jon357
17 Jul 2014
Love / Polish Pet Names For Girls. [156]
I suspect ufoludek too. Another possibility could be marsjanin :-)
I suspect ufoludek too. Another possibility could be marsjanin :-)
jon357
16 Jul 2014
Law / Old Polish money banknotes - what's their value today? [415]
196 Rupees only, unfortunately. That note was issued during a period of hyperinflation. I think you are too late to exchange it, though.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_złoty
196 Rupees only, unfortunately. That note was issued during a period of hyperinflation. I think you are too late to exchange it, though.
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_złoty
jon357
29 Jun 2014
Life / Help me find this Polish band and song.... [117]
It's an extremely dirty song that might not have been written down very often. There may be something on the internet but nothing shows at a quick look. Maybe your best bet would be to ask someone elderly round Zakopane. There are plenty of such songs in Polish, some better known than others ("Ej po Orawie..." for example). It reminds me if one my granny used to sing (in a different language) which also never made it to the internet age.
It's an extremely dirty song that might not have been written down very often. There may be something on the internet but nothing shows at a quick look. Maybe your best bet would be to ask someone elderly round Zakopane. There are plenty of such songs in Polish, some better known than others ("Ej po Orawie..." for example). It reminds me if one my granny used to sing (in a different language) which also never made it to the internet age.
jon357
29 Jun 2014
Life / Cannabis / Weed in Poland... How much does marijuana cost per gram and how easy is to get it? [355]
Google 'scoring weed in krakow'. One of the results on the first page of google gives the address of a bar. Not so easy for a tourist though - even possessing a little bit is very illegal and you'll find that it's more discreet than most places in Europe.
Google 'scoring weed in krakow'. One of the results on the first page of google gives the address of a bar. Not so easy for a tourist though - even possessing a little bit is very illegal and you'll find that it's more discreet than most places in Europe.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Love / My Polish wife's family hate me. Maybe it is because I'm black. Advice needed. [87]
Less of the if only! If we all of us, regardless of politics, nationality etc don't try to make it, who will? There's plenty who are trying to make the world a worse place...
If only we lived in an ideal world Jon...
Less of the if only! If we all of us, regardless of politics, nationality etc don't try to make it, who will? There's plenty who are trying to make the world a worse place...
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Love / My Polish wife's family hate me. Maybe it is because I'm black. Advice needed. [87]
I think that's a phrase best avoided. If there wasn't smoke, there wouldn't be fire. Best to avoid both.
Absolutely! We don't really know much about the family at all but from his posts we can figure out that Imano is probably thoroughly decent. A good friend here in PL whose daughter is married to a guy from far, far away was appalled when she saw her grand kids sitting down and eating rice with their hands. But once she got over the superficials, she stopped bothering. And anyway, people love their kids and grandkids unconditionally.
play the race card
I think that's a phrase best avoided. If there wasn't smoke, there wouldn't be fire. Best to avoid both.
Absolutely! We don't really know much about the family at all but from his posts we can figure out that Imano is probably thoroughly decent. A good friend here in PL whose daughter is married to a guy from far, far away was appalled when she saw her grand kids sitting down and eating rice with their hands. But once she got over the superficials, she stopped bothering. And anyway, people love their kids and grandkids unconditionally.
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Love / My Polish wife's family hate me. Maybe it is because I'm black. Advice needed. [87]
Tripe. Do you still think that communities in Pl are "playing the race card".
Respect still has to go both ways, and in this case the parents haven't even met him...
There is plenty of evidence Jon if you read the Polish newspapers o you are in contact with certain communities in Poland.
Tripe. Do you still think that communities in Pl are "playing the race card".
Respect still has to go both ways, and in this case the parents haven't even met him...
jon357
26 Jun 2014
Love / My Polish wife's family hate me. Maybe it is because I'm black. Advice needed. [87]
Do you have any evidence of that or it it just your own idea.
Respect needs to go both ways. If a family are unpleasant in some way, or obsessed with tradition, nothing he does will be acceptable to them.
too many minorities in Poland try to play the race/equality card to their advantage.
Do you have any evidence of that or it it just your own idea.
it is paramount you respect their traditions and values otherwise it will be continual conflict.
Respect needs to go both ways. If a family are unpleasant in some way, or obsessed with tradition, nothing he does will be acceptable to them.
jon357
23 Jun 2014
Food / Poland's best cheap beers? [72]
Yes. It's a bit cheaper usually than Żywiec etc. I often buy it since I like it, but when I do, people think it's a strange choice. Basically, if any of the main brands of beer here have a flavour other than chemical fizz, they're seen as worse quality.
Yes. It's a bit cheaper usually than Żywiec etc. I often buy it since I like it, but when I do, people think it's a strange choice. Basically, if any of the main brands of beer here have a flavour other than chemical fizz, they're seen as worse quality.
jon357
19 Jun 2014
Work / Language Teachers - do you feel respected in Poland? [86]
"Otherwise it sounds as if you're saying a professional English teacher is of higher status etc"
A professional teacher has much higher professional (and probably social) status than, as Roger describes them, a backpacking drunk or someone spooling out Headway in the crapper type of private language school or doing so-called conversation classes without any pedagogical basis. And if taking people's money for that procession, then they should certainly adhere to the highest standards. That includes not only making sure they learn but also not leaving them standing outside the building while the teacher takes a shower.
"Otherwise it sounds as if you're saying a professional English teacher is of higher status etc"
A professional teacher has much higher professional (and probably social) status than, as Roger describes them, a backpacking drunk or someone spooling out Headway in the crapper type of private language school or doing so-called conversation classes without any pedagogical basis. And if taking people's money for that procession, then they should certainly adhere to the highest standards. That includes not only making sure they learn but also not leaving them standing outside the building while the teacher takes a shower.
jon357
19 Jun 2014
Work / Language Teachers - do you feel respected in Poland? [86]
If you're a professional (and I'm not convinced the OP is) then yes, you should regard yourself as such. Nevertheless, I can't imagine any doctor or lawyer keeping someone outside the door while they take a shower and not even buzzing them in.
stop with this stupid entitlement like if you are member of royal family or someone of higher status just because you are English teacher. I think you are the one who is being disrespectful here
If you're a professional (and I'm not convinced the OP is) then yes, you should regard yourself as such. Nevertheless, I can't imagine any doctor or lawyer keeping someone outside the door while they take a shower and not even buzzing them in.
jon357
18 Jun 2014
Work / Language Teachers - do you feel respected in Poland? [86]
With fickle clients and a lot of competition. As well as having a professional relationship you have to get on with them as well, and the key is to be very well prepared.
it's not a job I could do week in week out
With fickle clients and a lot of competition. As well as having a professional relationship you have to get on with them as well, and the key is to be very well prepared.
jon357
18 Jun 2014
Work / Language Teachers - do you feel respected in Poland? [86]
I'd have buzzed him in and if there was a lesson scheduled at 12, been ready before that.
I'd have buzzed him in and if there was a lesson scheduled at 12, been ready before that.
jon357
11 Jun 2014
History / England's relations with Poland [20]
His last post was 4 years ago so you might be waiting a while for a reply
Matowy
His last post was 4 years ago so you might be waiting a while for a reply
jon357
10 Jun 2014
Law / Can somebody explain ZUS to me? [40]
Reforming it into something more viable would be such a massive task that no government wants to face it.
Reforming it into something more viable would be such a massive task that no government wants to face it.
jon357
10 Jun 2014
Food / Polish polskie pierogi recipe (prepared at home) [74]
You just put the spinach and the ricotta inside. I prefer feta (there's a Polish brand called Favita). You can also use chopped black olives.
You just put the spinach and the ricotta inside. I prefer feta (there's a Polish brand called Favita). You can also use chopped black olives.
jon357
9 Jun 2014
Genealogy / THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4500]
It's usually spelt Kopeć here, with a ć. The word means thick smoke or fumes (it's sometimes used as slang for a cigarette!) so perhaps someone whose job was melting tar, firing bricks or making charcoal. There's also a place called Kopcia if I remember correctly so it could also come from there.
It's usually spelt Kopeć here, with a ć. The word means thick smoke or fumes (it's sometimes used as slang for a cigarette!) so perhaps someone whose job was melting tar, firing bricks or making charcoal. There's also a place called Kopcia if I remember correctly so it could also come from there.
jon357
7 Jun 2014
Law / Weapons laws in Poland. Carrying a concealed handgun? [918]
They wouldn't have thought twice and in any case there was no shortage of guns in PL back in those days.
Actually, they are. Topography has a lot to do with it too.
Actually the Founding Fathers were British themselves, radical and progressive Liberals who didn't like a Conservative form of government.
Good luck with that.
If Poland had been an armed country, invaders would think twice before crossing the border
They wouldn't have thought twice and in any case there was no shortage of guns in PL back in those days.
They aren't neutral because they say they are.
Actually, they are. Topography has a lot to do with it too.
American fought hard against an oppressive British rule
Actually the Founding Fathers were British themselves, radical and progressive Liberals who didn't like a Conservative form of government.
so that the people can defend themselves from a tyrannical government
Good luck with that.
jon357
5 Jun 2014
Life / I woke up in Poland's Hilton of Drunks after the Juvenalia party. Must I pay the 300zl fine? [49]
That doesn't make much sense, despite the dodgy English
That doesn't make much sense, despite the dodgy English
jon357
5 Jun 2014
Life / I woke up in Poland's Hilton of Drunks after the Juvenalia party. Must I pay the 300zl fine? [49]
What country is that and why do you think it gives you the right to do those same things that you're criticising?
What country is that and why do you think it gives you the right to do those same things that you're criticising?
jon357
5 Jun 2014
Life / I woke up in Poland's Hilton of Drunks after the Juvenalia party. Must I pay the 300zl fine? [49]
Yes. You have to pay. They can chase you for the money and can make life difficult. You have to decide whether saving 300zl is worth more than a lot of hassle. You might get lucky and get away with not paying, however it really isn't worth the risk for such a small amount. I can't remember the legal status of what you have to pay - if it's criminal they can have you arrested for not paying, if it's civil they can get bailiffs to collect which may damage your credit rating.
A lady did get €10000 compensation from the European Court some time back for being taken there because she had alcohol in her blood but was behaving ok. But she a. was middle-aged and respectable, b. had very solid witnesses and most importantly, c. didn't just wake up there wondering where she was.
am i required to actually pay the 300zl fine
Yes. You have to pay. They can chase you for the money and can make life difficult. You have to decide whether saving 300zl is worth more than a lot of hassle. You might get lucky and get away with not paying, however it really isn't worth the risk for such a small amount. I can't remember the legal status of what you have to pay - if it's criminal they can have you arrested for not paying, if it's civil they can get bailiffs to collect which may damage your credit rating.
A lady did get €10000 compensation from the European Court some time back for being taken there because she had alcohol in her blood but was behaving ok. But she a. was middle-aged and respectable, b. had very solid witnesses and most importantly, c. didn't just wake up there wondering where she was.
jon357
2 Jun 2014
Genealogy / THE MEANING AND RESEARCH OF MY POLISH LAST NAME, SURNAME? [4500]
Probably from gontarz, somebody who made and fitted roof shingles (gont).
Probably from gontarz, somebody who made and fitted roof shingles (gont).
jon357
31 May 2014
Genealogy / Surname Cybert. Is it Welsh or Polish? [11]
Not only. There are French and British names that end in ..bert, and probably others too. Seibert however is a German name.
Not that everyone with a German name is German.
That doesn't make much sense.
You don't say what country you're in. If however some of your family were immigrants to wherever, you should be able to find some record of the move. Also, the death certificate of the family member you're interested in should say where they were born.
Bert is a German ending for a surname
Not only. There are French and British names that end in ..bert, and probably others too. Seibert however is a German name.
Not that everyone with a German name is German.
So it still should count as German.
That doesn't make much sense.
You don't say what country you're in. If however some of your family were immigrants to wherever, you should be able to find some record of the move. Also, the death certificate of the family member you're interested in should say where they were born.
jon357
31 May 2014
Work / How much is the average living cost in Poland for foreign student? [46]
That isn't very much to survive on if you have to pay for somewhere to sleep and public transport.
150-200 Euro to live there without any problem
That isn't very much to survive on if you have to pay for somewhere to sleep and public transport.
jon357
31 May 2014
Genealogy / Surname Cybert. Is it Welsh or Polish? [11]
This is more likely: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seibert
This is more likely: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seibert
jon357
30 May 2014
News / World's oldest man is Polish! [9]
My grandfather died on his hundredth birthday. The saddest thing was that we were only half way through giving him the bumps.
My grandfather died on his hundredth birthday. The saddest thing was that we were only half way through giving him the bumps.
jon357
26 May 2014
News / Bitcoin Embassy Launches In Poland's Capital Warsaw [37]
This is the key. Technology changes very fast and what we call the internet did not exist a blink of an eye ago, just as it's naïve to think it'll be around in the same form in a generation's time. So-called 'bitcoins' have no intrinsic value.
But as of December 2013
This is the key. Technology changes very fast and what we call the internet did not exist a blink of an eye ago, just as it's naïve to think it'll be around in the same form in a generation's time. So-called 'bitcoins' have no intrinsic value.
jon357
21 May 2014
Genealogy / I have Jewish DNA, but only know of Polish ancestry . [120]
Worth mentioning some of the more exotic, not to say capricious surnames given by ETA Hoffman when he was doing that in Warsaw. One of the stories about him was that he had a particularly nice lunch of fish and assigned people the names of fish as their surname for the rest of the afternoon.
Worth mentioning some of the more exotic, not to say capricious surnames given by ETA Hoffman when he was doing that in Warsaw. One of the stories about him was that he had a particularly nice lunch of fish and assigned people the names of fish as their surname for the rest of the afternoon.
jon357
21 May 2014
Genealogy / I have Jewish DNA, but only know of Polish ancestry . [120]
Most likely because there's nothing to show.
She said that her daughter's DNA didn't show it.
Most likely because there's nothing to show.
jon357
21 May 2014
Life / Health insurance in Poland - your suggestions please [35]
Medicover is OK. Not the best, but also not expensive for the basic cover. Damiana also do it at a reasonable price.
Medicover is OK. Not the best, but also not expensive for the basic cover. Damiana also do it at a reasonable price.