Life / Cost of raising a child in Poland [21]

we have had two girls go through Polish preschools. We haven't paid over 1000 pln per month for either of them, including meals --we live in Warsaw.

Travel / Souvenirs in Krakow/Katowice? [15]


you are a stupid dum bass.
Of course you don't know because you don't actually live here.
It is possible to get a simple silver with amber necklace for under 100 pln.
It is possible to buy an amber necklace on string for under 20 pln.
it is possible to get inexpensive wooden boxes.
large wooden carvings are obviously more expensive than smaller ones. it depends on the simplicity of it.
a chess set is going to be more expensive buy you can find a small wooden carved one for under 50 pln.

like I posted previously, wait till the Sukienicce. It has everything at a variety of price points.

perhaps you have never been there. you don't live here- so how would you actually know how much things cost in Krakow old town. wait, your sisters nephews uncles brother from Kielce told you?

Work / Jobs for non Polish speakers? [24]

hmm....interesting, I can't remember what I wrote.

But, advertising is huge here- there are loads of businesses that do this sort of thing. Advertising is everywhere- sides of buildings, on taxis- in the middle of a farmers field, on peoples fences.

It gives me a headache because I read everything- I can't stop.
Perhaps your best bet is to start with some of the big name agencies that have offices in Poland and go from there- once that is determined, send out your c.v. with the hopes of being relocated to Poland.

You would have a different salary then that of a local.

Travel / Souvenirs in Krakow/Katowice? [15]

smoking will kill you- don't waste your money.

seriously, if you hold out till Krakow and go to the Sukienicce you will have no problem staying within your budget. There are loads of Polish handicrafts, amber, wood carvings- and at a variety of price point. don't worry- you will find something.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

but don't you also think that a lot of people in the service/retail industry have to do this work- I mean, who wants to be a cashier--unless it is your first job or an older person that uses it to supplement their income. The group in between are the nastiest bunch of bitties- but they have to do the job because they don't have skills for anything else.

I did my time working service and fast food. I new it was a stepping stone and a temporary job- imagine working at McDonalds when you are 35?? I would be crabby too.

Travel / Souvenirs in Krakow/Katowice? [15]

those of us who live here can actually give you better advice. In Krakow at the Sukenice you will be able to find everything you are looking for within your budget. Where exactly are you going?

Don't souvenir shop in Warsaw. There is nothing except in the old town and it is expensive. If you can wait til Krakow- you will have good luck there.

sorry, just re read your title- you won't be in Warsaw so never mind.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

sorry but foreigners do not rub in the face of Poles how much money they earn. Poles rub it in the face of fellow Poles. You see more Poles with big suv's and name brand clothing and all done up- compared to the foreigners who work here, who keep a relatively low profile.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

As for the other posters that bragged about getting people fired, or complained that people they've encountered in the "service industry" were not nice enough, I would like to remind them that although those people do indeed work in the "service industry" they are not thereby your personal servants. I hope that Poles in the service sector never become the fawning sycophantic slaves that bossy Western douchebags expect them to be.

back it up. if you encountered at least half of the rudeness in your sunny California that exists in Poland- then perhaps your comment might be valid. However, in the service/retail industry- the job is customer service- plain and simple. This is the job. It doesn't have anything to do with being "nice enough" it is the job.

Last month I was in Tesco. There was an elderly couple asking a cashier about a piece of child's clothing- I think it was on sale. This cashier started screaming at them. I don't mean raising her voice- I mean screaming. It was embarrassing. I didn't say anything because clearly this woman was not stable. My husband would have said something- but he wasn't with me at the time--he calls people on their rude behaviour all the time.

The point is- they are not meant to be personal servants- I don't really know how you would say that, but people in the service industry need to have a friendly disposition. Should you tip a waiter that is rude or gives you crap service? same thing. It doesn't have anything to do with being a "sycophantic slave"--it is the job, plain and simple- if you don't like the job than change it.

but then again, you don't live here- do you? so how would you know what customer service is really like.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

and newly botoxed lips.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

exactly. If you can't be bothered to smile or acknowledge a person then get your ass out of retail.....there is probably a position in the poczta just waiting for you.

I got incredibly nasty service from some cow at the era office. The only reason I didn't call was because she was about 7 months pregnant.

Law / How do you get your Polish passport if you live in Poland? [17]

That process that you have just listed is pretty much standard- you won't find it easier in Poland or New Zealand. The entire process is a hassle. But- from my own experience- I have two daughters, one born in Canada and one born in Poland- dealing with everything in Canada was far easier. What happens if you get to Poland and they say you need a document like a marriage certificate or something like that- you are screwed. Not to mention the line ups in Poland. I imagine the office in New Zealand is not busting at the seams with people trying to get Polish passports.

The longest part of the whole situation was the wait to have the passport processed in Poland then sent back to Canada....but not having to deal with Polish

bureaucracy is far worth it.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

what is funny is that my husband has actually called a head office of the company where he had a run in with a b*tchy sales person. He has also taken down a license plate of a total a-hole driver with company car and called his head office and reported him for crazy driving in a residential area.

If nobody is held accountable for their behaviour then nothing is done- however, if you make a phone- typically, people will do something about it.

Language / Would you find this way of presenting a language useful or confusing? [11]

many of these are idioms, no? even slang? perhaps (maybe I didn't see it) you could give a definition or a comparison of how they would be used in English?

I think it is pretty interesting- it is not for beginners though.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

there is no way I could ever answer that question- it is far more complicated than anyone could imagine. I would think it has something to do with the amount of people in these countries. Those in power have too much power and no respect for human life. You don't see many people immigrate from Africa then after a few years return--much like Polonia. I used to have a friend from South Africa. She was white Afrikaner. She immigrated to Canada and never went back. The divide between rich and poor is massive. There is no infrastructure. The land is gorgeous and the people are friendly- but it is not safe by any means. whites do not take buses- they are only for the blacks. The whites carpool- it is the strangest thing.

Another answer is that Western influence/disturbance/manipulation is ensuring they never form effective communities and certainly never harvest to their maximum potential the resources they were born into.

I also totally agree with this. The western world would never allow this turn of power.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]

totally agree. I think that many who open businesses think they can hire some knob to sit at the cash all day while they vacay in Spain. Marks and Sparks has always been great, the same with Peek and Cloopenburg and many other foreign businesses.

It will come though. Poland is 20 years behind thanks to communism but it will get there.

Life / Poznaniak = Tightwad? [8]


you are probably right. nothing worse than blokersi with money. this is my husband opinion- not mine.

Life / Have many Poles had enough of one another? [198]


exactly- unless they are taught otherwise- something which is the norm in foreign businesses(except any grocery store)--but not so much here. But, that said, there are a few Polish companies, such as Reserved, CCC, Royal Collection and Ginno Rossi- which are not bad. Almi Decor is also a Polish company but it is a joke--the staff that work there are only concerned with decorating the store- customers are bothersome.

Life / Poznaniak = Tightwad? [8]

tightwad? I don't think so. However, my husband who is from Sopot has said that Poles from Poznan are the worst at flaunting their money.

USA, Canada / Canada born - Mother born in Poland; trying to apply for Polish passport [7]

your mother should have her immigration documents and all other info when she arrived to Canada- there needs to be clarification made before you can go further. It can be done but it is a hassle more than anything.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

I mean the basics. I am assuming that many that want to immigrate from countries in Africa or other 3rd world countries- would like to be able to work, live in a nice house, have the opportunity to go to school and raise their families without having to worry that they might get killed.

I know when people immigrate to Canada from these countries- they are helped out- language school, gov't housing- things of this nature with the hopes of them being able to function in society.

I remember a few years ago when Poland and Czech no longer required a visa to get into Canada there was a big problem because many Gypsies immigrated--and because of their non existent work ethic they sucked the system for a very long time. I haven't heard much lately- because I live in Poland but it seems to me Canada was attempting to deport them back.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]


I think you are quite accurate, unfortunately. However- it is not standard. Most want to do well in their host country- but there will always be the exception that brings down the whole group.

Law / How do you get your Polish passport if you live in Poland? [17]


I believe that they have become less strict about this for Polonia. My husband has never had a problem. However, do as much as you can in New Zealand. It will make your life so much easier.

In Canada after our daughter was born we went to the consulate and filled out paper work -we had no hassles what so ever. We just had to wait for the passport to be made in Poland and sent to Canada.

Filling out paper work in New Zealand is no big deal. Doing it here is too much hassle and agro

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

Personally, I don't think multiculturalism works in European countries. They are expected to adapt to the host nations way of life. One only has to look to Germany and the Turkish guest workers to see how this has worked. However, that said, it really pisses me off when Poles immigrate to another country, keep ties to Poland and then are up in arms when immigrants move to Poland.

There are enough Vietnamese living in Poland that there is now a Lot flight to Hanoi twice a week. My daughters best friend is Vietnamese born in Poland. They are not sucking the system. They own their own business- enough so that they have two kids in private school. They speak the language- but because of the obvious physical differences they will never be accepted as Poles. They don't live in a "vietnamese ghetto" - by this I mean an area with many Vietnamese.

Vietnamese have not come to Poland to steal jobs from the locals- they work hard, educate themselves, learn the language and contribute to society.
I am more concerned how Walmart is going to destroy Poland when it opens its doors here.

USA, Canada / Canada born - Mother born in Poland; trying to apply for Polish passport [7]

you should make the drive to Ottawa, call first of course. I have never had a problem with them. My eldest was born in Ottawa and has dual citizenship- we never had any issues. Call and see if it is possible to get a passport from the Ottawa office- maybe something like you are living there for a few months....but it may not be possible because of residing in Quebec- but honestly it is worth the hassle to save yourself the agro of dealing with those people.

Here in Poland, after my youngest was born, we went through the same process- with more difficulty around the Polish passport. My daughters picture is of when she was a newborn- she is now six. I actually got a hassle at customs in Poland because of her photo. How this is my fault I have no idea- don't issue a passport for 7 years if the applicant is a newborn.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

the document expires, it is a huge hassle and complete total waste of time- not to mention a pain in the ass.

I also pay taxes here as I own my own business. I have a say- I am not Polish- I will never be, but I am cool with that.

so if you paid taxes last friday- you have an income in Poland and one in the U.S? You are exactly my point. The day you move back to Poland and actually live here- is the day you have a right to criticize me- at this moment you have been trumped.

just for clarification. Muslims in Poland are a small population. Muslims in U.S are large.
Poland is a country of one culture. U.S has every culture.
Poland doesn't need to accomodate muslims because they assimilate here. They don't in the U.S because the gov't says they don't have to.

do yourself a favour and stop reading and watching fox news. It is nothing more than propoganda bullshit created by the right wing.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]


yes I am. I also have permanent residency status and when this expires I am going for full citizenship. My kids have dual as does my husband. So, I actually do have the right to comment.

perhaps you should stop watching fox news and actually educate yourself on what you hate so much that way you don't look like such an idiot.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]


we are not dealing with small numbers here. Poles have immigrated literally everywhere and they still keep ties to the motherland. My inlaws own a house in Canada and a house in Poland. They will never sell either- Poles don't get to double dip and then deny foreigners to their country.

What if the U.K decides they have had enough and want all Poles out- yet British that live in Poland are allowed to stay. If Poles actually stayed in the country that they immigrated to then I would agree with you, however, it seems that all Poles want to come back.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

Look,I live in the US and today is a big catholic holiday,day off in Poland,but I would never demand the right to have a day off here because they don't practice it here.

And the god damn Muslims demand from us to accept and acomodate all of their antics.

that is complete and utter bullshit that fox news is telling you.

today is also Dzien wolskij Polskiego and my house has a flag in the front of it- not for religion but for war.

America is not a Catholic country- it is a country full of immigrants all with equal rights- founded by those of different religious backgrounds. It is only modern day that religious freaks beit catholic, muslim or jewish are fighting for equal rights. Don't think for one second that this is just a muslim thing. If you are so anti recognition then take away the recognition of jewish holiday- but we all know that is not possible because the jews run the gov't, big business and hollywood.

Radio maryja is a freaking joke,
To you it may be a freaking joke but to many Polish people (I personally don't give a ****) it's very important and if you want to live in Poland you better be tolerant and accept that.

I am tolerant and accept it, however, many tax paying, society contributing Poles do not. Radio Maryja targets the elderly and the poor and those in small towns and villages. They are smart- but they don't have a lot of weight in Poland.

Just for the record, I have lived in Warsaw for 9 years.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

ok- wait a second, where in the world has any muslim culture decided that their host country should adapt their religion and dress code? Am I missing something?

Bend over to their rules? There is some truth in that as some areas have actually been taken over by minority groups. It is a disgrace for people who were raised in a given area to go back there later in their life, only to find that some brudasy (I use this word only because of the hostile reception afforded to those that go back to their own back yards) are ruling the roost and personally barring them. It happens, believe me. I'm not being racist here, it's just the truth in some parts.

where exactly?
I would be more concerned with groups of blokersi football hooligans than a minority.

We had multicultural society. It ended with massacres like these in Wołyń. Nobody has right to teach Poland about minorities, maybe except Copts and Amerindians

what you are talking about is not current. Polish immigration exists today- people are still immigrating from Poland to other countries. The day this stops is the day Poland has the right to refuse immigrants.

News / Multi-culti (in Poland) -- roadmap to disaster? [344]

I have yet to see any foreigner in Poland try to change any language, cultural or religious part of the country. They come here, they learn the language and they contribute to society.

Vietnamese do it very well.
So- your argument seems to be full of sh*t. Where do you live again? the states?

Poles change the language themselves.--how many English words are now common in Polish.
Poles changes the culture all on their own. Treat or treating is now normal.
Poles change the religion on their own. Radio maryja is a freaking joke, not to mention the new buddhism that is quite popular here with Poles.

and if you think that Arabs or Muslims want to convert Poland- you are stupider than you sound. They just want to live in peace like everyone else.

Which Polish king let muslims into Poland?

do yourself a favour and read this article planetaislam.com/poland/report.html
it tells you everything about muslims in poland- not the fox news propaganda that so many follow like sheep.