pip
23 Nov 2012
Food / How common GMO Food in Poland is? [25]
yes, and the Germans
I have a feeling the Americans are to blame for this this. They're big proponents of GMO crops.
yes, and the Germans
pip
21 Nov 2012
Life / Christmas in Poland - commercial, religious, family get together or what? [23]
Poland is just as commercial as any other country- Last Christmas played on the radio in October. I haven't been to a mall in a while but no doubt the decorations are out.
In my world Christmas is about family, because I am an athiest, and all our family lives in Canada, so I quite enjoy our Polish Canadian xmas.
Poland is just as commercial as any other country- Last Christmas played on the radio in October. I haven't been to a mall in a while but no doubt the decorations are out.
In my world Christmas is about family, because I am an athiest, and all our family lives in Canada, so I quite enjoy our Polish Canadian xmas.
pip
18 Nov 2012
Life / Czas honoru (Time of honoru) TV serial [38]
but what exactly is wrong with a fictional drama in wartime setting? It is a huge part of Polish history- doesn't matter if it is true or not---and so much better than watching a stupid B grade tv programme with a lektor giving inaccurate monologue.
There is not a lot of good Polish tv. From what I hear this is good- who cares if it is accurate or not. It is just entertainment.
but what exactly is wrong with a fictional drama in wartime setting? It is a huge part of Polish history- doesn't matter if it is true or not---and so much better than watching a stupid B grade tv programme with a lektor giving inaccurate monologue.
There is not a lot of good Polish tv. From what I hear this is good- who cares if it is accurate or not. It is just entertainment.
pip
18 Nov 2012
Life / Czas honoru (Time of honoru) TV serial [38]
my husband and his father are both obsessed with this show. I don't really watch tv and this topic doesn't interest me but I hear that it is well done. I prefer Downton Abbey. That is my thing.
my husband and his father are both obsessed with this show. I don't really watch tv and this topic doesn't interest me but I hear that it is well done. I prefer Downton Abbey. That is my thing.
pip
16 Nov 2012
Genealogy / Help finding siblings after adoption from Warsaw orphanage [7]
I agree- be careful but her situation is not the same as yours.
I agree- be careful but her situation is not the same as yours.
pip
15 Nov 2012
Food / Canned pumpkin in Warsaw? [9]
me too! Honestly, I have looked everywhere- no luck. but this is one of the good things about living in Poland- going back to basics with food preparation--my eating habits have gotten 100% better.
me too! Honestly, I have looked everywhere- no luck. but this is one of the good things about living in Poland- going back to basics with food preparation--my eating habits have gotten 100% better.
pip
15 Nov 2012
Food / Canned pumpkin in Warsaw? [9]
there is pumpkin cubes in a jar. not the same thing- don't buy it. my guess is that you are trying to make pumpkin pie for American thanksgiving?
there is pumpkin cubes in a jar. not the same thing- don't buy it. my guess is that you are trying to make pumpkin pie for American thanksgiving?
pip
15 Nov 2012
Food / Canned pumpkin in Warsaw? [9]
I have yet to find canned pumpkin and I have actually looked for it. your best bet is to buy a pumpkin and roast it yourself. it is actually quite easy and it tastes much better than canned. But if you do find it, come back and say where...I use it too.
I have yet to find canned pumpkin and I have actually looked for it. your best bet is to buy a pumpkin and roast it yourself. it is actually quite easy and it tastes much better than canned. But if you do find it, come back and say where...I use it too.
pip
14 Nov 2012
Travel / Restaurant reviews in Poland. [86]
Gessler has gone a bit crazy but at least the food is good.
Gessler has gone a bit crazy but at least the food is good.
pip
11 Nov 2012
News / Polish things marketing turnoffs? [12]
I don't know enough about them. The designs of some of their products are stunning but I can't account for the quality.
I know that many people love Boleslawiec and it does have a good reputation for quality. Same with Polish linen. I have had so many people contact me from abroad asking about Polish linen.
pip: I don't have a problem buying Polish if it is a good product.
I don't know enough about them. The designs of some of their products are stunning but I can't account for the quality.
I know that many people love Boleslawiec and it does have a good reputation for quality. Same with Polish linen. I have had so many people contact me from abroad asking about Polish linen.
pip
10 Nov 2012
Life / Why Radosław, not Czesław? [34]
I don't think it has anything to do with outside cultures. It seems to happen in all cultures. There are trends in names. Some are really stupid trends. My kids have atypical Polish names. Not popular or trendy.....yet. But because we are a two culture family we wanted names that would be the same in both Polish and English.
In fact, when my husband went to register my daughter after she was born- the woman that worked in the office told my husband she didn't like my daughter's name. I can't even imagine somebody saying this to me.
Personally I like interesting names. Seriously, for teachers it must be a nightmare having 8 Asia's in one classroom.
Poland becomes more and more influenced by outside cultures
I don't think it has anything to do with outside cultures. It seems to happen in all cultures. There are trends in names. Some are really stupid trends. My kids have atypical Polish names. Not popular or trendy.....yet. But because we are a two culture family we wanted names that would be the same in both Polish and English.
In fact, when my husband went to register my daughter after she was born- the woman that worked in the office told my husband she didn't like my daughter's name. I can't even imagine somebody saying this to me.
Personally I like interesting names. Seriously, for teachers it must be a nightmare having 8 Asia's in one classroom.
pip
10 Nov 2012
News / Polish things marketing turnoffs? [12]
when it comes to fitting out a home why buy cheaper quality products made in Poland when you can buy better products from Germany or any other European country. If of course they are actually manufactured there.
Personally, I don't buy or recommend exotic woods- everything is native to Europe. I don't have a problem buying Polish if it is a good product. For example, Kolo makes really good products --they also make the more expensive Keramag. But I have been quite happy with them.
And then of course you will always meet people who will never accept that Poland makes good products- and they typically have envy of other countries anyway and nothing will change their minds.
when it comes to fitting out a home why buy cheaper quality products made in Poland when you can buy better products from Germany or any other European country. If of course they are actually manufactured there.
Personally, I don't buy or recommend exotic woods- everything is native to Europe. I don't have a problem buying Polish if it is a good product. For example, Kolo makes really good products --they also make the more expensive Keramag. But I have been quite happy with them.
And then of course you will always meet people who will never accept that Poland makes good products- and they typically have envy of other countries anyway and nothing will change their minds.
pip
8 Nov 2012
UK, Ireland / Canada targets UK Poles to fill labour shortage [19]
they do. absolutely they do. but it has been my experience in the Polish community that they really want to do well in Canada. Canada for many Poles is like the promised land- so they try harder. And I am sure the distance has a lot to do with it. If you fail in the U.K. you can still get a cheap flight home or bus. The cost of getting to Canada is so much more expensive so those that go- try their hardest to do well.
I would say most of my husbands Polish friend that live in Canada are doing well for themselves. None of them are milking the system- except one but he has mental issues.
It doesn't make sense for Poles to come over, work or milk the system for a certain amount of time because they won't be able to save up the cost of the flight- like they can in U.K.
Of course this is a generalization and of course this is just my experience. but welfare income in Canada is below the poverty line- so you don't really get to do much but exist.
they do. absolutely they do. but it has been my experience in the Polish community that they really want to do well in Canada. Canada for many Poles is like the promised land- so they try harder. And I am sure the distance has a lot to do with it. If you fail in the U.K. you can still get a cheap flight home or bus. The cost of getting to Canada is so much more expensive so those that go- try their hardest to do well.
I would say most of my husbands Polish friend that live in Canada are doing well for themselves. None of them are milking the system- except one but he has mental issues.
It doesn't make sense for Poles to come over, work or milk the system for a certain amount of time because they won't be able to save up the cost of the flight- like they can in U.K.
Of course this is a generalization and of course this is just my experience. but welfare income in Canada is below the poverty line- so you don't really get to do much but exist.
pip
7 Nov 2012
pip
7 Nov 2012
UK, Ireland / Canada targets UK Poles to fill labour shortage [19]
If you are a skilled labourer you can make good money. Particularly in the housing sector. The key is where to live. Toronto is a drag- it is too big and past the city of Toronto it is just one suburb after another.
Some smaller towns and cities may prove better for those who want to immigrate and not move into a Polish ghetto- like Toronto has.
you can make good money here but it isnt easy money mining and rig jobs bring huge pay checks but they also bring extensive labour and dangerous work conditions nothing easy there.
If you are a skilled labourer you can make good money. Particularly in the housing sector. The key is where to live. Toronto is a drag- it is too big and past the city of Toronto it is just one suburb after another.
Some smaller towns and cities may prove better for those who want to immigrate and not move into a Polish ghetto- like Toronto has.
pip
7 Nov 2012
Real Estate / Help need for choosing a neighbourhood in Warsaw [12]
if you have to choose between Powisle and Saska kepa- take Powisle. You will really enjoy it.
if you have to choose between Powisle and Saska kepa- take Powisle. You will really enjoy it.
pip
7 Nov 2012
Real Estate / Help need for choosing a neighbourhood in Warsaw [12]
Powisle is perfect. It really is. Close to everything great about Warsaw. No big box shops but loads of small independent shops where people can still get everything they need. nice coffee shops- I would live there in a heartbeat.
Powisle is perfect. It really is. Close to everything great about Warsaw. No big box shops but loads of small independent shops where people can still get everything they need. nice coffee shops- I would live there in a heartbeat.
pip
6 Nov 2012
Work / Looking To Move To Poland Within The Near Future. Teaching English or IT? [18]
do yourself a favour and go back to school. figure out what it is you like to do. really think hard. It took me a while but I got there. You don't want to be scraping by when you are 38- you should be settled by then. You are young enough to go back to school, find something you like and then move to Poland.
you don't want to be broke here. it is unforgiving and there are loads of people in the same position already here.
get the education first. or save enough money to open a business doing something you like.
do yourself a favour and go back to school. figure out what it is you like to do. really think hard. It took me a while but I got there. You don't want to be scraping by when you are 38- you should be settled by then. You are young enough to go back to school, find something you like and then move to Poland.
you don't want to be broke here. it is unforgiving and there are loads of people in the same position already here.
get the education first. or save enough money to open a business doing something you like.
pip
6 Nov 2012
Real Estate / Help need for choosing a neighbourhood in Warsaw [12]
Targowek is primarily a new area- lots of new modern flats there. Saska kepa is nice but more expensive-- everything really depends on your budget. Saska Kepa is more interesting, more artsy and a nice place where targowek is just flats and a big shopping centre. There is more to Poland than Ikea and hyper consumerism.
Targowek is primarily a new area- lots of new modern flats there. Saska kepa is nice but more expensive-- everything really depends on your budget. Saska Kepa is more interesting, more artsy and a nice place where targowek is just flats and a big shopping centre. There is more to Poland than Ikea and hyper consumerism.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Life / Abrupt Poles explained ! [51]
.
but the asking a question in that method is typically British. North American English is not usually spoken in this manner.
'excuse me you wouldn't know the way to amarillo by any chance would you?' - insane
.
but the asking a question in that method is typically British. North American English is not usually spoken in this manner.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Life / Abrupt Poles explained ! [51]
It actually isn't. Languages that have gutteral speech sounds, or sounds that come from the back of the throat are considered harsh. German, Dutch, Danish, Arabic, etc.
French is actually considered gutteral but it is highly rhythmic so it doesn't sound as harsh.
Polish is not considered gutteral. I don't think it is the language or sounds of the words but rather the delivery. And this is learned.
It's all to your personal taste, and nothing more.
It actually isn't. Languages that have gutteral speech sounds, or sounds that come from the back of the throat are considered harsh. German, Dutch, Danish, Arabic, etc.
French is actually considered gutteral but it is highly rhythmic so it doesn't sound as harsh.
Polish is not considered gutteral. I don't think it is the language or sounds of the words but rather the delivery. And this is learned.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Life / Abrupt Poles explained ! [51]
let's see. I will ask my native speaker husband if he thinks the language is rude and abrupt. And then I will ask my native speaker children.
Actually, I don't need to. I already know the answer.
no matter what I write you will disagree with me and that is fine. I am not going to change my mind based on your words. 11 years of living in Poland, speaking Polish, dealing with Polish people on a daily basis has formed my opinion.
Actually, I do understand quite a bit about foreign languages. Sadly, my French has fallen aside since learning Polish, however, I am not unilingual.
Spoken Polish often sounds rude, harsh and abrupt. This is a fact. It is not just my opinion. But don't worry, you are not alone. There are other harsh sounding languages.
yes, I often get compliments how well mannered and polite my kids are.
let's see. I will ask my native speaker husband if he thinks the language is rude and abrupt. And then I will ask my native speaker children.
Actually, I don't need to. I already know the answer.
no matter what I write you will disagree with me and that is fine. I am not going to change my mind based on your words. 11 years of living in Poland, speaking Polish, dealing with Polish people on a daily basis has formed my opinion.
Actually, I do understand quite a bit about foreign languages. Sadly, my French has fallen aside since learning Polish, however, I am not unilingual.
Spoken Polish often sounds rude, harsh and abrupt. This is a fact. It is not just my opinion. But don't worry, you are not alone. There are other harsh sounding languages.
Which means that you and your children do not speak Polish like true native speakers... You must have transferred your non-native intonation to your children...
yes, I often get compliments how well mannered and polite my kids are.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Life / Abrupt Poles explained ! [51]
language is learned- not something you are born with, agreed? and language has many components to it besides the written word.
how do we learn language?
primarily, from birth, we learn a language from our parents or primary caregivers.
so those teaching the language are not teaching proper components to it.
I speak Polish. My intonation is different than a native speaker. Same with my kids, who are completely bilingual- they do not have the same abruptness in their language.
language is learned- not something you are born with, agreed? and language has many components to it besides the written word.
how do we learn language?
primarily, from birth, we learn a language from our parents or primary caregivers.
so those teaching the language are not teaching proper components to it.
I speak Polish. My intonation is different than a native speaker. Same with my kids, who are completely bilingual- they do not have the same abruptness in their language.
pip
5 Nov 2012
UK, Ireland / Canada targets UK Poles to fill labour shortage [19]
I have a friend who is a rig pig in fort mcmurry. he makes bank. Labourers in Canada, generally speaking make good money.
Mining is huge oil rigs are better a young man can make a fortune doing that...
I have a friend who is a rig pig in fort mcmurry. he makes bank. Labourers in Canada, generally speaking make good money.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Life / Abrupt Poles explained ! [51]
oh please. semantics. I will clarify. the spoken language is often rude.
and appropriate intonation is something taught - so those doing the teaching are clearly not doing the job if so many get it wrong.
No, there is not. A language cannot be "rude" or "nice". It's how you use it. The Polish "abrupt" manner is made polite by other factors, such as appropriate intonation, vocabulary, or grammatical structures.
oh please. semantics. I will clarify. the spoken language is often rude.
and appropriate intonation is something taught - so those doing the teaching are clearly not doing the job if so many get it wrong.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Language / Beginner learner of Polish having trouble with nouns - they change as well as numbers? [27]
jestem dogiem.
you forgot the i.
jestem dogiem.
you forgot the i.
pip
5 Nov 2012
Life / Abrupt Poles explained ! [51]
perhaps, but there is a certain abruptness even rudeness in the language.
Poles hate being taught the skill of Indirect Questions, which has been a staple of EFL courses for as long as I've been teaching.
perhaps, but there is a certain abruptness even rudeness in the language.
pip
1 Nov 2012
History / Looking for This Photo of Main Street Warsaw WW2 [7]
I saw this yesterday
It is amazing the quality of these photos.
I saw this yesterday
It is amazing the quality of these photos.
pip
29 Oct 2012
USA, Canada / Emigrate from the USA - the sequence of events [207]
for every person you find who wants to live in the states you will find an equal number of those who want to return to Poland. big surprise and proves nothing.
for every person you find who wants to live in the states you will find an equal number of those who want to return to Poland. big surprise and proves nothing.
pip
29 Oct 2012
USA, Canada / Emigrate from the USA - the sequence of events [207]
- whoever wants to post a link about Obamas failures- please make sure you include one to his successes, it is only fair. mitt romney is a business man. taking care of millions of dollars is much different than taking care of millions of people.
As for why I think romney is an idiot- for starters the airplane statement....
strapping his dog to the roof of his car.
lying that his father marched with Martin Luther King- got outted for that one.
he is not concerned about the poor because "there is a safety net there"
"corporations are people"
of course the 47% that he insulted
when he was governor of Mass. he fought for healthcare- now he is fighting against it.
there is so much stuff out there it is mindboggling.
- whoever wants to post a link about Obamas failures- please make sure you include one to his successes, it is only fair. mitt romney is a business man. taking care of millions of dollars is much different than taking care of millions of people.
As for why I think romney is an idiot- for starters the airplane statement....
strapping his dog to the roof of his car.
lying that his father marched with Martin Luther King- got outted for that one.
he is not concerned about the poor because "there is a safety net there"
"corporations are people"
of course the 47% that he insulted
when he was governor of Mass. he fought for healthcare- now he is fighting against it.
there is so much stuff out there it is mindboggling.