I think in terms of communism Ants are probably perfect, the queen is not a ruler, her only purpose is to produce more ants. They are some what mindless creatures when you look at the individual but together they wage wars, farm, cultivate other animals, great builders etc... (emergance)
The best example I can think of democracy is google, if you click on a website it gets a "Vote" the more people who click on or "Vote" for a certain site, the more "power" the site has and it goes further up the list it goes. The further up the list it goes the more "Voteing Power" it has. This has been and still is being manipulated, of course.
Put it this way I would don't want to live in communism do you?
I could ask who are the educators and what kind of program they realize.
I know where you are coming from, I agree. I think it is importent to teach people how to think, not what to think, of course it is not easy to find, again the closest I can get to it is the scientific method.
any other animal in the animal kingdom that kills or harms other (whether same or different species) just to get his pathological rocks off, or out of hateful intolerance.
Ants have wars, dogs kill birds as presents, cats torture mice, apes have been known to kill each other, none of this happens out of hunger.
The reason Lions do not kill antelopes for the reasons you have stated is bescause they would stand to loose more, if the antelope were to injure the lion, the lion's chances for survival are greatly deminished. Same reason Nuclear Powers don't just go mad pressing that red button.
As for serial killers, I do not know enough about the animal kingdom but we are animals.
I can just buy the tickets and we both just fill out the visa slips that you get on the plane before you get there, and its all cool.
No, it is not OK, I just saw this now. You with your Irish passport are fine you fill out the visa form on the plane and it is free for you for 1 month BUT your Polish girlfriend should contact the Thai embassy first.
I made this mistake and for me it was easy but for a Polsh passport holder there is a really bad visa system, everything is basicaslly a mess, bring a passport photo of her and Batts, this will at least shorten the time you spend running around or marry her ;)
There seems to be a very strange logic being used, if the theory (communism) does not fit the reality (people) change the reality (people)? No, no , no, people are real, ideoligies are theory, so we must change the theory, would you not agree?
the only animal on earth that kills/mistreats for pleasure, etc..
Humans are not the only animal that do these things, think about it.
ConstantineK Capitalism is not perfect, you say that people are flawed but communism is perfect, I do not think so. I do think that with the passing of time and as we (the human race) continue there will be something more, if we are to survive.
Ha ha ha, youz are going to laugh at me now but I am thinking of star trek. You know the way they live to progress themselves, well something like that. Not communism,socialism or capitalism.
As for democracy, I think educated people can make educated decisions.
How can you hate the idea which means the prosperity of all mankind? You should hate the human nature which spoils and kills the essence of any generose idea instead!
There is another way to look at it, that it is not the human which is flawed but the theory.
Looks like Błonia, perhaps it was brought by truck or assembled on site? Marking an aneversiery of the royal ship that used to go to the capital via the Wisła?
(just a complete guess)
2.
Do you put the cheese in the middle, eehhh just for eh fun?
3. What is the old man doing?
He is looking for his marbles?. He is trying to find water under the ground with sticks?.(probably not, he only has one stick) Perhaps he is looking for a snail or something that is found under leaves? He is collecting rubbish?
Correct me if i am wrong, this sounds more like a Polish thing, rather than having any connection with communism?.
Another thing I would like clarification on is, Communism was a way of taking over Poland by the Russian communists. The leaders were chosen by the Russian commies and the people who had control of Poland were in bed with all other communist parties but the people were not communist, it was a kind of political invasion or take over and if it was not at first it became it, perhaps someone could explain it better?
Now these communist flats-are they still communist flats or are they privetaly owned now and just built during the communist years?
Communism is finished but there is Społdzielnia, which are the closest thing to government housing/council flats but they have a communist twist. Years ago I went to a Społdzielnia (to buy a flat) and I went into the administrations office, well I never, there were all these old women with towers of folders and documents. I watched one woman in particular she took a sheet put it under some other documents and then decided it was a bad idea and took it out again...
. I asked them what a Społdzielnia was, they could not answer me, so I left. I found out that you do not own the flat you buy but you become part of the Społdzielnia. No thank you.
There are a lot of blocks of flats left over from communism, Perhaps some one PF could explain it better to us? I have been told there are some very good Społdzielnias but I could not take the risk of buying a place and it not being mine.
While my schooling taught me that communism was bad,
Although i had a similar education, I find that it was much much worse than we were taught, especially in Lithuania. I say Lithuania because i know the place well.
communism offers more security than democracy does and wondered if people who lived under communism ever had that feeling.
I understand what you mean, I remember being taught about communism in school and thinking it was a wonderful idea. The sence of security is completely false, in my opinion, it is based on peoples ignorants. Any country that employs everyone yet they do not have to work is going to go down the tubes. Sure you had a job but the country was in the deep end of trouble.
PLZ check "Third złoty (PLZ), 1950-1994." People had no security, except a very false sence of it. But I have met many Lithuanians who miss communism, they are lost, fallen in between the cracks of ideologies.
Social programs
What were they? And what was good about them?
Something i really don't understand (maybe because i have been brought up a capitalist) is every body goes to school, everybody works and gets the same treatment unless they are for the political party, so what would be the incentive to become a doctor or become financially successful? you are just going to get the same as someone who didn't. Basically money is a great incentive.
I really enjoy this topic and i have a million questions.
But Sue please remember i am from Ireland and have only experienced the after mat.
Ha ha ha Well if I really try, the only thing I can think of is the "communist economists" put their own prices on Oak parkett flooring. So most communist flats have this wonderful flooring, sure you can't control the heating, drink the water, poor insulation (if any), the pipes were stuck together using cement but you had very nice flooring ;0)
Absolutely not, i have heard many times that in the beginning polish people welcomed Communism but soon became very disheartend about the whole thing. Eastern European Communism used Vodka a lot to keep the people stupid, Some of my older friends became teetotalers in reaction to this, they still do not drink today. Look at Nowa Huta, they build churches in defines against communism.
Although most of the people i know are from Malapolska, you might find a different opinion in East Poland.
It is a very interesting question you pose. I am from Ireland and I live in Poland. I have also lived in Lithuania and I have travelled in Cambodia. I absolutely hate communism, it sucks hard. Communism seems to go against human nature, some people are going to want more. And although democracy is by no means perfect (mob rule), I believe in it.
I have had long conversation with various people about this subject and found it fascinating. The Polish are not a very good example of communism because they did not make "good commies" you would be better off talking to Lithuanians and Cambodians, it was tougher there than in Poland.
I know it is strange to compare suffering but it is true, Poland was never part of the U.S.S.R. and Cambodia had the Khmer Rouge, enough said.
People on this forum are always on about the second world war and the German Nazis, because they think that's what Polish people think about (but they are mostly foreigners). Well from the very many Polish people I have met they talk more about communism and the hangover they are having now. It is understandable that Polish people think of the last people who attacked them.
I have been to the KGB museum in Vilnius Lithuania and the Khmer Rouge S-21 Museum in Phnom Penh, shocking stuff all together. Really depressing but educational.
I recommend talking to locals in all ex-communist countries. I have noted how little information there is on this subject on here but young people don't really care and look to the future and foreigners do not know.
Also if you want a fun communist tour in Krakow try crazyguides.
Perhaps you should be more specific with your question, in what ares exactly are you interested in this topic?.
I do not think you will get many pros for communism.
I'll add in another thread about hiking up the mountains in and around Myślenice. Just to have all the info on one thread.
I also recommend cycling the whole thing from Krakow to Myślenice maybe to Rabka and to Zakopane. It is roughly about 100Km from Krakow to Zakopane. It would be a great cycle when you hit Myślenice which is only 35 K from Krakow and there are even natural hot springs on the way. I will try to get out to them ha ha ha of course, maybe in winter it would be really nice...If I do I will put my comments on here.
Here is another link to another "travel advisory" about travelling from Krakow to Zakopane. I have not read it in detail yet but thought I'd stick it in any way. Hope you find it useful.
Is this easy to read? I have not written this kind of thing before and would appreciate constructive comments.
Krakow is a beautiful example of a medieval city. There is a castle (Wawel) on a hill standing guard over the city (Wawel castle Wikipedia) There was a mote around the castle and city limits, encompassing the massive market square. The mote is filled in with soil now and has trees growing on it. It is the green bit on the map. The river (Wisła) used to go round the castle on three sides for defensive purposes.
Krakow was the Capital of Poland and has retained its grandeur even through all the wars Poland has seen.
Currency = Zloty. Poland is set to join the Euro in 2012 (we'll see about that). Krakow's population was 756,336 in 2007. There are many huge Universities, so during the academic year, there are many third level education students about.
Average temperature in Summer is 30.(Celsius) and usually lasts 6 months. Average temperature in Winter is minus 15 (Celsius) and usually last for 3 months. It should be noted that it is a very dry cold and very little wind, so it is not as uncomfortable as Ireland during winter (clothes dry out of the washing machine in a matter of hours) ;)
If you are flying in to Krakow (Balice Airport). I recommend you take the free bus that will bring you to the express light train. The train will take to the train station in the centre of Krakow (cost 6 Zloty). It leaves you in the top right of the map above.
Have a pair of walking shoes and walk all over, the market square and go down the winding streets, around the Wawel castle and along the Wisla river back up to the old Jewish quarters (Kazimierz).Go into the various Churches, Museums and cafes. There are lots of wonderful things to see and do.
There are floating bars and restaurants on boats anchored on the river behind the Wawel castle but be careful Polish beer is stronger than the stuff you get in Ireland and you can drink it like water. It should cost about 6/7 PLN for a half litre, this price is considered expensive but what you get you could not put a price on.
For night life I am a bit out of practice and I always go to "Alchemia" (ENG: The alchemist) in the Jewish quarters, all taxi drivers will know the place, it is around a small Jewish market square and the place is hopping with bars, a very cool area and a very cool bar with music downstairs. alchemia.com.pl/eng/index.html
There are a load of places, each better than the next. Krakow has lots of Jazz in the cellar bars with their vaulted brick ceilings.
I recommend going on the Crazy tours crazyguides.com This tour offers a wacky animated look at the day to day life during communism. I went recently and it is not to be missed. It is the communist tour of Nowa huta, a communist built (steal works) city beside Krakow. It is near impossible for someone outside of communism to get a feel for what it was like but there is no harm in trying.
It is a laugh.
There are no stripe clubs that i know of but there are several casinos.
Also worth mentioning Auschwitz the German concentration camp used during World War 2 auschwitz.org.pl I recommend seeing this on your way out of the country, it is depressing of course and Poland has so much more to offer :)
And Wieliczka Salt Mine en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wieliczka_Salt_Mine There is a full Cathedral carved out of salt that the salt miners used to use. Complete with statues and engravings, even the chandlers are made of salt.
If anyone has any questions or comments please feel free to add to this thread.
This thread is going to be in three parts, Krakow, Myślenice .
I am not a tour operator, I am Irish and live here in Poland. I enjoy it here very much and wish simply to share whay I have found.
Myślenice, Poland
35 Km south of Krakow, is Myślenice Myślenice Wikipedia Here's a site with Photos of Myślenice foto.myslenice.pl/myslenice.htm In the centre is a beautiful old Market square, just a short walk from the bus stop. Surrounding the town are mountains, forest, rivers and lakes.
Population 20,261 in 2007. This place is for the out doors adventurous types. Or for people who want to take a break from the hustle and bustle of big cities. It costs 4:50 Zloty by bus from Krakow to Myślenice Buses leave all day everyday, fewer on Sunday though. But I would recommend cycling to all these places.
This is in Polish but you'll be able to figure it out from the images, I am sure. Kraków - Myślenice - Zarabie - Strefa Wolnego Czasu
Paint balling at Face 2 Face (will be in English soon) paintballmyslenice.pl Motor biking Down hill contest Myślenice vimeo.com/965757
Summer and Autumn lato.zarabiesport.pl Skiing facilities in Winter zima.zarabiesport.pl Skate park (they are building a new one with a half pipe),
Fishing in the Raba river (you need a licence or camouflage),
Beach volleyball, Swimming in the river, swimming pool (indoor and out), Tennis courts, Quads,
Football s Concert in Zarabie, stadium (not the biggest at a guess max 10,000 people), Bowls, Big concerts
I would also recommend this place for people with children, there are tiny bumper cars for very small children and play grounds.
There are lots of bars and a few night clubs (if you like deafening music). There is also one very good bar in the centre of Myślenice, just off the picturesque Market square, outside of Krakow the beer cost 5 Zloty, if you are around and you're sound I'll meet up for an old pint.
Myślenice has a hell of a history too. There is a museum I recently discovered that shows the Nazis driving down the road burning the houses. They are always finding guns, shells and kind of tanks (I did not understand that bit).
Private accommodation (noc legi) Costs about 60 Zloty for a three bed room with on-suite and a shared kitchen. Most of these are newly renovated to a good standard. Price is per room not per person there are also hotels.
You'd swear I work for the tourist board ha ha ha,
One more thing the people here are great, very friendly and if you know Irish people they are very similar to them.
foreigns who don't give a crap about Poland, maybe?
Ha ha ha ha, yes, exactly.
Probably the majority of members here are British.
I think you are right, so should the question be "the image of Poland according to British"?
The people who annoy me most are the rude ones who have no interest in Poland or in anything else for that matter and when I first joined I thought this was rubbish but I learned who was a "good" poster and not. So now do not bother with some posters and I have found fantastic info about Poland and about people in general. So I think it just takes time.
Whether or not someone lives there is irrelevant to this forum.
Yes but not to this thread.
As most posters comment on many things about different Countries, of which they have never visited.
There is a name for these people too, but as you are a lady I would not be so debase. Lir are you under the age of 15? just the way you write some things. It is difficult to have a coherent discussion with people who do not even remotely understand the circumstances and who have miss intemperated some of what has been going on in this thread.
Weak people find strength from a group culture and the poles are no exception here either.
Ha ha ha ha, Michal, why do you want to be disliked, I am not suggesting sucking up to people but you do go out of your way to make people dislike you.
Do you feel guilty about something? Did you come here, how interesting, where were you? did you sulk and moan the whole time? I do not mind your comments as I said before I think you are a warning to me, about what I could turn into, having lived in a country I hated.
was just thinkin maybe there is hideous sens of that sentence
No, no no I am a very nice bottle of whiskey! I think it is interesting that the women on this thread like a shaved head and the "problem" seems to be with men, so it only matters if you are gay.
