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Posts by aphrodisiac  

Joined: 15 Apr 2009 / Female ♀
Last Post: 9 Jan 2013
Threads: Total: 11 / In This Archive: 8
Posts: Total: 2427 / In This Archive: 1655
From: Poland, Szczecin- the best city ever
Speaks Polish?: yes.
Interests: lots

Displayed posts: 1663 / page 21 of 56
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aphrodisiac   
18 Feb 2011
Life / How is Sienkiewicz's Trilogy perceived in today's Poland? [12]

I suspect Sienkiewicz had read Schopenhauer's writing about the laws of sexual attraction wherein the genius of the species would make a unimpressively mustachioed man attracted to a woman with a moustache because their offspring would have healthy moustaches.

I bet he did;)
aphrodisiac   
13 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

you got some serious problems Asik. Ignore list :). Boring:(. Have you got laid yet!

Country of extremes

After joining the European Union, Poland has become more stable. Previously I was picking it as a very romantic country, but for Poles this characterization was a bit cumbersome. When I first came here, I was delighted in seeing carts, women in headscarves working in the fields of potatoes. It was picturesque, but I was aware that Poles want to move forward, to join the modern world. Today horses from fields and roads have disappeared, and the young people who travel a lot already do not differ from young people all over the world.

polityka.pl/kultura/aktualnoscikulturalne/1512200,1,polska---kraj-z-ksiezyca.read#axzz1ECFirPv3

an interesting article about an Australian perspective on Poland, unfortunately in Polish.

coffee in Poland
is not that important. Well, I have my own french press, so who needs Starbucks anyways.

I just realized I don't miss it at all. I also know somebody who makes one of the best coffees in town:).

Weather is still nice, but cold - at least there is NO snow, so I am happy.
aphrodisiac   
13 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

not only charming, aphro, but, tastier!

agree, but I prefer mugs:).
Un update of Pan Kaziu's work

OMG - my house is a mess, but he managed to fix many little things. He is quite a character and a nice person, perhaps a little slow. Yesterday he send me shopping, so I returned with a light for the mirror in the washroom. I wanted him to hook it up, so I could see what light it would give, but we discovered that there is NO electricity:(. He gets on the phone and after a while I see another Pan Kaziu, who manages to gut out some electrical wires in the wall. Still, not solution to the problem. They agree to meet at my place on Monday. It was getting late, so after some hand kissing, Pan Kaziu finally departs and I have the house to myself.
aphrodisiac   
12 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

I keep reading this over and over about the dogs! What a change from the PRL days. During the time I was in school, 1978-1985, very, very few pets. I always thought Poles were pet-haters. Why do you think this change? Is it a simple case of supply and demand?

I don't know why that is. Poles seem to have lots of pets and most of them are treated well. However, there are many cases of dogs,cats being left at the side of the road as well. I don't analyze why something is isn't,I just try to describe what I see.

Ah yes the block button...never used it before , but since you mention it..your sh1te will be the first deleted from my life....

well said. I am tired of being judged by somebody I don't know. Ignore button case for me as well.

Can I pretend to be southern for a moment????

:-)

brilliant editing :) lol

What about the robberies I've been hearing about on polish media? Is it true? I'll be returning to poland after 25 years and am worried about the crime.

Overall it is pretty save, not as save as during the communist times since Poland has been an open country for a while. There is mafia, people cheat, are dishonest in business, just like all over the world. However, there is also a large group of people who are reliable, honest, hard working and sweet.

go figure, the second week of February in Poland and they're predicting more snow. eureka!

still "pinching" at my weather report? I love the weather because it is fairly warm and I don't have to wear winter attire at the moment. That might change, but I will manage, as I always have. Weather is just a weather, nothing less, nothing more.

Thank you for the memory of those Bar Mlecznys(milk bars).

they are still around, but not that many. In my home town there is a restaurant which looks as if communism never left. The owner still folds the napkins the way it was done 30 years ago and I bet she has not updated the recipes, not she thinks that serving tea in a glass is a thing of the past. I find it charming :)

Jazz or Blues

I am big fan of live music, so last Saturday I decided to check out the venue. Free Blues Club in Szczecin has hosted many famous musicians from Poland and around the world. The music was great, the place was a bit too crowded, but filled with regulars. I spoke to some and they have been listening to jazz and blues for years.

Update on Pan Kaziu
he is coming over today to do more damage to my flat. I, on the other hand have to go shopping for a light fixture. Busy day ahead of me.
aphrodisiac   
11 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Does he lean on stuff when hes talking to you? Seriously i tell everyone observe Poles when they talk, they almost always panic for something to lean on.

I have to check;)

*runs to the kitchen*

OMG, I have just found 4 lighters behind the kitchen sink!!!!!
aphrodisiac   
11 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

he, he.........I think the posters should be at least 18 years old, no?;)

Update on Pan Kaziu's work

The wine rack ha been re-installed:).

He is attacking my kitchen sink at the moment;(.

TBC........;)

I have a feeling this weekend is going to be all about Pan Kaziu's work.
aphrodisiac   
11 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

I think she's a waste of space and should be ignored (though I am having trouble taking my own advice there it seems...)

I just used the "ignore" button - it is a blessing:). I am not gonna bite;).

Aphro, what you contribute to this forum is actually life experience, and a refreshing breaking of the mould of what Poles should or shouldn't be...
Cause it's not actually *Polishness* that drives the Polish mentality... but often, not knowing any different... ignorance. ;)

Hey, I will keep writing. It is a lot of fun:).

I think it's generous of you to share these insights...
Don't let the negativity of your compatriots bring you down... then they have won. :)

thank you, I will.

I dont think thats the case at all aphro, im sure you have many followers on here.

thanks, your thread about the wet wood from the past comes to mind and I remember how much hard time people gave you for posting the truth:).

an Update on Pan "Kaziu"

We just met and he is already drilling some holes in my kitchen. He is a nice man, pleasant, a bit too chatty, which he keeps mentioning. I left him to do his work, so I can report back to you. We set the price, he gave me some some tips as to what would work best. He is one of those good Polish men, who gets his work done and leaves a good impression.

OOPS, he just installed the wine rack upside down;). I better keep an eye on him!!!!!!!!

PS> Lodze the Boat or Boat the Lodz- stop spamming with your patronizing " I am better then you and I will give you an advice, because I am a little patronizing prick, who thinks that his truth will set everybody free"- it is borrrrriiing....Weren't you suspended for spamming?

PSS> Fuzzy- the weather in Szczecin is still lovely. The snow is gone and it has been this way for the last two weeks. It is almost spring, but they say that there is more snow on the way.

PSS> Asik- I agree with Ashely. I just want to add that you should get laid more often - you would be nicer, if that doesn't work, well, I am at loss.

PSSS> Grubas? Who the hell are you?
aphrodisiac   
11 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

get you health insurance if you are an ex-pat living in Poland

I spend half of my Saturday helping one to get medical attention. He is all set now, but if he was wise enough to get an insurance, he wouldn't need me to translate the doctor's orders.

Where does one get medical attention on Saturday? In the hospital. We were lucky and after driving around the city for a bit, we found an appropriate hospital. It was not well equipped, it was a bit neglected, but the surgeon was quick, professional, knew what he was doing and the poor bugger- a friend of mine left with the cast on his leg.

It all took about 1.5 hour,including the registration, an X-ray, a little procedure, putting on the cast. The surgeon spoke some English and had a great sense of humour. He also managed to serve a couple of other people when we were there. A great Polish doctor, who upon our departure said: Trzymajcie sie.

I had to admit that I was very impressed with the whole "adventure".

Some advice to those who are planning to get sick in Poland:
- have a medical insurance and always carry some cash with you if you don't.
- be patient, you might be surprised that even though some hospitals seem to be disorganized, some people who work there are gems and very professional.

- smile a LOT - it always helps (even if you're in pain)
- don't take anything personally
- if you are friendly, Polish people will go out of their way to help you

Coming up:

I have some minor things to fix in my place and a friend of mine recommended Pan Kaziu. He knows how to fix things around the house, so I will be talking to him today. I have a feeling that Pan Kaziu is a character:).

PS. I understand that some people might get annoyed by my posts, but so what? I am having a lot of fun in Poland and life is good:), but I like to watch people and report back to you:)
aphrodisiac   
9 Feb 2011
Love / American woman falls in love with a charming Polish man upon his visit to the U.S. [36]

When I'm not interested in a man's advances, I try to tell him early, and quick, so as not to lead him on and cause him as little anguish as possible, but that is just me.

I am the same and so are many people. Being assertive is more of an American thing then Polish. Often Polish people are not very assertive and don't know how to draw the line in the sand, until it is too late. He might have felt flattered by your attention initially, but then he either got into relationship, or was already married and as far as I am concerned he have led you on a little bit. Polish men are the pursuers and the woman has to wait, so two things happened: one that you seem to pursue him, which is acceptable in the American culture, another one that he was flattered, maybe even interested, yet confused by the gender role change. Just my two cents. You seem like a person who has feet planted on the ground and I don't think you are crazy at all, just asking questions because you want to be honest with yourself.

All the best and keep your heart open:)
aphrodisiac   
6 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

You should have taken him to the cleaners, drove him bonkers, like a cat with a mouse and then reported it all back to us :)

of course I should have, but I didn't. I have a feeling Greedy Misiu will be back with more of his games after licking his wounds;0, because he seems to be the type that won't let go. BIG ego. Time will tell;).

I don't have a T.V and can't watch Fair City or M jak Miłość so your little soap story will do just fine ;p

You made the right decision.

what can I say: even the most intellectual minds like a little drama, sorry;P

Jazus LTB, relax, married man flirts with woman, SHOCK!.
Not exactly exclusive to Poland now.

of course they do, Lodz lives in the bubble.

You did.

:)

Anyway I found out(to my pleasant surprise) that married polish women have not resigned from granted favors.

riiiight.:)
aphrodisiac   
5 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Flirting with a married man ... plain and simple. Now finding excitement in it ... trying to "glorify" it? ...

don't be silly. He was flirting with me and I didn't know that he was married, He lied to me and tried to flirt even more with me without disclosing the truth. I told him that I was no longer interested in any contacts with him.

In any condition ... it is a very pathetic picture of Poland and ... the men and women of it. Unfortunately I cannot just say that it is not the real scenario ... I'm afraid its nowadays almost the regular scenario.

YES. This is just one of my observations. There are many cases like that and I heard from other people that it is fairly common. The reason it is not that common in Canada, or not as accepted as it is (which I recently find out) in Poland is the fact that there are heavy financial consequences for those who cheat. The truth hurts you and you are trying to blame it on ME.

Don't shoot the messenger!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I think I will have more fun with Misiu meant: I will teach him a lesson., but you miss that. I didn't feel like investing more energy, since I had all the information I needed to make an educated decision, which I did.

Give her a break Lodz. She confronted the man about being married and flirting with her and broke off whatever contacts they had. What makes me really sick is that they guy was jerk, but of course people never fail to notice it's the woman's fault. I don't see anything reckless in what aphro did.

Thank you. I don't think I did. I think I handled an fairly difficult situation quite well.

TBC
aphrodisiac   
4 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Why was there problems?

I was relocating so my shipment was big- over 500 kg-books, dishes and other stuff. If you shipping one at the time -it might not be a problem. I was shipping so called "mienie przesiedlencze" on which one does not pay duty since it is personal stuff. I did not look after documentation proving that I lived in Canada, such as bills for the apartment, which I discarded. Usually they require such stuff. I also think that the duty people wanted a bribe, which they didn't get and I was able to prove that I lived in Canada after all.

Many Polish people relocate and they probably try to smuggle something into the country without the duty, therefore the initial problems I have had.

Thanx for the info! Love the blog! Really is helping a "stupid" American that is moving to Gdynia! :)

If you have any questions you can always PM me. As for teaching, you might want to get a Teaching Certificate such as Celta or TESOL, unless you have it already or something similar. There are many threads on this forum regarding this topic.

Good luck in moving:)
aphrodisiac   
4 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Agree with everything you said. I decided to take the higher road with Misiu and told him I am no longer interested.
slippery sidewalks
I have mentioned them in the past. Yesterday, I slipped and injured my knee.
aphrodisiac   
3 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

I work for a school so I didn't have to do any marketing to be honest. As far as I am concerned the add in a paper might do, also you can put ads online, at unis, get a few hours at the language school, so people have a chance to get to know who you are and this way they might ask you for private lessons in the future. It all depends how good and how friendly one is.

I hope this helps.

Update on Misiu

the poor bugger probably doesn't know that is the HERO of my latest right up.

I am happily teaching at school and I get a text message - God bless the Era connection;). He wants me to meet him at the skating rink. Wow. I decide to go and him him face to face. I have all kinds scenarios in my head: is is with his wife and I will get in trouble? I ask him if he is alone. Thank God he is. So I pack my skates and off I go. Misiu is waving and smiling lots. He even at one point buys me a coffee - how generous, but most of all he is busy with skating. I went to see him, because I wanted to tell him that I know that he is married and I am not interested. He is as crazy as he was the night I met him, he skates with the speed of light, comes with some kind of excuse not to be direct and he feeds me more crap, probably hoping that I would succumb to his Polish charm. I smile a lot and tell him that married men are a big NO, NO. Did I tell you that I ripped the dress when dancing with him? Well, he did. so I complain about the costs and he finally takes pity on me and offers to drive me home. I accept the offer, Misiu gets into the car and is so nervous and confused by the situation ( I am totally in control), that he drives on the sidewalk. Good. I made him nervous. Then he tells me that his wife is very possessive - I smile. He is a nervous wreck by now, drives like a maniac and talks more nonsense.

I get off and he says: I cannot open up to you yet. I almost cry. lol Maybe I don't have the most intelligent look to be honest, but some Misius are so naive to think that anybody would believe their crap.

I think I will have more fun with Misiu, because he lied to me and wanted to take advantage of such and innocent Western girl.

TBC:)
aphrodisiac   
3 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Well, I described only one Misiu. I am sure he is more complexed then that, but so is everybody else!!!!!

What I wanted to point out is the reaction, or rather the lack of that I find interesting.

I like your plain English and to the point daily summaries, feel like I'm visiting Poland there with you, very cool.

Dzięki

I take it as a compliment and my English is as good as it gets, although I don't edit my write ups, since they would loose the freshness.

I disagree. Polish men are the same as the rest guys in the world. Most of them are loyal and loving husbands. You can not generalise all married Poles because you came accross one unrespectful man in Poland... chatting is not good and acceptable anywhere in the world including Poland!

where did I say that all Polish men behave like that? I just made an observation based on my limited experience.

Unfortunately, I've seen similar behavior from both men and women on this side of the pond. I guess honesty and truthfulness just isn't en vogue anymore. :(

that was the point I was trying to make. All I can do is report what I see. I am not trying to interpret anything one way or the other.
aphrodisiac   
1 Feb 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

Polish Girfriend is shortly described in post #102:).
I have not spent that much time on the issue and I don't know to what degree it is spread,but I spoke to friends and family members about THIS Misiu who flirted heavy with me all night and they said that it is COMMON. Some said that they don't know what I am talking about because he didn't do anything - true, but the fact that a married man goes and flirts with other women is a NEW concept to me since in Canada it is a BIG NO, NO and it is not acceptable in most circles.

I got some strange reaction from some people though. One was: well, that is OK that he is married, don't worry about it and go after him.

The strangest of all was the fact that we were in a company of other people including my family members and nobody seemed to mind. They seemed to enjoy the little drama,while I had no idea:(
aphrodisiac   
28 Jan 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

here is the whole thing:

I am finally ready to write about HIM. I already have written about the Polish Girlfriend.

I have to explain that I had to meet one in order to describe him. I finally did, although his character and behaviour will be a compilation to a larger or lesser degree of other men I have met recently.

Misiu is big, literally and not literally. He is either big in posture, although most Polish men are in a fairly good shape, or in spirit.

The teenage Misiu is stilll unaware of his pimples and the greasy hair. He is highly intelligent, but he often doesn't know about it, or he knows about it and doesn't think much of it, or, he knows and he is secretly laughing at YOU behind your back(mean streak Misiu type)).

He has dreams and is often romantic and most of the time unaware of the dangers of the world. His grandma cooks for him and gives him money, his mother gives him money and leaves him alone and depending on the case, Misiu has a very happy and easy life, full of computer games, millions of moments of staring at the wall without a purpose -some say that it enhance creativity (must have read it in some American Pseudo - psychology google find). He is suspended in a dream world and due to lack of any problems, quite nice and easy to manage, unless you give him a job to do.

The young Misiu (age 20- 30)
is tall, dating, looking for date, getting married or already married - depending on the situation. He has a car, loves his mother and his girlfriend, wife, to - be- wife and a JOB. He is not that fashionable because he is attached or to be attached and I know that his girlfriend or a wife to be or a wife make sure that he doesn't stand out because he is to be taken, taken or other variations. He knows technology, but is still this naive, good natured boy or a man, who smiles, has a round face, takes the garbage out and is happy to have sex with his woman and be attached. Often he has children and he makes a good father. This Misiu is content with his life. He often is a smart ass, or a smart Alec, but overall, he is a good guy and has more positive characteristics.

The 20-30 Misiu is tall, tries to impress with some fashion, but often wears mismatched clothes, although it is getting better and overall is fairly confident and sweet. He does not possess the sarcasm and the bitterness/smarts of the his Western counterpart. Regardless, Misiu is sweet and he often gets away with murder with the sweet smile on his face.

Misiu after 30.
Well, that all depends where he really is in life. He could be a really happy working and married men, because most of Misius are married by that age, unless according to everyone I have spoken to and not spoken to, but overheard, there is SOMETHING WRONG with him. I have heard it so many time but thus far nobody has been able to provide me with any details regarding that matter.

Misiu might be working too much and making some money which is enough for the upkeep of the household, the car and the apartment payments, the private school lessons and the vacation to Egypt once a year, but he is starting to work too much. He is still in a good shape due to his age, but if he is gonna continue this way, he will be out of shape, which will not show, because Misiu is not usually overweight. Overall Misiu is happy and progressing one way or the other. He goes to church on sundays with his young family, unless he lives in a big city and is single because he spends too much time at work and does not have the urge to merry and other strange variations.

Misiu close to 40,
still married, but overworked - sex is getting boring, children are growing up and don't want to talk to him anymore or spend too much time on the computer and he has little contact with them, his wife gained a bit of weight and his single co-coworkers are still fresh, chatty and perky and like him a LOT.

Misiu is having a mid life crisis, his libido is decreasing either due to stress, or decreasing testosteron. Misiu is not happy. He doesn't know why he is not happy, or he might even not know that he isn't happy. He still feels young, and has the energy to drink and dance on the weekend, but he notices that after such an escapade he has to recover for 2 days and when he finally does, he gets a text message from me, so he has to dig through piles of information in his brain to backtrack who I am.

Tbc.

Misiu#2

to make the story short I had NO idea Misiu was married, so when he started back paddling (pretty creative stuff) with excuses I ceased the contact. Misiu is history:).

On the serious note: many Polish couples cheat and they see nothing wrong with it. I heard it from the Aussie guy I work with too. He noticed that he gets a lot of interest from other women even though they know he is attached.

PS. another Misiu paid a visit today, he is a professional men - fixed the radiator in a second, send me a wild smile and was moving around my apartment with the speed of light. That was Misiu from Spoldzielnia Mieszkaniowa:). I love the efficient problem fixing of Polish men, that is why I am able to overlook the greasy hair, the dirty hands and the begging for wash uniform;).

PSS.

The Polish Girlfriend got married few weeks ago:).

a little visual aid to go with my post-unfortunately it is in Polish:)
aphrodisiac   
24 Jan 2011
Language / pitu pitu tv - czy gdzies sa napisy? [4]

I just stumbled accross pitu pitu and I think it is great, advanced or not.

Don't know where to find the subtitles.
There is a lot of idioms in pitu pitu and I don't think it is the best way to learn, but I guess if OP likes it so much (I don't blame him), it is a good way to have fun while leaning the language.
aphrodisiac   
23 Jan 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]



Pitu pitu - I just found this and I think it is really well written.

coming up soon: Polish Misiu aka Polish Man.

I am finally ready to write about HIM.

I have to explain that I had to meet one in order to describe him. I finally did, although his character and behaviour will be a compilation to a larger or lesser degree of other men I have met recently.
aphrodisiac   
21 Jan 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

"super" still blows my mind.

that might have been borrowed from German, but I don't know for sure. Years ago I overheard the convo between a German and an American at theBerlin airport. Everything was going well until the American lost it saying to his German friend: everything is SUPER with you guys!!!!!!

Nooo... Keep her positive!! The weather is much worse in other parts of the world...! Take the North Pole for example... :S

it is not so bad, just a gloomy, overcast overcast skies and no sun in sight, but the spirits are high in Poland and I think I have gotten used to the gloom;).

No wonder Poles seem to be angry all the time;)
aphrodisiac   
21 Jan 2011
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]

do tell:)
eat or not to eat

ha, you must get hungry in Poland while visiting or living here, so where do you go?
I went to Pasibrzuch - a bar, but I stopped going there once they served me a bad quality soup. At the moment I am occupying Pierogarnia, where all they serve is pierogies.

The service is fast, the food is great and the prices are reasonable. Home cooking at its best. I wish the place was bigger, but hey, I am not complaining.

drink, or not to drink
hmmmmmm......to be honest, I have been to busy to check the bar/club scene, but I am hoping to change this soon. I have been eyeing the Irish Pub down the road, so perhaps next time I will report after Guiness;)

Brama Jazz Cafe is a place to go too, as been in Sz-n for years and has great food and an interesting interior, while the exterior is old and well preserved - a little gem in the middle of the city.
aphrodisiac   
21 Jan 2011
Travel / PKP (Polish National Railway) is a turn off [47]

Actually,it's called 'Polish Reality'...Learn to live with it

please don't be patronizing, I grew up in Poland. You go ahead and learn to live with it. I will do what I see fit. In this case complain. Many people who never left Poland complain about it too. People like you are those who stop progress in Poland - ah, jakos to bedzie and so on.

Service in Poland sucks in general and it should be improved. It is getting better in the private section for sure, but there is a LONG way to go.