Life / What gifts to take? Presents customs in Poland. [173]


Yes, they do taste of something else. Something that I don't expect or want when I bite into a marshmallow. And the texture was all wrong, too. I rarely throw food away, but those ended up in the can pdq. They tasted like my LEAST favorite candy in the whole world, circus peanuts (I get sick just looking at them): en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Circus_peanuts

Sorry, but you're never going to figure out what a real American marshmallow tastes and feels like without actually trying one. You'll just have to take my word for it that the difference is enormous.

Life / What gifts to take? Presents customs in Poland. [173]


Yes, really. There's no comparison. Like a Rolex and a fake "Rolex". The ones I had in Poland were just plain awful. The taste and texture were completely off, and it's obvious that whoever designed them had never seen, held or tasted a real marshmallow in their life, and was working solely off of a written description. They weren't even good enough to put in cocoa. If you have a friend in the States or Canada, ask them to send you some, and you'll see the difference for yourself.

Life / What gifts to take? Presents customs in Poland. [173]


The ones you can get in Poland are far inferior to the American ones. Bought a pack once out of curiosity and the ended up in the trash. I don't think they would be suitable for roasting.


Baloney.

Work / Job opportunities for experienced US Civil Engineer in Poland - any hope? [30]

As Monitor says, the construction industry is in poor shape in Poland at the moment, and things aren't going to improve any time soon. You're best bets are to get a job with an American company working in Poland at American pay rates, or do something else entirely different.

By entirely different, I mean getting a job as a civil engineer working in Suadi Arabia, Dubai, Abi Dabi or similar location. The pay is fantastic, and even though you won't be able to take your family, after a five year contract, you will be able to retire quite comfortably in Poland, and earn enough to send your kids to the best schools. You have to think of their future, and Polish universities are a poor educational option for them.

Yes, it's like going to jail for five years, and being away from the family will be difficult. But financially, it's a smart move. One that I deeply regret not having made myself.

Life / What gifts to take? Presents customs in Poland. [173]

The cost of the gift isn't that significant for children. Uniqueness is. Had a wonderful time with my teen students roasting marshmallows that my mom sent me from the States. A new and strange experience for Poles. Strike-anywhere kitchen matches also made a huge impression; they don't exist in Europe. They've seen them used in films, though, and they are curious about them. I gave maple syrup to a teen that I was mentoring for Christmas, and he was super thrilled. We made AMERICAN pancakes together (also totally unknown in Poland) and had a great time. For the little boy, try a propeller beanie. Totally unknown in Poland. Root beer is something that's totally unavailable here, and a new experience for Poles. Beef jerky is also something novel, as is black licorice (but this gets a very mixed response). Macadamia nuts and nigger toes are totally unknown here, too. Hershey's kisses are great for the kids.

Life / Famous Polish people (that we have actually heard of) [231]


Neustettin, which is now in Poland and called Szczecinek. His family immigrated before it became Polish, so it would be deceptive to say that he has any connection with Poland.

Travel / Things to do in KROSCIENKO [7]

Lots of outdoor activities, hiking, mountain climbing, and the raft ride she linked to is spectacular. A must do. I was there eight years ago, and though things may have improved since then, I would describe the tourist infrastructure at that time as underdeveloped, which was fine by me. Fortunately, I was with friends who had a car, which helped a lot. You might consider renting one as well.

If you're not a nature lover and enthusiast of outdoor activities, you're screwed. Almost. The nearest "city" is Zakopane (30 miles away, about an hour or two by bus, about half that by car), and depending how much time you have, it's worth the visit. It a MAJOR tourist destination in Poland (and crowded) and there are lots of activities there of the type you describe. Tacky as all hell, but fun if you accept it for what it is. With a car, you could make a day trip to Kraków, which is about two hours away.