History / Poles and Russians -- love-hate relationship? [209]

Past, past, past... Current Polish-German relationships shows that even the worst past can be overcome. Twenty years, and maybe not in love with each other but in relative good cooperation. There are current problems which are mostly producing tensions. Poland and Russia have just opposite geopolitical interests. And it is about Ukraine, Belarus and Baltic States. Poland wants them to be like Poland -> independent, democratic and... in EU or at least in good relationship with EU. Russia wants them to be like Russia, which means to be in Russia... Both countries see that interests as the most important ones. So both countries are in never ending wrestling. And because of that sometimes some not very good statements shows up on our goverments level, and this sometimes look like hate...

Obviously we can now start discussion like "is there any difference between EU and USSR?" or "is Ukraine a real country?" but maybe not in that thread.

For now problem is like this: Russia is trying to preserve current status quo till will gather enough power to grab what She things belongs to her. And because of that on Poland east frontier there is dictatorship in Belarus and always in some troubles Ukraine. And this is just not good for the bussiness. And no, unfortunatelly Poland can't let it go. Because putting aside all big fears about Poland own independence, in the current state of Russia, Belarus and Ukraine in Russia means, that for every little thing, even for changing little bolt, one would have to go to Moscow, and this is even worse for bussiness.

PS. err... my English... I know, pls don't crucify me :-)

History / Poles and Russians -- love-hate relationship? [209]

I hope you will have to go all the way to Moscow for bolts/nails to do that... ;-)

History / Poles and Russians -- love-hate relationship? [209]

DtLebowski, similarities are overestimated by foreigners... Of course they are, mainly in language field, but cultures are as different as any other two neighbouring cultures in Europe can be. And I would say even more, mainly because old and not so long ago very important distinction between latin Europe (where modern Poland originate) and Orthodox Europe (where modern Russia originate). As some Russian writer wrote in XIX century about Poles: "soul is stronger than blood". So, even if Poles share a lot of blood (genes) with Russians, their soul (culture) is different and prevails over blood. I don't say worse or better, just different. And last but not least, Russia is far to big to be compared in that way. It is after all multinational and postcolonial country.

Genealogy / Knew I was Hungarian, but my DNA came back Polish? [23]

Hm... Stefan Batory, elected as King of Poland in 1576 was Hungarian... Actually, Anna Jagielonka was elected, and then nobles married her with Stefan... So maybe you have some royal blood in you ;-)

Stefan was good King... you should be proud ;-)

Real Estate / IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN POLISH REAL ESTATE? [83]

Nobody really knows, but I will tell you this: JW Construction, one of the biggest developers in Poland is currently bulding or just finished about 6000 flats. In Q1 2009 they've sold about 120. So it will take them 12,5 years at current speed to sell all they've got. Ok, current speed is low, but even if they will sold 400 in quarter it is still 4 years...

Genealogy / Knew I was Hungarian, but my DNA came back Polish? [23]


He he, I didn't think of that :-) But it would rather be like that:
- baty = whipping
- baciory = big whipping (not batory) :-)

Beside polish version Batory is polonized hungarian surname Báthory... So you should ask some Hungarian what is the meaning (if any) of Báthory

Work / Software Jobs in Poland [31]


You should try some local Polish firms too like asseco, sygnity or even smaller like smtsoftware. Try to think about it like this: for international firms you are just another candidate, for local smaller firms, you are more valuable asset because of experience and english fluency. But fact is that current envirement is not job looking friendly.

You should also register in some job agency (private). It is for free.

Law / CHINESE TO BUILD POLISH ROADS.... [92]


Have you ever driven on Chinese roads? I think that we need contribution from someone who did... I wouldn't put in the same basket Chinese toys and Chinese builders, at least not yet :-)

One thing good in this now is that other companies miraculously find out, that they too can build much cheaper...

PS. If you are really interested in current road projects in Poland look here: skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=441854&page=166

Is it not so black and white like some of you want to see this.

PS2.


Roalex, can you tell us what is the quality of new highways in China ?

PS3. I love this site :-) Chinese highways, new stuff don't look bad: skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=154903&page=20&highligh t=chinese+highway

Law / CHINESE TO BUILD POLISH ROADS.... [92]

A few facts:
1. Currently in Poland there is about 595km motorways (class A or S) under construction
2. Current or planned tenders amount to about another 1000km (class A or S)
3. Chinese won contract on part of A2 (about 50km)
4. It is less than 10% of total current road construction in Poland (and I only count class A and S highways, without roads with smaller parameters)

5. Beside that, there is a lot of construction concerning Euro2012 (stadiums, hotels, etc.)

Summary: belive it or not Poland currently is one of the biggest building sites in Europe. Modern building industry requires skills. So despite of 11% unemployment there is shortage of skilled workers. Because of that building companies only year ago demanded ridiculous money, and it was then, when Polish Goverment asked Chinese companies to bid in tenders. Suddenly the world crisis came, funnily together with Chinese companies :-) (as polish proverb goes: "misfortune goes in pairs" :-) )

And suddenly turned out that even Polish and European companies can build for 40% less... It was European (Poilsh included) companies greed which drawned Chinese here... And in that context I'm ok with that! :-)

Work / Does it make sense to move from the UK to Wroclaw for this salary? [50]

Kiltmaker, if you are experienced IT professional then 4500 gross is way to low in Wroclaw. Last time I've check it was more like 6000 - 7000 (software devs) gross medium salary in IT sector in Wroclaw. I wonder who is that "one of the best employers in the world" who pays such ****** money? I mean ok, Poland is low income country, but they've just crossed the line, even small companies has to pay more for experienced engineer here...

PS. On the second thought (or rather after reading your second post), if you are more like "IT guy" then as far as I know it is in general less paid position in Poland than software development. So maybe 4500 is current market price...

Work / Does it make sense to move from the UK to Wroclaw for this salary? [50]


Yeap, that is the reason. Customer service is not the top paid position in IT in Poland.


British university is not perceived in Poland as better than good Polish university unless it is top British university.

If you aren't time pressured you should wait a while because IBM is going to open new branch in Wroclaw in the begining of next year. I think they will start hiring soon. Target size of this branch is 3000 employes. IBM itself could be good oportunity, besides it will pressure local job market. (unless this "famous global corporation" is IBM :-) In that case I think they will have problems with finding those 3000 specialists)

Real Estate / IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN POLISH REAL ESTATE? [83]


His facts are ok.
By GUS in 2009 salary in Poland is about 3200 PLN gross/ 2300 PLN net/ 550 EUR
but as far as I know it is arithemetical average.

More informative is median, which is (by some financial portal) about:
2500 PLN gross / 1800 PLN net / 430 EUR.

Which doesn't change basic truth in real estate: "location, location, location" :-) But I wonder, how someone on the other side of the globe, or even in another country, or even in another city can correctly choose correct location?

Real Estate / IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN POLISH REAL ESTATE? [83]


Well, recent data shows that in Wroclaw prices fell 15% from the peak. It is not such apocaliptic colapse when compared to Spain for example, but still it is significant.

Maybe it is good moment to buy, who knows. But in my opinion, probability of soon rebound is highly unlikely, so there is no rush. But for foreign investors current polish zloty weakness could be an encouraging factor.

Real Estate / IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN POLISH REAL ESTATE? [83]


Ok, I'm actually living in Wroclaw. Tell me exactly in which park did you see any building site? In fact I can't think about anything like that in past ten years...


You are certainly right. But take into consideration that in bubble years 50% profit was normal thing for developers in Poland. They will not do anything for free for sure, but they certainly will take 15% profit...


Farmers have subsidies which artificially keeps floor in that market.
Polish real estate market has "familily on their own" (nickname: "family on mine" :-) )
which is subsidy for interests on mortgage, which artificially keeps floor in real estate market. The problem is that due to budget deficit goverment plan is to limit that program in the next year.

Don't get me wrong, I don't say that there will be some big crash or something. I'm saying that it is highly unlikely to see another bubble growth in next two/three years.

Real Estate / IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN POLISH REAL ESTATE? [83]


I suspected that you will come up with something like that. This area was never intended to be a park. It was just huge square destinated for developmnet. This area had tight development before WWII. You can see that here:

skyscrapercity.com/showpost.php?p=9985395&postcount=23

Unfortunately Russians and Germans themselfs destroyed south Brezlau in 1945. Since 1945 when Brezlau became Wroclaw that part of the city has been an open wound on citys body. So it wasn't a park. Maybe it would be better to make park there. But it was up to inhabitants of that area to lobby city hall. I didn't heard about any coordinated action for that.

PS. Sorry, but not Klecina but Krzyki, not Italian but Spanish. If you like this big empty place then maybe cheer you up that Spaniards seems to be broke now and do not intend to start any construcion there soon.

PS2. more interesting pictures of Wroclaw before WWII here:
wroclaw.hydral.com.pl

Real Estate / IS IT A GOOD TIME TO INVEST IN POLISH REAL ESTATE? [83]


But developers did make such profits. It is in their reports for stock exchange.
Your right, meny devs think it is not worth it for 15% and they slowed down with new projects. But there is oversupply for next 2 - 3 years. Mine opinion is: buying now equals to freeze capital... But that is just an opinion...

Work / Does it make sense to move from the UK to Wroclaw for this salary? [50]


Summary:
- first job -> ok
- temporary job/position -> ok
- second or long term job/position -> not ok :-)

Life / Beggers namely Kurwa boys in Poland [70]

Please, never give money on the street in Poland. Give money to charity organization...
Many of beggars are simple con men. Giving them money is like feeding cancer.

Life / How Polish are you? [74]


Great nickname :-) :-) :-)

Work / Does it make sense to move from the UK to Wroclaw for this salary? [50]

According to my knowledge, they don't rip you off this time. So from that point of view it is reasonable salary considering Wroclaw IT average.

Is this enough for couple with a baby is another question. It is personal thing :-)
I think you will do fine. But till your wife finds a job, and taking into consideration rents in Wroclaw probably not much will be left.

Work / Does it make sense to move from the UK to Wroclaw for this salary? [50]

Guys, I think there is no point in discussing here all aspects of polish tax system...
If he gets permanent job with "umowa o pracę" then delphiandomine site is correct, 7500 gross = 5292.29 net, there is no hidden tax involved...
It would be hard to get any tax reliefs on "umowa o pracę" so it shouldn't be taking into consideration in relocation decision.

News / New Polish gambling law - outlawing gambling except in casinos [34]

It rather will not stop internet gambling, but this law will probably cut off important group off people from gambling, youth. They will not be able to gamble in those little clubs, because they will dissapear. They will not be allowed into cassinos. They will not be able to play in the internet because in order to do that, one need a credit card which youth usually don't have.

Life / Pictures of Poles [Everyday Life in Poland] [100]


Here you go: skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=208264&page=33&highlight=warszawa+prl

It is called 'Warsaw PRL years' = 'Warszawa lata PRL. It is pointing to the last page of big thread.

Another one is skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=369337&page=25
There you will find pre PRL pictures too.

PS. I hope you don't need account to view this. Anyway I recommend getting account there, because it is great site, and with account, you can also use 'search' function.

PS2.
DannyJ, go straight to the first page, there is a lot of intresting stuff there: skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=208264&highlight=warszawa+prl

Language / WHY THE HELL CANT I LEARN POLISH?? [64]


Hm... try to put liquids off in the evening ;-)

Ok, sorry, I couldn't resist... Yes, from what I've heard almost every non slavic foreigner has problems with polish.

Law / Value of Computer in Poland [8]

USD/PLN last 30 years (I believe it is adjusted to redenomination) :

stooq.pl/q/?s=usdpln&c=mx&t=l&a=lg&b=0

Life / Pictures of Poles [Everyday Life in Poland] [100]

Well, I'm not one of them... but Commie Block fans on skyscraper made me rethink it a little, so now at least I don't want to level every commie block to the ground ;-)

Law / What is the most developed Science Technology in Poland? [11]


As far as I know it is more complicated, polish scientists developed efficient way to produce some chemical which is base for blue laser technology. I'm not sure if they managed to apply/sell it into industry.

Genealogy / Some Macedonian, Croatian, Serbian Second Names look Polish! [38]


I disagree a little. There is a lot of Polish surnames ending with -ski which originated simply with father name, for example: Adamski, Piotrowski, Stefański, Wojciechowski

(PS. Additionally, those are quite old surnames, related to Saints and Christianity in Poland)

BTW: cool map (just put your surname and look where posible relatives are...)

Law / CHINESE TO BUILD POLISH ROADS.... [92]


Exactly because of that Chinese companies were invited almost two years ago. There is really HUGE and MASSIVE road building program in Poland right now. Because of simple law of demand and supply Polish and Western developers wanted enormous sums of money. The goal of Chinese participation was to bring more competition into highly uncompetitive envirement. The goal was to spare some tax money, yes, my money :-) Well, bad lack for devs that shortly after world crisis came... So now, everybody wants to build for 60% of original price...

Btw, Chinese won tender for less than 10% of total current road construction in Poland (and I only count class A and S highways, without roads with smaller parameters). So there is not like out of the sudden they took over entire market. They are more like a warning for local devs from gov: "Don't be so greedy, you are not alone in the universe..."

Life / Russian Language - is it offensive if I speak it to Polish people? [69]


Well, if you start conversation like this:
"Przepraszam, ale nie mówię po polsku, czy możemy rozmawiać po rosyjsku?"
wich means:
"Excuse me, I don't speak Polish, could we talk in Russian?"

Then you will not offend anyone :-) I was teached that hidden truth the hard way in France long time ago, when I tried to use English without warning :-) Some people just think it is impolite not to ask above mentioned question. Btw, all you Englismen in Poland, you should to master sentence like this, but change "rosyjsku" na "angielsku" ;-)