jon357
22 Nov 2014
Life / Important Poland etiquette question: bite of the herring first, then a shot, or shot first, then a herring? [22]
A snoring labradoodle...
A snoring labradoodle...
jon357
22 Nov 2014
Food / Where to buy British mature Cheddar Cheese and salted butter in Poland? [289]
Indeed. Just about ok for cooking with, if you add some parmesan, but only just.
I do not recommend the unbranded or shop's own 'cheddar' in shops here. It's mainly only of use as a door stop.
Indeed. Just about ok for cooking with, if you add some parmesan, but only just.
jon357
22 Nov 2014
Life / Important Poland etiquette question: bite of the herring first, then a shot, or shot first, then a herring? [22]
Here you are:
barnesandnoble/review/holiday-spirits/
Enjoy!
Here you are:
1. Pour a half an ounce of vodka into a shot glass (preferably made of Czech crystal). This amount is optimal for both fully experiencing the drinking process and for extending it through four to six toasts (2-3 drinks).
2. Pick out a spicy and salty hors-d'oeuvre of your choice and smell it. High-brow: caviar, smoked fish, selected marinated mushrooms. Low-brow: pickles, herring, salami.
3. Breathe out loudly through your mouth emitting an animal noise. No air should be left in your lungs.
4. Drink your vodka in one swallow. DO NOT BREATHE IN. Breathing in will let the air into your system and will negate steps 1-3, and your mouth will burn.
5. Put your food in your mouth WITHOUT BREATHING IN and chew it pensively for 15 seconds, trying to direct your gaze inward like as if you were a woman etc.
6. Finally, breathe in.
2. Pick out a spicy and salty hors-d'oeuvre of your choice and smell it. High-brow: caviar, smoked fish, selected marinated mushrooms. Low-brow: pickles, herring, salami.
3. Breathe out loudly through your mouth emitting an animal noise. No air should be left in your lungs.
4. Drink your vodka in one swallow. DO NOT BREATHE IN. Breathing in will let the air into your system and will negate steps 1-3, and your mouth will burn.
5. Put your food in your mouth WITHOUT BREATHING IN and chew it pensively for 15 seconds, trying to direct your gaze inward like as if you were a woman etc.
6. Finally, breathe in.
barnesandnoble/review/holiday-spirits/
Enjoy!
jon357
21 Nov 2014
Life / Canadian Moving to Poznan, Poland - what to bring over, areas to avoid, school for a child. [54]
Probably better to buy one in PL - they aren't expensive.
Yes
Not really. Certainly not like you're used to over there unfortunately.
Probably better to buy one in PL - they aren't expensive.
Also in regards to me working will I be able to receive the benefits of a maternity leave?
Yes
Our plan is to eventually get pregnant once we are established there. Are there any benefits that the government provides (my fellow canadians might understand this....beneifts like the baby bonus or the universal tax).
Not really. Certainly not like you're used to over there unfortunately.
jon357
21 Nov 2014
Life / Important Poland etiquette question: bite of the herring first, then a shot, or shot first, then a herring? [22]
The Polish (as I'm sure you know) almost always do fruit juice in a separate glass. Almost nobody nowadays except old men and Russians do that thing with the herring, fun though it is. However the lady did ask about the hearing, a strong Russian tradition. There are a few possibilities other than herring, by the way.
Probably - it isn't for the uninitiated and the technique is quite specific. The black bread isn't very authentic though.
The Polish (as I'm sure you know) almost always do fruit juice in a separate glass. Almost nobody nowadays except old men and Russians do that thing with the herring, fun though it is. However the lady did ask about the hearing, a strong Russian tradition. There are a few possibilities other than herring, by the way.
Should I get some black bread?
Probably - it isn't for the uninitiated and the technique is quite specific. The black bread isn't very authentic though.
jon357
21 Nov 2014
Law / Polish Governmental Bureaucracy on Permanent permit of stay. [4]
They used to do that for all foreigners (but seemed to forget about me). They stopped after EU accession but still do it for non-EU people. A lot depends on where you are and the policy of their local office.
I am not worry of whatsoever it maybe but I need to understand how things are being done in issues like this.
They used to do that for all foreigners (but seemed to forget about me). They stopped after EU accession but still do it for non-EU people. A lot depends on where you are and the policy of their local office.
jon357
21 Nov 2014
Life / Important Poland etiquette question: bite of the herring first, then a shot, or shot first, then a herring? [22]
Russians do the vodka first, pop a bit of herring in their mouths and let the vodka fumes roll over the herring. Takes a bit of practice though...
Russians do the vodka first, pop a bit of herring in their mouths and let the vodka fumes roll over the herring. Takes a bit of practice though...
jon357
21 Nov 2014
Life / What do you like about Poland? [100]
I like Górny Śląsk for down to earth and friendly people. reminds me of where I came from a bit.
Something special about Podlasie though...
Still alive in Warsaw though so many of the old ones have disappeared over the last few years, Poziomka, Bajka, Grażyna, Hortex, Alhambra, u Boryny, Nowy Świat, Lajkonik, Santos; all gone. A few new ones however that aren't Starbucks etc. But that one that sells coffee in the tube-like cups is just a gimmick...
Dolny Śląsk
I like Górny Śląsk for down to earth and friendly people. reminds me of where I came from a bit.
Eastern Poland
Something special about Podlasie though...
The cafe culture that's sadly lacking in the UK.
Still alive in Warsaw though so many of the old ones have disappeared over the last few years, Poziomka, Bajka, Grażyna, Hortex, Alhambra, u Boryny, Nowy Świat, Lajkonik, Santos; all gone. A few new ones however that aren't Starbucks etc. But that one that sells coffee in the tube-like cups is just a gimmick...
jon357
21 Nov 2014
Work / Typical rate for 1-on-1 English lessons in Poland (Krakow)? [37]
Yep, that and the market - there's a lot of competition in Krakow.
Way too high, unless he's a first class teacher.
They did, sadly.
Remember that conversational lessons aren't an easier option - the good ones are harder to do and can take more planning and specialised techniques. Rewarding when you see their progress, but you do have to know exactly what progress you want them to make, which threads and triggers you're going to use (and each student is different) and exactly how you're going to ensure they make it.
Depends on, how good you are, experiences, certificates, and not forgetting your competitors, ultimately: how much you think you are worth..
Yep, that and the market - there's a lot of competition in Krakow.
I would say around $25 a hour. Not any more than that. That is what I would pay
Way too high, unless he's a first class teacher.
prices probably came down
They did, sadly.
conversational and grammar lessons,
Remember that conversational lessons aren't an easier option - the good ones are harder to do and can take more planning and specialised techniques. Rewarding when you see their progress, but you do have to know exactly what progress you want them to make, which threads and triggers you're going to use (and each student is different) and exactly how you're going to ensure they make it.
jon357
21 Nov 2014
News / Winnie the Pooh gets bum rap in Polish town [12]
Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes. Have you seen the transcript of them discussing it?
Please, let it not be true. Please.
Truth is stranger than fiction sometimes. Have you seen the transcript of them discussing it?
jon357
20 Nov 2014
UK, Ireland / Why Irish women are so rude and judgemental towards foreign women? [40]
There are one and a half million of them - they're surely not all the same. Also, people have their own lives, their own friendships etc and aren't just there to make friends with new residents in their country.
There are one and a half million of them - they're surely not all the same. Also, people have their own lives, their own friendships etc and aren't just there to make friends with new residents in their country.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Travel / Cool Hipster Areas in Warsaw ? [11]
Furnished like the living room of a fairly arty flat in the PRL days - open all night and sort of hip but not pretentious
There's also some bars the OP might like in the intercity bit of Wola.
I miss mine. He used to like the pub.
Never heard of that one
Furnished like the living room of a fairly arty flat in the PRL days - open all night and sort of hip but not pretentious
There's also some bars the OP might like in the intercity bit of Wola.
to show off their mutts, but mine is hip all year round
I miss mine. He used to like the pub.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Love / Observations and experiences so far about Polish women [93]
Actually, you're more likely to be called a creep by those who aren't so needy that they kiss and tell on the internet.
You are going to be called a creep only by the mature women and guys who can only dream about pulling young birds (or any bird).
Actually, you're more likely to be called a creep by those who aren't so needy that they kiss and tell on the internet.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Love / Observations and experiences so far about Polish women [93]
Probably more recently than some here.
All of them? 50 is the new 30.
Really, when was the last time you were with a woman jon ?
Probably more recently than some here.
The reason they look like a Maytag by 50 is from extreme depression that causes them to over eat.
All of them? 50 is the new 30.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Travel / Cool Hipster Areas in Warsaw ? [11]
In fact, some of the best places are up near the Old Town. Le Madame is sadly long gone, but in the bit of the Old Town that's actually called the New Town (don't ask), there are some fairly cool places if you know where to look.
You might like Bar Warszawa at the top of ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie, corner ul. Miodowa (tourist central round there but don't let it put you off). the bit you want isn't the front part (though that's ok), it's the back bit from the courtyard off Miodowa, especially the upstairs bar.
Also, the bar on the ground floor of the Pałac Brzozowskich (down an alleyway off ul. Bracka (use the main entrance, you probably don't want the all-male establishment round the sides) and there are some places you might like in the alleys and courtyards off ul. Chmielna (the Nowy Swiat end, definitely not the other end).
Stara Praga (across the river) is another possibility, especially the bars and clubs off ul. 11 Listopada. That area's sort of becoming Warsaw's Kreuzberg.
Try Chinatown though - the best bars there are by the way often the ones that look as if they're closed.
Too late to edit - here's a site about Praga: klubynapradze.pl
And here's something about Chinatown: yelp.com/biz/pawilony-nowy-świat-warszawa
not boring Old towns where pensioners hang out :)
In fact, some of the best places are up near the Old Town. Le Madame is sadly long gone, but in the bit of the Old Town that's actually called the New Town (don't ask), there are some fairly cool places if you know where to look.
You might like Bar Warszawa at the top of ul. Krakowskie Przedmiescie, corner ul. Miodowa (tourist central round there but don't let it put you off). the bit you want isn't the front part (though that's ok), it's the back bit from the courtyard off Miodowa, especially the upstairs bar.
Also, the bar on the ground floor of the Pałac Brzozowskich (down an alleyway off ul. Bracka (use the main entrance, you probably don't want the all-male establishment round the sides) and there are some places you might like in the alleys and courtyards off ul. Chmielna (the Nowy Swiat end, definitely not the other end).
Stara Praga (across the river) is another possibility, especially the bars and clubs off ul. 11 Listopada. That area's sort of becoming Warsaw's Kreuzberg.
Try Chinatown though - the best bars there are by the way often the ones that look as if they're closed.
Too late to edit - here's a site about Praga: klubynapradze.pl
And here's something about Chinatown: yelp.com/biz/pawilony-nowy-świat-warszawa
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Travel / Cool Hipster Areas in Warsaw ? [11]
Do you want a "cool" area or a "hipster" area? You can't have both...
Plac Zbawicela is sometimes ironically called Plac Hipstera and Chinatown (the complex of bars in the old pavilions behind ul. Now Świat 22) might be interesting for you.
Cool Hipster Areas
Do you want a "cool" area or a "hipster" area? You can't have both...
Plac Zbawicela is sometimes ironically called Plac Hipstera and Chinatown (the complex of bars in the old pavilions behind ul. Now Świat 22) might be interesting for you.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Life / Polish cycle sites to report possible stolen bikes [10]
Lots are stolen, even from outside Arkadia, which has security guards always nearby.
Your best bet would be to keep checking Allegro to see if anyone's selling it. You'd need to prove it's yours, of course.
Lots are stolen, even from outside Arkadia, which has security guards always nearby.
It is a Mongoose bike, Fire Comfort model. Looks exactly like this one in the picture, but with black fenders. It's easy to spot due to the red/golden frame.
Your best bet would be to keep checking Allegro to see if anyone's selling it. You'd need to prove it's yours, of course.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Love / Observations and experiences so far about Polish women [93]
Perhaps you call them that. Most don't.
I'd say that those who stay are often very independent too.
Indeed.
They call them, "self serving opportunists."
Perhaps you call them that. Most don't.
And yes, Polish women in general are often very well educated.
I'd say that those who stay are often very independent too.
And what kind of woman do you expect to attract with that kind of (creepy) attitude?
Indeed.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Travel / What is the cheapest way to get from Modlin airport to Warsaw? [106]
I strongly recommend these, you can book online:
abeverest.pl/en
I've used them several times. I do not recommend just getting a taxi outside the hotel.
how much taxi from Modlin airport to novotel centrum .. do I need to book?
I strongly recommend these, you can book online:
abeverest.pl/en
I've used them several times. I do not recommend just getting a taxi outside the hotel.
jon357
19 Nov 2014
Life / Least doctors per capita in Poland? [4]
They make up for it with an excess of chemists. Seriously though, they do train a lot of doctors and I wonder where the data came from - certainly there seem a lot in PL.
If you drive carefully, I'll chop the ching.
Very entertaining map. I never thought there were so few doctors in Poland though.
They make up for it with an excess of chemists. Seriously though, they do train a lot of doctors and I wonder where the data came from - certainly there seem a lot in PL.
If you drive carefully, I'll chop the ching.
jon357
18 Nov 2014
Law / Consumer credit rating from US to PL/EU [12]
No. It's totally different in Europe.
So no slate to wipe clean. You'll find that credit scoring isn't as big a part of life. There's a register of debtors (debts within Poland) that a bank would check against, however they'd only really be interested in you having an income and legal residency.
You'll find that people use debit cards more than credit cards. People do get loans, however there is much less of a credit culture in PL.
Do the Polish banks pull my American credit report
No. It's totally different in Europe.
or is the slate wiped clean in Poland?
So no slate to wipe clean. You'll find that credit scoring isn't as big a part of life. There's a register of debtors (debts within Poland) that a bank would check against, however they'd only really be interested in you having an income and legal residency.
You'll find that people use debit cards more than credit cards. People do get loans, however there is much less of a credit culture in PL.
jon357
18 Nov 2014
UK, Ireland / Modern day slavery in the UK [36]
independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/more-than-35-million-people-worldwide-are-being-held-as-slaves-9866430.html
The UK does quite well in the Global Slavery Index, Ireland does very well. Poland not so well but still near the bottom of the list, Czech, Hungary and Serbia do badly and Russia very badly.
globalslaveryindex.org/findings/
More than 35 million men, women, and children across the world are being held as slaves, according to a bleak new report.
The report went on to praise countries including the Netherlands, Sweden, the US, Australian, Switzerland, Ireland, Norway, the UK, Georgia and Austria for taking the most action to end modern slavery.
independent.co.uk/news/world/politics/more-than-35-million-people-worldwide-are-being-held-as-slaves-9866430.html
The UK does quite well in the Global Slavery Index, Ireland does very well. Poland not so well but still near the bottom of the list, Czech, Hungary and Serbia do badly and Russia very badly.
globalslaveryindex.org/findings/
jon357
17 Nov 2014
Life / Quiet Hours and Hot Water Supply [12]
These people are messing you around and what they're doing isn't normal. In your rental agreement there should be a notice period (okres wypowiedzenia), usually a month, maybe 2 in rare cases. You should give notice, explaining that you want a flat where they don't mess around with the water supply or expect you to tiptoe around.
He is lying to you. I've rented 7 flats in Poland, arranged rentals for other people and rent one out now and have never ever heard of anything like this.
Thank you, everyone, for the input!
These people are messing you around and what they're doing isn't normal. In your rental agreement there should be a notice period (okres wypowiedzenia), usually a month, maybe 2 in rare cases. You should give notice, explaining that you want a flat where they don't mess around with the water supply or expect you to tiptoe around.
My landlord (who owns all the units in the building) told me that is the norm because leaving it on 24/7 would spoil the water pump.
He is lying to you. I've rented 7 flats in Poland, arranged rentals for other people and rent one out now and have never ever heard of anything like this.
jon357
17 Nov 2014
Life / Quiet Hours and Hot Water Supply [12]
The quiet hours are as you say.
I have never heard of this before.
Agreed. You should look for somewhere else immediately.
My understanding, however, is that my family should be able to lead our lives that way we like so long as we do not create noises exceeding 55db at night.
The quiet hours are as you say.
Also, is it normal to have hot water shut off after 10pm?
I have never heard of this before.
If I were you, I'd find another place asap.
Agreed. You should look for somewhere else immediately.
jon357
16 Nov 2014
History / People the Soviets planted in Poland [75]
Most politicians.
Has anyone in a prominent position acted in a peculiar way recently?
Most politicians.
jon357
12 Nov 2014
UK, Ireland / Living in England - the reality. I am now returning to Poland. [30]
Likewise. Anyway, almost all the problems she describes exist in some form in Poland (often worse) and probably in most other places if you're unlucky.
The bit about complaining to the Prime Minister's office about her removal men is frankly nutty - perhaps Mr Cameron will interrupt a COBRA meeting or the G7 summit to sort out her damaged pots and pans.
She just comes across as weird and very negative.
Likewise. Anyway, almost all the problems she describes exist in some form in Poland (often worse) and probably in most other places if you're unlucky.
The bit about complaining to the Prime Minister's office about her removal men is frankly nutty - perhaps Mr Cameron will interrupt a COBRA meeting or the G7 summit to sort out her damaged pots and pans.
She just comes across as weird and very negative.
jon357
12 Nov 2014
Life / New To Warsaw. Where can i buy household items, bedding etc? [25]
Office Depot has them ofix.pl/tablice_suchoscieralne_magnetyczne_i_planery.html
Also Office Media (a real shop a bit like Staples) at ul. Towarowa 22 has them; I once bought one there.
Office Depot has them ofix.pl/tablice_suchoscieralne_magnetyczne_i_planery.html
Also Office Media (a real shop a bit like Staples) at ul. Towarowa 22 has them; I once bought one there.
jon357
12 Nov 2014
UK, Ireland / Modern day slavery in the UK [36]
Simple indeed and both sensible and altruistic. Not an easy one to sell though...
Simple indeed and both sensible and altruistic. Not an easy one to sell though...
jon357
11 Nov 2014
UK, Ireland / Modern day slavery in the UK [36]
I'm familiar with that interview and as usual he's fairly close to the mark - particularly in respect of the way social and political thought had evolved up to that time. He does concentrate on the elite - the campaign to abolish slavery was led by the affluent but with a grassroots support especially among non-conformist religious groups creating a very broad support base.
A more practical issue is how on a day to day level we as a society can balance the need to protect the vulnerable who are exploited as agricultural workers in one of the richest parts of the world - a concrete example is the people Roz mentioned - with the growing desire for access to cheaper foods.
I'm familiar with that interview and as usual he's fairly close to the mark - particularly in respect of the way social and political thought had evolved up to that time. He does concentrate on the elite - the campaign to abolish slavery was led by the affluent but with a grassroots support especially among non-conformist religious groups creating a very broad support base.
A more practical issue is how on a day to day level we as a society can balance the need to protect the vulnerable who are exploited as agricultural workers in one of the richest parts of the world - a concrete example is the people Roz mentioned - with the growing desire for access to cheaper foods.
jon357
11 Nov 2014
UK, Ireland / Modern day slavery in the UK [36]
He was certainly a well-known and very influential part of the struggle, though the campaign predates his involvement and to some extent focusing on Wilberforce alone ignores all the ordinary men and women who campaigned and won as well as ignoring his broader social campaigning.
Though this doesn't do much to help those who've moved to the UK to pick fruit or whatever.
The story of William Wilberforce seems a very pleasing one
He was certainly a well-known and very influential part of the struggle, though the campaign predates his involvement and to some extent focusing on Wilberforce alone ignores all the ordinary men and women who campaigned and won as well as ignoring his broader social campaigning.
Though this doesn't do much to help those who've moved to the UK to pick fruit or whatever.