. For that I get over 20 Polish channels and I think this is very good value for money.
There are three ways you can go about it and I have tried two of them.
1/ Look for a Satellite TV installer in your local newspaper/yellow pages and tell them you want "free to air" Polish channels. You will need a new satellite dish (pointing to the Hotbird satellite) and a new decoder box. Don't worry as the installer will take care of that. I think it cost me around £ 200 a few years ago.
The advantage of this is that once you've paid for the installation and equipment then every channel you receive is free.
The disadvantage is that you don't really get that many Polish channels as most of the channels you will receive will be German/French/ Arabic etc.
Another disadvantage is that the Polish TV companies have a tendency to change the satellite frequency every few months. So you may need to call the satellite man every so often to recalibrate the dish.
2/ It's possible to get a pirate subscription card which allows you to get loads of Polish channels but of course this is illegal and I wouldn't recommend it.
3/ This is the option I took last year and I think it's the best out of the three. Next time you are in Poland go to a Satellite TV shop and sign up to one of the TV packages they offer e.g. Cyfrowa Polsat. You will also need a decoder and dish which the shop will provide. I already had a dish after following Option 1 a few years ago so I only needed the decoder with card from the shop. You may need to prove Polish residency but a close friend of mine in Poland signed up for me and whenever my annual subscription comes up for renewal then I just pay them the money.
I think the decoder cost me about £ 60 and the monthly subscription worked out at about £ 5 or £ 6 a month. For that I get over 20 Polish channels and I think this is very good value for money.
spiritus
15 Dec 2006
UK, Ireland / Polish Beer In The UK [98]
Alternatively, go to your local Polish club and ask the barman if he can order you a box of Polish beer the next time he goes to the cash and carry.
I pay approx £ 25.00 for a box of 20 bottles of Zywiec (about £ 1.25 per bottle)
Alternatively, go to your local Polish club and ask the barman if he can order you a box of Polish beer the next time he goes to the cash and carry.
I pay approx £ 25.00 for a box of 20 bottles of Zywiec (about £ 1.25 per bottle)