Life / Haircut for men in Wroclaw [11]


it is a time saving question and haircut is not gas, one has to walk with it for at least a month;)

UK, Ireland / The more subtle differences: Ireland/Britain v Poland [310]

I still take a shover the Canadian way- in the morning.
I don't mind people staring and I really don't find them staring - simply looking.
Men look at women without being sleezy , which I find nice for a change.


I agree. The first contact can be initiated and it is not polite to look away in Poland. People think that one is up to something.

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

nothing, they do it out of habit, which I like.

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


it wasn't a laughing matter for me because this time around the compartment was full and all 8 of us were being nicely and slowly cooked and I felt like an overcooked sardine. I was so happy once I got out of the train and could take some fresh air in.

Oh, the train doors are so difficult to open then I usually have to step away and let the Polish man open them for me. I don't even know why I am trying, since I always fail.


no kidding, Poles really like inclosed spaces.


old wife's tale. You need to air cars, trains and houses out every so often. Air in not gonna kill you:).

More to report later since I have been running around like a chicken without head today.

Had a class in the morning and the students were great. One of them was not happy with the service for some strange reason, but I managed to calm her down and got on her good side by making her busy with the lesson. She left the school very happy. I praised the group since they were hard working and very willing to learn.

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


that was suppose to spell BARGAIN. I was not even under the influence when typing. I already did a miserable job with mushroom picking and now this. I hope that school which hired me to teach English will never find out;D.

I will reply to Sean's comments tomorrow - too tired from cooking, cleaning and IRONING ( have not done it in years in Canada, but somehow I discovered that ironing makes me a better woman. lol Iron away , iron away all the troubles - ironing gives me a purpose - try it yourself:D.

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

Never mind the Polish Girlfriend people. I didn't know it would stir such emotions. There is more to life then women, or men for that matter, so what is the hype anyways. I touched some painful memories in some, made some realize that they had been sussed, some swore never ever to get a Polish Girlfriend, but the truth is that I just described something real and I was honest about it.

been away this weekend and again I had to pleasure to travel on the train, which by now I have to admit is loosing its appeal.

The lack of fresh air (the heat was ON) made me think that many Polish men are afraid of catching cold. I asked one to open the window, which he did, but once the train started moving, he almost jumped up and closed it.

Apart from the amazing ability to lift suitcases (mine included) by Polish men, I have nothing else to report on train traveling at the moment.

The workers at ZUS and Urzad Miejski got my piece of mind when they were serving me.

In ZUS I got so bored with waiting that I missed my turn and ZUS worker didn't know what to do with me. I finally got served, but it was limited by pointing out to me forms and regulations I should get familiar with. I waited 0ver 30 minutes for that to find out that I have to come back with 3 more forms ,plus something else.

Thank God I can speak and read Polish because I would be in real trouble. I really feel sorry for all those poor foreigners who think that doing business in Poland is easy. I have been trying for a week and trust me, it is a pain, even though I am getting closer..........I hope......to organizing all the papers.

At Urzad Miejski the woman after much deliberation and her attempt to test me if I am intelligent enough to figure out the new code for Dzialalnosc Gospodarcza, which I refused to do just to test her if she knew what she was doing, finally gave up on me and within 5 minutes she produced what I was after. I am sure she just wanted to get rid of me and she was right, I was ready to make a scene, since I still don't understand why such a simple thing as getting an update should require a high level of intelligence. I am not even going to explain what it was all about, because it would not be interesting and I am already making you fall asleep. You would not get it anyways, because it simply does not make sense.

*There will be no Polish dog sitting because I decided against it and let some young student make some extra money*

*I also have not spotted the Polish Misiu, although the guy on the train was close to what I think, or who Polish Misiu is*

Later...........buying a washing mashine -that should be interesting. I already got some tips what NOT to buy and WHERE to buy, and that I can BARAIN.

Love / 'Battered husbands' - still a taboo subject in Poland [387]

now, that explains everything!!!!!!!! 9 pages of drama solved by one simple answer;)

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


thank God I am safe from your claws.


more like it for sure:)

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


maybe he was Canadian?;)P- how would I know? Afro American term is part of my vocabulary, just like "grade" not "class" and many other terms and concepts - sue me McCoy;). That's what makes it interesting: the clash of two different cultures, misconceptions, misunderstandings and assumptions and I am guilty of it as much as you when you travel - there is NO such a thing as 100% objectivity.


looking forward to that:D

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


it is so true:)


this is not what I meant since Poles are much better with an eye contact then Canadians.


NO. I have not experienced it yet.


I will have to take a look, but I am sure you have a reason to complain.


thanks;)

PS. Coming up in the future:
Damsel in distress in Poland.
Polish men.
Polish children.

Love / 'Battered husbands' - still a taboo subject in Poland [387]


because it is easier for them to get sex without marriage

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


well, you should have known what the seagull was planning to do, how couldn't you? You failed the test;)P, ha, ha....


wait the minute !!!!!!! I assumed you were a man, oh well :D. Damn internet;)

Tram ride
I purchased a tram monthly pass and now I am one of those lucky one who does not have to punch the ticket anymore. It is a pain since the "punching" machine is located in front of the another passenger's face, so I had to shove my ticket in very quickly in, while pretending to check the ceiling for the fear of eye contact with the poor bugger who was lucky enough to find such seat.

Some of the seats on the trams are shaped in such a way that once I take it, it raps my behind and I really don't want to get up and it feels like sitting in a large and comfortable spoon.

Often times I have to hold on to the (P)pole, especially when the tram takes turns. I think that within the short period of time I will develop more upper body strenght, so I will be able to secure the ride with one arm, like a good monkey would. So far my whole body often gets yanked while riding, but this is something I could work on;), but after all I can bump into somebody interesting and things can develop;), he, he.......

Getting in is not an easy task either since the steps are pretty high, so it feels more like a streching exercise I used to do before not so heavy lifting in the gym;).

Overall, once you figure out the ins and outs of tram riding it could be a great way to get around the city with a roof above your head and a fairly clean window.

Buying alcohol in Poland

Poland is like Quebec in Canada in regards to availability of alcohol. Within 500 m from my place I have counted at least 5 places where I can buy some. As I commented a long time ago in regards to the topic, there is more choice in alcohol offered then the choice of cheese.

Fear of ZUS
I cannot wait any longer and I have to visit ZUS today. Wish me luck!!!!!!

PS. Another train ride awaiting for me today. I cannot wait. Will report back on Monday.
Coming up next week: Dog sitting.

Travel / Share Your Travel Experiences in Poland [16]


ha, ha......one of the best lines today. Most of the world rides on the wrong side then lol

Life / Is parity the answer for Polish women? [262]


lets see.


she is not better or worse then any other man.

Life / Is parity the answer for Polish women? [262]


I believe that it should be 75:25, since men managed to screw up the last 20 years of politics, so 75 % women and 25% men, so it looks good on the paper for the EU.

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


sorry to burst your bubble Flagless;), but I am sure you get my sense of humour.


Canada?


I was hoping that it would not have to come to this:)


I don't know. From what I see you have taken my description of the Polish Girlfriend at the face value and that was not my intention. Some people got my sarcastic post, some did not.


yes, I understand, but what I don't understand is why you are getting offended by my description of a stereotype, if you know it is a stereotype.


it was written the way the whole thread it written: my personal experience in Poland and I am trying to be perceptive and objective. I have written what I saw.


true, but what I saw last night happens to fit the stereotype - how would you explain that?


and the most obvious.


I am a Polish citizen and I have no problem with writing and reporting what I see. It is part of my reality as well. However, I am not defensive as you are. There is nothing wrong with blachara in my opinion. I did not generalize about you, since I don't know you, so there is no need to take it personally, or is there?


there is no need to be defensive either. I have nothing more to add on that subject Paulina, so stop harping.

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


how you read what I write is up to you, if you are tired of what people write about Polish women on this forum, stop reading it and if you are offended by what I have written, then there might be some truth to what I observed last night. I have written about the stereotypes of a Polish girlfriend and reading what I write with a grain of salt is the way to go. Sue me. You even posted a video from that commercial, which is based on that stereotype. If you not HER, there is nothing you need to worry about. If you are her, then loose those boots, they are very uncomfortable. I tried them and I still have sore feet.


he, he........may God be with you;)


that was my point;). Maybe I will be lucky enough to watch Misiu in action one of those days.

Update on my Polish boots
Since they are very uncomfortable I dropped them off at the shoemaker, so he can stretch them a bit - I am not giving up on the Polish fashion after much deliberation;). Am I gonna become A Polish Girlfriend?;)

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


it is true. The Polish Princess wants poor "Misiu" to read her mind. If he doesn't he is in trouble, but I really blame "Misiu" for that since he is the one who puts up with that:)

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


Hey, I just described what I saw last night - all of my descriptions are what I see. I did not say that all Polish girlfriends are like that, yet there is ALWAYS some truth to stereotype. You need to read my "blog" with a grain of salt, or I will conclude that you have no sense of humour.

When you are out tomorrow, see for yourself.

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


that is a brilliant commercial lol the woman is overdone but that was the idea, not too far from the stereotype I have described.


I just described what I saw last night:)


I think I might be over my jet leg now. It usually takes me 2 weeks. I disagree with you on the part that my description of a Polish girlfriend was not objective. I saw it with my own eyes last night.


thanks for sharing:). I think we read it many times already.

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


aka Misiu is in trouble;)

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

Polish Girlfriend

Just an observation I have made during the last few days and in the past.
Polish girlfriend has to look good, has to have the latest clothes, has to be dined, wined, one needs to carry her shopping bags for her and drive her places, she needs to be taken places, she needs to be listened to because she likes to talk a LOT and one better not interrupt her or else. She in not interested in what the man has to say anyways, she has found him and now she can order him around and if he does not oblige he becomes an ex- boyfriend and she moves to the next one in order to attempt to train the next victim;). She is the God's gift and he better be aware of it and if he isn't he soon will be. He has to play this game and if for some reason he does not pick up the rules quickly, "Misiu" is in big trouble. He will not hear the end of it and no amount of flowers, kisses, gifts will save him unless he is ready to spent some time in this "relationship jail".

How long? He doesn't know, but he will find out one way or the other. In exchange for playing the game he will get a good looking, savvy, well dressed and business like Polish girlfriend, who soon wants to marry him and start a family, or better yet, use his money (God forbid hers) to better her life.

"C'est la vie" or "Carpe Diem" or maybe Karpiem go po glowie;) - for the English readers: Hit him on the head with carp

USA, Canada / EMPIRE STATE BUILDING IN NYC DISRESPECTS POLISH AMERICANS! [88]

she only gives herself a bad name.

Love / 'Battered husbands' - still a taboo subject in Poland [387]


er, yes:)

Dan, you give Zimmy too much credit. As much as I appreciate his effort to convince us all and some that feminists are responsible for his miserable approach to women in general, he has not made an effort to look at how much his own attitude towards women or people in general matters. It is nice to use feminists as a punching bag in his plight to claim that he is a victim, but it is only an excuse for him to avoid his own responsibility.

He has done a lot of work for the last year and have not convinced one person that feminists indeed are responsible for battered husbands.

Therefore Zimmy, there is no victory in sight for your cause. As Ozi Dan intelligently pointed out, the issue is not about winning and as Barney pointed out a long time ago, it is not about cheapening the issue of violence in relationships. It is, in my humble opinion about looking at the real cause of violence in personal relationships and those are complex and vary depending on the country including values, believes and economic circumstance and gender roles among other things. In order to analyze the problem and find the reason one needs to look at all the "partners in crime" not some ideological representation of feminist movement. As far as I am aware, feminist are against any form of force and support equality, therefore the feminist you like to bring to light in order to support your claim have been carefully selected by you in order to manipulate the reader and as you can see it is obvious to most of them.

Life / How Long Before Poland Has Its 'Dumbest Generation'? [84]


US has no idea what a good public transport is since the car industry had to sell millions of it and they keep doing it, so they had to paint the public transport with a negative brush. Also, the distances in the US usually require a car anyways.

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

there isn't as long as one does not do it in business, but in social situations. I believe that BS in business could be a big turn off for some.

Polish friends

They are actually interested in your life and care, which is nice for a change.

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

thanks Sean:).

I will keep posting in the mornings while I am having my breakfast and Polska Kawa Domowa.
Polish BS
I believe that Fuzzy mentioned it some time ago. It is true, Poles like to overdramatize and add some colour to their description.

I overheard my father talking to his sister this weekend on the phone. He lost a couple of teeth, so he finally had to see the dentist for probably first time in his life. Needless to say, he was very lucky with his teeth most of his life. Now he needs a LOT of work and all he did was complaining how much money he had to spend and how long he had to sit at the dentist. He said that the whole event was so dramatic that he was hardly able to eat. The question remains: who did I cook for this past weekend, eh? For a person who is close to starvation and traumatized he smiled too much and had too many cookies for desert with his coffee, not to mention the ability to chat 24/7. What a bugger.

Polish shopping
it appears that Poles shop a lot. There is always somebody in a little shop when I get my fresh buns for breakfast - oh, yah- in Canada I could not get fresh buns even if I tried.

Often, regardless the time of the day - some men or women buy a couple of bottles of beer. If that was possible in Canada, nobody would go to work, so no wonder alcohol is only available in Beer and Liquor stores. Here, on the other hand it is available 24/7.

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


I have Eurola and I am pretty sure I am not coming back - I will visit at one point, but I want to be closer to my family and this is the way to go. It was not an easy decision mind you.


Thanks. I will try m best.


thank you very much.
Polish trains

well, to make it short, the trip could be a very good or a very bad experience. Nothing in the middle.

There are at least 4 kinds of trains at the moment:

Osobowy: read: very, very slow with run down cars, stopping at every possible station. Not recommended, unless you want to get off at one of those stations.

TLK: pretty good, much faster then Osobowy, clean and run well most of the time.
Intercity: faster or not then the TLK , but more expensive.
There is also Interegio, but I have not figure out how different in price it is form other types.

generally the cleanest and the fastest are IC (Intercity) and TLK. TLK is the one I have used most often so far and I recommend it because of the price as well as time travelled and the general quality/standard of the car(s).

I also recommend traveling by train because one can meet some interesting characters. Generally if one speaks Polish, or not - it is easy to make some "friends" on the Polish train. it is almost like travelling by plane when suddenly the person next to you becomes talkative for about 8 hours often to forget about the fear of flying or simply to kill the boredom.

It is slightly different in trains, but generally I find somebody to talk to, chat to.

Polish social life
Just got invited to the theatre tonight by a friend of mine. I like how Polish people like to tell you what is going on and recommend something worth seeing.

There are 2 theatres in Szczecin, Opera, Filcharmony Orchestra, Children Theatre and other forms of entertainment, but I will write about this later.
Polish boots
I really tried, but I find that the amount of walking I do in Poland on daily basis will not allow me to wear those boots - they are just too hard to walk in. Not for other Polish women!!!!!, Oh, NO. I see them everywhere walking in those boots without making an effort and I am getting frustrated. There is no way I am gonna make it, unless I sneak in and wear my comfortable Canadian shoes. Hell with fashion!!!!!!

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


well said my Canadian compatriot?


Me? Nah, I just need a calendar and I forgot to take one from Canada when I was packing. I am still feeling somewhere in between 2 countries at the moment, not there anymore, still not here 100%. The only thing which grounds me here is the amount of walking I do on the daily basis - still practicing walking in boots since I decided that I am going to master the art.

post - communist mentality for sure, or maybe he thinks that since I am from Canada I can get my own ;)


ha, ha for sure the architecture in Poland is very different in comparison to Toronto.

As for luck of diversity I have already found a solution. On Saturday I boarded a train and I saw 3 Chinese men on the platform. First I was dissapointed when they passed by my compartment, but they soon took the seat in mine once they realized that the train was full. Direct from China they were doing business in Poland and sure enough I got my diversity fix because I asked them all questions I could think of, including the purpose of their business in Poland. It appears that Poland might be a good partner in fast train production. Good luck to them!!!!!!

On my way back I met a Russian from Kaliningrad, so I practiced my Russian for 30 minutes.

Today I saw an Afro American in the town my father lives and I was as happy as one who used to live in Toronto could be. So yes- funny thing that you mentioned it, but somehow I still look for the diversity fix and it looks like I am getting it:)

I worked like a horse this weekend while visiting my father and as most of you should know, the job of a Polish woman is never done, so I had to iron, cook, clean, shop, host the guests, cut the branch in my father's garden!!!!!!!!!, picked some rasberries etc, so when I arrived at my place I was quite exhausted, but felt fulfilled as any woman would be;).

It appears that there is no mashroom left in the Polish woods and I have to wait until next season. I am dissapointed, but there is always a chance that I can buy some on the street in Szczecin. I saw some people selling them last week.

I think that walking in my father's winter boots ( I did not bring appropriate shoes) in the woods turned me off a bit.

Update on the use of the new cellphone:
I know how to take pics with it and unblock it. I still don't know how to send short messages, but I am itching because I can send 50 per months for free.

Update on the weather:

It was another beautiful and sunny day in Poland. I will not risk reporting what the actual temperature was for the fear of getting in another argument with Fuzzy, but I just to tell you all and there was no clouds, the sun was shining and I am a happy camper because of that.

Coming next week: Polish dog sitting - that should be interesting - my family member asked me to look after the dog for 4 days. Looks like I have to do MORE walking.

Why all of a sudden I get engaged in doing all kinds of favours for others. In Canada it is called WORK.

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


you forgot about wild mashrooms:).


Thanks Barney, but I have not moved to Alaska after all. It looks pretty civilized when I looked out the window;). You live in Poland as well, don't you?

My cousin's husband lived in Yellow Knife for a couple of years and he found it quite interesting.

Anyways, a short report about Polish hospitality.

Went to visit my cousin last night and he put everything he had in the fridge on the table, I also had some vodka last night so my head is not in the best condition. I love drinking vodka, but I don't like the morning after. In order to visit I had to climb 5 floors (no elevator) and by the time I got to the door I was out of breath. I forgot about the NO ELEVATOR situation in all the post communist blocks of flats. Until recently ( I hope) there was no elevator installed if the building was not taller then 5 floors.

I need a wall calendar since I did not bring any from Canada. I asked my cousin if I could have one of his and he said that he needs all 3 of them. As puzzled as I was I came to conclusion that it is not fair that he has 3 and I have none.

Last night I also decided to wear boots, so I would be one of those Polish women walking on the street making the click, click, click. sound.....no use to fit in since my feet are killing me this morning and I think that boots are overrated. The "click" sound my boots produced was great though and I have not even practiced;).

Another training session at work this morning. I hope the get them out of my way, so I can sleep in on Saturdays.

Ahead of me a train trip to visit my father and perhaps another session of mashroom picking.

Maybe this time I will find a prawdziwek- the king of mashroom.

Looks like it is going to be another sunny day in Szczecin.