jon357
28 Jun 2014
Law / Passport filling application (issuing country - Poland or Syria?) [4]
The issuing country is Poland, since it's a Polish passport.
The issuing country is Poland, since it's a Polish passport.
jon357
27 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Have the British become the worst enemy of the Polish? [45]
Yes and never forget that there are only two things in life. There's Yorkshire and there's wrong.
Yes and never forget that there are only two things in life. There's Yorkshire and there's wrong.
jon357
27 Jun 2014
Life / Which is the best mobile network in Poland? [29]
A lot depends on your phone model. My other half and I were down in the absolute boondocks last weekend, on the border with Slovakia right in the hills. He got no signal from Play but mine was fine. He was on an expensive Nokia, I was on a mid range HTC.
A lot depends on your phone model. My other half and I were down in the absolute boondocks last weekend, on the border with Slovakia right in the hills. He got no signal from Play but mine was fine. He was on an expensive Nokia, I was on a mid range HTC.
jon357
27 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Have the British become the worst enemy of the Polish? [45]
Try the comments at onet.pp etc. just the same except more so.
It's much the same here in Poland, except I suppose I'm used to it now and don't get offended any more. There are feckwits everywhere.
but its enough to read disgusting anti polish comments in eg. Daily Mail
Try the comments at onet.pp etc. just the same except more so.
i personally was fed up with constantly answering stupid questions,
It's much the same here in Poland, except I suppose I'm used to it now and don't get offended any more. There are feckwits everywhere.
jon357
27 Jun 2014
Food / Polish wine produced in the Zielona Góra region [41]
Yes but not unfortunately as much as I'd like. The Zielona Góra wine is white, very much in the German style and good quality. There are private growers in Mazowsze, some of them using grape vines that have been grown there since before the war however as winemakers they're just starting out and of course can't sell it legally. Very sweet and heavy, low on alcohol, red and very much a dessert wine but not yet of marketable quality (since they aren't making for the market and don't invest in equipment etc) - still a hobbyists thing. Nevertheless, I've been drinking a bit annually for several years and it's been better each time.
In the future, hopefully, things will develop well, but as I say, it needs a change in the law.
Did you ever try it Jon, Polish wine?
Yes but not unfortunately as much as I'd like. The Zielona Góra wine is white, very much in the German style and good quality. There are private growers in Mazowsze, some of them using grape vines that have been grown there since before the war however as winemakers they're just starting out and of course can't sell it legally. Very sweet and heavy, low on alcohol, red and very much a dessert wine but not yet of marketable quality (since they aren't making for the market and don't invest in equipment etc) - still a hobbyists thing. Nevertheless, I've been drinking a bit annually for several years and it's been better each time.
In the future, hopefully, things will develop well, but as I say, it needs a change in the law.
jon357
27 Jun 2014
Food / Polish wine produced in the Zielona Góra region [41]
As it was explained to me (last weekend as it happens, by a wine maker from somewhere else in Pl who has the same predicament) the regulations about selling alcohol are that you can fairly easily get a licence to produce and sell beer, but spirits and wine are different.
You can produce wine for your own use but even if you're growing a hundred hectares of vines, it's still counted as home-made and there's no provision under the law for just paying the excise and selling it. Basically, vodka not produced by (or with the help of) one of the Polmos's and all Polish grape-based wine are considered as moonshine; a sort of bimber. You can make it, drink it, give it away but not sell it.
I heard once, (in Zielona Góra) that any changes to the law are being resisted by the very large companies who import and distribute wine. Hence at the moment, you can only drink it at the wine fair in ZG.
What law? Can you elaborate, please?
As it was explained to me (last weekend as it happens, by a wine maker from somewhere else in Pl who has the same predicament) the regulations about selling alcohol are that you can fairly easily get a licence to produce and sell beer, but spirits and wine are different.
You can produce wine for your own use but even if you're growing a hundred hectares of vines, it's still counted as home-made and there's no provision under the law for just paying the excise and selling it. Basically, vodka not produced by (or with the help of) one of the Polmos's and all Polish grape-based wine are considered as moonshine; a sort of bimber. You can make it, drink it, give it away but not sell it.
I heard once, (in Zielona Góra) that any changes to the law are being resisted by the very large companies who import and distribute wine. Hence at the moment, you can only drink it at the wine fair in ZG.
jon357
27 Jun 2014
Food / Polish wine produced in the Zielona Góra region [41]
Unfortunately due to a pre-1989 law about wine production that the growers have been lobbying (without success) for years to change, there are problems selling it. It's possible to buy a ticket for the Zielona Góra wine fair and taste it, but it isn't in the shops.
Unfortunately due to a pre-1989 law about wine production that the growers have been lobbying (without success) for years to change, there are problems selling it. It's possible to buy a ticket for the Zielona Góra wine fair and taste it, but it isn't in the shops.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Have the British become the worst enemy of the Polish? [45]
Yes. Despite what some of the sillier posters on here suggest, Poles in the UK are liked and respected.
Poles became a poster boy for immigrants.
Yes. Despite what some of the sillier posters on here suggest, Poles in the UK are liked and respected.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Have the British become the worst enemy of the Polish? [45]
Probably because Muslims for various reasons tend to live in the same areas and are more city based rather than small towns. Also they are less likely to be immigrants - traditionally a vulnerable group. It would be interesting to see the stats if Poland used the same reporting systems as the UK. And yes, 585 incidents (I wonder why you assume they're all 'attacks') is proportionately very small given the sudden influx of a million people. Here in Warsaw there would be riots.
Have you spent much time in the UK or PL.
So it seems that a Polish person in the U,K, is about twice as likely to be attacked than a Muslim.
Probably because Muslims for various reasons tend to live in the same areas and are more city based rather than small towns. Also they are less likely to be immigrants - traditionally a vulnerable group. It would be interesting to see the stats if Poland used the same reporting systems as the UK. And yes, 585 incidents (I wonder why you assume they're all 'attacks') is proportionately very small given the sudden influx of a million people. Here in Warsaw there would be riots.
Have you spent much time in the UK or PL.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Law / DEALERS Control the markets - Used Vehicles - Cars, Bikes, etc in Poland [22]
Very similar in real estate with agents pretending to be private sellers in the ads.
Very similar in real estate with agents pretending to be private sellers in the ads.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Have the British become the worst enemy of the Polish? [45]
That's probably due to the reporting of such things being taken so seriously in the UK. 585 out of 1,000,000 seems quite small and compares well with, say, Germany or even Poland.
That's probably due to the reporting of such things being taken so seriously in the UK. 585 out of 1,000,000 seems quite small and compares well with, say, Germany or even Poland.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
News / Polish Pope, John Paul II has been canonized today [with John 23rd] [85]
Actually you aren't - your just citing unverifiable propaganda from elsewhere. And no, a book from 2000 years ago whose authorship is debated is not fact.
I'm talking about facts. Info available on line, like statistics from governmental organizations. Much more reliable than media spin.
Actually you aren't - your just citing unverifiable propaganda from elsewhere. And no, a book from 2000 years ago whose authorship is debated is not fact.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Life / Looking for bookstore in Warsaw that has a large variety of English books [7]
Checking again, the address is still listed on some websites but has been removed from others - worth a visit in person to see if it's still there.
according to the internet is still open
Checking again, the address is still listed on some websites but has been removed from others - worth a visit in person to see if it's still there.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Life / Which is the best mobile network in Poland? [29]
I use Play and find it to be fairly good. I prefer it to Orange (spam) and to ERA which I used for years. It does tend to lose coverage out in the sticks but so do the others.
I use Play and find it to be fairly good. I prefer it to Orange (spam) and to ERA which I used for years. It does tend to lose coverage out in the sticks but so do the others.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Have the British become the worst enemy of the Polish? [45]
As far as I know, the UK was one of the few countries to pay it back in full.
Interesting how the op's comments are all about stuff 70 years ago, but I suspect he has little no connection with or insight about today's Poland. Anyway:
The US was calling the shots by then. Blame them instead.
Nonsense. As mentioned frequently on this forum whenever anyone trots that old myth out, the Polish Army was invited.
More nonsense. The Polish NBP gold reserves spent most of the war in Canada and were returned to Warsaw in the 1940s. A link to the actual documents relating to that is elsewhere on this forum.
His death was well publicised and correctly recorded at the time and his body was exhumed after the PRL fell on the request of his family and is now in Poland.
JanIIISobieski just comes across as a pub bore. I suspect there is little joy in his life, from the tone of his posts.
Handouts? Hardly. The UK paid the last instalment (45.5m GBP) of huge loans on 31 Dec 2006.
As far as I know, the UK was one of the few countries to pay it back in full.
Interesting how the op's comments are all about stuff 70 years ago, but I suspect he has little no connection with or insight about today's Poland. Anyway:
Where British sold out Poland to the Soviets in Potsdam, and Yalta conference.
The US was calling the shots by then. Blame them instead.
Where British went against Polish marching in victory parades.
Nonsense. As mentioned frequently on this forum whenever anyone trots that old myth out, the Polish Army was invited.
Where British basically stole Polish gold, to pay for the Polish armies mantenance.
More nonsense. The Polish NBP gold reserves spent most of the war in Canada and were returned to Warsaw in the 1940s. A link to the actual documents relating to that is elsewhere on this forum.
Where Britain kept the death record of Wladyslaw Sikorski from the Polish people.
His death was well publicised and correctly recorded at the time and his body was exhumed after the PRL fell on the request of his family and is now in Poland.
JanIIISobieski just comes across as a pub bore. I suspect there is little joy in his life, from the tone of his posts.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Life / Looking for bookstore in Warsaw that has a large variety of English books [7]
I heard that too, and the one on Nowy Świat has already changed into something else. The OP might try the American Bookstore on the ground floor of the Architectural School (at Koszykowa 55, the western part of that street, 1 minute from pl. Konstytucji) which is bigger than the Arkadia one and according to the internet is still open. Kindle seems to be killing book shops now, so go while you can.
Also try the. Sue Ryder shop on ul. Bagatela for used books.
I heard that too, and the one on Nowy Świat has already changed into something else. The OP might try the American Bookstore on the ground floor of the Architectural School (at Koszykowa 55, the western part of that street, 1 minute from pl. Konstytucji) which is bigger than the Arkadia one and according to the internet is still open. Kindle seems to be killing book shops now, so go while you can.
Also try the. Sue Ryder shop on ul. Bagatela for used books.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Life / Are Polish people the most patriotic people of the world? [8]
Some Poles may well be like that, however plenty of other nationalities are too. And not all Poles are like that at all.
They can never admit that there is something wrong with their country or people when speaking to foreigners but stereotypically they complain amongst themselves.
Some Poles may well be like that, however plenty of other nationalities are too. And not all Poles are like that at all.
jon357
25 Jun 2014
Travel / What is the cheapest way to get from Modlin airport to Warsaw? [106]
AB Everest charge me 100zl, door to door (from North Warsaw) and you can book online. They also offer a cheaper alternative where you share a minibus taxi. I've used them 3 times now (since the post earlier in this thread) and recommend them.
AB Everest charge me 100zl, door to door (from North Warsaw) and you can book online. They also offer a cheaper alternative where you share a minibus taxi. I've used them 3 times now (since the post earlier in this thread) and recommend them.
jon357
24 Jun 2014
Travel / Person with Polish/Russian heritage - first time going to Poland [11]
Well yes, the beach is in a bay rather than on top of a mountain or under ground.
Well yes, the beach is in a bay rather than on top of a mountain or under ground.
jon357
24 Jun 2014
Travel / Person with Polish/Russian heritage - first time going to Poland [11]
All good advice. If you're going from Gdańsk to Kraków you'll probably be going through Warsaw and it would be a shame not to stay for a day or two - it's worth seeing. Sopot by the way is pleasant but very small and not much there except for the beach. There are some nice restaurants etc, but not really anything special enough to stay there rather than Warsaw. If you want to experience the Baltic, stay on the SKM (the commuter train that goes from Gdańsk to Sopot etc) and see maybe Rumia to Wejherowo. They're very near and far less touristy.
You'll find yourself speaking English more than Russian unless you're spending time with elderly people, but whatever you speak, you'll have a good time.
All good advice. If you're going from Gdańsk to Kraków you'll probably be going through Warsaw and it would be a shame not to stay for a day or two - it's worth seeing. Sopot by the way is pleasant but very small and not much there except for the beach. There are some nice restaurants etc, but not really anything special enough to stay there rather than Warsaw. If you want to experience the Baltic, stay on the SKM (the commuter train that goes from Gdańsk to Sopot etc) and see maybe Rumia to Wejherowo. They're very near and far less touristy.
You'll find yourself speaking English more than Russian unless you're spending time with elderly people, but whatever you speak, you'll have a good time.
jon357
24 Jun 2014
Travel / Can i enter Poland 2 days before my visa start date? [9]
They might be ok about it but it would be taking a risk and it would probably depend on the individual immigration officer.
They might be ok about it but it would be taking a risk and it would probably depend on the individual immigration officer.
jon357
23 Jun 2014
Classifieds / English cuisine week in Lidl shops in Poland [203]
So much easier and better to make than buy! Cheaper too.
shortbread
So much easier and better to make than buy! Cheaper too.
jon357
22 Jun 2014
News / Polish Pope, John Paul II has been canonized today [with John 23rd] [85]
Interesting that you assume that by media, he means the tv news. Also interesting that you seem to think some religious organisation is more reliable than the media.
I see, for you news on TV equals ....fact.
Interesting that you assume that by media, he means the tv news. Also interesting that you seem to think some religious organisation is more reliable than the media.
jon357
22 Jun 2014
Food / Which Polish milk brand is closest to UK supermarket style milk? [31]
So you're saying that people lived longer in the past?
Pasteurisation is one of the greatest advances in medicine ever.
life and they lived longer then the younger generations
So you're saying that people lived longer in the past?
Pasteurisation is one of the greatest advances in medicine ever.
jon357
20 Jun 2014
Life / Why Polish people are fat ? [81]
I can think of a few of those here in Poland, including people working as doctors - and yes, same here: no sympathy.
I can think of a few of those here in Poland, including people working as doctors - and yes, same here: no sympathy.
jon357
20 Jun 2014
Work / Advice on Teaching English in Poland [709]
Shady? Maybe yes, maybe no. Known and heavily criticised for sharp employment practices? Definitely yes.
Shady? Maybe yes, maybe no. Known and heavily criticised for sharp employment practices? Definitely yes.
jon357
19 Jun 2014
Life / Why Polish people are fat ? [81]
In Poland it tends to be the men who are fat. I've seen couples eating out a few times where the man stuffs himself and the woman eats nothing at all.
Also I once saw a guy on a train, in the Wars wagon, eat a very large main course and immediately order the same thing again.
Btw, people don't whizz around in those mobility scooters just for being fat. Not in the UK anyway, where obesity is taken seriously by the health authorities.
In Poland it tends to be the men who are fat. I've seen couples eating out a few times where the man stuffs himself and the woman eats nothing at all.
Also I once saw a guy on a train, in the Wars wagon, eat a very large main course and immediately order the same thing again.
Btw, people don't whizz around in those mobility scooters just for being fat. Not in the UK anyway, where obesity is taken seriously by the health authorities.
jon357
19 Jun 2014
News / Poland's interior minister and the central bank chief recorded [28]
One interesting thing is that the owner of the restaurant where it happened (popular with politicians - I used to live nearby and see famous faces going in and out all the time) has his registered business address on Russian Embassy property. It explains a lot. Just the sort of thing they'd do.
I'm glad Polish government is taking this wiretaping (recording?) issue seriously.
One interesting thing is that the owner of the restaurant where it happened (popular with politicians - I used to live nearby and see famous faces going in and out all the time) has his registered business address on Russian Embassy property. It explains a lot. Just the sort of thing they'd do.
jon357
18 Jun 2014
News / Poland's interior minister and the central bank chief recorded [28]
And the story gets murkier by the day. Worth looking at where the restaurant owner's registered business address is.
And the story gets murkier by the day. Worth looking at where the restaurant owner's registered business address is.
jon357
17 Jun 2014
UK, Ireland / Do Poles and EU Citizens exploit the British welfare state [129]
It hasn't been for years - long before the post-2004 influx of Poles. The state system in the UK, despite constant complaining is actually very good. Especially the healthcare:
independent.co.uk/news/uk/uks-healthcare-ranked-the-best-out-of-11-western-countries-with-us-coming-last-9542833.html
So the real question we all need to ask is, how much is being received in benefits and how much is being paid in and is it enough to cover the benefits? My guess would be no.
It hasn't been for years - long before the post-2004 influx of Poles. The state system in the UK, despite constant complaining is actually very good. Especially the healthcare:
Britain's healthcare has been lauded as the best out of 11 of the world's wealthiest countries, following a far-reaching study by a US-based foundation.
independent.co.uk/news/uk/uks-healthcare-ranked-the-best-out-of-11-western-countries-with-us-coming-last-9542833.html