teflcat
15 Aug 2012
Travel / Poland in photo riddles [3134]
So, the feast of the Assumption of the BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary).
So, the feast of the Assumption of the BVM (Blessed Virgin Mary).
teflcat
15 Aug 2012
Travel / Poland in photo riddles [3134]
Is that a church they are leaving? From the people''s posture, I'd say it must be some kind of religious service. Looks like early spring.
Is that a church they are leaving? From the people''s posture, I'd say it must be some kind of religious service. Looks like early spring.
teflcat
15 Aug 2012
Language / Polish regional accents? [141]
Some would see this as welcome social levelling, but I hate it. It sounds ugly to me. On the BBC last week I heard an economics correspondent pronounce sales as sows. Ugh!
Regional accents in England are often a delight to listen to. My personal favourites are Geordie and that mellifluous West-country burr you hear in Devon.
My ear is out of practise now, but when I was growing up I could hear the difference between a Greenwich accent and that of my home turf, Woolwich, barely two miles down the road.
Estuary English
Some would see this as welcome social levelling, but I hate it. It sounds ugly to me. On the BBC last week I heard an economics correspondent pronounce sales as sows. Ugh!
Regional accents in England are often a delight to listen to. My personal favourites are Geordie and that mellifluous West-country burr you hear in Devon.
My ear is out of practise now, but when I was growing up I could hear the difference between a Greenwich accent and that of my home turf, Woolwich, barely two miles down the road.
teflcat
15 Aug 2012
Language / Polish regional accents? [141]
Same here. And my active vocabulary has shrunk. Keeping it simple means I avoid all kinds of wonderful words, and now I find myself searching my memory for them when I have to write something at a high level.
I found myself talking slower and more pronounced to the average Pole and i guess it had a permanent impact.
Same here. And my active vocabulary has shrunk. Keeping it simple means I avoid all kinds of wonderful words, and now I find myself searching my memory for them when I have to write something at a high level.
teflcat
15 Aug 2012
Language / Polish regional accents? [141]
London.
forty-five years of education have modified my London accent. I'd call it educated home counties, 1980 with remnants of south London when very relaxed.
So you have, for example, a friend in Tyneside who has
as a friend from, say, Cornwall. Try Q-tips. What you call RP has changed over the decades, anyway. Listen to BBC announcers from the 1950s and those of today. The term is virtually meaningless.
I beg to differ, based on what you have said.
teflcat -- I don't know where you're from
London.
or what accent you have
forty-five years of education have modified my London accent. I'd call it educated home counties, 1980 with remnants of south London when very relaxed.
I have middle class friends all around the country who have exactly the same RP accent as me, regardless of where they live
So you have, for example, a friend in Tyneside who has
exactly the same RP accent
as a friend from, say, Cornwall. Try Q-tips. What you call RP has changed over the decades, anyway. Listen to BBC announcers from the 1950s and those of today. The term is virtually meaningless.
I do know a bit about what I'm saying.
I beg to differ, based on what you have said.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Love / Why can't a guy from a foreign country marry a girl from Poland ? [44]
When you went on holiday and cancelled the milk and papers you forgot to tell the newsagent to send the lad when you got back. In 2004.
When you went on holiday and cancelled the milk and papers you forgot to tell the newsagent to send the lad when you got back. In 2004.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Language / Polish regional accents? [141]
" 'Standard pronunciation' is a dialect with an army and a navy."
" 'Standard pronunciation' is a dialect with an army and a navy."
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Work / Teaching English in Poland without TESL certificate? [17]
Yes, but you'd have to either work for an exploitative cowboy outfit or go it alone, legally or illegally.
That would be a big help.
I'm not sure what an MA in Library means, but an MA means a lot here.
It covers more than just living expenses if you are qualified. Why not take a course in TEFL/TESOL? The outlay would make a big difference in the long run.
Is it possible to teach English without a TESL certificate?
Yes, but you'd have to either work for an exploitative cowboy outfit or go it alone, legally or illegally.
I have EU citizenship
That would be a big help.
I have a Maste's degree in Library
I'm not sure what an MA in Library means, but an MA means a lot here.
Would teaching English cover average living expenses?
It covers more than just living expenses if you are qualified. Why not take a course in TEFL/TESOL? The outlay would make a big difference in the long run.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Language / Polish regional accents? [141]
You know the square root of fkuc all about English accents.
This is more than generalizing a bit; it's nonsense.
You know the square root of fkuc all about English accents.
This is generalising a bit
This is more than generalizing a bit; it's nonsense.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
UK, Ireland / Polish woman living in England is moving back to Poland. How much money do I need? [87]
No. You'll live in poverty.
is 1500zl a month good for living in small city in poland with two babies?
No. You'll live in poverty.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Law / Turkish citizen. Civil marriage in Poland - Urgent [25]
Possibly good news, Yusuf. Today I spoke to a lady who seems to know what she's talking about. She told me that one month is the maximum period between application and ceremony. She said that if you have everything in order, depending on how busy they are, you may not have to wait very long. They always tell you the maximum to cover their backs.
So the message seems to be a) get all the required papers together b) get married in a small town c) get married in winter.
Possibly good news, Yusuf. Today I spoke to a lady who seems to know what she's talking about. She told me that one month is the maximum period between application and ceremony. She said that if you have everything in order, depending on how busy they are, you may not have to wait very long. They always tell you the maximum to cover their backs.
So the message seems to be a) get all the required papers together b) get married in a small town c) get married in winter.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Law / Turkish citizen. Civil marriage in Poland - Urgent [25]
We applied a couple of months before as we were in no hurry. It may also depend on where you do it. In our small town things are generally faster than in the big cities, e.g. planning/building permission. However, as far as I know, it's not possible to get married very quickly. Let's face it, there are good, common sense reasons for that.
She's right, of course. Two trips = twice the fun. İyi şanslar!
How long after submitting/signing marriage application you married?
We applied a couple of months before as we were in no hurry. It may also depend on where you do it. In our small town things are generally faster than in the big cities, e.g. planning/building permission. However, as far as I know, it's not possible to get married very quickly. Let's face it, there are good, common sense reasons for that.
she'd like to travel twice and get to enjoy Poland more, worst case we do that :)
She's right, of course. Two trips = twice the fun. İyi şanslar!
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Law / Turkish citizen. Civil marriage in Poland - Urgent [25]
It's not Las Vegas Yusuf! There aren't very many bureaucratic things you can do in one day in Poland. As Harry says, find out the legal basis for their decision and take it from there. And remember, there's always Vegas.
can we apply and marry same day?
It's not Las Vegas Yusuf! There aren't very many bureaucratic things you can do in one day in Poland. As Harry says, find out the legal basis for their decision and take it from there. And remember, there's always Vegas.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Law / Turkish citizen. Civil marriage in Poland - Urgent [25]
I am a foreigner who married a Pole, and we both had to attend the register office when we applied in order to sign application documents. While it is in order to grant proxy power to your wife for some things (e.g. my wife deals with ZUS for me) I am inclined to think that for something like marriage you'll both have to be there. Is it such a problem for you to come?
She was advised that 'both of us' shall be present at the time of paperwork submission.
I am a foreigner who married a Pole, and we both had to attend the register office when we applied in order to sign application documents. While it is in order to grant proxy power to your wife for some things (e.g. my wife deals with ZUS for me) I am inclined to think that for something like marriage you'll both have to be there. Is it such a problem for you to come?
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Travel / First visit to Poland in 20 years - bus/traintravel around the country [11]
There are trains from Warszawa Wschodnia to Hajnówka, with one change. Time about 3.5 hrs. Bus or taxi 25km to Białowieża. Local guides and transport are available at the tourist information office in Białowieża or at Wejmutka (see my link above). imo the north-east is the best place for birdwatching.
There are trains from Warszawa Wschodnia to Hajnówka, with one change. Time about 3.5 hrs. Bus or taxi 25km to Białowieża. Local guides and transport are available at the tourist information office in Białowieża or at Wejmutka (see my link above). imo the north-east is the best place for birdwatching.
teflcat
14 Aug 2012
Travel / First visit to Poland in 20 years - bus/traintravel around the country [11]
wildpoland.com/biebrza-marshes-wild-trips
Great place for water birds, as is siemianowka.pl
this reservoir is home to 150 species.
wejmutka.pl
This is a fairly new hotel/nature centre which runs courses on birds and wildlife in Białowieża.
wildpoland.com/biebrza-marshes-wild-trips
Great place for water birds, as is siemianowka.pl
this reservoir is home to 150 species.
wejmutka.pl
This is a fairly new hotel/nature centre which runs courses on birds and wildlife in Białowieża.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
Life / Cost of living in Wroclaw (rent price too) [119]
What do you usually spend money on when you're away from home?
Cinema, clubs? How tight/lavish is your budget? Be more specific and I'm sure someone from Wroclaw will help you out.
What do you usually spend money on when you're away from home?
enjoy myself
Cinema, clubs? How tight/lavish is your budget? Be more specific and I'm sure someone from Wroclaw will help you out.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
News / 70% of Poles like Komorowski. Do you? [120]
The thread is about the current president, not about party politics.
Poland's team seriously impressed their EU colleagues in accession negotiations. They punched well above their diplomatic weight at the time and earned a great deal of respect on all sides. Poland is not a yes-man.
Fine. You were, I believe, in a minority, but you have every right to respect who you want to.
I know too much about PO to be lemming!
The thread is about the current president, not about party politics.
Poland's team seriously impressed their EU colleagues in accession negotiations. They punched well above their diplomatic weight at the time and earned a great deal of respect on all sides. Poland is not a yes-man.
I consider myself educated and I haven't hidden my face in my hands
Fine. You were, I believe, in a minority, but you have every right to respect who you want to.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
News / 70% of Poles like Komorowski. Do you? [120]
He was a national embarrassment. Perhaps not in the U.S. but in Europe diplomats simply couldn't do business with him. In Poland educated Poles spent quite a lot of time with their hand over their faces.
He was a national embarrassment. Perhaps not in the U.S. but in Europe diplomats simply couldn't do business with him. In Poland educated Poles spent quite a lot of time with their hand over their faces.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
Language / Have you ever heard 'destynacja'? [19]
Why on earth are you pleased that your relatives do not have a modern education?
most of them - even the young ones - never learned English. THANK GOD!
Why on earth are you pleased that your relatives do not have a modern education?
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
Language / De-diacriticalisation of Polish? [9]
Recreated is indeed the key word! Yes, he replaced Arabic script with Roman letters, some with diacritics.
"Re-created" is the key word here
Recreated is indeed the key word! Yes, he replaced Arabic script with Roman letters, some with diacritics.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
Language / De-diacriticalisation of Polish? [9]
I basically agree, but don't forget Ataturk, who did precisely this, and he recreated a nation.
And it would be mind-shatteringly costly in terms of money, education, and national identity to create a completely new system from scratch.
I basically agree, but don't forget Ataturk, who did precisely this, and he recreated a nation.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
News / 70% of Poles like Komorowski. Do you? [120]
Who, me? Yes, for food I have no problem with hunting, especially to control numbers. I wouldn't recommend bison, though. My favourite game is Roe deer.
Back on topic, I think the Pres. is doing what he should be doing, i.e. showing a calm and dignified face internationally, and keeping out of party political spats.
Who, me? Yes, for food I have no problem with hunting, especially to control numbers. I wouldn't recommend bison, though. My favourite game is Roe deer.
Back on topic, I think the Pres. is doing what he should be doing, i.e. showing a calm and dignified face internationally, and keeping out of party political spats.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
News / 70% of Poles like Komorowski. Do you? [120]
Not only culling. Here are some prices for hunting in Poland. All prices PLN.
Red stag hunting, per hunter: 672
guide: 45
transport: 142
search: 156
kill: 1995
trophy (preparation and mounting): 555 up to 2kg (head)
10280 for over 8kg.
If the hunt is for culling, I don't have a problem with it. If it's for the pleasure of killing, I do.
In Poland, hunting is a way of eliminating old or sick animsals and keeping the population vibrant and healthy.
Not only culling. Here are some prices for hunting in Poland. All prices PLN.
Red stag hunting, per hunter: 672
guide: 45
transport: 142
search: 156
kill: 1995
trophy (preparation and mounting): 555 up to 2kg (head)
10280 for over 8kg.
If the hunt is for culling, I don't have a problem with it. If it's for the pleasure of killing, I do.
teflcat
12 Aug 2012
News / Poland's Economy Is Booming! The EU's Success Story? [711]
You no doubt know a lot more about this than I do, but are there really that many company cars in Poland? I know quite a few middle-ranking corporate types who do not have one.
Well, it's his dough, so he can do what he wants with it, although I agree that there is a lot of vanity involved these days (was it ever any different?). I recently bought a car, nothing flash but in good condition and economical. I could have bought a twelve-year-old Jaguar for the same money (which would have made me happy) but being realistic I need something that will last a while and not let me down. I have to smile when people in old Audis and Mercs overtake me in an apparrent show of superiority!
Most are leased or bought by employers,
You no doubt know a lot more about this than I do, but are there really that many company cars in Poland? I know quite a few middle-ranking corporate types who do not have one.
If the guy really wanted to give his own kids a stable start he would pay down a big chunk of his house with that and make do with a Volkswagen or ford
Well, it's his dough, so he can do what he wants with it, although I agree that there is a lot of vanity involved these days (was it ever any different?). I recently bought a car, nothing flash but in good condition and economical. I could have bought a twelve-year-old Jaguar for the same money (which would have made me happy) but being realistic I need something that will last a while and not let me down. I have to smile when people in old Audis and Mercs overtake me in an apparrent show of superiority!
teflcat
11 Aug 2012
History / 75th anniversary of Stalin's 1937-38 anti-Poland genocide [32]
That's disingenuous. You're anti-Jew; why deny it?
What?
Sounds one possible, partial explanation.
Christian henchmen is inapproptiate because we are not referring to followers of the Mosaic faith but people of Jewish ethnicity.
That's disingenuous. You're anti-Jew; why deny it?
saddists
What?
Was it something to do with them being better educated at the time than the average russian serf?
Sounds one possible, partial explanation.
teflcat
11 Aug 2012
History / 75th anniversary of Stalin's 1937-38 anti-Poland genocide [32]
I don't have a problem with that. It's just that the OP is an aggressive far-right wing Catholic who uses every opportunity to put forth anti-Jewish propoganda.
There is a case for *outing* the background of a lot of Stalins most loyal lackeys TBH Tef' ,
I don't have a problem with that. It's just that the OP is an aggressive far-right wing Catholic who uses every opportunity to put forth anti-Jewish propoganda.
teflcat
11 Aug 2012
History / 75th anniversary of Stalin's 1937-38 anti-Poland genocide [32]
I wonder if you refer to other figures as Stalin's Christian henchman.
Stalin's Jewish henchman Nikolai Yezhov
I wonder if you refer to other figures as Stalin's Christian henchman.
teflcat
11 Aug 2012
News / Poland's Economy Is Booming! The EU's Success Story? [711]
When I first came to live here I agreed to take part in a Newsweek survey on earnings. I was astonished to come out in the top 1%. Twelve years on I'd say I probably sit somewhere in the mid-upper half. You know what? I see that in a positive way.
When I first came to live here I agreed to take part in a Newsweek survey on earnings. I was astonished to come out in the top 1%. Twelve years on I'd say I probably sit somewhere in the mid-upper half. You know what? I see that in a positive way.
teflcat
10 Aug 2012
News / Poland's Economy Is Booming! The EU's Success Story? [711]
I guess you would have to have lived through the changes to understand.
You really need to get out more.
What, the Elders of Zion?
Has it really?No mister, it has not.Time to face reality
I guess you would have to have lived through the changes to understand.
Poles own nothing and make nothing
You really need to get out more.
The "elites" had it all planned.
What, the Elders of Zion?