Trevek
1 Jan 2013
Trevek
1 Jan 2013
History / The restoration of Polish cities from WW2 destruction [118]
And yet the castle was hugely restored after being hammered by bombs. Strange, you'd have thought a monument to German Teutonic might would have been dismantled.
Malbork, a town in northern Poland, whose 80% was destroyed during WW2, was destroyed one more time by Polish communists with ugly socialist buildings.
And yet the castle was hugely restored after being hammered by bombs. Strange, you'd have thought a monument to German Teutonic might would have been dismantled.
Trevek
1 Jan 2013
Life / The unacceptable side of Polish culture [48]
I lived in Ireland and saw the same kind of thing being done by Irish guys to each other. Worked in a pub in England and saw bullying fights, gangs picking on people... one guy knocks another to the floor and someone who wasn't involved just decides to throw a kick at the downed guys head... and I've been jumped by multiple attackers.
I'm British.
Fair play on you breaking it up. I've had a brit friend get attacked for no reason (other than being a Brit) and the cops just stood and watched!
But don't judge too harshly. When you don't necessarily know the situation you might not want to get involved... likewise, as one guy said when I picked him up and apologised for not doing more, "Don't be daft, you might have been down here with me".
Not the first time have I have seen indifference, yet you judge the English when you choose to live in the UK.
I lived in Ireland and saw the same kind of thing being done by Irish guys to each other. Worked in a pub in England and saw bullying fights, gangs picking on people... one guy knocks another to the floor and someone who wasn't involved just decides to throw a kick at the downed guys head... and I've been jumped by multiple attackers.
I'm British.
Fair play on you breaking it up. I've had a brit friend get attacked for no reason (other than being a Brit) and the cops just stood and watched!
But don't judge too harshly. When you don't necessarily know the situation you might not want to get involved... likewise, as one guy said when I picked him up and apologised for not doing more, "Don't be daft, you might have been down here with me".
Trevek
27 Dec 2012
Travel / Monuments, statues, memorials of Poland [25]
I thought there was a dedication to 1915 at the bottom. Maybe I got it wrong (thanks for the pic). There are Armenian memorials around Poland, tho' :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenians_in_Poland#Polish-Armenians_in_the_20th_century
On another point, I have a collection of photos of WW1 German and Russian memorials around Warmia and Mazury.
Try this site. Look under 'former eastern territories"
denkmalprojekt.org
I thought there was a dedication to 1915 at the bottom. Maybe I got it wrong (thanks for the pic). There are Armenian memorials around Poland, tho' :
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armenians_in_Poland#Polish-Armenians_in_the_20th_century
On another point, I have a collection of photos of WW1 German and Russian memorials around Warmia and Mazury.
Try this site. Look under 'former eastern territories"
denkmalprojekt.org
Trevek
27 Dec 2012
Travel / Monuments, statues, memorials of Poland [25]
Can't seem to upload it, but in Gdansk (Church of Ss Peter and Paul), monument to Armenians.
Can't seem to upload it, but in Gdansk (Church of Ss Peter and Paul), monument to Armenians.
Trevek
27 Dec 2012
Trevek
27 Dec 2012
Life / Where have all the carollers in Poland gone? [9]
I used to do carolling with a theatre group (Teatr Wiejski "Węgajty") from near Olsztyn. We went into some crazy places, in the mountains, darkest Suwałki etc. One time we went somewhere over the northwest, and people didn't understand what the heck was going on. Later, we got to one house and the old man invited us in, watched the goat/turon, herod etc and then said, "You haven't been here for a while, last time i saw you was before the war".
In 1950's it was outlawed by commies but many places still did it.
I used to do carolling with a theatre group (Teatr Wiejski "Węgajty") from near Olsztyn. We went into some crazy places, in the mountains, darkest Suwałki etc. One time we went somewhere over the northwest, and people didn't understand what the heck was going on. Later, we got to one house and the old man invited us in, watched the goat/turon, herod etc and then said, "You haven't been here for a while, last time i saw you was before the war".
In 1950's it was outlawed by commies but many places still did it.
Trevek
11 Dec 2012
History / Was Prussia mostly German? [65]
Mazurians were originally from Mazowsze (sp?). They were Polish/Slavic ethnically, but culturally aligned with German/Protestant culture, whereas Wrmia was predominantly Catholic. It was one of the things the League of Nations misunderstood when they called the plebiscites after WW1. Although Mazurians may have been Slavic, they considered themselves more German.
Well, most (if nnot all) of East Prussia was still German until 1945. Even today there are some German speakers (both Polish and German). I don't think the driving out really happened much until after WW2.
I think the same goes for the Mazurians.
Mazurians were originally from Mazowsze (sp?). They were Polish/Slavic ethnically, but culturally aligned with German/Protestant culture, whereas Wrmia was predominantly Catholic. It was one of the things the League of Nations misunderstood when they called the plebiscites after WW1. Although Mazurians may have been Slavic, they considered themselves more German.
This is more a potted history of West Prussia than East Prussia which I gather was even more German.
Well, most (if nnot all) of East Prussia was still German until 1945. Even today there are some German speakers (both Polish and German). I don't think the driving out really happened much until after WW2.
Trevek
10 Dec 2012
History / If you left Poland while it was under Communism, could you go back? [18]
Ah, got it slightly wrong. It applied to people born outside of Poland: polonia.wikia.com/wiki/Passport_trap
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_nationality_law
Where did you get that one from?
Ah, got it slightly wrong. It applied to people born outside of Poland: polonia.wikia.com/wiki/Passport_trap
en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polish_nationality_law
Trevek
10 Dec 2012
Life / What are the best cars to buy in Poland? [40]
Skoda are pretty decent. These days they are like a budget VW. They can also stand upto the weather.
I wouldn't get any car which is too low. Try driving off a kerb with a load of people, or driving into a moon-surface car park and you ground.
Skoda are pretty decent. These days they are like a budget VW. They can also stand upto the weather.
I wouldn't get any car which is too low. Try driving off a kerb with a load of people, or driving into a moon-surface car park and you ground.
Trevek
6 Dec 2012
History / If you left Poland while it was under Communism, could you go back? [18]
I believe there was a sneaky kind of tax brought in at one point, where if you were the holder of a foreign passport but originally a Polish citizen, you could enter the country but couldn't leave until you pruchased a new Polish one.
I believe there was a sneaky kind of tax brought in at one point, where if you were the holder of a foreign passport but originally a Polish citizen, you could enter the country but couldn't leave until you pruchased a new Polish one.
Trevek
20 Jun 2012
Travel / Ryanair travel by air - subtle scams to be wary of [98]
Well I certainly felt I was getting screwed over the phone.
Well I certainly felt I was getting screwed over the phone.
Trevek
20 Jun 2012
Language / Should I just learn German? [55]
You might find that to be quite possible in some areas of Poland. I was in mazury recently and even tho' I spoke to the waitress in Polish (and she'd heard us speaking English) she kept on talking to me in german. I've also found older people in many areas speak German 9often as a first language)
- I don't mean I will be talking to poles with german,
You might find that to be quite possible in some areas of Poland. I was in mazury recently and even tho' I spoke to the waitress in Polish (and she'd heard us speaking English) she kept on talking to me in german. I've also found older people in many areas speak German 9often as a first language)
Trevek
20 Jun 2012
Travel / Ryanair travel by air - subtle scams to be wary of [98]
Agreed. The weight is ridiculous too. How is it Wizzair can offer 30kg and Ryan only mange 15?
The other thing which bugged me was the "save money and time" with on-line check in, which you had to pay for and still queue. Well, now it is compulsory but I still have to pay for it. If you are going to make people pay for it, offer an alternative. So, I save RA money by printing my own ticket and cutting down their admin costs... but have to pay for the privelege.
One thing which really bugged me was, having made a mistake, that I rang the help line in Warsaw... "Oh, I'll try to speak English!" (they advertise it as Polish only), which was kind of the guy... but at 4 euro a minute, I'd have wanted a bit more than "try".
There's one more thing, the only thing that has ever truly irritated me about Ryanair. It's their measurements for the handluggage allowed in the plane, they have it lower than the standards of all other airlines (and therefore, below all standard handluggage bags), which forces you to buy a new one. Practically enough, they sell a special Ryanair bag from Samsonite, offered to everyone bying a ticket....
Agreed. The weight is ridiculous too. How is it Wizzair can offer 30kg and Ryan only mange 15?
The other thing which bugged me was the "save money and time" with on-line check in, which you had to pay for and still queue. Well, now it is compulsory but I still have to pay for it. If you are going to make people pay for it, offer an alternative. So, I save RA money by printing my own ticket and cutting down their admin costs... but have to pay for the privelege.
One thing which really bugged me was, having made a mistake, that I rang the help line in Warsaw... "Oh, I'll try to speak English!" (they advertise it as Polish only), which was kind of the guy... but at 4 euro a minute, I'd have wanted a bit more than "try".
Trevek
10 Jun 2012
News / British senior politician compares Poland to South Africa during apartheid [129]
Britain never actually had slaves on its own soil... unless you include the working class and perhaps the Irish.
or wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism_in_football
And what makes it so ironic is that the UK was one of the first major countries to ban slavery.
Britain never actually had slaves on its own soil... unless you include the working class and perhaps the Irish.
Fair enough, I suppose that it must be tricky for a small tree like you to use google.
or wiki: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Racism_in_football
Trevek
10 Jun 2012
Work / Going to be teaching English in Krakow Poland (Tefl certification); service advertizing, taxes [9]
A good point. In many places the teachers head off to Britain to work summer schools because the work drops off in Poland (try tefl.com)
Don't come in Summer. Wait for September.
A good point. In many places the teachers head off to Britain to work summer schools because the work drops off in Poland (try tefl.com)
Trevek
10 Jun 2012
News / British senior politician compares Poland to South Africa during apartheid [129]
They do, but should England boycott matches with France and Italy because in some league games Black players have had bananas thrown at them?
Insults and slanders? You mean it isn't true that black players here may face racial abuse? Events in Krakow would show you to be a liar if you did make that claim.
They do, but should England boycott matches with France and Italy because in some league games Black players have had bananas thrown at them?
Trevek
7 Jun 2012
Travel / No warnings to soccer fans going to Euro 2012 about Polish drivers and Polish roads? [40]
So, not Carling Black Label, then?
You should come up to Warmia-Mazury, No football in Olsztyn, but some bloody good local beers.
gassy chemical beer
So, not Carling Black Label, then?
You should come up to Warmia-Mazury, No football in Olsztyn, but some bloody good local beers.
Trevek
7 Jun 2012
Travel / No warnings to soccer fans going to Euro 2012 about Polish drivers and Polish roads? [40]
hmmm, never yet met a confrontational Polish driver. Thankfully I manage to swerve into the ditch just in time ;-)
lol Yeah I did actually think about that as I posted but thought it was too confrontational :)
hmmm, never yet met a confrontational Polish driver. Thankfully I manage to swerve into the ditch just in time ;-)
Trevek
7 Jun 2012
Travel / No warnings to soccer fans going to Euro 2012 about Polish drivers and Polish roads? [40]
Considering that we had some Irish guests travel from warsaw to Olsztyn on a bus and swore they'd only travel back by train, I think it is. Some people will be coming by car and, under the impression people drive on the right-hand side in Poland, will be unprepared for the Audi SUVs they'll meet driving on the left hand side towards them.
In Poland that is sometimes a pre-requisite for getting behind the wheel. It can be so scary driving in Poland that you have to be drunk before you have the courage!
Is it relevant?
Considering that we had some Irish guests travel from warsaw to Olsztyn on a bus and swore they'd only travel back by train, I think it is. Some people will be coming by car and, under the impression people drive on the right-hand side in Poland, will be unprepared for the Audi SUVs they'll meet driving on the left hand side towards them.
getting drunk therefore rendering them useless to drive anyway.
In Poland that is sometimes a pre-requisite for getting behind the wheel. It can be so scary driving in Poland that you have to be drunk before you have the courage!
Trevek
3 Jun 2012
Genealogy / Where are the Lemkos now? Do they still exist in Poland? [32]
I worked with a Polish theatre group called Teatr Wiejski Węgajty (Theatre of the village of Węgajty) in northern Poland. They are interested in indigenous cultures and traditions of Poland. For several years they did carolling in some Lemko villages in the south, singing Lemko songs etc. This is where I found out about them.
youtu.be/_YlYKmVlBSE
I have a friend who is a Bialorussian from Poland and he says his Grandparents won't speak the language to his kids because they still feel there is a stigma attached to it. Mind you, it's worth remembering that in the "old days" there wasn't always such a clear cut distinction between who was what until lines were drawn by other people and they were forced to choose. It happens both sides of borders, sadly.
Thanks, didn't know about this.
why are you interested in Lemko's in general ?
I worked with a Polish theatre group called Teatr Wiejski Węgajty (Theatre of the village of Węgajty) in northern Poland. They are interested in indigenous cultures and traditions of Poland. For several years they did carolling in some Lemko villages in the south, singing Lemko songs etc. This is where I found out about them.
youtu.be/_YlYKmVlBSE
My grandmother is ( 89year old) Belarusian who was born and grew up in West Belarus then apart of Poland and she was very heavily Polanised so i think it was a common thing back then.
I have a friend who is a Bialorussian from Poland and he says his Grandparents won't speak the language to his kids because they still feel there is a stigma attached to it. Mind you, it's worth remembering that in the "old days" there wasn't always such a clear cut distinction between who was what until lines were drawn by other people and they were forced to choose. It happens both sides of borders, sadly.
A young £emko musician and his band called Lemon won the latest Polish edition of Must Be the Music.
Thanks, didn't know about this.
Trevek
2 Jun 2012
Genealogy / Where are the Lemkos now? Do they still exist in Poland? [32]
I'm not really an expert, but from my experience (talking to a few and reading a bit) it kind of runs into 4 groups (at least). Some decide they are Polish or Ukrainian, some are specifically £emko and others aren't aware of it much. I suppose others just keep their mouths shut to outsiders.
Part of the idea behind moving them in 1947 was to break the link with Ukrainian separatists. They were moved to areas which had been granted to Poland after WW2 when the borders moved. These areas were also populated (Polonised) by Poles who were moved from areas such as Ukraine, Lithuania etc.
Some scholars suggest that in such cases social groups often feel a need to express their identity strongly. So, amongst a population of angry Poles (angry about the war, angry about being moved from their homes), it wasn't always a wise idea to express yourself as a "Ukrainian" (even if some Lemko did not consider themselves such). One man I spoke to mentioned how he had been away from the area when Akcja Wisła took place. One day, after he'd returned, he started arguing with someone in a town in the south (near his home) and people were amused to hear he was Lemko. At one point some other men approached him, took him to the side and told him to shut up and stop drawing attention to himself as the Lemko who had managed to remain were trying to keep a low profile.
In the new areas, some just decided to "become" Polish (assimilate) and now their grandchildren may not even know about their own heritage. In others they became stronger in their ideas about being Lemko, sometimes deciding to align with Ukrainian identity (or Lemko Ukrainian).
I met singers and cultural/language activists trying to educate the young people about £emko culture, but in many places it seems to be dying as the older people don't always feel a need to pass it on.
One fascinating (but sad) conversation I heard in a village in the south, was when a Polish woman said they were trying to teach all the kids at the primary school Lemko language. The old farmer's wife snorted that it was a waste of time because they'd never speak it when they left the village... and they would. "Teach them German or English, something of use to them!" The old farmer piped up that £emko culture didn't exist anymore, had stopped existing in 1947 and one day people would read in books that there used to be people called £emko...
I must point out, these are just my own experiences and things I've heard from chatting with/ interviewing people. If anyone on PF feels I am misrepresenting anyone, my apologies, and please feel free to correct me on any point.
I'm not really an expert, but from my experience (talking to a few and reading a bit) it kind of runs into 4 groups (at least). Some decide they are Polish or Ukrainian, some are specifically £emko and others aren't aware of it much. I suppose others just keep their mouths shut to outsiders.
Part of the idea behind moving them in 1947 was to break the link with Ukrainian separatists. They were moved to areas which had been granted to Poland after WW2 when the borders moved. These areas were also populated (Polonised) by Poles who were moved from areas such as Ukraine, Lithuania etc.
Some scholars suggest that in such cases social groups often feel a need to express their identity strongly. So, amongst a population of angry Poles (angry about the war, angry about being moved from their homes), it wasn't always a wise idea to express yourself as a "Ukrainian" (even if some Lemko did not consider themselves such). One man I spoke to mentioned how he had been away from the area when Akcja Wisła took place. One day, after he'd returned, he started arguing with someone in a town in the south (near his home) and people were amused to hear he was Lemko. At one point some other men approached him, took him to the side and told him to shut up and stop drawing attention to himself as the Lemko who had managed to remain were trying to keep a low profile.
In the new areas, some just decided to "become" Polish (assimilate) and now their grandchildren may not even know about their own heritage. In others they became stronger in their ideas about being Lemko, sometimes deciding to align with Ukrainian identity (or Lemko Ukrainian).
I met singers and cultural/language activists trying to educate the young people about £emko culture, but in many places it seems to be dying as the older people don't always feel a need to pass it on.
One fascinating (but sad) conversation I heard in a village in the south, was when a Polish woman said they were trying to teach all the kids at the primary school Lemko language. The old farmer's wife snorted that it was a waste of time because they'd never speak it when they left the village... and they would. "Teach them German or English, something of use to them!" The old farmer piped up that £emko culture didn't exist anymore, had stopped existing in 1947 and one day people would read in books that there used to be people called £emko...
I must point out, these are just my own experiences and things I've heard from chatting with/ interviewing people. If anyone on PF feels I am misrepresenting anyone, my apologies, and please feel free to correct me on any point.
Trevek
2 Jun 2012
Genealogy / Where are the Lemkos now? Do they still exist in Poland? [32]
You're very welcome. Good luck with your search :-)
This might be useful too: oollemko.wordpress.com/lemkivshchyna-magazine/
You're very welcome. Good luck with your search :-)
This might be useful too: oollemko.wordpress.com/lemkivshchyna-magazine/
Trevek
2 Jun 2012
Genealogy / Where are the Lemkos now? Do they still exist in Poland? [32]
These might help:
houseofnames.com/pawluk-family-crest
au.answers.yahoo/question/index?qid=20110903102501AAAP71g
genforum.genealogy.com/austria/messages/10824.html
lemko.org/art/StamfordMuseum.html
lemkoproject.blogspot.com/p/lemko-research-project-underway-call.html
carpatho-rusyn.org/lemkos/lemkos.htm
lemko.org/lih/travel/sanokm.html
These might help:
houseofnames.com/pawluk-family-crest
au.answers.yahoo/question/index?qid=20110903102501AAAP71g
genforum.genealogy.com/austria/messages/10824.html
lemko.org/art/StamfordMuseum.html
lemkoproject.blogspot.com/p/lemko-research-project-underway-call.html
carpatho-rusyn.org/lemkos/lemkos.htm
lemko.org/lih/travel/sanokm.html
Trevek
2 Jun 2012
Love / It is more fun to have sex in Polish than in English. Discuss. [27]
Well, always remember not to talk with your mouth full!
Mosley, the motor-racing chap reckoned he got his S/M dominatrixes to speak German because the "harsh sounds" suited the role playing. I should imagine it can work in other languages...
Like... Russian:
but in this slipping into another language and finding that less exposed, somehow, than sex in one's own language?
Well, always remember not to talk with your mouth full!
Mosley, the motor-racing chap reckoned he got his S/M dominatrixes to speak German because the "harsh sounds" suited the role playing. I should imagine it can work in other languages...
Like... Russian:
Trevek
2 Jun 2012
Genealogy / Where are the Lemkos now? Do they still exist in Poland? [32]
The thing with the £emko was that during the interwar period, many Polish ethnographers declared them "Polish", speaking a dialect of Polish. By 1947, with the rise of Ukrainian seperatism, they were declared "Ukrainian" and speaking a dialect of Ukrainian., given 2 hours to pack and loaded on trains for the "recovered territories" of Silesia. Pomorski and Warmia-Mazury. Some return to their homes later on, but many of the villages are dying now. The old people I interviewed in one village felt "real" Lemko culture died with Akcja Wisła, but other people were still active in trying to pass the culture on to younger members.
This guy is interested in Lemko culture and has written about it: eth.mpg.de/cms/en/people/d/hann/
Oh, and I believe Andy Warhol was Lemko.
The thing with the £emko was that during the interwar period, many Polish ethnographers declared them "Polish", speaking a dialect of Polish. By 1947, with the rise of Ukrainian seperatism, they were declared "Ukrainian" and speaking a dialect of Ukrainian., given 2 hours to pack and loaded on trains for the "recovered territories" of Silesia. Pomorski and Warmia-Mazury. Some return to their homes later on, but many of the villages are dying now. The old people I interviewed in one village felt "real" Lemko culture died with Akcja Wisła, but other people were still active in trying to pass the culture on to younger members.
This guy is interested in Lemko culture and has written about it: eth.mpg.de/cms/en/people/d/hann/
Oh, and I believe Andy Warhol was Lemko.
Trevek
31 May 2012
News / Don't go to Poland ... because you could end up coming back in a coffin [313]
He didn't, nor did I say he had. The post I was replying to explained why he had been invited to comment (as an international footballer who had personal experience of some of the issues... fair enough). However, the point was made earlier about how many different countries he'd played in. Many of those countries also have a reputation for violence and racism. Their fans will also be travelling to Poland.
Does Campbell say "Oh, and when racist Italians start throwing bananas in Poland... or when English yobs get to Poland... or the Northern ireland fans who were scrapping with Polish fans in belfast, and who hate all catholics"? No, he watches a few bits of film and makes a comment decrying a nation.
Don't misunderstand me, I don't doubt there is racism, I don't doubt there is violence and I know for a fact people get hurt (used to live in Ibrox, by the Rangers stadium). It is the use of selective journalism (Do they interview the police about anything? Do they talk about what has been done? Do they talk with a wider selection of fans?).
What point did he say that he'd been racially abused in Poland? Did you watch the interview?
He didn't, nor did I say he had. The post I was replying to explained why he had been invited to comment (as an international footballer who had personal experience of some of the issues... fair enough). However, the point was made earlier about how many different countries he'd played in. Many of those countries also have a reputation for violence and racism. Their fans will also be travelling to Poland.
Does Campbell say "Oh, and when racist Italians start throwing bananas in Poland... or when English yobs get to Poland... or the Northern ireland fans who were scrapping with Polish fans in belfast, and who hate all catholics"? No, he watches a few bits of film and makes a comment decrying a nation.
Don't misunderstand me, I don't doubt there is racism, I don't doubt there is violence and I know for a fact people get hurt (used to live in Ibrox, by the Rangers stadium). It is the use of selective journalism (Do they interview the police about anything? Do they talk about what has been done? Do they talk with a wider selection of fans?).
Trevek
31 May 2012
News / Don't go to Poland ... because you could end up coming back in a coffin [313]
Interesting comments:
youtube.com/watch?v=_EcN4qszVEU&feature=related
Interesting comments:
youtube.com/watch?v=_EcN4qszVEU&feature=related
Trevek
31 May 2012
News / Don't go to Poland ... because you could end up coming back in a coffin [313]
And how much of the racism did he receive from Polish/Ukrainian fans?
It isn't the point that this is not a problem, or that it exists, it is that based on selective reporting that Campbell can make such a statement.
This 'black' guy happened to be an ex England footballer who has played the game in all levels for clubs like England, Arsenal, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur. This 'black' guy obviously knows what he is talking about having suffered from racial abuse in his past.
And how much of the racism did he receive from Polish/Ukrainian fans?
It isn't the point that this is not a problem, or that it exists, it is that based on selective reporting that Campbell can make such a statement.
Trevek
31 May 2012
Life / You've been in Poland a while if .... [49]
You don't giggle when you see the words "fart" or "fuks".
You ask your Polish colleagues questions about English grammar.
You aren't surprised when a pedestrian waves you to drive on when you stop to let them cross.
You can take only one of those paper serviettes out of the holder without spilling all the others.
You don't giggle when you see the words "fart" or "fuks".
You ask your Polish colleagues questions about English grammar.
You aren't surprised when a pedestrian waves you to drive on when you stop to let them cross.
You can take only one of those paper serviettes out of the holder without spilling all the others.