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Posts by BLS  

Joined: 14 Feb 2008 / Male ♂ 		Last Post: 18 Jun 2014
Threads: Total: 65 / In This Archive: 36
Posts: Total: 188 / In This Archive: 88 		From: Poland, Krakow
Speaks Polish?: Mowię trochę po polsku, but I want to learn more

Displayed posts: 124 / page 1 of 5
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BLS   
10 Jun 2014
News / Poland one step closer to visa waiver by US Senate [59]

As I understand the process, the US calculates the number of people that overstay their visas for each country. If the number of "illegals" over the previous 5 years averages above 10%, then that country's citizens must continue to apply for visas. Each year, the percentage of "illegal" Poles drops - but it seems the aggregate is still above that 10% threshold.

I'm no fan of the US (one reason I moved to Europe), but they have the same rule for each Schengen country...and Poland is apparently the ONLY member country that doesn't abide by this 10% rule. If this information is true, then one must begrudgingly point the finger at Poland for this visa requirement. If my information is wrong, however, I hope someone will enlighten me (as I absolutely don't wish to give my homeland any undeserved credit).

It's like judging someone before he commit the crime.

I feel this way every time I apply for my karta pobytu - I have done everything right and above-board for my entire six-year stay in Poland, yet the folks at residency don't seem overly impressed. For some reason, they seem to believe I'm a welfare case just waiting to happen!
BLS   
5 Jun 2014
Life / Many Problems with UPC Broadband in Poland - Anyone Else? [20]

I'm in Krakow - Ruczaj to be exact. I have made several calls to them regarding these problems, but I haven't been impressed with their customer service. Today, my flatmate called them, and they told her that it was a problem with our router. Then I called them a few minutes later, and they told me that the entire block of flats was without connection - they blamed the problem on the building's infrastructure (our building is less than 10 years old). After that, I went to a nearby restaurant that also subscribes to UPC internet - their connection was out as well. So I don't like the runaround they seem to be giving us.

This has happened far too often recently - today was the last straw for me. Any suggestion for other internet providers?
BLS   
5 Jun 2014
Life / Many Problems with UPC Broadband in Poland - Anyone Else? [20]

UPC Broadband has been wholly unreliable for me lately - nearly a dozen outages in the past month (including a 20-hour outage that just ended this evening). Anyone else having similar troubles with their UPC internet connection? And what are the alternatives? What other companies offer broadband in Krakow? I'm ready to jump ship!
BLS   
3 Jun 2014
Life / Water Meters in Krakow - why must they be exchanged every 4-5 years? [2]

My partner recently told me that our water meter will need to be swapped out - at a cost of 400 zł. I've never heard of such a requirement before - is it a national mandate, or is it unique to Krakow? And what is the reason for this? Is it about accuracy, or simply a way for the government to fill its coffers?
BLS   
3 Jun 2014
Life / Where can I buy and have Plexiglass cut in Krakow? [3]

I have a pending home project that requires a few pieces of plexiglass - including two pieces with a diagonal cut. I realize Castorama, Obi, etc. carry this product, but I'm not sure they are able to cut it. If they are, I doubt they are able to make diagonal cuts (since they don't do this with wood).

Anyway, does anyone have experience with shops around Krakow that sell and cut plexiglass? I own some rudimentary power tools, but I've never attempted to work with pg before - I will be brave enough to drill some holes, but I prefer to leave the cutting to the experts. Any and all constructive input would be greatly appreciated - thanks!
BLS   
6 Mar 2014
Law / Query concerning long-term Residency Card for non-EU Citizen [4]

I am a self-employed language teacher, so "proving" my monthly income will be the biggest hurdle. The last time I applied for my karta pobytu, they seemed all hung up on the fact that I didn't have a contract (as if a contract from a language school actually guarantees income).
BLS   
5 Mar 2014
Law / Query concerning long-term Residency Card for non-EU Citizen [4]

I am an American who has lived in Poland legally for five years. It is time to renew my karta pobytu, so I thought I would apply for long-term residency instead of fixed-term. I meet all of the requirements, but I asked the residency office about the repercussions if I am somehow denied this status. They recommended that I should apply for both long-term and fixed-term residency as a way to protect myself.

This seems rather strange to me - the fees would be close to 1,000 zł to apply for both. Does anyone have experience with this scenario? It appears that my current karta pobytu will expire before my long-term residency can be decided, so I risk losing my five-consecutive-year streak (a requirement for long-term) if I don't apply for fixed-term residency as well.

Thanks for any and all constructive input!
BLS   
24 Dec 2013
Life / Where can i find plumbing parts in Krakow? ( Rearranging plumbing to install a dishwasher ) [13]

Peter, you've been most helpful - thank you very much for your advice. This should do the trick (do you agree?):

leroymerlin.pl/elektrycznosc/akcesoria-elektryczne/przedluzacze/przedluzacz-jednogniazdkowy-ps-105-2-5-2-elgotech,p1854 71,l1070.html?utm_medium=cpc&utm_source=ceneo.pl&utm_campaign=por ownywarka&utm_content=44427103

You seem to know what you are talking about - may I ask your opinion about my dishwasher installation? In America, we typically connect our DW to the hot water line - however, it seems that Europeans typically connect theirs to cold water lines. The owner's manual for my DW says to hook it up to cold, but a manual from an different DW (from the same company) states that you can connect it to the hot water line, but it will be slightly less efficient than using cold water.

Here's my question: I receive my hot water from an outside source (an electric plant in Skawina provides all of our heat and hot water). Purportedly, this is significantly less expensive than using a traditional water heater. Because of this, I believe connecting my DW to the hot water line might be more efficient (and cheaper) than heating cold water with the DW's built-in electric element - do you concur?
BLS   
23 Dec 2013
Life / Where can i find plumbing parts in Krakow? ( Rearranging plumbing to install a dishwasher ) [13]

The compact dishwasher is too wide to fit under the sink with the plumbing in its current position, so I must move the vertical pipe to the other side of the wall pipe. Thus, the waste arm needs to be lengthened. I fully intend to use the existing inlet for drainage from the dishwasher.

Do you know anything about electricity? There is no electrical connection under the sink, so I will need to run a heavy-duty extension cord (about 3 meters long) to the unit. I know what to buy in America (a cord with 12-gauge wiring), but I don't know how to find something equivalent in Poland. Any suggestions?
BLS   
23 Dec 2013
Life / Where can i find plumbing parts in Krakow? ( Rearranging plumbing to install a dishwasher ) [13]

It looks like German-style plumbing parts made by Rawiplast

You were spot on, Peter! I checked Praktiker today and found a kit that includes the waste arm that is installed under my sink. However, I believe it will be impossible to find different sizes of this piece - so I guess I need to improvise.

I need to add 10 cm or so to the pipe - is it possible to cut the pipe near the middle and install a connector of some sort between the two pieces? It's a 40mm pipe.
BLS   
21 Dec 2013
Life / Where can i find plumbing parts in Krakow? ( Rearranging plumbing to install a dishwasher ) [13]

I'm afraid we don't have such thing.

I actually have one installed under my kitchen sink here in Krakow (see photo). The waste arm has a number (636.37/1), but I have no idea how to utilize this information - a Google search yields nothing pertinent.

I only need to add 10 cm to the length, so I guess I could simply add an extension - but one more connection adds another possible place for leakage.


  • Picture_40.png
BLS   
19 Dec 2013
Life / Where can i find plumbing parts in Krakow? ( Rearranging plumbing to install a dishwasher ) [13]

I am trying to rearrange the plumbing under my kitchen sink to accommodate a portable dishwasher. To do this, I will need to install a new waste arm or an extension for the existing waste arm (PVC). I have two questions:

1) What is the Polish translation of 'waste arm'?
2) Where can I find such a device in Krakow?

I have looked at Obi, Leroy Merlin, and Castorama - each to no avail. While these stores have minimal piping and plumbing supplies, they do not offer what I need. Any suggestions of a specialty shop in Krakow (or possibly on Allegro) that might offer several sizes and lengths? Thanks!
BLS   
18 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

You and Grzegorz should be applauding BLS and his efforts

Thanks for the support, F4 - however, I have learned it is next to impossible to convince someone to acknowledge the long-term benefits of a situation when they can't think beyond the short-term consequences. I guess by this reasoning, punishing a child or a pet can also be considered rude. I happen to agree with the "short-term pain for long-term gain" philosophy in such matters, but obviously not everyone concurs.

You and I seem to agree that this is how we were taught to behave in our respective societies - I believe this made us more aware of our surroundings and, thus, more considerate of others. As I mentioned earlier, most of my students agreed with my tactics - only one took exception. Also, my girlfriend mentioned my situation to her friend - this friend admitted that she was never taught to think about the welfare others in public and would welcome such a "lesson" to help educate her. Needless to say, this was a shocking revelation for both of us! This person can clearly understand the long-term benefits of such tactics just as you, I, and likely the vast majority of Poles can (if my students are any indication).
BLS   
18 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

1) American politeness requirements are far less stringent in this regard than in Poland (Czy ma pani bilety?). And I do believe Poles can teach Americans a thing or two, especially about families and how they should function. And if this would improve US society, then I'm all for it. Why are you so resistant to improve your society?

2) The woman was half my age - and she bumped into ME. Do you not get that?
3) You haven't answered my questions:

Do you have another method of altering her behavior? Can you provide some other constructive solution?

You make many false assumptions, you don't answer questions posed in previous posts, and you seem unwilling to consider any person's viewpoint other than your own. Since you don't seem to have an open mind and have lowered this discussion with your "them vs. us" mentality, I am finished engaging you.
BLS   
18 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

Judging by some of the recent posts, I am inclined to agree with this statement. Perhaps these posters are satisfied with the way things are in Poland. I, however, strive to improve the society in which I live (I did it in America, and I do it here). Allowing an inconsiderate woman to bump into me was intended to help change her behavior towards the rest of society in the future. I took no pride in inflicting discomfort, it was the simple application of a basic psychological tool - negative reinforcement meant to elicit modified future behavior. Do you have another method of altering her behavior? Can you provide some other constructive solution? If not, or if you believe this woman should be allowed to continue her inconsiderate behavior in the midst of others ad infinitum, then perhaps you are the 13-year-old pretending to be a grown-up.

One more thing - like it or not, THIS is my society too. I am a legal resident in Poland; I pay taxes, I pay ZUS, I am every bit a member of this society as you are. If you believe I am patronizing the people of Poland, you are dead wrong - I am not trying to change your society, I am striving to improve MY society.
BLS   
18 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

What's the Polish word for hypocrisy? And fellow Westerners, has any one of us claimed to know it all or that we are the best judges? Again, black and white interpretation. I certainly haven't written those words - but please feel free to judge the words I "meant" instead of those that I actually wrote.
BLS   
18 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

but is it really a subject for a thread?

Yes, I believe it is. I wasn't 100% I was correct to do what I did, so I solicited other opinions.

Would it be alright if I deliberately bump on you when you were deep in thoughts or looking somewhere else not seeing me?

Absolutely - if my lack of concentration created interference of your personal space, then I would fully expect this from you.

If you carefully read my posts you'll see a very deliberate use of the word "seem" or "appear."

It's my experience that Poles either ignore or don't notice such soft words. They seem to see and hear more in terms of black and white than grayscale. I have had countless discussion with my students and friends here - the majority of them agree with this statement.
BLS   
17 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

If you're so unhappy about it, just make all those nasty Polish people sit on the naughty step or whatever.

Why so sensitive about this discussion, Magdalena? Do you actually like when people jump ahead of you in queues or bump into you on the street? We are not unhappy about it - it's a simple discussion about our experiences in this country. Like most people in this thread, I am able to think in shades of gray - however, your interpretation of our discussion seems to be a bit too black and white for my tastes.

Of course people aren't perfect elsewhere, but we live in Poland - thus, the discussion about our experiences with Polish people. If you want to start a thread about petty Westerners in your country, go right ahead - I for one will not be offended by your generalizations nor will I assume every Pole feels exactly like you do. And I certainly won't interpret a few negative words as overt hatred and disgust towards foreigners.
BLS   
17 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

A youngish woman whose seat I was squashed against said several times in Polish (in one of those annoying reedy voices) "Excuse me, this is a seat for one person".

This seems to be happening with young people, so I don't believe Communism is the culprit (indirectly, perhaps, but not directly). Certainly a 20-something female isn't going to remember the rigors of competing for the last loaf of bread. Perhaps they learned how to act in public by observing their parents - I don't know.

Antisocial, or what?

Abso-freakin-lutely!

I also notice on buses or trams people running, literally running, in order to get to a vacant seat before someone much nearer has a chance to sit

I saw this in its full glory in Vilnius. Upon returning to Krakow, I felt like I was in San Francisco by comparison!
BLS   
17 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

you don't even think she noticed you

I think this is the larger issue - she didn't bother to notice anyone else. HER needs were more important than everyone else's, and that is not conducive to a functional society. I was fully aware of my surroundings, but she was not. If she would bump into a few more people, perhaps she'd get her head out of her ars and learn to follow the social contract we all inherently agree to when living in a metropolitan society.

Ok, but that doesn't change the rudness factor- the fact that you are right doesn't mean you don't act like an....at the same time.

How else is this person going to learn without some sort of "intervention" from others? She obviously hadn't learned how to be a responsible member of society, so I chose to be proactive rather than reactive. My intent was (and is) to improve society for the long term - if you focus only on the short-term consequences, you're missing the point entirely.
BLS   
17 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

One of my students told me that she considered my behavior to be more rude than the young woman's at the train station. She told me it would have been easier and more polite to simply move out of the woman's way and let her pass unobstructed. I understand her point, but my instincts told me to obstruct. I have only done this a handful of times during my 5 years here, so it's not like I do it every day - I seem to save it for "special" occasions :-)

I must have learned this response somewhere. I hypothesize that I learned it from other passersby when I was inconsiderate or acted the fool during my youth.
BLS   
17 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

some individuals walking like there is no tomorrow without regard to other pedestrians

After returning by train to Krakow a while back, I was walking in the tunnel that exits the station. I noticed a young woman (talking on her mobile, of course) walking directly towards me in the manner you described. I continued my path and actually allowed her to bump into me. The look on her face was priceless - she was so upset that I didn't move out of her way. To be honest, I don't think she even saw me before "I" ran into "her."

I believe this is how we from the West have been taught to act in public - by being chastised and browbeaten by strangers when we mess up. Perhaps more people in Poland need to speak up in such situations to affect change here. If Poles won't or can't, perhaps we outsiders can provide a valuable service to society by standing our ground in such cases mentioned in this thread. Sometimes I discuss this concept with my students - the majority of them agree with me! However, a few consider this to be presumptuous - opinions?
BLS   
16 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

So why don't other Poles complain about such behavior? I have rarely heard anyone chastise such inconsiderate behavior. A few months ago, some drunk dumbass desperately wanted to get on a bus I was on. Even though the bus was packed, he held the door to prevent it from closing (the driver tried 4 times) before finally managing to squeeze inside. What was stupid is this - there was another bus waiting at the stop directly behind us, and he disembarked at the VERY NEXT STOP!

As an outspoken Westerner, I raised my voice towards him a few times while he delayed our bus, but nobody joined in. The other passengers seemed completely oblivious to what was happening - the only reaction I heard was chuckling from a couple of young girls after I called the guy a dupek.

Polish people seem very much like sheep at zebra crossings - if one person crosses when the light is red, many (if not most) of the others generally follow suit. I was disappointed that nobody followed my lead on the bus that day.
BLS   
16 Jun 2013
Life / Etiquette in a Store and Market Queues in Poland [146]

I just returned from shopping at my local neighborhood Lidl, and I experienced a frustrating part of Polish life - somebody parked their shopping cart in a check-out aisle and went to pick up more stuff. Since there was plenty of space ahead of his cart, this shopper had obviously been gone for a few minutes - so, I jumped in front of the cart and placed my three items on the belt.

Soon thereafter, a guy (mid-20's) showed up and asked that I relinquish my place in the queue. I refused. A few words were exchanged, and he bumped me a few times with his shopping cart, but it didn't escalate into anything major. I'm sure he wasn't pleased, but it is my opinion that the guy left the queue. I understand the opposing viewpoint - he was arguably there first - but I believe my point is equally valid (if not more so).

I have lived in Poland for nearly 5 years and have never done this before, but this apparent lack of consideration for others is starting to annoy me. Is anyone else frustrated with such 'traditions' in Poland? I am also growing weary of the person who jumps into a newly-opened check-out lane and invites his/her friend(s) to cut in line ahead of everyone else (and they always seem to have separate orders). These are typically young people who are doing this, so I don't believe Communism is to blame here - just a lack of courtesy and consideration of others. I plan to start voicing my displeasure when this happens in the future.

Opinions?
BLS   
29 Apr 2013
Law / Allegro - Search by Postal Code missing [4]

I noticed that the new Allegro format seems to have omitted the possibility of searching within a certain area (say, within 10 km of a specific postal code). Am I missing this, or did they remove this option when they updated their format? Thanks!
BLS   
24 Apr 2013
Law / Invoice Question and Bookkeeping Records in Poland [4]

I have a simple question regarding bookkeeping: if I submit an invoice in March and receive payment in April, in which month should I include the payment in my records? Thanks!