Posts by Jay24

Jay24

27 May 2009

Travel / Live Music in Krakow or Warsaw [15]

Hi, I’ve recently just moved to Poland to be with my girlfriend. With my job, I am dividing my time between working in Krakow and Warsaw. I’ve only been here a month and love both cities. The only thing I miss is going to music gigs in the UK. Given I spend time in 2 cities, I’m keen to find out about gigs, concerts, festivals in either Krakow or Warsaw. I know Empik stores display details of a number of concerts but these tend to be fairly main stream from what I can gather. I’m into allsorts really but mostly Indie, Rock, Soul. Anyone know of any good source information for finding about who’s playing and where?

Jay24

17 Jun 2009

Life / Tattoos and Popular culture in Poland [51]

On the subject of tattoos. This is in the UK's Metro newspaper today. Got to feel a bit sorry for this girl although you can't help but think that you would be awake through at least through some of the session! Having had tattoos myself and knowing that it's not the most pleasant experience, I find it hard to believe that it's something you could sleep through!

metro.co.uk/weird/article.html?Tattoo_teenager_left_seeing_stars&in_article_id=686141&in_page_id=2

Jay24

24 Jul 2009

Travel / Which city is better to visit: Warsaw or Krakow? [169]

I too am a fan of both. I spend 3 days per week working in Warsaw and the other 2 days + weekend in Krakow where I live. They are contrasting cities and each has it's own unique qualities. I'm glad I'm fortunate enough to enjoy the best of each. For me I love the bustle of Warsaw and the charm of Krakow.

Jay24

28 Jul 2009

Life / Mosquitoes in Poland [40]

Anyone else getting bitten to b*ggery by the little fcukers at the moment?

Jay24

28 Jul 2009

Life / Mosquitoes in Poland [40]

but lets face the truth mate it doesnt hurt as much as painballing.

You're right there.

Funnily enough it's in Warsaw that I keep getting bitten. Haven't got bitten once in Krakow.

Jay24

3 Oct 2009

Love / How to please Polish women? [216]

I am curious on how to please Polish women

Do the elephant impression, works every time ;)

Jay24

3 Oct 2009

Love / How to please Polish women? [216]

I am curious on how to please Polish women

In all seriousness, it's not a difficult thing in my opinion. My girlfriend appreciates a few nice/simple compliments, a good bottle of wine on the sofa and a movie, cooking a nice meal, chilling out, having a laugh etc.

Of course there is more to it than that, but the small/important things are some of the foundations/building blocks of a good relationship and they count for a lot in my opinion.

Plus the elephant impression, women love the elephant impression ;) LOL

Jay24

18 Dec 2009

Travel / Ski and Snowboard - Poland 09/10 season (updated: 10/11 season) [84]

Good thread guys. Really useful information as I'm looking to start snowboarding this season. Only ever done lessons on a dry ski slope in the UK and this was a few years ago - so I'm still a complete beginner in my mind. I remember really loving it though and I'm sure it will 50 times better on snow. Anyway, quick question, when starting out - what is the best type of board/s to go for? I'm guessing size, shape, width of the board determines whether it's good for beginners/experts/speed/tricks etc but what type of board should a beginner opt for? Obviously not going to buy one straight out - will be hiring/borrowing at first but any advice would be welcome.

Jay24

11 Feb 2010

Life / Important: A Good Medical Center with English speaking doctors in Krakow [50]

Hi Marta

I have juat this week been to LIM Medical Center (Centrun Medyczne Lim) in Krakow. I needed to get a few blood tests etc done and saw a very professional doctor who spoke good English. Been there a couple of times now and all the Doctors I've seen have spoken good English. Seems very modern and clean as well.

Jay24

17 Mar 2010

Travel / Sponsor a pothole in Poland / bad roads [7]

Sorry if this is a re-post but wanted to share this with anyone who maybe hasn't read it:

This original approach to road work comes from the German town of Niederzimmern. The city was faced with a lack of funds for fixing the existing roads, so city officials began to sell individual potholes in an attempt to spare the treasury. Each filled pothole was accompanied by a sign stating the name of the individual or company whose funds allowed the restoration of that part of the road. The programme was such a hit that there were even several buyers from outside of Germany.

First, the surfaces on Krakow's roads will be renovated main streets - The idea is to have been patched as soon as possible - Fixed will also be the road , in the opinion of our inspectors pose the greatest problems for drivers. Dangerous holes appeared , among others, Kotlarski on the bridge and on the street. Kamieńskiego . Even worse look smaller streets in housing estates such as . Francesco Nullo . City officials say , however, directly on patching many rifts may not be enough money. - After amendment of councilors reduced amount for maintenance of roads, for one quarter of an average maximum of 350-400 thousand . zł, a little in relation to the needs.

In my opinion I think it is bl*ody cheeky. I just want some tiny little bit of the tax I pay here in Poland to be spent on the roads. As city initiatives go, I think this is a rubbish idea.

Jay24

6 Apr 2010

Life / First hand experiences of the Mafia in Poland [28]

Has anyone here in Poland had any first hand experiences of dealing with the Mafia? Alternatively, do you know anyone who has had any experiences in dealing with them? I'm considering setting up my own business in either Krakow or Warsaw (a bar/pub/cafe/restaurant type venture) and was wondering if I am likely to find myself having to deal with the Mafia at some point??

Jay24

6 Apr 2010

Life / First hand experiences of the Mafia in Poland [28]

It's highly unlikely unless you're planning to be involved in drugs, money laundering or prostitution

Certainly don't intend on being but thanks for the heads up! Do protection rackets exist over here at all?

Jay24

6 Apr 2010

Life / First hand experiences of the Mafia in Poland [28]

They can hardly be called ''protection rackets'' but most commercial companies hire private security companies, such as Justus

Cheers Sean, good to know - seen many of these guys touring the city so will check it out.

Best guy to talk to is Tom, he owns Nic Nowego

Funnily enough was thinking of popping in there and having a word with him over the weekend. Cheers.

I'm getting the impression that the mafia presence in Poland isn't that prominent. From what I can make out, they seem to have their own business interests and for the most part do their own thing. I was expecting to hear stories of arson attacks, extorsion etc, or maybe I've just watched too many mob movies. However, I guess I could still be wrong - don't want to be naive about things if I do decide to set up shop.

Jay24

6 Apr 2010

Law / Visa Stamp if you overstay (American with a Polish Wife) [29]

and see if they either arrest me or stamp my passport

I don't really know about such things but surely if you were arrested you would then also be deported? I would have thought that should such a thing happen, it would then be very difficult for you to return. Like I say, don't know too much about it but I've heard these things happen in other parts of the world.

However, what you've described doesn't sound all that bad so I hope the authorities are not overly petty and can see this for what it is. Good luck anyway.

Jay24

7 Apr 2010

Life / HOW DO I PUT CREDIT ON MY POLISH MOBILE? [20]

Definately the easiest way IMO. I'm with PKO BP and they have this option with their online banking. I'm sure most other banks in Poland would also have this facility.

Jay24

15 Apr 2010

Life / English channels on Poland's Cyfra+ [13]

Thinking about getting Cyfra+ but have a couple of questions.
Does anyone know what English speaking channels are available?
I was told it is possible to change settings to add/remove dubbing - is this right?

Jay24

14 May 2010

Travel / Fish and Chips in Warsaw [53]

new fish and chip shop (Koszykowa 45, through the arch from pl. Konstitucji, behind Bar7)

Is this place quite hidden away or something as I've tried to find it a couple of times with no luck? Above says Koszykowa 45 but website says Koszykowa 30 - help, where is it???

Jay24

11 Jun 2010

Travel / A beach in Krakow [7]

and does Krakow really need to generate more tourists

Not sure if this would become one of the main "tourist pullers" to Krakow but I certainly think it would a good river front feature. Looks like it will be close to the old Hotel Forum - great views from here and will be no bad thing as the area definately needs some attention/renovation.

Jay24

21 Jun 2010

Travel / Ultra cheap trains in Polish trains [8]

RTN was by an intercity train (got delayed - 3.5 hours) and cost us even less.

Can't understand how - smells like corruption on the rails. Can't go on at these prices for long.

I travel between Krakow and Warsaw each week and the cost of a second class intercity ticket costs 108PLN each way. However, I understand that for each journey there are a handful of reduced price tickets available - about 50PLN. I've only been fortunate enough to get these tickets about 2-3 times in the last year so it could be that you had one of these.

Jay24

3 Aug 2010

Food / I am a cider drinker, where to get it in Krakow [40]

Remember drinking Bulmers in Nic Nowego about a year ago. I've not actually looked recently to see if they still sell it but it might be worth checking out.