sa11y
9 Sep 2012
Travel / How quickly does the sun set in Poland? [12]
No, it doesnt. The closer to the Equator the faster it sets.
No, it doesnt. The closer to the Equator the faster it sets.
sa11y
9 Sep 2012
Love / Is she genuine? - I would like some advice please re a Polish girl. [130]
I wonder how the story ended though :) was she real?
I wonder how the story ended though :) was she real?
sa11y
6 Sep 2012
Life / Is Poland a poor country? [578]
The main difference I found (mainly with private owned accommodation, not necessarily hotels) is that in "western style" accommodation you will have towels, toiletries, tea/coffee, hair dryer, iron etc (+ all, or at least most, utensils you need if renting apartment/ suite). I recently spent holidays in Poland (we usually stay in apartments, as having small kid we value space...). In Poland, lots of places still don't give you those little things that make your stay more pleasant. They sometimes provide them on request.
I didn't see too much of difference in case of hotels, if anything, 3-4 star hotel in Poland will be slightly better than UK fro example.
what's "eastern style hotel" and how it differs from "western style hotel"
The main difference I found (mainly with private owned accommodation, not necessarily hotels) is that in "western style" accommodation you will have towels, toiletries, tea/coffee, hair dryer, iron etc (+ all, or at least most, utensils you need if renting apartment/ suite). I recently spent holidays in Poland (we usually stay in apartments, as having small kid we value space...). In Poland, lots of places still don't give you those little things that make your stay more pleasant. They sometimes provide them on request.
I didn't see too much of difference in case of hotels, if anything, 3-4 star hotel in Poland will be slightly better than UK fro example.
sa11y
5 Sep 2012
Law / Polish Contracts [6]
If they wish to sell you something tell them that you can't evaluate their proposal UNLESS they use English in communication with you. It has nothing to do with law, just plain common sense (regardless what law says).
they wish to sell me something
If they wish to sell you something tell them that you can't evaluate their proposal UNLESS they use English in communication with you. It has nothing to do with law, just plain common sense (regardless what law says).
sa11y
3 Sep 2012
News / 1.3% birth rate = Poland's slow death [221]
They definitely had better standard of living then they have now, that's for sure... I'm not supporting previous regime, but what happened there is a total and spectacular failure.
everyone there had a decent standard of living
They definitely had better standard of living then they have now, that's for sure... I'm not supporting previous regime, but what happened there is a total and spectacular failure.
sa11y
2 Sep 2012
USA, Canada / Who is better informed, the expat or the Polonia crowd? [144]
Tefl, like I said, it all depends how long the Pole has been living away and how long the expat has been living in Poland. For a period of time the both tend to live in a bubble, after that they live the life of the new country. That's talking from experience. I'm sure there are exceptions.
Tefl, like I said, it all depends how long the Pole has been living away and how long the expat has been living in Poland. For a period of time the both tend to live in a bubble, after that they live the life of the new country. That's talking from experience. I'm sure there are exceptions.
sa11y
2 Sep 2012
USA, Canada / Who is better informed, the expat or the Polonia crowd? [144]
I am an expat. Pole in South Africa. But i can assure everyone, that i don't hold monopoly for knowledge of what's going on in Poland. I'd like to, but i know that going on web to read news is not enough to stay in touch with all new developments. I'd only been living away from PL for 5 years. But this is long enough. So yes, i think that if you take an expat that lived in PL for 5 years vs. myself who lived outside for 5 years than expat will know more. But you have to consider "initiation period", for me it was 2-3 years, when although I lived in SA i was not really involved in what went on here. I think similar period will apply for expats in Poland, your first couple of years is exploring and enjoying, don't try to prove that you know more.
I am an expat. Pole in South Africa. But i can assure everyone, that i don't hold monopoly for knowledge of what's going on in Poland. I'd like to, but i know that going on web to read news is not enough to stay in touch with all new developments. I'd only been living away from PL for 5 years. But this is long enough. So yes, i think that if you take an expat that lived in PL for 5 years vs. myself who lived outside for 5 years than expat will know more. But you have to consider "initiation period", for me it was 2-3 years, when although I lived in SA i was not really involved in what went on here. I think similar period will apply for expats in Poland, your first couple of years is exploring and enjoying, don't try to prove that you know more.
sa11y
28 Aug 2012
Law / PESEL number form. Could you tell me what this means and what I need to fill in? [8]
I have no clue... If you are Polish citizen, this is given automatically. I think you need to ask at the place where you are applying.
1. Imiona Kolejne? - other names (if you have more than one name)
2. nazwisko rodowe? I found it means maiden name so I would think that my husband does not need to fill in anything here? - correct
3. kod teritorialny? - I think this is the post code, I never before saw this expression
I have no clue... If you are Polish citizen, this is given automatically. I think you need to ask at the place where you are applying.
1. Imiona Kolejne? - other names (if you have more than one name)
2. nazwisko rodowe? I found it means maiden name so I would think that my husband does not need to fill in anything here? - correct
3. kod teritorialny? - I think this is the post code, I never before saw this expression
sa11y
28 Aug 2012
Law / PESEL number form. Could you tell me what this means and what I need to fill in? [8]
It means that you have to show that you are entitled to and obliged to have PESEL (give the reference of the legal clause).
V. Podstawa prawna upovazniajaca numeru PESEL - wskazanie konkretnego przepisu, z ktorego wynika obowiazek posiadania numeru PESEL
It means that you have to show that you are entitled to and obliged to have PESEL (give the reference of the legal clause).
sa11y
24 Aug 2012
Law / HELP - Polish Tax on undeclared money from family [18]
I think the share agreement as Harry suggested is best option.
As to the value... I gave my mum around 50 000 (bit less), so unless you got from gran significantly more, I think it still falls in the same progression bracket.
she resently (>1 monthago) closed the sharres and transferred the money to her official bank account
I think the share agreement as Harry suggested is best option.
As to the value... I gave my mum around 50 000 (bit less), so unless you got from gran significantly more, I think it still falls in the same progression bracket.
sa11y
24 Aug 2012
UK, Ireland / Crap parenting in our UK youth today (in Poland it's a little better) [52]
But you don't need to smack child to teach them this. I smacked my 3 year old son on number of occasions, but I must admit that I got better results sending him to "naughty corner" or denying him toys for bad behavior.
The problem with smacking is that it helps the parent to vent off the anger rather than having effect of the child. The stronger the anger the stronger the slap. I'm no angel. I do get angry. Sometimes it results in a slap on my 3-year-old's bum. But I still don't support it.
The only reason I would smack my child would be to teach it what is wrong and what is right
But you don't need to smack child to teach them this. I smacked my 3 year old son on number of occasions, but I must admit that I got better results sending him to "naughty corner" or denying him toys for bad behavior.
The problem with smacking is that it helps the parent to vent off the anger rather than having effect of the child. The stronger the anger the stronger the slap. I'm no angel. I do get angry. Sometimes it results in a slap on my 3-year-old's bum. But I still don't support it.
sa11y
23 Aug 2012
Law / HELP - Polish Tax on undeclared money from family [18]
If Granny is still alive, then just ask her to "give it again" with current date... Then there will be no delay. I don't think there is any tax to be paid if "darowizna" because that's what it's called comes from close family member. I gave my mum some money recently to help her with out with buying a flat and it was all tax free. The declaration is only to make the money "legal".
The granny is still alive
If Granny is still alive, then just ask her to "give it again" with current date... Then there will be no delay. I don't think there is any tax to be paid if "darowizna" because that's what it's called comes from close family member. I gave my mum some money recently to help her with out with buying a flat and it was all tax free. The declaration is only to make the money "legal".
sa11y
22 Aug 2012
UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]
True - but that only means that you can't fairly compare the Germans or Dutch to Poles - because of the scale.
No, she is not.
But it's all a catch22.
There are two basic things that Polish people need to be able to do before they get accepted in any local circles.
First, a Polish person has to speak fairly good English before any English people will accept you. This is absolutely normal - I work with foreigners from all over the world and know how frustrating it can be to constantly make effort to understand someone and communicate with them.
Then, once they made some effort and learnt to communicate, they still have to have some money to socialize with the English (unfortunately lots of Polish people fail here, either due to fact that they earn less or due to their priorities).
Unfortunately - it takes time to learn English. Polish people have naturally low confidence level, so unless they are comfortable with their level of English, they stick to their own circles - which makes learning worse. In the end, they stop learning altogether and don't improve their communication, which in turn means that their English will not be good enough for English people to communicate with them fairly effortlessly (and those even stand a chance to be accepted). This means, that they will continue staying with their old circles, establishing Polish communities and kinder-gardens etc.
Many people went through the whole process and are now at different level. Possibly got married to English. Have good jobs. They might be a minority, but I wouldn't say a tiny minority.
Another thing - some people see UK only as a place of work, not home. They are there for a year or two and want to return home. Sometimes they don't, but UK is still not seen as home. This does not encourage integration.
Its a numbers game. If a similar number of Germans or Dutch entered the country, as the number of Poles, people would complain about them instead. Plus, a lot of Poles get marred to non EU citizens. Then the non EU citizen can bring its family over too. Thus, you get a double whammy.
True - but that only means that you can't fairly compare the Germans or Dutch to Poles - because of the scale.
Poor old Magdalena is a tiny minority arguing for the rest of the clan
No, she is not.
But it's all a catch22.
There are two basic things that Polish people need to be able to do before they get accepted in any local circles.
First, a Polish person has to speak fairly good English before any English people will accept you. This is absolutely normal - I work with foreigners from all over the world and know how frustrating it can be to constantly make effort to understand someone and communicate with them.
Then, once they made some effort and learnt to communicate, they still have to have some money to socialize with the English (unfortunately lots of Polish people fail here, either due to fact that they earn less or due to their priorities).
Unfortunately - it takes time to learn English. Polish people have naturally low confidence level, so unless they are comfortable with their level of English, they stick to their own circles - which makes learning worse. In the end, they stop learning altogether and don't improve their communication, which in turn means that their English will not be good enough for English people to communicate with them fairly effortlessly (and those even stand a chance to be accepted). This means, that they will continue staying with their old circles, establishing Polish communities and kinder-gardens etc.
Many people went through the whole process and are now at different level. Possibly got married to English. Have good jobs. They might be a minority, but I wouldn't say a tiny minority.
Another thing - some people see UK only as a place of work, not home. They are there for a year or two and want to return home. Sometimes they don't, but UK is still not seen as home. This does not encourage integration.
sa11y
21 Aug 2012
UK, Ireland / First proper "Polish" School in the UK - The Next Stage of Ghettoisation [283]
Maybe they found a bit more acceptance?
I've known Germans and Dutch who live here, integrated 100%
Maybe they found a bit more acceptance?
sa11y
16 Aug 2012
Real Estate / Buying an apartment in Poland or renting is better? [12]
The graph you are referring to actually does not seem to suggest that. Rather that they are reaching plateau. From what I remember from technical analysis after that they can go either way.
Remember - that situation on Polish market changed after accession to EU, which created increase in property price (given the time lag it takes to earn some money...)
I think that to have real comparison you have to look at specific standards and prices on European market. A nice, modern 2/3 bedroom apartment (let's say 75 sqm) will probably will probably cost similar in most European cities (OK, there might be certain level of differences between Paris, London and Warsaw, but the differences will be smaller when you look i.e at Berlin, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw). People that can afford more, will go for better standard, that's why properties in western countries are generally bigger. People that can afford less, will go for lower standard or smaller place. OK, this is going to create movement on the market, but long terms prices will equalize. The issue is - you can't look at historical prices and expect that prices will go down to the previous level. This will never happen. Property market changed in last 10 years and there is no going back, unless something very drastic happens.
The way I interpret this graph? I think prices might go down a bit more (not much) then stay there for a little while and start going up.
prices will go down for good while longer
The graph you are referring to actually does not seem to suggest that. Rather that they are reaching plateau. From what I remember from technical analysis after that they can go either way.
Remember - that situation on Polish market changed after accession to EU, which created increase in property price (given the time lag it takes to earn some money...)
I think that to have real comparison you have to look at specific standards and prices on European market. A nice, modern 2/3 bedroom apartment (let's say 75 sqm) will probably will probably cost similar in most European cities (OK, there might be certain level of differences between Paris, London and Warsaw, but the differences will be smaller when you look i.e at Berlin, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw). People that can afford more, will go for better standard, that's why properties in western countries are generally bigger. People that can afford less, will go for lower standard or smaller place. OK, this is going to create movement on the market, but long terms prices will equalize. The issue is - you can't look at historical prices and expect that prices will go down to the previous level. This will never happen. Property market changed in last 10 years and there is no going back, unless something very drastic happens.
The way I interpret this graph? I think prices might go down a bit more (not much) then stay there for a little while and start going up.
sa11y
15 Aug 2012
Love / Why can't a guy from a foreign country marry a girl from Poland ? [44]
Jeez - he sounds like a South African...
IT'S RACIST
Jeez - he sounds like a South African...
sa11y
14 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / Warsaw or New York? Where to work, raise a family, etc... [14]
I have exactly the same problem, both me and my husband have good jobs in SA, would love to move back to Poland, but we would be looking at salary cut...
MoOli - he will not be a regular teacher in regular school. I agree with Pip and Harry, if he can get a good job with one of the American schools, he can give it a try. He is actually in fortunate position, that he can do without speaking Polish if he does that.
in today’s economic climate (in the US and Poland) it is not easy to leave a well paying, secure job
I have exactly the same problem, both me and my husband have good jobs in SA, would love to move back to Poland, but we would be looking at salary cut...
if you plan to make a living teaching.
MoOli - he will not be a regular teacher in regular school. I agree with Pip and Harry, if he can get a good job with one of the American schools, he can give it a try. He is actually in fortunate position, that he can do without speaking Polish if he does that.
sa11y
14 Aug 2012
Law / Turkish citizen. Civil marriage in Poland - Urgent [25]
But why is it worse case? You are probably busy with work and stuff, but one gets married only once :) (at least in ideal world...)
Take some leave and enjoy the stay.
But why is it worse case? You are probably busy with work and stuff, but one gets married only once :) (at least in ideal world...)
Take some leave and enjoy the stay.
sa11y
14 Aug 2012
Law / Turkish citizen. Civil marriage in Poland - Urgent [25]
Yusuf - Turkey is not that far and there are plenty cheap flights.
Why don't you come twice, once to apply (you could probably fly back the same day) and then come second time to get married?
to stay 2 weeks at most
Yusuf - Turkey is not that far and there are plenty cheap flights.
Why don't you come twice, once to apply (you could probably fly back the same day) and then come second time to get married?
sa11y
11 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / American marrying Pole, then moving to the UK. Has anyone done this before? [13]
So can't he apply from Poland and go there on tourist visa? I don't know the process, so perhaps not, but if it takes long maybe this is an option?
So can't he apply from Poland and go there on tourist visa? I don't know the process, so perhaps not, but if it takes long maybe this is an option?
sa11y
10 Aug 2012
USA, Canada / American marrying Pole, then moving to the UK. Has anyone done this before? [13]
Can't he just go to UK as a tourist, marry in UK and then apply for family/spouse visa? Surely - being American he shouldn't have problems being let into the UK?
I don't think you'll even get the visa in the circumstances you describe
Can't he just go to UK as a tourist, marry in UK and then apply for family/spouse visa? Surely - being American he shouldn't have problems being let into the UK?
sa11y
23 Jul 2012
Life / Noisy kids every night. Police in Warsaw don't care.. [22]
Try a high pressure hose... Not much damage and hell of an inconvenience on a chilly night :)
Try a high pressure hose... Not much damage and hell of an inconvenience on a chilly night :)
sa11y
19 Jul 2012
Travel / Where we can enjoy rock climbing in Poland? [11]
mochadot18
Yes, try to google Ścianka + wspinanie, you should have few hits. There are quite a few in Warsaw, not sure about other places
mochadot18
Yes, try to google Ścianka + wspinanie, you should have few hits. There are quite a few in Warsaw, not sure about other places
sa11y
19 Jul 2012
UK, Ireland / Polish woman living in England is moving back to Poland. How much money do I need? [87]
Agree - besides, the owner may have asked her to work 4-5 hours only and do as much as she can in this time. If house is cleaned regularly - it is enough to keep it that way, especially if occupants are at work most of the day and there are no children.
But to say that a 4-5 hour cleaning is something as small as 150 sq m is shoddy is very imcorrect and rude
Agree - besides, the owner may have asked her to work 4-5 hours only and do as much as she can in this time. If house is cleaned regularly - it is enough to keep it that way, especially if occupants are at work most of the day and there are no children.
sa11y
18 Jul 2012
UK, Ireland / Polish woman living in England is moving back to Poland. How much money do I need? [87]
I wouldn't call living on 2000 with 2 kids good - more like basic.
You will probably spend 1200-1500 on groceries, then 300 on utilities, that only leaves 200 - 500 on clothes, books, holidays and any occasional expenditure.
That's basic, not good...
live good wit 2000 a month
I wouldn't call living on 2000 with 2 kids good - more like basic.
You will probably spend 1200-1500 on groceries, then 300 on utilities, that only leaves 200 - 500 on clothes, books, holidays and any occasional expenditure.
That's basic, not good...
sa11y
17 Jul 2012
UK, Ireland / Polish woman living in England is moving back to Poland. How much money do I need? [87]
How long have you lived outside Poland? Don't you have any family there to tell you?
This forum is full of expats and people of Polish origin that never lived in Poland for prolonged time - so you will probably get very wide range...
How much would i need to live on each month for me and my children?
How long have you lived outside Poland? Don't you have any family there to tell you?
This forum is full of expats and people of Polish origin that never lived in Poland for prolonged time - so you will probably get very wide range...
sa11y
17 Jul 2012
Language / Verb Aspect: Dawać vs Dać [17]
dac = to give
dawac = to be giving (continuously for a period of time), in Polish only has past or future, present is "daje" ("dawaje" does not exist)
dam - I will give
bede dawal - I will be giving
Pan dal vs. Pan dawal is same thing, but relating to the past.
What are you translating - Bible or something???
dac = to give
dawac = to be giving (continuously for a period of time), in Polish only has past or future, present is "daje" ("dawaje" does not exist)
dam - I will give
bede dawal - I will be giving
Pan dal vs. Pan dawal is same thing, but relating to the past.
What are you translating - Bible or something???
sa11y
14 Jul 2012
UK, Ireland / Renewing passports for children? We are back in the UK. [17]
Avalon, the rules must have changed, my son was born in South Africa, his dad is British, there was absolutely no issues, we both had to sign document that we agree that our child gets British passport, then his dad had to give his birth certificate along with the application. It took about 4 weeks.
Avalon, the rules must have changed, my son was born in South Africa, his dad is British, there was absolutely no issues, we both had to sign document that we agree that our child gets British passport, then his dad had to give his birth certificate along with the application. It took about 4 weeks.
sa11y
12 Jul 2012
Love / Polish wife is threatening me to pay child support 1000zl per month. [40]
Ant, that too, but mostly Polish family courts will support the mother. They have history of that.
Ant, that too, but mostly Polish family courts will support the mother. They have history of that.
sa11y
12 Jul 2012
Love / Polish wife is threatening me to pay child support 1000zl per month. [40]
If could afford a barge of good lawyers , he wouldn't be here asking for advice how to avoid payment of what seems a reasonable amount IF you have a job that pays more than average salary. I'm not saying this amount is fair for him, but it's not a big amount of money. Chances are that if this goes to court in Poland he may be ordered more based on potential, not actual earnings.
If could afford a barge of good lawyers , he wouldn't be here asking for advice how to avoid payment of what seems a reasonable amount IF you have a job that pays more than average salary. I'm not saying this amount is fair for him, but it's not a big amount of money. Chances are that if this goes to court in Poland he may be ordered more based on potential, not actual earnings.