JonnyM
1 Apr 2011
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
Why's that?
Why's that?
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
That's true. The back streets of Ostrava, Stalowa Wola or Debrecen need care, and more so if you're black. Visitors are usually welcomed in Warsaw, once they get used to the strange locals. I notice that in Lodi, foreign visitors are rarer than they used to be - maybe because the zloty is strong, or perhaps the days of the ducks' regime made it kinda exciting?
Guys, I'm sorry, but a number of Eastern European states have a reputation as not particularly friendly for dark skinned people. IMO that's very 1990's, but the reputation is still there, people will ask questions.
That's true. The back streets of Ostrava, Stalowa Wola or Debrecen need care, and more so if you're black. Visitors are usually welcomed in Warsaw, once they get used to the strange locals. I notice that in Lodi, foreign visitors are rarer than they used to be - maybe because the zloty is strong, or perhaps the days of the ducks' regime made it kinda exciting?
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
Definitely. Depends who you consider 'oldies' too - most of the clientele are 30 plus, but not all. Whereas in somewhere like Glam, a 25 year old would feel old. The other two places can fill up with kids too. Lodi tends to get friendlier at the weekend, and there are usually English speakers there. And has music, but not so thumpingly loud as the other places, and no dance floor, which can be a huge plus.
And don't forget Fantom! Still the filthiest and best place in town, and a must see on every visitor's itinerary.
but it DOES vary!
Definitely. Depends who you consider 'oldies' too - most of the clientele are 30 plus, but not all. Whereas in somewhere like Glam, a 25 year old would feel old. The other two places can fill up with kids too. Lodi tends to get friendlier at the weekend, and there are usually English speakers there. And has music, but not so thumpingly loud as the other places, and no dance floor, which can be a huge plus.
And don't forget Fantom! Still the filthiest and best place in town, and a must see on every visitor's itinerary.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Law / How long can one stay out of Poland for them to cancel your permanent card of 10 years [7]
What country are you from? The rules for people of different citizenships vary.
What country are you from? The rules for people of different citizenships vary.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Travel / Indian or Mexican food in Warsaw. [60]
There's an Armenian restaurant on either Hoża or Wilcza that's not bad, and Lokanta on Nowogrodzka (the bit nearest the Palace of Culture) is very good. La Cantina on Nowy Świat does good Spanish food, but isn't cheap.
For Indian, I like Arti and used to go in the Maharajah on Marszałkowska - it's patchy but reasoable. Tandoori Palace has gone down quite a lot and I was disappointed the last couple of times I was there.
There's a brilliant Middle Eastern restaurant called Samira [samira.pl] - it's something of a hidden gem because it's tucked away in some bushes between Metro Politechnika and the park - you think you're going down the wrong street then suddenly you find it - check on the map first - excellent food (they supply to embassies and posh hotels) and also very good value. One of my favourites.
any other ethnic authentic food restaurants
There's an Armenian restaurant on either Hoża or Wilcza that's not bad, and Lokanta on Nowogrodzka (the bit nearest the Palace of Culture) is very good. La Cantina on Nowy Świat does good Spanish food, but isn't cheap.
For Indian, I like Arti and used to go in the Maharajah on Marszałkowska - it's patchy but reasoable. Tandoori Palace has gone down quite a lot and I was disappointed the last couple of times I was there.
There's a brilliant Middle Eastern restaurant called Samira [samira.pl] - it's something of a hidden gem because it's tucked away in some bushes between Metro Politechnika and the park - you think you're going down the wrong street then suddenly you find it - check on the map first - excellent food (they supply to embassies and posh hotels) and also very good value. One of my favourites.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Travel / Indian or Mexican food in Warsaw. [60]
Arti, on al. Jerozolimskie is good. Not very nice surroundings (just before the plac Zawiszy tramstop) but good food.
Arti, on al. Jerozolimskie is good. Not very nice surroundings (just before the plac Zawiszy tramstop) but good food.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
I was being ironic too, but it obviously went right over your head. Does that happen to you often?
@Firesun, the list of clubs from Zman is a good one. If you're looking for a good bar as well, try Lodi Dodi, ul, Wilcza 28 - It's right in the centre, on the way to Toro, safe, friendly and ok. 5zl a beer, too.
Have you seen many gay people "strutting around" dressed like that? Where do you live; by the stage door of a Bangkok cabaret bar?
I was being ironic ( hence the hyperbole ), unfortunately your lack of brainpower prevented you from noticing :-)
I was being ironic ( hence the hyperbole ), unfortunately your lack of brainpower prevented you from noticing :-)
I was being ironic too, but it obviously went right over your head. Does that happen to you often?
@Firesun, the list of clubs from Zman is a good one. If you're looking for a good bar as well, try Lodi Dodi, ul, Wilcza 28 - It's right in the centre, on the way to Toro, safe, friendly and ok. 5zl a beer, too.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Feedback / A Personal Request to all PF members [119]
Exactly. LTB isn't as rabid as some of them on here, but is it was all sweetness and light, and a huge competition about who can agree with someone the most, it would be very, very boring.
Look Lodz, it is a forum. People have opinions. Some of them pertain to Poland or Polish people and not all of them are positive. Live with it.
Exactly. LTB isn't as rabid as some of them on here, but is it was all sweetness and light, and a huge competition about who can agree with someone the most, it would be very, very boring.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
One we don't want.
Have you seen many gay people "strutting around" dressed like that? Where do you live; by the stage door of a Bangkok cabaret bar?
Really, nobody in Warsaw would particularly bat an eyelid - it isn't some churchgoing village.
If Jarnowa was gay
One we don't want.
strut around
a pink catsuit with a handbag
Have you seen many gay people "strutting around" dressed like that? Where do you live; by the stage door of a Bangkok cabaret bar?
Really, nobody in Warsaw would particularly bat an eyelid - it isn't some churchgoing village.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
They have fun!! Seriosly, Warsaw is a very relaxed place nowadays.
what happens to black, gay men in Poland
They have fun!! Seriosly, Warsaw is a very relaxed place nowadays.
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
Why not? Krystian does a lot for the community and is a huge asset to the rada gminy. Even if he wasn't, why should his colour or sexuality merit a pointless mention on a forum?
Seriously, @Firesun, you shouldn't worry too much about personal safety in Warsaw - it's a safe city, and cosmopolitan enough that there are plenty of gay people and even a few black ones who are visible and unhassled. Have a nice visit!
if you're black and gay in Warsaw you're more likely to end up on the City Council
Why not? Krystian does a lot for the community and is a huge asset to the rada gminy. Even if he wasn't, why should his colour or sexuality merit a pointless mention on a forum?
Seriously, @Firesun, you shouldn't worry too much about personal safety in Warsaw - it's a safe city, and cosmopolitan enough that there are plenty of gay people and even a few black ones who are visible and unhassled. Have a nice visit!
JonnyM
31 Mar 2011
Life / As a black gay man (US) visiting Warsaw this summer, will I get beat up for nothing? [65]
It doesn't have the bars etc - just a couple worth going to, and it's many times smaller than Warsaw which is well worth a visit and very safe.
Maybe Poznan? since it has a much larger gay community 45 thousand about 8% of the population.
It doesn't have the bars etc - just a couple worth going to, and it's many times smaller than Warsaw which is well worth a visit and very safe.
JonnyM
29 Mar 2011
Law / Does Poland have the most prehistorical and strictest banking system in the world? [57]
Remember that the UK have been using cheques for a hundred years but for much of that time Poland had a different system.
As somebody has already pointed out, in the years after communism ended they had to modernise their system, and in Europe cheques are rare so they didn't need to think about them much. The Polish banking system is really quite good nowadays. I'm surprised your company won't transfer it for you - it should be easier for them too..
Why not have the cheque paid into your account in the US and either transfer the money or use your ATM card?
6-8 weeks is insane by civilized Europe standards, in UK you cash an US check in 2-3 days usually.
In Poland... 3- 10 months...
In Poland... 3- 10 months...
Remember that the UK have been using cheques for a hundred years but for much of that time Poland had a different system.
As somebody has already pointed out, in the years after communism ended they had to modernise their system, and in Europe cheques are rare so they didn't need to think about them much. The Polish banking system is really quite good nowadays. I'm surprised your company won't transfer it for you - it should be easier for them too..
Why not have the cheque paid into your account in the US and either transfer the money or use your ATM card?
JonnyM
29 Mar 2011
Law / The monopolisation of Polands precious food industry [15]
It depends how you cook it. Supermarkets sell the meat a little too quickly - if you buy beef, it's a good idea to let it stand for a few days.
In general though, meat in Poland is far lower quality than in the UK.
there meat tastes like the familiar 'old army boot consistency' we've had in the UK for decades.
It depends how you cook it. Supermarkets sell the meat a little too quickly - if you buy beef, it's a good idea to let it stand for a few days.
In general though, meat in Poland is far lower quality than in the UK.
JonnyM
29 Mar 2011
JonnyM
29 Mar 2011
Travel / Tallest buildings in Europe in Kraków? [9]
It doesn't suit Kraków. Maybe somwhere round Warsaw.
It doesn't suit Kraków. Maybe somwhere round Warsaw.
JonnyM
28 Mar 2011
Food / 'Shortening' is used for baking and stuff [14]
I use Kasia - it's harder than Crisco but quite good and very cheap - the more expensive brands are often a bit lighter though.
I use Kasia - it's harder than Crisco but quite good and very cheap - the more expensive brands are often a bit lighter though.
JonnyM
28 Mar 2011
Food / 'Shortening' is used for baking and stuff [14]
"do pieczenia" = for baking
They have something a bit like Crisco - I don't remember the brand name, but do pieczenia means it's for baking.
;-)
"do pieczenia" = for baking
They have something a bit like Crisco - I don't remember the brand name, but do pieczenia means it's for baking.
;-)
JonnyM
27 Mar 2011
Genealogy / Occupation title in 1854 - Mlodzien Dworski - what was this? [14]
Yes. That's what it looks like, and the whole document would help.
Yes. That's what it looks like, and the whole document would help.
JonnyM
27 Mar 2011
Genealogy / Occupation title in 1854 - Mlodzien Dworski - what was this? [14]
In that case it looks like it could be something different. Mlodzien means youth though. I don't see your attachment - maybe you could upload it.
In that case it looks like it could be something different. Mlodzien means youth though. I don't see your attachment - maybe you could upload it.
JonnyM
27 Mar 2011
Genealogy / Occupation title in 1854 - Mlodzien Dworski - what was this? [14]
A pleasure. Just thinking that Młodzień means youth (there's a disease called Młodzieńze something or other) and dworski can be 'of the manor house'. It wouldn't be court in the sense of 'ward of court'. It could mean he was a young estate worker. In the UK, there's the term 'bachelor of this parish' used at weddings, but it seems unlikely that would be listed as an occupation.
A pleasure. Just thinking that Młodzień means youth (there's a disease called Młodzieńze something or other) and dworski can be 'of the manor house'. It wouldn't be court in the sense of 'ward of court'. It could mean he was a young estate worker. In the UK, there's the term 'bachelor of this parish' used at weddings, but it seems unlikely that would be listed as an occupation.
JonnyM
26 Mar 2011
Genealogy / Occupation title in 1854 - Mlodzien Dworski - what was this? [14]
Could it be something like manservant?
Could it be something like manservant?
JonnyM
26 Mar 2011
UK, Ireland / Polish people in the UK using the English version of their name? [56]
Briefing from whom?
Part of the briefing they get in Poland before they get to England.
Briefing from whom?
JonnyM
26 Mar 2011
USA, Canada / Where is loyalty of Polish diaspora in America? In USA or in Poland? What is priority? [63]
Any belief in something that can't be shown to exist is by definition strange.
Though the Jehovah's Witnesses live model lives of decency, reflection and hard work.
What strange religious belief would that be?
Any belief in something that can't be shown to exist is by definition strange.
Though the Jehovah's Witnesses live model lives of decency, reflection and hard work.
JonnyM
25 Mar 2011
Travel / The best way to get to the airport in Łódź from Warsaw? [15]
The 6.03 train to £ódż Fabryczna which takes 2 hours, then a taxi. The 7.09 train gets you there too late to check in if there's even the slightest delay. Don't forget to check the day before if there are any changes.
rozklad-pkp.pl/?q=en/node/143
The 6.03 train to £ódż Fabryczna which takes 2 hours, then a taxi. The 7.09 train gets you there too late to check in if there's even the slightest delay. Don't forget to check the day before if there are any changes.
rozklad-pkp.pl/?q=en/node/143
JonnyM
24 Mar 2011
Life / Only the poor Poles are buying at Biedronka? [32]
Exactly. I'm going to shop at Waitrose and put the stuff in a Netto bag.
Exactly. I'm going to shop at Waitrose and put the stuff in a Netto bag.
JonnyM
24 Mar 2011
Life / Only the poor Poles are buying at Biedronka? [32]
We invented it. But Keeping up Appearances is still running on Polish TV, even now.
We invented it. But Keeping up Appearances is still running on Polish TV, even now.
JonnyM
24 Mar 2011
Life / Only the poor Poles are buying at Biedronka? [32]
Ah, so the prime minister said it to you in person...
Ah, so the prime minister said it to you in person...
JonnyM
24 Mar 2011
Life / Only the poor Poles are buying at Biedronka? [32]
I've seen people doing that in Warsaw!
shop at Netto , then swap the food into Tesco bags in the car park
I've seen people doing that in Warsaw!