Varsovian
6 May 2010
Varsovian
6 May 2010
Life / Some Poles have fine houses [68]
All older village houses have a daytime bed/layabout sofa in the kitchen.
They mostly have a large reception room doubling as a dining/sitting room. Essentially it has to be large enough to host the first circle of the extended family - say 20 people - for Christmas/Easter/traditional Sunday **** up and natter.
They will have a sofa bed in the living room, but only for occasional use. Only the poor city dwellers would sleep there regularly though.
All older village houses have a daytime bed/layabout sofa in the kitchen.
They mostly have a large reception room doubling as a dining/sitting room. Essentially it has to be large enough to host the first circle of the extended family - say 20 people - for Christmas/Easter/traditional Sunday **** up and natter.
They will have a sofa bed in the living room, but only for occasional use. Only the poor city dwellers would sleep there regularly though.
Varsovian
6 May 2010
Varsovian
6 May 2010
Genealogy / Jewish Roots of Poland [639]
Getting a population sample like that would be difficult. Like trying to get a population sample of leading commies who lived thru Stalin's purges of the 1930s.
Getting a population sample like that would be difficult. Like trying to get a population sample of leading commies who lived thru Stalin's purges of the 1930s.
Varsovian
6 May 2010
News / Zloty exchange rates - is this just speculation? [87]
You could have tried in vain to tell that to my wife before I earned enough to pay for our next holiday in ... err ... Greece.
Now she's happy, of course.
You could have tried in vain to tell that to my wife before I earned enough to pay for our next holiday in ... err ... Greece.
Now she's happy, of course.
Varsovian
10 May 2010
Travel / How can I get to Zlote tarasy - Warsaw? [14]
Re the 175 bus:
Be careful!
While I have the details of the guy who mugged my wife in broad daylight, the police don't.
In fact I have a file of all the main muggers.
When coming from the airport, stand near the driver - not the main, central doors.
Re the 175 bus:
Be careful!
While I have the details of the guy who mugged my wife in broad daylight, the police don't.
In fact I have a file of all the main muggers.
When coming from the airport, stand near the driver - not the main, central doors.
Varsovian
10 May 2010
News / UK might have anti-Polish socialist Prime Minister [29]
David Miliband, whose grandad left Poland in 1920. Grandad's brother went east to join Stalin. Father was a socialist theorist and intellectual.
Coalition politics ...
The losers might join forces ...
David Miliband, whose grandad left Poland in 1920. Grandad's brother went east to join Stalin. Father was a socialist theorist and intellectual.
Coalition politics ...
The losers might join forces ...
Varsovian
14 May 2010
Law / May 14th -- Big Day on the markets [21]
This might be the start of something really big.
Poles in the UK watch the pound plummet against the Dollar and then against the Euro.
Watch the stock markets roll over.
Gold is ready to FALL in value - as private Austrians have bought up all available physical gold in the hope it will rise. They're scared Creditanstalt will fail, like it did in 1938 despite massive political support.
Of course it may never happen, but ...
This might be the start of something really big.
Poles in the UK watch the pound plummet against the Dollar and then against the Euro.
Watch the stock markets roll over.
Gold is ready to FALL in value - as private Austrians have bought up all available physical gold in the hope it will rise. They're scared Creditanstalt will fail, like it did in 1938 despite massive political support.
Of course it may never happen, but ...
Varsovian
14 May 2010
Law / May 14th -- Big Day on the markets [21]
Since writing this morning:
FTSE has fallen 2.64%
GBP is holding up against EUR but has fallen further re USD to $1.45
USD/PLN up 9gr at PLN 3.24, extending the gains of last week
WIG 20 down 2.8%
Since writing this morning:
FTSE has fallen 2.64%
GBP is holding up against EUR but has fallen further re USD to $1.45
USD/PLN up 9gr at PLN 3.24, extending the gains of last week
WIG 20 down 2.8%
Varsovian
21 May 2010
Law / May 14th -- Big Day on the markets [21]
So the crisis got worse today.
Stock markets falling.
Worse still, the banks are getting ready to STOP lending to each other again. Lehman II mentality as fear takes hold of the financial institutions.
Sovereign default fears: Italy and Spain are the big fears. Portugal is small fry, as is Greece, in comparison. No-one has talked about Belgium yet.
The UK's saving grace is that is doen't have a lot of debt to roll over in the next 12 months, as UK policy has always been to issue long-term papers. Germany's banks are horribly exposed to Club Med debts - think EUR 1,500,000,000. That's why the bailout happened. French banks have similar problems. Abbey National (sorry - what's the Spanish name now? Santander) - oopsy.
China has blown a bubble - should cause separatist problems and bloodshed. And Japan might be downrated by the agencies - which would start a complete rout.
Of course, it might never happen!
So the crisis got worse today.
Stock markets falling.
Worse still, the banks are getting ready to STOP lending to each other again. Lehman II mentality as fear takes hold of the financial institutions.
Sovereign default fears: Italy and Spain are the big fears. Portugal is small fry, as is Greece, in comparison. No-one has talked about Belgium yet.
The UK's saving grace is that is doen't have a lot of debt to roll over in the next 12 months, as UK policy has always been to issue long-term papers. Germany's banks are horribly exposed to Club Med debts - think EUR 1,500,000,000. That's why the bailout happened. French banks have similar problems. Abbey National (sorry - what's the Spanish name now? Santander) - oopsy.
China has blown a bubble - should cause separatist problems and bloodshed. And Japan might be downrated by the agencies - which would start a complete rout.
Of course, it might never happen!
Varsovian
21 May 2010
News / Zloty exchange rates - is this just speculation? [87]
EUR set to rise vs GBP and USD in short-medium term, then crash
USD set to rise generally this year, then crash next year
GBP set to limp on anaemically for 2-3 years.
Zloty? Alll depends on the international appetite for risk - which will be low. The only saving grace is that all major currencies are attempting to devalue in a crazy race to the bottom. Wild fluctuations are possible over the next couple of years.
EUR set to rise vs GBP and USD in short-medium term, then crash
USD set to rise generally this year, then crash next year
GBP set to limp on anaemically for 2-3 years.
Zloty? Alll depends on the international appetite for risk - which will be low. The only saving grace is that all major currencies are attempting to devalue in a crazy race to the bottom. Wild fluctuations are possible over the next couple of years.
Varsovian
24 May 2010
Real Estate / Basic building products cheaper in Poland than UK [4]
I suppose I just might start building next year - I've been waiting patiently for the economic downturn to deliver lower prices.
I suppose I just might start building next year - I've been waiting patiently for the economic downturn to deliver lower prices.
Varsovian
24 May 2010
Law / British married to a Polish woman and they have a son. Son's British Passport? [65]
From the very little experience I have of Polish/British divorce cases (1, to be precise): the British mother (of Polish origin, able to speak Polish) was absolutely stiffed because the Polish side of the family was known to the family court. Wife-beating wasn't a real issue with the court, even though it had been reported to the police. The important thing was that the wife left the family (because she was scared for her own life).
A Polish child with a Polish mother will live in Poland. If you want to live in Poland, you will get access in Poland. A Polish court will not view an English father with understanding.
From the very little experience I have of Polish/British divorce cases (1, to be precise): the British mother (of Polish origin, able to speak Polish) was absolutely stiffed because the Polish side of the family was known to the family court. Wife-beating wasn't a real issue with the court, even though it had been reported to the police. The important thing was that the wife left the family (because she was scared for her own life).
A Polish child with a Polish mother will live in Poland. If you want to live in Poland, you will get access in Poland. A Polish court will not view an English father with understanding.
Varsovian
24 May 2010
Life / If I could introduce something from my country into Poland, I would.... [175]
Yeah - like it should be open for business on Good Friday ... Oh it is!
Silly me.
Yeah - like it should be open for business on Good Friday ... Oh it is!
Silly me.
Varsovian
25 May 2010
Life / Expats in Krakow - Do you miss TV from back home? Help is at hand! [17]
Call me dumb, but I like watching the BBC on my oversized telly.
I prefer satellite TV through my telly to any streaming through a poxy computer screen. By the way, I've noticed that Germans seem to have weird obsessions with leather and rubber. I dunno, perhaps it's just me getting old.
Call me dumb, but I like watching the BBC on my oversized telly.
I prefer satellite TV through my telly to any streaming through a poxy computer screen. By the way, I've noticed that Germans seem to have weird obsessions with leather and rubber. I dunno, perhaps it's just me getting old.
Varsovian
25 May 2010
Life / Expats in Krakow - Do you miss TV from back home? Help is at hand! [17]
You won't be able to get BBC on cable in Poland - the British govt is pursuing a cunning plan to impose US English on Europe to make us feel even less at home on the Continent!
It suits the isolationist nature of the "Wogs begin at Calais" mentality.
You won't be able to get BBC on cable in Poland - the British govt is pursuing a cunning plan to impose US English on Europe to make us feel even less at home on the Continent!
It suits the isolationist nature of the "Wogs begin at Calais" mentality.
Varsovian
25 May 2010
News / Zloty exchange rates - is this just speculation? [87]
Minor currencies like the zloty are subject to wild fluctuations because they are not very liquid - few people buy and sell them compared to the euro, dollar and yen.
Long term the zloty is appreciating as the general economic level in Poland improves. This is why we have a sterling range of roughly 4.15 - 5.15, not 6 - 7. Long term, obviously, we are all dead!! The appetite for risk is the biggest element in the short term ... and if certain gurus like Robert Prechter are to be believed we are headed for bad times indeed. Keep abreast of the financial news by reading Zero Hedge on the net.
Individuals make very bad investors, as they are driven by greed, fear, regret and fear of regret. I meant to buy gold 10 years ago and didn't, because I was afraid. Damn. However, I have made good on other things :) But you know what? I only remember the times I lost out!
Minor currencies like the zloty are subject to wild fluctuations because they are not very liquid - few people buy and sell them compared to the euro, dollar and yen.
Long term the zloty is appreciating as the general economic level in Poland improves. This is why we have a sterling range of roughly 4.15 - 5.15, not 6 - 7. Long term, obviously, we are all dead!! The appetite for risk is the biggest element in the short term ... and if certain gurus like Robert Prechter are to be believed we are headed for bad times indeed. Keep abreast of the financial news by reading Zero Hedge on the net.
Individuals make very bad investors, as they are driven by greed, fear, regret and fear of regret. I meant to buy gold 10 years ago and didn't, because I was afraid. Damn. However, I have made good on other things :) But you know what? I only remember the times I lost out!
Varsovian
27 May 2010
News / SCHOOL GAMES END IN PREGNANCY IN A POLISH TOWN [49]
The story was it all happened in a post-exam orgy. Like sure! Some of the girls have already given birth!!
Mind you, you'd only expect one or two girls a year to get pregnant, not 5.
The story was it all happened in a post-exam orgy. Like sure! Some of the girls have already given birth!!
Mind you, you'd only expect one or two girls a year to get pregnant, not 5.
Varsovian
11 Jun 2010
Life / Know any Polish English bilingual childrens toys? [11]
Errm - bilingual toys? Just talk with the little blighters!!
My bilingual kids just got on with Lego, stories in both languages (Słoń Trąbalski meets the 3 Little Pigs and Thomas) etc etc, but nothing beats a sandpit with water in the garden!
Errm - bilingual toys? Just talk with the little blighters!!
My bilingual kids just got on with Lego, stories in both languages (Słoń Trąbalski meets the 3 Little Pigs and Thomas) etc etc, but nothing beats a sandpit with water in the garden!
Varsovian
11 Jun 2010
Life / Anyone else suffering from mosquito bites in Poland? [52]
Oh come on!
Spray yourself with Off! Sit of the patio with a giant mozzie candle burning and open a tinny.
Ludzie!
Oh come on!
Spray yourself with Off! Sit of the patio with a giant mozzie candle burning and open a tinny.
Ludzie!
Varsovian
11 Jun 2010
Varsovian
15 Jun 2010
News / UK might have anti-Polish socialist Prime Minister [29]
Thread attached on merging:
Cousin of Polish Communist agents to become UK socialist leader
The Miliband brothers (David and Ed) are the key axis in the UK Labour Party. Shame their family did everything to promote Stalinism in Europe and throttle Poland at birth.
One branch of the family left Warsaw to fight on the Bolshevik side in 1920 and entered the close circles of Stalin. Another branch tried its best to infiltrate high English circles, but eventually retreated into the Labour Party. (Managed some spying in Turkey though.)
Google Sofia and Celina Miliband ...
Thread attached on merging:
Cousin of Polish Communist agents to become UK socialist leader
The Miliband brothers (David and Ed) are the key axis in the UK Labour Party. Shame their family did everything to promote Stalinism in Europe and throttle Poland at birth.
One branch of the family left Warsaw to fight on the Bolshevik side in 1920 and entered the close circles of Stalin. Another branch tried its best to infiltrate high English circles, but eventually retreated into the Labour Party. (Managed some spying in Turkey though.)
Google Sofia and Celina Miliband ...
Varsovian
15 Jun 2010
Genealogy / Is your line of the Polish family noble? [74]
One branch of my wife's family is noble - and they suck!
One branch of my wife's family is noble - and they suck!
Varsovian
21 Jun 2010
Work / TEFL Jobs in Poland - your success story? [16]
I applied to the main language schools in springtime, was interviewed at Easter and started in September.
Being a schoolteacher (of French) in England, I found it really easy going teaching English in Poland - though I was surprised at the emphasis put on grammar.
If you find you like it, in the longer term it is worth going freelance. Setting up your own sole proprietorship is easy and you pay 19% income tax and lower social security (a few percent only, depending).
I applied to the main language schools in springtime, was interviewed at Easter and started in September.
Being a schoolteacher (of French) in England, I found it really easy going teaching English in Poland - though I was surprised at the emphasis put on grammar.
If you find you like it, in the longer term it is worth going freelance. Setting up your own sole proprietorship is easy and you pay 19% income tax and lower social security (a few percent only, depending).
Varsovian
21 Jun 2010
News / Poland uninterested in EU reform [5]
With 2000 EU officials earning more than the UK Prime Minister, Polish politicians are hoping that they too can fleece taxpayers from across Europe.
Danuta Huebner managed to make her fortune that way, having gained her position through the usual 'family and friends' route.
On a wider note, the promised reform of the Common Agricultural Policy might still get blocked by France, with Polish help. I suppose I shouldn't complain too much, seeing as I benefit from an agricultural subsidy myself.
Poland has been lucky with the EU so far - especially in not being in a position to make the mistake of joining the now-doomed euro. The euro itself might continue to exist, but not with its present members.
With 2000 EU officials earning more than the UK Prime Minister, Polish politicians are hoping that they too can fleece taxpayers from across Europe.
Danuta Huebner managed to make her fortune that way, having gained her position through the usual 'family and friends' route.
On a wider note, the promised reform of the Common Agricultural Policy might still get blocked by France, with Polish help. I suppose I shouldn't complain too much, seeing as I benefit from an agricultural subsidy myself.
Poland has been lucky with the EU so far - especially in not being in a position to make the mistake of joining the now-doomed euro. The euro itself might continue to exist, but not with its present members.
Varsovian
21 Jun 2010
Work / TEFL Jobs in Poland - your success story? [16]
Also depends on who the SSCs are being paid for - I'm married (so we have to cover 2 people) and have opted out of or got minimal contributions to virtually everything except health insurance.
Also depends on who the SSCs are being paid for - I'm married (so we have to cover 2 people) and have opted out of or got minimal contributions to virtually everything except health insurance.
Varsovian
21 Jun 2010
Travel / Ultra cheap trains in Polish trains [8]
I had a family wedding to go to in Krakow - so went by train. Dirt cheap.
Outward, a dodgy train got my wife and I there in 3 hours for about 100zl. 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 had a family wedding to go to in Krakow - so went by train. Dirt cheap.
Outward, a dodgy train got my wife and I there in 3 hours for about 100zl. 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.
Varsovian
21 Jun 2010
Varsovian
21 Jun 2010
Study / High school entry - exams, points etc in Poland [7]
I realise that most people reading this forum don't have children (too much time with the computer!) but ...
My 15 year-old has just done his final year at middle school / junior high and is trying to get into a Warsaw high school / grammar school.
Impressions:
- the public exams at age 15/16 are chaotic
- the points system is chaotic and unfair
- fortunately, mistakes at age 15/16 are retrievable
Re. exams:
- one exam on humanities, a second on maths and sciences, a third on foreign languages
Humanities exam:
There's a long list of set reading, but this year no questions on ANY of the 20+ books they were forced to read. Weird. Even weirder, the questions were unclear to a great extent and the marks achieved were very low.
"Maths" exam
Less maths than usual and more chemistry than usual. The mean mark on a national level was appallingly low.
English/French/German as a foreign language
Straightforward, but the results count for nothing - disregarded in terms of high school entry. SO WHAT'S THE POINT??
Then, you get points towards high school entry based on your marks for your last semester. Schools are under pressure to perform, so the marks reflect to a certain extent parent and school management pressure. This is unfair on the teachers - and the meek!
The points achieved go towards a centralised system where you have 3 choices of school in descending order. Like university entry in the UK.
My lazy son awaits developments and I miss out on my holiday ...
The only good thing is that these public exams are not held against you, like poor GCSE/O level results are in England. 3 years to A level / Matura!
I realise that most people reading this forum don't have children (too much time with the computer!) but ...
My 15 year-old has just done his final year at middle school / junior high and is trying to get into a Warsaw high school / grammar school.
Impressions:
- the public exams at age 15/16 are chaotic
- the points system is chaotic and unfair
- fortunately, mistakes at age 15/16 are retrievable
Re. exams:
- one exam on humanities, a second on maths and sciences, a third on foreign languages
Humanities exam:
There's a long list of set reading, but this year no questions on ANY of the 20+ books they were forced to read. Weird. Even weirder, the questions were unclear to a great extent and the marks achieved were very low.
"Maths" exam
Less maths than usual and more chemistry than usual. The mean mark on a national level was appallingly low.
English/French/German as a foreign language
Straightforward, but the results count for nothing - disregarded in terms of high school entry. SO WHAT'S THE POINT??
Then, you get points towards high school entry based on your marks for your last semester. Schools are under pressure to perform, so the marks reflect to a certain extent parent and school management pressure. This is unfair on the teachers - and the meek!
The points achieved go towards a centralised system where you have 3 choices of school in descending order. Like university entry in the UK.
My lazy son awaits developments and I miss out on my holiday ...
The only good thing is that these public exams are not held against you, like poor GCSE/O level results are in England. 3 years to A level / Matura!
Varsovian
22 Jun 2010
Travel / Changing money in Poland [15]
I changed a lot of money at kantors - always look around a few then haggle for an extra 2 gr. off their quoted rate.
The only problem I had was when I walked through a clothes shop with PLN 30,000 in my pocket - impulse buying!!
I changed a lot of money at kantors - always look around a few then haggle for an extra 2 gr. off their quoted rate.
The only problem I had was when I walked through a clothes shop with PLN 30,000 in my pocket - impulse buying!!