aphrodisiac
2 Nov 2010
aphrodisiac
1 Nov 2010
Love / What do Polish guys think of Irish girls? [187]
I though he was arrested at one point and spend some time in jail for his writings. He was not as happy as some might have assumed.
I though he was arrested at one point and spend some time in jail for his writings. He was not as happy as some might have assumed.
aphrodisiac
1 Nov 2010
Life / All Saints' Day in Poland - Commemoration or Carnival? [44]
no, most people spent a LOT of time remembering the dead, but that does not mean that they have to renounce their human needs. I just returned from my mother's grave and I was not standing there for hours, but a day before I washed the stone, the next day I bough the flowers and finally on the 1 st I lit the candles with my family. There is enough time to mourn. Some people in Poland travel hundreds of km to visit the graves and if they buy a hot dog - I see nothing wrong with that and if somebody makes some cash - I see nothing wrong with that - there are a lot of poor people in Poland and if they take advantage of the traffic on All Saints Day- good for them.
Dont you think there's a time and place for this kind of thing though?
no, most people spent a LOT of time remembering the dead, but that does not mean that they have to renounce their human needs. I just returned from my mother's grave and I was not standing there for hours, but a day before I washed the stone, the next day I bough the flowers and finally on the 1 st I lit the candles with my family. There is enough time to mourn. Some people in Poland travel hundreds of km to visit the graves and if they buy a hot dog - I see nothing wrong with that and if somebody makes some cash - I see nothing wrong with that - there are a lot of poor people in Poland and if they take advantage of the traffic on All Saints Day- good for them.
aphrodisiac
1 Nov 2010
Life / All Saints' Day in Poland - Commemoration or Carnival? [44]
I personally don't. Some people come from far away, so if they can buy some food, I don't see anything wrong with it and if some people want to make money selling it, well, at least they are trying to earn some cash - I see nothing wring with it either.
but I'm interested in whether the Polish members here find this sort of commercialism offensive.
I personally don't. Some people come from far away, so if they can buy some food, I don't see anything wrong with it and if some people want to make money selling it, well, at least they are trying to earn some cash - I see nothing wring with it either.
aphrodisiac
28 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
not that I am aware of, but some places, cities celebrate Halloween, but to what degree I don't know since I have been here only over a month. I will be cooking pumpkin soup and carving a pumpkin for sure, but I will also go to the cemetery on All Saints Day. If you are in Poland, going in the evening is a must.
I have seen some Halloween decoration in shops and party stores, so there must be a market for it.
Pumpkin soup
It is not a very traditional dish in Poland, neither is carving a pumpkin a wide spread tradition yet.
I spotted a nice looking pumpkin a week ago at the doorstep of the neighbour - he had 6, so I asked him if he would "donate" one for my kitchen experiment. I got myself a nice pumpkin soup recipe from a Polish friend living in German and she claimed that it is a seasonal dish at this time of the year. I think that pumpkin in Poland is considered somewhat an underdog food, so when I was picking the veggie up this weekend, I got a strange look from the owner. As you can guess, I am not easily discouraged, so I proceeded to my father's kitchen and attack the orange beast. In less then an hour I had a large pot of cream soup. It was very tasty and I even shared some with the owner of the pumpkin, but I have not got a feedback yet;). Needless to say, it is a great and fast way to cook something tasty and a bit different then another Polish soup.
Are there any non-religious celebrations associated with the long weekend?
not that I am aware of, but some places, cities celebrate Halloween, but to what degree I don't know since I have been here only over a month. I will be cooking pumpkin soup and carving a pumpkin for sure, but I will also go to the cemetery on All Saints Day. If you are in Poland, going in the evening is a must.
I have seen some Halloween decoration in shops and party stores, so there must be a market for it.
Pumpkin soup
It is not a very traditional dish in Poland, neither is carving a pumpkin a wide spread tradition yet.
I spotted a nice looking pumpkin a week ago at the doorstep of the neighbour - he had 6, so I asked him if he would "donate" one for my kitchen experiment. I got myself a nice pumpkin soup recipe from a Polish friend living in German and she claimed that it is a seasonal dish at this time of the year. I think that pumpkin in Poland is considered somewhat an underdog food, so when I was picking the veggie up this weekend, I got a strange look from the owner. As you can guess, I am not easily discouraged, so I proceeded to my father's kitchen and attack the orange beast. In less then an hour I had a large pot of cream soup. It was very tasty and I even shared some with the owner of the pumpkin, but I have not got a feedback yet;). Needless to say, it is a great and fast way to cook something tasty and a bit different then another Polish soup.
aphrodisiac
27 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
thanks PG, it was indeed hell most of the time. The majority of work I had to do myself but what I found the most difficult was to decide what to take and what to leave? Moving households is stressful, moving households across the ocean even more so, but not impossible to do.
ANyways, nothing was broken or crashed, nothing was missing in the transport. I remember when I was moving to Canada and one huge portfolio of my drawings vanished in the process;(
Anyways, it is almost over since I still need to unpack some of the left over boxes:)
Yorkie has changed his sweater
This dog is somewhat of a fashion fan as I am finding out. Today he was wearing a white sweater and I can only guess that it must be his pre- winter attire. I am curious what he is going to wear in the winter. My guess is: boots.
I hope you have all guessed by now that it is getting colder in Szczecin and everybody here is scared of the coming winter. Since there is hardly any snow in Sz-n, people worry about the days getting shorter and this is really a problem since it gets really dark early on. In Canada, even in the winter the sun was usually setting down around 5 or 6, here , during the winter it will probably be after 4 in the afternoon.
Hooking up a washing machine
Well, all I have to say that I finally figure out how to unblock it - unscrew the 3 screws, attach a hose, turn the water on and don't forget to place the other hose in a sink, otherwise you end up with a really wet floor and the neighbours knocking at your door. The first thing has happened, the second NOT yet:). Wish me luck.
PS> it took me 2 days to figure it out since I really don't like reading manuals;(
the All Saint Day is approaching in Poland and besides paying the respect to the dead ones Poles find another chance to have a long or an even longer weekend.
thanks PG, it was indeed hell most of the time. The majority of work I had to do myself but what I found the most difficult was to decide what to take and what to leave? Moving households is stressful, moving households across the ocean even more so, but not impossible to do.
ANyways, nothing was broken or crashed, nothing was missing in the transport. I remember when I was moving to Canada and one huge portfolio of my drawings vanished in the process;(
Anyways, it is almost over since I still need to unpack some of the left over boxes:)
Yorkie has changed his sweater
This dog is somewhat of a fashion fan as I am finding out. Today he was wearing a white sweater and I can only guess that it must be his pre- winter attire. I am curious what he is going to wear in the winter. My guess is: boots.
I hope you have all guessed by now that it is getting colder in Szczecin and everybody here is scared of the coming winter. Since there is hardly any snow in Sz-n, people worry about the days getting shorter and this is really a problem since it gets really dark early on. In Canada, even in the winter the sun was usually setting down around 5 or 6, here , during the winter it will probably be after 4 in the afternoon.
Hooking up a washing machine
Well, all I have to say that I finally figure out how to unblock it - unscrew the 3 screws, attach a hose, turn the water on and don't forget to place the other hose in a sink, otherwise you end up with a really wet floor and the neighbours knocking at your door. The first thing has happened, the second NOT yet:). Wish me luck.
PS> it took me 2 days to figure it out since I really don't like reading manuals;(
the All Saint Day is approaching in Poland and besides paying the respect to the dead ones Poles find another chance to have a long or an even longer weekend.
aphrodisiac
26 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
no, they were NOT. There was no grease either;), just a regular steep fee:) for processing and I did not pay duty my dear Jola.
no, they were NOT. There was no grease either;), just a regular steep fee:) for processing and I did not pay duty my dear Jola.
aphrodisiac
26 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Giving up canadian citizenship for a Polish one? Cant be true! [20]
er, no. Even though your Canadian passport expires you are still a Canadian citizen, the same goes for any other unless you renounce it.
Like - your passport expires- you are no longer canadian, and you need hell of effort to get it back.
er, no. Even though your Canadian passport expires you are still a Canadian citizen, the same goes for any other unless you renounce it.
aphrodisiac
26 Oct 2010
Law / Any experience about importing goods to the UK from Poland? [20]
that is correct.
There is no duty, but as I recall, you still have to have some paperwork showing where the goods are being exported and imported to - it's not just as simple as loading a van with goods to re-sell.
that is correct.
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
not much in my opinion, but the carp has those huge eyes and swims around the aquarium with very serious look;). The owner put a sign: do not bang on the aquarium. I wonder if he is saving the fish for X-mas dinner for 10.
I am sure there is more variety in Canada, I must have skipped the lesson then:). I just cannot be bothered with trying to figure out what goes with whites, colours and so on. I am just happy with the fact that I don't have to do the job.
they do and the food is fresh and tastes good and I like the casual atmosphere there.
sounds like the one I go to. There is take out as well and the place is fairly busy.
My weather prediction scheme
I already mentioned the grandiosity to a certain degree of the mini Yorki who sits every single day in the hairdresser's window on my street. I can always tell if I should wear warmer clothes if the Yorki is wearing a pink sweater and sits inside. A couple of weeks ago he was still walking down the street back and forth with a serious look on his face, but lately( with the lower temps) he is sitting in his basket, in a pink sweater, often covered with a blankie. He is the most hilarious dog in my area. I bet his hairdresser owner gives him a haircut since he always looks well groomed and has a pony tail in a form of a small fountain on top of his head.
My stuff has arrived
Can you believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!
It arrived in Poland by ship cargo 2 weeks ago, but I had to run a paper trail, so the boyz at customs would be happy.
All my stuff made it in one pieces to Szczecin tonight and I am a happy camper. I cannot believe how heavy it was, but I had a driver and his brother to help me carry the boxes upstairs (3 rd floor - no elevator), although the brother soon realized that he was out of shape and instead of carrying boxes, he used my bathroom, tried the arm chair and was feeling quite comfortable. Thank Goodness once they finished and I handed them the 50% of remaining money (smart move) they were gone. They wee quick and sufficient and I think that I am finally settled, well, after I empty the boxes:).
Nite, I am totally exhausted.
Just got a phone call from the custom agency inquiring if my cargo made it OK to Szczecin. Customer service at its best!!!!!!
I might reconsider setting up import - export in the future.
I wonder what they were thinking? lol.
not much in my opinion, but the carp has those huge eyes and swims around the aquarium with very serious look;). The owner put a sign: do not bang on the aquarium. I wonder if he is saving the fish for X-mas dinner for 10.
interesting... in the US there is a detergent to hot water, to cold water, to colors, to whites, to blacks.... way too many... i'm waiting for detergent to yellow, red, blue.... hehe... what a headache! ;)
I am sure there is more variety in Canada, I must have skipped the lesson then:). I just cannot be bothered with trying to figure out what goes with whites, colours and so on. I am just happy with the fact that I don't have to do the job.
wow! i didn't realize those places still exist!! how funny! :)
they do and the food is fresh and tastes good and I like the casual atmosphere there.
I use a place like that in Krakow. Go there every day and I have meals like your mother would make and for 16PLN you can have zupa (soup) schabowy, potatoes, kapusta (cabbage) and salad. Once you've eaten that you know you've had enough. And always the same standard - always good.
They also sell take-away food, which you can cook at home.
They also sell take-away food, which you can cook at home.
sounds like the one I go to. There is take out as well and the place is fairly busy.
My weather prediction scheme
I already mentioned the grandiosity to a certain degree of the mini Yorki who sits every single day in the hairdresser's window on my street. I can always tell if I should wear warmer clothes if the Yorki is wearing a pink sweater and sits inside. A couple of weeks ago he was still walking down the street back and forth with a serious look on his face, but lately( with the lower temps) he is sitting in his basket, in a pink sweater, often covered with a blankie. He is the most hilarious dog in my area. I bet his hairdresser owner gives him a haircut since he always looks well groomed and has a pony tail in a form of a small fountain on top of his head.
My stuff has arrived
Can you believe it!!!!!!!!!!!!
It arrived in Poland by ship cargo 2 weeks ago, but I had to run a paper trail, so the boyz at customs would be happy.
All my stuff made it in one pieces to Szczecin tonight and I am a happy camper. I cannot believe how heavy it was, but I had a driver and his brother to help me carry the boxes upstairs (3 rd floor - no elevator), although the brother soon realized that he was out of shape and instead of carrying boxes, he used my bathroom, tried the arm chair and was feeling quite comfortable. Thank Goodness once they finished and I handed them the 50% of remaining money (smart move) they were gone. They wee quick and sufficient and I think that I am finally settled, well, after I empty the boxes:).
Nite, I am totally exhausted.
Just got a phone call from the custom agency inquiring if my cargo made it OK to Szczecin. Customer service at its best!!!!!!
I might reconsider setting up import - export in the future.
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
Law / Threatened to serve papers if I don't remove a review about a renting company in Poland [62]
that is true and THIS is what you get, which proves that they are a bad company
I tried to become a customer, but it was blatently obvious they did everything they could to keep me from becoming one. What are my rights?
that is true and THIS is what you get, which proves that they are a bad company
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
Law / Any experience about importing goods to the UK from Poland? [20]
she exports to France and there is NO duty on good, not there should be any for other EU countries.
Will let you know.
she exports to France and there is NO duty on good, not there should be any for other EU countries.
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
Law / Any experience about importing goods to the UK from Poland? [20]
I will get in touch with my sis, she exports to EU on regular basis, so she should know. Will let you know.
Its hard to specifically find the information i need, its all international (in or out of EU) import/export. That tells me that its free movement within EU but i'd obviously like to be sure before i get to Calais.
I will get in touch with my sis, she exports to EU on regular basis, so she should know. Will let you know.
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
Law / Any experience about importing goods to the UK from Poland? [20]
in what way.
Post an add on the internet, maybe somebody will be interested to use your service.
I just had a look at HM Revenue & Customs and its quite confusing.
in what way.
Post an add on the internet, maybe somebody will be interested to use your service.
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
I think it has something to do with dressing up, going out and celebrating the event and I agree with you that going to the theatre is not only about respect for the art but also about presenting yourself in the best light.
yes, I live 5 minutes away from one of the theatres and Teatr Wspolczesny (20 minutes from my place)run by Anna Augustynowicz, who has won many awards over the years.
Laundry machines in Poland
I have been a happy owner of one for 2 weeks now.
It is an essential equipment and what is good about it is the fact that one can have it in their flat. In Canada one is NOT allowed to have one, so everybody has to use the laundry facilities in the building while renting. It is OK, but there is not that much control of how much energy one can use, but with the one in my flat I can play and choose how I use it. Also, I only pay for used up energy, not a flat rate like in Canada. Also, Polish laundromats do much better job then the Canadian ones.
Laundry detergent in Canada is of one kind. In Poland there is a division: whites and colour, so ideally Polish people use 2 kinds of laundry detergent. To be honest I doubt that there is a much difference, but I still follow the custom. When in Rome.......
Eating out
due to my irregular schedule I have to eat out and I am still missing most of my pots and pans in my kitchen, but until it changes tomorrow (the shipment has been released from the claws of custom officers in Gdynia), I am still stuck with eating out and trying out new places.
Chinese place around the corner is not bad either and I have heard that the Indian restaurant Bombay is not so bad either.
What is available without breaking the bank is a sort of new version of milk bar around my work. for 12 PLN once can have a full dinner: soup and the second. It is not bad and provides me with some nutritions;). The place is clean, but not fancy. When I have to order food, the cashier writes all the positions on a piece of paper, which I have to take to the kitchen. Once my meal is ready, they call the name of the dish: Pierogi Ruskie!!!!!!!!!Krupnik!!!!!!!!!Flaki!!!!!!!! and so on. It is almost like during the communist times, since those ladies in the kitchen still look the same.
The is a huge aquarium in this place with a huge single carp( why am I not surprised) swimming in it and I always have an impression that it is looking at me while I am eating.
There are also some kebab places, but I am not really keen on that type of food.
I feel it is respectful to the actors and an occassion to be elegant.
I think it has something to do with dressing up, going out and celebrating the event and I agree with you that going to the theatre is not only about respect for the art but also about presenting yourself in the best light.
I hope checking out some plays is on your list.
yes, I live 5 minutes away from one of the theatres and Teatr Wspolczesny (20 minutes from my place)run by Anna Augustynowicz, who has won many awards over the years.
Laundry machines in Poland
I have been a happy owner of one for 2 weeks now.
It is an essential equipment and what is good about it is the fact that one can have it in their flat. In Canada one is NOT allowed to have one, so everybody has to use the laundry facilities in the building while renting. It is OK, but there is not that much control of how much energy one can use, but with the one in my flat I can play and choose how I use it. Also, I only pay for used up energy, not a flat rate like in Canada. Also, Polish laundromats do much better job then the Canadian ones.
Laundry detergent in Canada is of one kind. In Poland there is a division: whites and colour, so ideally Polish people use 2 kinds of laundry detergent. To be honest I doubt that there is a much difference, but I still follow the custom. When in Rome.......
Eating out
due to my irregular schedule I have to eat out and I am still missing most of my pots and pans in my kitchen, but until it changes tomorrow (the shipment has been released from the claws of custom officers in Gdynia), I am still stuck with eating out and trying out new places.
Chinese place around the corner is not bad either and I have heard that the Indian restaurant Bombay is not so bad either.
What is available without breaking the bank is a sort of new version of milk bar around my work. for 12 PLN once can have a full dinner: soup and the second. It is not bad and provides me with some nutritions;). The place is clean, but not fancy. When I have to order food, the cashier writes all the positions on a piece of paper, which I have to take to the kitchen. Once my meal is ready, they call the name of the dish: Pierogi Ruskie!!!!!!!!!Krupnik!!!!!!!!!Flaki!!!!!!!! and so on. It is almost like during the communist times, since those ladies in the kitchen still look the same.
The is a huge aquarium in this place with a huge single carp( why am I not surprised) swimming in it and I always have an impression that it is looking at me while I am eating.
There are also some kebab places, but I am not really keen on that type of food.
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
I have never gone to a flea market minds you and while in Canada I was interested in art and followed what was new, but one has to admit that Polish people like to dress up, occasion or not and I like it. I didn't feel out of place that night, but as always made some observations:).
That means that I have to get some new attire:)
flea markets.
I have never gone to a flea market minds you and while in Canada I was interested in art and followed what was new, but one has to admit that Polish people like to dress up, occasion or not and I like it. I didn't feel out of place that night, but as always made some observations:).
That means that I have to get some new attire:)
aphrodisiac
25 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
Well, there was wine and there was cheese, but strangely enough people were interested in art and the conversation as well. I didn't know anybody, so my friend took a pity on me and introduced me to her friend, a Polish guy who moved to Ireland about 3 years ago. The conversation with him was like pulling teeth most of the time, so my attention went to wine and cheese. I think that me and my conversation partner due to the Western exposure were the most casually dressed people there- he was wearing sneakers - I put on those painful boots on that night. Some women were wearing attire similar to the one I would wear on New Years Eve, some were more casual, but there were many suits, dresses, high heels, flashy handbags. Most people came to appreciate art and I must have been one of the few spoiled Westerners who also came for free food - freebies as we call it in Canada.
For such a small place there were many cameras, so when somebody pointed one at me, I quickly made friends in order to find out what website my image would end up on and I soon found out that it would on a personal blog. Not so bad after all, once has to start somewhere. Had I known more people I would have had a better time, since pulling teeth from a strange Polish bloke - a smart ass type, was not really my cup of tea.
I tried to grab a taxi but there was none in sight, so I took a walk and after 10 minutes I finally got one - I have to say that Szczecin is a fairly safe city in the evening and one can only encounter a lat dog walker, which was the cast that night.
always glad to share my experiences:).
I wonder at times if Poles are as patriotic as they claim to be.
Tonight I am attending an art show opening. Will mix with the artsy part of Polish society;). I hope they have some wine and cheese for an always hungry art lover like me;)
Well, there was wine and there was cheese, but strangely enough people were interested in art and the conversation as well. I didn't know anybody, so my friend took a pity on me and introduced me to her friend, a Polish guy who moved to Ireland about 3 years ago. The conversation with him was like pulling teeth most of the time, so my attention went to wine and cheese. I think that me and my conversation partner due to the Western exposure were the most casually dressed people there- he was wearing sneakers - I put on those painful boots on that night. Some women were wearing attire similar to the one I would wear on New Years Eve, some were more casual, but there were many suits, dresses, high heels, flashy handbags. Most people came to appreciate art and I must have been one of the few spoiled Westerners who also came for free food - freebies as we call it in Canada.
For such a small place there were many cameras, so when somebody pointed one at me, I quickly made friends in order to find out what website my image would end up on and I soon found out that it would on a personal blog. Not so bad after all, once has to start somewhere. Had I known more people I would have had a better time, since pulling teeth from a strange Polish bloke - a smart ass type, was not really my cup of tea.
I tried to grab a taxi but there was none in sight, so I took a walk and after 10 minutes I finally got one - I have to say that Szczecin is a fairly safe city in the evening and one can only encounter a lat dog walker, which was the cast that night.
Sorry to poke my nose in, but reading your posts really impressed me. A lot of truth in what you say. Fair play to you.
always glad to share my experiences:).
I wonder at times if Poles are as patriotic as they claim to be.
aphrodisiac
24 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
nobody said it would be easy - unless this is a serious inquiry;)
(just bumping my thread;)
because since getting a new blackberry model and thus having a new charger I have to pay much more hard earned money.
nobody said it would be easy - unless this is a serious inquiry;)
(just bumping my thread;)
aphrodisiac
22 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
so true:). I will wait until winter comes and then start to complain;)
classic Rejs lol
so true:). I will wait until winter comes and then start to complain;)
It kind of reminds me this:
classic Rejs lol
aphrodisiac
22 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
Poland is not the only country with rain and winter, Canada comes to mind with -20 C and with the windshield up to -30 C depending on the day. Norway is way up north and has one of the darkest winters, so if Poles complain about the depressing times, it makes me laugh to be honest.
I am not complaining, I am making an observation. I already learnt that I cannot criticize Poles, they just like to be miserable on their own;), since it is their national sport. You have noticed in my post that I also saw a good side to complaining.
Paper, documents, signatures
Well, I shipped lots of my personal stuff by ship and boy or boy, it was difficult to prove to the customs that I resided in Canada so I would be exempted from paying the duty. So they paper trail has started about two weeks ago since I had to prove that I actually lived there, since owning a Canadian passport was NOT enough, among other things. I engaged 2 people in Canada and 4 people in Poland to help me sort things out and finally after sending all kinds of strange documents (rental invoices, uni records) the custom officers in Poland (had to do a translation of some of the documents since their English was "useless") I finally got OK.
Observations:
- everything has to be hard copy and Poland is far behind with that
- I should have gotten a letter from the Polish consulate stating that I indeed resided in Canada since the Canadian government is not to be trusted
- I know WHY Poland is developing so slowly: they LOVE paper documents and think that every citizen is a potential criminal trying to cheat the Polish government, while the truth is that it is the Polish government which robs Polish people of too much taxes and does not provide them with enough reliable services.
- I made so many phone calls to the Custom agency that I actually made a friend in Gdynia Port by now and even though he put me through HELL, he was nice about it lol
Anyways, I got tired of the whole affair and I would never set up export- import business in Poland - so my hats off to those who actually have;).
Tonight I am attending an art show opening. Will mix with the artsy part of Polish society;). I hope they have some wine and cheese for an always hungry art lover like me;)
but take into account that we are entering the most depressing time of a year..
Poland is not the only country with rain and winter, Canada comes to mind with -20 C and with the windshield up to -30 C depending on the day. Norway is way up north and has one of the darkest winters, so if Poles complain about the depressing times, it makes me laugh to be honest.
Anyway, everyone who complain that Poles complain is not any better ;)
I am not complaining, I am making an observation. I already learnt that I cannot criticize Poles, they just like to be miserable on their own;), since it is their national sport. You have noticed in my post that I also saw a good side to complaining.
Paper, documents, signatures
Well, I shipped lots of my personal stuff by ship and boy or boy, it was difficult to prove to the customs that I resided in Canada so I would be exempted from paying the duty. So they paper trail has started about two weeks ago since I had to prove that I actually lived there, since owning a Canadian passport was NOT enough, among other things. I engaged 2 people in Canada and 4 people in Poland to help me sort things out and finally after sending all kinds of strange documents (rental invoices, uni records) the custom officers in Poland (had to do a translation of some of the documents since their English was "useless") I finally got OK.
Observations:
- everything has to be hard copy and Poland is far behind with that
- I should have gotten a letter from the Polish consulate stating that I indeed resided in Canada since the Canadian government is not to be trusted
- I know WHY Poland is developing so slowly: they LOVE paper documents and think that every citizen is a potential criminal trying to cheat the Polish government, while the truth is that it is the Polish government which robs Polish people of too much taxes and does not provide them with enough reliable services.
- I made so many phone calls to the Custom agency that I actually made a friend in Gdynia Port by now and even though he put me through HELL, he was nice about it lol
Anyways, I got tired of the whole affair and I would never set up export- import business in Poland - so my hats off to those who actually have;).
Tonight I am attending an art show opening. Will mix with the artsy part of Polish society;). I hope they have some wine and cheese for an always hungry art lover like me;)
aphrodisiac
22 Oct 2010
Life / Winter 2010/2011 in Poland, is it going to be bad? [114]
well, it is still nice in Szczecin, chilly but dry.......no winter here, just windy - till nothing to worry about in comparison to Canadian winter my ass.
well, it is still nice in Szczecin, chilly but dry.......no winter here, just windy - till nothing to worry about in comparison to Canadian winter my ass.
aphrodisiac
19 Oct 2010
News / 30 to 40 thousand abortions by Polish girls in foreign countries [142]
Zeti just crossed you off the list;) lol the list is getting shorter and shorter;(
Zeti just crossed you off the list;) lol the list is getting shorter and shorter;(
aphrodisiac
19 Oct 2010
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
in 2002.
I haven't been here long enough to analyze what changes took place, but here are some:
- paper work to set the business up was much easier to collect, since the service in ZUS, Urzad Miejski is a bit more organized. I have not been to Urzad Skarbowy since my accountant is taking care of that.
- when I was setting up my bank account there was def MORE papers to sign then in the past
- in comparison to Canada, people here are checked and not trusted by the government in a sense that everybody is a potential law breaker, therefore the bank, ZUS<Urzad Miejski and so on are there to curb the citizens form doing that - we all know how it works in the end: people will look for loopholes when there is too much control, so in that regard not much changed IMO.
People who suppose to generate business spend too much time on paper work.
-generally there are more expensive cars and better dressed people on the streets
- in my area, there were many apartment/flats built and the standard that was much higher then in the past
- many buildings have been renovated in my area
-overall cost of living is much higher then it was 8 years ago (probably 1/3): I looked at my bills from the past and I see it on regular basis when I shop, however the wages did not go up that much, so: it is more expensive in Poland and people have to work more hours in order to live comfortably
- many stores, shops, bookstores have gone out of business, therefore I have to look for new ones, while the number of foreign banks have increased
- high taxes, or generally high costs of running a business : ZUS, Tax, VAT have not decreased, which stales the businesses
- however ZUS has a 2 year discount (50%) for people who are staring a business or who haven't been running a business for the last 5 years- so what happens is the employers have already found a loophole and re- hire their workers and independant in order to lower the costs.
Generally: ZUS and taxes curb the progress, among other things and that was the situation 8 years ago, so some small changes have been implemented, but not enough.
The weather: still sunny but chilly. No rain and I am getting used to walking a lot.
Complaning
I noticed that Poles complain a lot and are never happy with what they have. Perhaps they just like to vent which actually keeps them mentally healthier.
in 2002.
I haven't been here long enough to analyze what changes took place, but here are some:
- paper work to set the business up was much easier to collect, since the service in ZUS, Urzad Miejski is a bit more organized. I have not been to Urzad Skarbowy since my accountant is taking care of that.
- when I was setting up my bank account there was def MORE papers to sign then in the past
- in comparison to Canada, people here are checked and not trusted by the government in a sense that everybody is a potential law breaker, therefore the bank, ZUS<Urzad Miejski and so on are there to curb the citizens form doing that - we all know how it works in the end: people will look for loopholes when there is too much control, so in that regard not much changed IMO.
People who suppose to generate business spend too much time on paper work.
-generally there are more expensive cars and better dressed people on the streets
- in my area, there were many apartment/flats built and the standard that was much higher then in the past
- many buildings have been renovated in my area
-overall cost of living is much higher then it was 8 years ago (probably 1/3): I looked at my bills from the past and I see it on regular basis when I shop, however the wages did not go up that much, so: it is more expensive in Poland and people have to work more hours in order to live comfortably
- many stores, shops, bookstores have gone out of business, therefore I have to look for new ones, while the number of foreign banks have increased
- high taxes, or generally high costs of running a business : ZUS, Tax, VAT have not decreased, which stales the businesses
- however ZUS has a 2 year discount (50%) for people who are staring a business or who haven't been running a business for the last 5 years- so what happens is the employers have already found a loophole and re- hire their workers and independant in order to lower the costs.
Generally: ZUS and taxes curb the progress, among other things and that was the situation 8 years ago, so some small changes have been implemented, but not enough.
The weather: still sunny but chilly. No rain and I am getting used to walking a lot.
Complaning
I noticed that Poles complain a lot and are never happy with what they have. Perhaps they just like to vent which actually keeps them mentally healthier.
aphrodisiac
19 Oct 2010
News / 30 to 40 thousand abortions by Polish girls in foreign countries [142]
please stop being patronizing.
Women should have an access to abortion in their own country without feeling stigmatized.
But of course silly me, why use one of these when killing is oh sooo much more preferable!
please stop being patronizing.
Women should have an access to abortion in their own country without feeling stigmatized.
aphrodisiac
18 Oct 2010
News / 30 to 40 thousand abortions by Polish girls in foreign countries [142]
they did not have an option because abortion in Poland is illegal. Had they option to abort, they would not have been killed, whether they wanted to abort or they were forced by their partners.
How are those death different from honour killings, which is just a substitute for domestic violence really? In both cases women are killed because THEY are women.
no, because they had an option. From the text it's clear that they were killed because their didn't want to have abortion.
they did not have an option because abortion in Poland is illegal. Had they option to abort, they would not have been killed, whether they wanted to abort or they were forced by their partners.
How are those death different from honour killings, which is just a substitute for domestic violence really? In both cases women are killed because THEY are women.
aphrodisiac
18 Oct 2010
News / 30 to 40 thousand abortions by Polish girls in foreign countries [142]
my point is that not only women don't want to have children, but there are men who are against having them, like those two men.
if they had an option, they might have lived.
. so what's your point?
my point is that not only women don't want to have children, but there are men who are against having them, like those two men.
What way legalisation of aboryion would change faye of those 2 girls?
if they had an option, they might have lived.
aphrodisiac
18 Oct 2010
News / 30 to 40 thousand abortions by Polish girls in foreign countries [142]
what I believe is not relevant. I just look at numbers and facts. Those 2 women would have lived if they were not pregnant.
Do you really believe that such cases are the main reason for abortion?
what I believe is not relevant. I just look at numbers and facts. Those 2 women would have lived if they were not pregnant.
aphrodisiac
18 Oct 2010
News / 30 to 40 thousand abortions by Polish girls in foreign countries [142]
I am not attacking anybody, yet trying to point out to the real problem. You, on the other hand as you have in the past use personal remarks as a means of argument.
You have not provided solutions to the problem, but merely expressed a personal opinion. Talking in general terms about adoption without knowing the Polish reality is just waste of your precious time. I presume your sexist attitude does not help. Some men just don't like women and that is a sad case of affairs, but something which is not my real concern at the moment. Just an observation.
The argument is: Polish women go abroad to abort the unwanted babies, NOT whether abortion is morally right or wrong.
So the question is: why Polish women have to use the abortion services abroad? Because there aren't any in Poland.
So your personal opinion about abortion, feminists and sluts is not really relevant, since there are still thousands of women in Poland who are left without an option, whether that is morally wrong or not. That's the REAL state of affairs.
olsztyn.gazeta.pl/olsztyn/1,35189,8526009,Dzgal_nozem__dusil__chcial_spalic__Bo_byla_w_ciazy.html
and here is an article from today's GW about 3 Polish men who tried or killed their female partners because they were either pregnant, or refused abortion. Try to blame this one on feminists too. Jolly good situations, aren't they?
Your Ad hominem attacks merely serve as a distraction from the real argument. Like I said you are incapable of refuting the argument that there is an alternative to abortion, and that is adoption.
I am not attacking anybody, yet trying to point out to the real problem. You, on the other hand as you have in the past use personal remarks as a means of argument.
You have not provided solutions to the problem, but merely expressed a personal opinion. Talking in general terms about adoption without knowing the Polish reality is just waste of your precious time. I presume your sexist attitude does not help. Some men just don't like women and that is a sad case of affairs, but something which is not my real concern at the moment. Just an observation.
The argument is: Polish women go abroad to abort the unwanted babies, NOT whether abortion is morally right or wrong.
So the question is: why Polish women have to use the abortion services abroad? Because there aren't any in Poland.
So your personal opinion about abortion, feminists and sluts is not really relevant, since there are still thousands of women in Poland who are left without an option, whether that is morally wrong or not. That's the REAL state of affairs.
olsztyn.gazeta.pl/olsztyn/1,35189,8526009,Dzgal_nozem__dusil__chcial_spalic__Bo_byla_w_ciazy.html
and here is an article from today's GW about 3 Polish men who tried or killed their female partners because they were either pregnant, or refused abortion. Try to blame this one on feminists too. Jolly good situations, aren't they?