jon357
16 Nov 2014
News / Local elections - anyone care to comment? [75]
The President of Warsaw (from Platforma) has apparently got a second term of office
The President of Warsaw (from Platforma) has apparently got a second term of office
jon357
10 Nov 2014
Work / How much is the average living cost in Poland for foreign student? [46]
Yes, I did see that. I was thinking more about going away for the weekend or longer, visits back to wherever she's from - these things can get very expensive. Cheap mini break is very possible, but a comfortable one is better. I've done both and know which I prefer.
So to answer her question about whether it's enough to live on, then yes, just about. Is it enough to live well? No, unless you want to live in a city with great restaurants and bars but not be able to go in them if you also want to fly back to see your family or take a short holiday and if you don't mind night buses instead of taxis.
If she doesn't mind living like a student, it's possible, but still not comfortable.
Looking at it, it's actually about 760 zl a month, say 750 for maths' sake. Meaning 187 zl a week to buy not just food but anything else that you need to spend on day to day, a little something for unforeseen expenditures, entertainment, clothing, mobile phone top-up, hairdresser, toiletries and cosmetics, ladies' products etc (assuming Niki is a lady).
As I say, possible, but barely so and only with a bit of skill. Forget the weekends away.
Yes, I did see that. I was thinking more about going away for the weekend or longer, visits back to wherever she's from - these things can get very expensive. Cheap mini break is very possible, but a comfortable one is better. I've done both and know which I prefer.
So to answer her question about whether it's enough to live on, then yes, just about. Is it enough to live well? No, unless you want to live in a city with great restaurants and bars but not be able to go in them if you also want to fly back to see your family or take a short holiday and if you don't mind night buses instead of taxis.
If she doesn't mind living like a student, it's possible, but still not comfortable.
1000 zl not much for food? For one person?
Looking at it, it's actually about 760 zl a month, say 750 for maths' sake. Meaning 187 zl a week to buy not just food but anything else that you need to spend on day to day, a little something for unforeseen expenditures, entertainment, clothing, mobile phone top-up, hairdresser, toiletries and cosmetics, ladies' products etc (assuming Niki is a lady).
As I say, possible, but barely so and only with a bit of skill. Forget the weekends away.
jon357
10 Nov 2014
Work / How much is the average living cost in Poland for foreign student? [46]
So can I - in fact for much less, but I wouldn't want to do that daily or even often.
And for all the rest, plus travel, any clothes that she wants/needs to buy, a decent restaurant every now and again, or in fact anything else.
The poster doesn't say she's a student. If she is, she may well be happy living like one. If not, she may well want a bit more comfort.
I can easily cook a dinner for 3 for 20 zl
So can I - in fact for much less, but I wouldn't want to do that daily or even often.
for food
And for all the rest, plus travel, any clothes that she wants/needs to buy, a decent restaurant every now and again, or in fact anything else.
The poster doesn't say she's a student. If she is, she may well be happy living like one. If not, she may well want a bit more comfort.
jon357
9 Nov 2014
Work / Part time work / Web Developer job in Poland [7]
The employer and nobody else can apply for a work permit.
This is true.
Or some other way is there to achieve the Work permit.
The employer and nobody else can apply for a work permit.
There is no demand for PHP developers in Poland that local supply cannot fulfill.
This is true.
jon357
9 Nov 2014
Work / How much is the average living cost in Poland for foreign student? [46]
Yes, there are even new ones. They still get the same tax rebate.
This is really not much though - poverty wages.
I have no idea if these are still around (they were subsidised)
Yes, there are even new ones. They still get the same tax rebate.
185 euros for food should be enough
This is really not much though - poverty wages.
jon357
8 Nov 2014
jon357
2 Nov 2014
Work / The most popular job (and not only) advertising sites in Poland? [55]
probably not as a new graduate - there's a surplus in Poland and many work elsewhere.
probably not as a new graduate - there's a surplus in Poland and many work elsewhere.
jon357
2 Nov 2014
Life / Vandalism in Poland: Has it always been this way? [80]
It isn't so much the city centre (where after all you expect ads) but in the countryside, in otherwise pretty villages and in the suburbs.
Paradoxically the penalties are very severe. One thing that's always puzzled me - there's so much graffiti, new stuff appears all the time but I've never seen anyone actually spraying it.
nor cleaning cities from advertisement chaos is.
It isn't so much the city centre (where after all you expect ads) but in the countryside, in otherwise pretty villages and in the suburbs.
cleaning graffities. In Poland it doesn't seem to big a priority
Paradoxically the penalties are very severe. One thing that's always puzzled me - there's so much graffiti, new stuff appears all the time but I've never seen anyone actually spraying it.
jon357
1 Nov 2014
Law / Old Polish money banknotes - what's their value today? [415]
See the second post in this thread
See the second post in this thread
jon357
1 Nov 2014
Life / Vandalism in Poland: Has it always been this way? [80]
Yes - no more vandalism of the type that the OP mentioned than most other places in that part of Europe. The level of graffiti is shocking though and neither nothing new nor getting any better. Cameras don't seem to be stopping it.
Poland is a very safe place to be overall
Yes - no more vandalism of the type that the OP mentioned than most other places in that part of Europe. The level of graffiti is shocking though and neither nothing new nor getting any better. Cameras don't seem to be stopping it.
jon357
28 Oct 2014
Life / 3 reasons why you hate Poland. [1049]
A lot of people say that. Personally I quite like the mist, dry cold, crows and ravens etc - it's the weeks of half thawing and refreezing slush in late winter when we tend to take a holiday in the sun. The long summers are glorious though and it's nice to sit outside in October.
A lot of people say that. Personally I quite like the mist, dry cold, crows and ravens etc - it's the weeks of half thawing and refreezing slush in late winter when we tend to take a holiday in the sun. The long summers are glorious though and it's nice to sit outside in October.
jon357
28 Oct 2014
Life / 3 reasons why you hate Poland. [1049]
Agreed. It isn't just the amount or frequency of rain though - it's the weather the rest of the time and in Poland, apart from the miserable and slushy weeks at the end of winter, the weather is generally good.
Agreed. It isn't just the amount or frequency of rain though - it's the weather the rest of the time and in Poland, apart from the miserable and slushy weeks at the end of winter, the weather is generally good.
jon357
27 Oct 2014
Work / Chances of working in Poland as an IT System / Server Administrator? ( I have 3 years experience ) [17]
In order to get a job like that in PL you'd need to join the queue behind plenty of people with the same or better skills - that and the fact that they wouldn't need a work permit or immigration clearance, speak the language as a native (plus good English and at least one other European language) and are able to attend an interview in person at short notice. To compete with such people you'd need to have very specific skills indeed.
In order to get a job like that in PL you'd need to join the queue behind plenty of people with the same or better skills - that and the fact that they wouldn't need a work permit or immigration clearance, speak the language as a native (plus good English and at least one other European language) and are able to attend an interview in person at short notice. To compete with such people you'd need to have very specific skills indeed.
jon357
23 Oct 2014
Life / Life in Poland for American who likes women, beer, hates Tories and is concerned about the weather [19]
The post does come across as a little weird, especially the bit about Tories which is a rare word for Americans to use (and there's no shortage of dodgy politics in Poland too). Wanting to go to PL for the weather and the beer is a bit of an odd thing as well...
The post does come across as a little weird, especially the bit about Tories which is a rare word for Americans to use (and there's no shortage of dodgy politics in Poland too). Wanting to go to PL for the weather and the beer is a bit of an odd thing as well...
jon357
23 Oct 2014
UK, Ireland / English/British rudeness - what do Polish people think about it? [168]
That or secretly enjoying it.
That or secretly enjoying it.
jon357
21 Oct 2014
Life / When will SMOKING BE BANNED? (from public areas in Poland) [44]
Spot on. Nobody I know who has a doctorate smokes. Every unemployed person I know smokes...
I smoked heavily for years and in the end just had enough of it - the effect on the human body is appalling. Inhaling burning dries leaves twenty or so times a day does destroy your lungs and is an addiction. I've nothing against drugs per se - I favour not banning anything (up to and including heroin and cocaine) from sale to over-21s however there's a strong case for restricting tobacco to Amsterdam style coffee-shops...
Most of the educated successful people seem to have made the good choice and quit smoking.
Spot on. Nobody I know who has a doctorate smokes. Every unemployed person I know smokes...
I smoked heavily for years and in the end just had enough of it - the effect on the human body is appalling. Inhaling burning dries leaves twenty or so times a day does destroy your lungs and is an addiction. I've nothing against drugs per se - I favour not banning anything (up to and including heroin and cocaine) from sale to over-21s however there's a strong case for restricting tobacco to Amsterdam style coffee-shops...
jon357
20 Oct 2014
Life / When will SMOKING BE BANNED? (from public areas in Poland) [44]
One thing about the post with the quote from the dziennik ustaw or wherever saying it's banned in public places; the Polish parliament isn't always very good at drafting laws (this is an ongoing issue) and leave a lot open to interpretation. I very much doubt that the law in question defines a public place. Certainly there are plenty of bars in Warsaw with smoking rooms and a few others that just get the ashtrays out late in the evening.
Though even as an ex-smoker I don't really mind as long as there's some ventilation and prefer the situation in Warsaw to that in the UK where they went too far - even having no smoking cabins at Heathrow which must be a pain for heavy smokers who have to change planes there between long haul flights but don't have a visa to go through the barrier - if I were still a smoker I'd probably go through Schipol or Frankfurt instead, both of which are less anal about the ban.
One thing about the post with the quote from the dziennik ustaw or wherever saying it's banned in public places; the Polish parliament isn't always very good at drafting laws (this is an ongoing issue) and leave a lot open to interpretation. I very much doubt that the law in question defines a public place. Certainly there are plenty of bars in Warsaw with smoking rooms and a few others that just get the ashtrays out late in the evening.
Though even as an ex-smoker I don't really mind as long as there's some ventilation and prefer the situation in Warsaw to that in the UK where they went too far - even having no smoking cabins at Heathrow which must be a pain for heavy smokers who have to change planes there between long haul flights but don't have a visa to go through the barrier - if I were still a smoker I'd probably go through Schipol or Frankfurt instead, both of which are less anal about the ban.
jon357
2 Oct 2014
Work / Are there any jobs for Americans in Poland? [46]
Plus their own economy has tanked, with huge youth unemployment. Given the age of so many, it'll doubtless make for plenty of international marriages.
There are Droves of Spanish in krakow living the Eastern European dream by doing this.
Plus their own economy has tanked, with huge youth unemployment. Given the age of so many, it'll doubtless make for plenty of international marriages.
jon357
22 Sep 2014
History / Roman Dmowski-Patriot, Nationalist, Anti-Semite? [252]
Not much doubt that his chum RE Park was. And Dmowski was quite open about it.
books.google.co.uk/books?isbn=0762310111
americanjewisharchives.org
No
Mr.Booker must have been an anti semite?
Not much doubt that his chum RE Park was. And Dmowski was quite open about it.
books.google.co.uk/books?isbn=0762310111
americanjewisharchives.org
Am I right?
No
jon357
21 Sep 2014
Life / Brazilian moving to Gdansk and need some help with finding a flat to rent and also a good school for daughters [33]
Try Wrzeszcz, easy to get to the old centre on the SKM and fairly pleasant.
The main online real estate portal is domiporta.pl - I think they have an option for selecting English.
Any info on which area is the best to live in Gdansk. Looking for a flat or house 100sq meters would be the minimum. Bright cherry at least three bedrooms close to tram or old town but will live out of the center for the right place
Try Wrzeszcz, easy to get to the old centre on the SKM and fairly pleasant.
Any tips?
The main online real estate portal is domiporta.pl - I think they have an option for selecting English.
jon357
20 Sep 2014
Law / Which is the best city in Poland to open a kebab shop? [56]
Not much money there - and as I remember a ton of competition. Warsaw is a better bet though the real estate prices are higher. It's a trade-off really. You'll get a lower margin but probably sell more. Be careful though, a chain called Kebab King are opening large shops round town.
And also without people living upstairs - the smell from those places can be nauseating. Enough to drive someone to drink
try Lódz
Not much money there - and as I remember a ton of competition. Warsaw is a better bet though the real estate prices are higher. It's a trade-off really. You'll get a lower margin but probably sell more. Be careful though, a chain called Kebab King are opening large shops round town.
The most important, of course location and a place to rent for shop in a good area for the business.
And also without people living upstairs - the smell from those places can be nauseating. Enough to drive someone to drink
jon357
19 Sep 2014
News / Polish PM Tusk- dictator or not? What Poles think? [455]
In pretty well every country (except perhaps North Korea) a significant number of people hate their political leader, especially after they've been in office for a while.
Not a respectable source.
that alot of local Poles really hate their Prime Minister, Donald Tus
In pretty well every country (except perhaps North Korea) a significant number of people hate their political leader, especially after they've been in office for a while.
There is article about it on Polska Gazeta.
Not a respectable source.
jon357
19 Sep 2014
UK, Ireland / Five Polish Students Died along the Somerset Coast in 1994 - what happened? [13]
If it happened, it certainly is. Local newspaper archives, especially pre-2000, are not always online.
I find it strange that a tragedy of this magnitude is not somewhere in the local press archives
If it happened, it certainly is. Local newspaper archives, especially pre-2000, are not always online.
jon357
19 Sep 2014
News / Polish PM Tusk- dictator or not? What Poles think? [455]
You do realise that a. elections are every 5 years, b. he leaves office in a few weeks and c. his predecessor was the worst one Poland has had.
You do realise that a. elections are every 5 years, b. he leaves office in a few weeks and c. his predecessor was the worst one Poland has had.
jon357
18 Sep 2014
Genealogy / Surname Cybert. Is it Welsh or Polish? [11]
More likely Anglicised than Polonised, given the spelling.
More likely Anglicised than Polonised, given the spelling.
jon357
18 Sep 2014
Life / Brazilian moving to Gdansk and need some help with finding a flat to rent and also a good school for daughters [33]
Or the advert is spurious. Look on Gumtree, check the box that says 'wlasciciel' (not agent) and google the phone number to make sure it doesn't show up as a real estate agent.
Terri is right about negotiating and yes, it's a good idea to let your employer help.
A bit cheaper than that though it depends what sort of place you want to go to - some can be more expensive. Food etc isn't especially expensive there are you can live cheaply or not.
The Trójmiasto (you can't really talk about Gdańsk alone - the conurbation spreads up the coast) has everything you might be looking for.
meaning either demand is low or price too high.
Or the advert is spurious. Look on Gumtree, check the box that says 'wlasciciel' (not agent) and google the phone number to make sure it doesn't show up as a real estate agent.
Terri is right about negotiating and yes, it's a good idea to let your employer help.
3 Eur for beer in oldtown, 7 for cocktail/longdrink, etc
A bit cheaper than that though it depends what sort of place you want to go to - some can be more expensive. Food etc isn't especially expensive there are you can live cheaply or not.
The Trójmiasto (you can't really talk about Gdańsk alone - the conurbation spreads up the coast) has everything you might be looking for.
jon357
17 Sep 2014
Law / Old Polish money banknotes - what's their value today? [415]
Worth considerably less than their weight in dung - plenty of posts in this thread about banknotes from that period.
Worth considerably less than their weight in dung - plenty of posts in this thread about banknotes from that period.
jon357
16 Sep 2014
History / Secrets of Polish Freemasons at the National Museum, Warsaw [9]
That's not my quote
Anyway, where did Paderewski keep his "baphomet statues"? On top of the piano?
There's also a similar but much smaller exhibition running in Poznan at the moment.
That's not my quote
Anyway, where did Paderewski keep his "baphomet statues"? On top of the piano?
There's also a similar but much smaller exhibition running in Poznan at the moment.
jon357
16 Sep 2014
Life / Activation of purchased Poland Orange/T-mobile/Play mobile data / SIM card? [19]
You won't lose it and their website has instructions to top up. The receipt should be self-explanatory though, even if it's in Chinese.
You won't lose it and their website has instructions to top up. The receipt should be self-explanatory though, even if it's in Chinese.
jon357
16 Sep 2014
History / Secrets of Polish Freemasons at the National Museum, Warsaw [9]
Some friends (quite a few in fact) have been and say it's worth seeing. Probably the only museum exhibition where the entry is hidden somewhere inside and you have to find your way in. Full of surprises.
Some friends (quite a few in fact) have been and say it's worth seeing. Probably the only museum exhibition where the entry is hidden somewhere inside and you have to find your way in. Full of surprises.
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