News / Warsaw is the natural capital of Europe, not Brussels [67]

Warsaw actually sounds like a lethal fighting weapon whereas Brussels is the name of a pate (pasztet).

On a more serious note, Warsaw could lay some claim based on fighting for Europe in the past. Poland was a pioneer of democracy, albeit short lived back in the day.

Life / Hey, I speak English and can say F**K! Poles use the F-word to impress native speakers. [23]

I think there is a certain kind of person who finds such an approach cool. They haven't truly grown up and are cruisin for a bruisin should they continue. I find such sorts highly irritating and avoid them. I only tend to swear when frustrated and often to myself.

Life / Mental health problem or one of the grieving stages? Death and denial in Poland. [93]

The tendency amongst some is to assume that it is a self-induced malaise. When you lose the support of those that should matter most to you, you pretty much lose everything unless you have set your stall out to be a lone wolf.

Life / Mental health problem or one of the grieving stages? Death and denial in Poland. [93]

She is no doubt seen as a black sheep and such people are on shaky ground in Poland. They appear to be callous but it would also appear that she is complicating things and it is strife that they would rather not deal with. In the words of the late, great Jim Morrison, "people are strange".

Life / Mental health problem or one of the grieving stages? Death and denial in Poland. [93]

Many are still waiting for Jesus to return too :) :)

You have to let people work things out in their own minds sometimes. Intervention is a subtle art and professionals are generally well-equipped people. Keep up your efforts!

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

Precisely, sobieski. That necessitates, for all practical intents and purposes, that certain people will need to have access to a car. It's just that simple, certainly in this neck of the woods.

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

Those in rural areas who have to commute into the city centre. They have to focus on their property which is often costly.

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

Well, those who live in remote areas effectively need cars as public transport there is very unreliable.

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

Many need cars and petrol to get to work. They need a place to live and clothes on their body. Look up physiological needs, Nomad (Maslow). Those factors outlined by milky are centrally relevant. Inflation is crippling many Poles.

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

It's largely through inflation and having to pay through the nose for cars and property.

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

I represent the 15% on the borderline ;) ;)

Life / Who is poor in Poland? [720]

ZUS are doing their best to make me just that but they aren't there yet :)

Who is poor? That's not such a black and white question, really.

Work / How can Americans of Polish descent get work in Poland? [22]

Even when one does......

Work / How can Americans of Polish descent get work in Poland? [22]

Strangers are VERY hard to access here. Most will ignore you. I don't know the position with regards to visas here.

Work / How can Americans of Polish descent get work in Poland? [22]

He is referring to nepotism, grubas. Back scratching is quite a common thing but it isn't so clear-cut here in Poland. Foreigners obviously have it that much harder for clear reasons.

Work / Moving Back to Poland after living in Canada for 24 years. IT jobs market? [26]

vimeo.com/1929402, this is a cautionary tale for foreigners doing jobs beyond English teaching here. IT jobs or any others could be hard if you don't have a strong command of Polish.

Language / CELTA assignment question - the form of "It suits you" and "It fits you" [23]

:) :)

I can remember my CELTA essays well. Basil Paterson College had harsh markers so you had to be clear on all distinctions, terminology and functions.

Language / CELTA assignment question - the form of "It suits you" and "It fits you" [23]

Also read up on the infinitive and bare infinitive. Depending where you choose to work after your CELTA, you will need to explain the difference to whatever relevant extent. For example, here in Poland, many Poles say 'I must to go'. Even more advanced learners fall into that trap.

Life / Racism & study with part time jobs in Warsaw ? [53]

He's obviously disillusioned with those Doha babes from Qatar, LOL.

Some are racists and some aren't.

Work / Some cold, hard facts about teaching in Poland for newbies [101]

Be careful and ask around to ensure that any action is valid and also that you are in compliance with what you need to be. Employers often take shortcuts but at your expense. The authorities will likely target you and not them so cover your bases.

History / Poland's biggest historical blunder? [341]

Very good point there, Nathan. Their govt was in exile. This from a country that had one of the strongest armies in Europe, we are told.

Life / Racism & study with part time jobs in Warsaw ? [53]

Girls study in primary and secondary schools. Why do you want to know that?

Language / CELTA assignment question - the form of "It suits you" and "It fits you" [23]

I wouldn't be so sure ;0 ;P

Language / CELTA assignment question - the form of "It suits you" and "It fits you" [23]

That's right! He/she/it is third person singular.

Love / Polish girls and the national sport: COMPLAINING HARD all the time [25]

They always have some disease or illness, that's weird. Gibbering seems to be a form of therapy here.

Life / What on earth is the fascination of Indians, Pakistanis and Nepalese with Poland? [112]

Personally, I think many make out that they are from there but are likely foreigners trying to provoke racist reactions from Poles.

I don't think they have much of a fascination at all. All the Indians I've met are decent folks, very much into their restaurant business and not Polish girls as some would like to believe.

Work / Some cold, hard facts about teaching in Poland for newbies [101]

That can't be done, IMHO. It's a fixed rate for a fixed period. Non-negotiable. The plus side is that you can count it towards the lowering of your tax, together with invoices that you submit to him/her. That way, ZUS/tax comes to 890PLN together.

I agree, FUZZY. I'd prefer to pay on an as/when basis as I'm a healthy guy that doesn't need to use the Polish equivalent of the NHS. They still charge you anyway :( :(

Travel / Motorcycle tour of Poland [137]

Have you heard some cars here, grubas? Not a pretty sound :(

... a song for you, grubas ;) ;) ;) The first part, in particular

I like motorcycles and I feel that they are an integral part of culture. They also allow for freedom :) :)

Travel / Motorcycle tour of Poland [137]

Many Poles like bikes too, grubas. Poland has countryside, you know!? ;)

Language / Need advice on how to improve Polish language skills [134]

To the ear which isn't native, it's very similar, grubas. I hear it now but it took me some time to get used to it.