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Posts by globetrotter  

Joined: 8 Jan 2007 / Male ♂ 		Last Post: 20 Feb 2007
Threads: Total: 3 / Live: 2 / Archived: 1
Posts: Total: 106 / Live: 35 / Archived: 71 		From: United Kingdom
Interests: skiing golf travel reading music

Displayed posts: 37 / page 1 of 2
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globetrotter   
10 Jan 2007
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]

Ah nostalgia – it ain’t what is used to be. Seeing all the posts here has made me reflect on my time in Poland. OK I admit that most of my time was in Warsaw and that is like saying I know The US from living in New York say.

That said, here the things I miss the most:

• The weather (at least it was predictable and I like the cold)
• Zakopane (skiing OK, après ski off the scale)
• The friends I made that I do not see enough of
• Bar Soma (RIP )
• Organza
• Bar Nobo (there’s a theme emerging here)
• Lech Premium Piwo (see!)
• Lazienski Park (but see below)
• Toasting Jerzy Dudek watching the might ‘Pool play (after last night I won’t be doing that again)
• Intelligent discussion with the most unlikely looking of people (Where else other than maybe Ireland would you have a discussion on philosophy with a pensioner in a bar crowded with mainly young people?)

• Straight talking
• Piriogi (but now available from a supermarket near you – not the same as the home made stuff though)
• Szarlotka (mmm – more? yes please)
• Ewa trying to teach us Polish with our customer continuously interrupting the lessons – we learnt more from her one line put downs to him than in the formal classes – what a star she was, sorry I was such a bad student.

And the things I am glad to see the back of:

• The plumbing in my apartment
• Certain members of the Door Police (one day I will buy that bar – revenge is a dish best served cold)
• Being mugged by the Peacocks in Lazienski Park
• Queuing to pay certain bills
• The hours that I worked
• Driving between Warsaw & Poznan (anybody remember Mad Max?)
• EB (it’s only for tourists, right?)
• English Stag Parties (heed the warning of Prague before it’s too late)

On balance, it has to be up there with my most enjoyable overseas stays. The people were great once I got to know and understand them. Maybe Rio was slightly better but I was young and single in those days so that might just have clouded my judgement a wee bit!

So what do you miss most?
globetrotter   
10 Jan 2007
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]

I'm glad we make you feel at home......

Just in case you think the English are admitting that the Irish have one over on us for intellectual discussion it's probably best to own up that my mum was from Cork. Seriously though there are huge similarities between the Irish and the Poles imho. You both know how to party hard and have an interest in meaningful discussion on topics we like to ignore..... politics for one. I would be interested to understand the difference between the reaction to new Polish arrivals in Ireland and in England.

The price of cigarettes (so much for giving up...)

You could always do like my best mate ... just give up buying them. The last pack he bought were Woodbines !
globetrotter   
10 Jan 2007
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]

Good points Frank. The reaction varies in England depending upon where we are talking about. In London the social impact of people from Central Europe is minimal cos its already hugely multi-cultural. In some rural areas it is probably a huge impact. Guess I fell into the generalisation trap. Can't help feeling that the reaction in Ireland is likely to be more positive though.

Good points Frank. The reaction varies in England depending upon where we are talking about. In London the social impact of people from Central Europe is minimal cos its already hugely multi-cultural. In some rural areas it is probably a huge impact. Guess I fell into the generalisation trap. Can't help feeling that the reaction in Ireland is likely to be more positive though.

Good points Frank. The reaction varies in England depending upon where we are talking about. In London the social impact of people from Central Europe is minimal cos its already hugely multi-cultural. In some rural areas it is probably a huge impact. Guess I fell into the generalisation trap. Can't help feeling that the reaction in Ireland is likely to be more positive though.
globetrotter   
11 Jan 2007
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]

In Poland we have equivalent called "wieczor panienski", "wieczor kawalerski".....but it is probbaly not so mad.

I sincerely hope that the Polish men never sink to the depths of some of my countrymen.
When my eldest son went to Prague with his friends from University (and they like to have a drink and a party like all students) he came back disgusted at the behaviour of some groups that he had seen. If we could remove the passports of 5% of our population the impression of England (note I sai Engalns and not Great Britain) abroad would improve dramatically.
globetrotter   
12 Jan 2007
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]

feeling of belonging there ( I will never feel it in UK)

Home is home. Despite all the problems on my crowded Island I feel the same way about the UK. I have been lucky enough to work in many wonderful places around the world and I guess I could afford to move anywhere especially now my kids are almost all ready to make their own way in life. We are probably the best (worst?) nation in the world for putting our country down so a lot of the complaints you read here from Brits reflect that. We do like to moan a bit.
globetrotter   
12 Jan 2007
UK, Ireland / Your opinion about cheap and easy Polish Girls in UK? [30]

No way. Try well educated, discerning, caring about their appearance, hard working and with a great sense of humour when you get to know them as a generalisation instead.
globetrotter   
12 Jan 2007
Language / Nice Polish words to say to a girl [147]

Help - Iam failing in my duties as a Father. My son is flying off to Canada soon to be be with his girlfriend while she studies out there. He needs some phrases of endearment and I am struggling. Never had the need for them when I was in Poland because I found my special one a long time ago. The other one I vaguely recall is (excuse spelling) mash pienkna ochi (you have beautiful eyes ?) All suggestions greatly received.
globetrotter   
12 Jan 2007
Language / Nice Polish words to say to a girl [147]

Thank you Krysia. I'll pass them on to him. yes, his girlfriend is Polish. They met when we went diving in Egypt last year on vacation. after two weeks they were even hoding hands underwater - ah sweet. He has got himself a work permit for Canada for 1 year and flies out to Vancouver tomorrow. He's been counting down the days. I think Sylwia has relatives out there.
globetrotter   
18 Jan 2007
Life / What I miss and don't miss about Poland [64]

This started out a wonderful thread, thanks Globetrotter.

You're welcome. There are some excellent posts throughout the forum.

You're gonna love Poland, especially since you'll have such a good guide.
globetrotter   
22 Jan 2007
Life / Do you think that Polish people are rude? [951]

We do things differently - that's all. I found some things too direct when in Poland and I can understand why Iwona and others find our approach a little strange.

We have some phonecalls from Spain, Gibraltar...They are direct, bit loud

On that we agree - I turn the phone volume down :)

Another difference I have found is that we tend to smile to be polite whilst in Poland this did not seem to be the case. Is it because you smile only when you find things amusing?

Anyway - Vive la difference
globetrotter   
22 Jan 2007
Work / Is teaching English the only way for a foreigner to work in Poland? [18]

You need to talk to the big international employers. I take it your Polish is not fluent so going through agencies may not be easy. All of the big accountancy firms have lots of offices in Poland. Many of the banks do too. If you have the right experience to get a job with them they may consider you for their Polish offices and may also stump up the cash for the language classes.
globetrotter   
22 Jan 2007
Work / Is teaching English the only way for a foreigner to work in Poland? [18]

Sparky359,

OK. I'm talking with the senior partner tomorrow so I'll put out the feelers for you. I think getting an office manager job with them might be impossible because I know the incumbent in Warsaw and trust me she is very good and very well respected. He does know an awful lot of clients though !

Had a chat as promised. No openings in that particular firm but he thinks he knows a couple of clients who might have some vacancies. I can't put much pressure on him timewise but if I don't hear within a week I'll give hime a call.
globetrotter   
22 Jan 2007
Love / 6 months with my Polish girlfriend and I still don't understand her.. [208]

A long long time ago I was in a similar position to you. Without making too long a story of it, suffice it to say that I had the Iron Curtain and all that entailed to deal with as well. In my heart I knew that she was THE one. Not just a passing attraction. She was the one woman I wanted to be with. If you feel that way then pursue her. Only you can answer that question. Is there anything that you could have done to put her off of you. Do you need to change? Are you willing to change if needs be?

If you want this relationship more than anything and if things don't work out when you meet then write her a letter from your heart. I'm sure your friends here will translate it for you.

Best of luck. I feel for you.
globetrotter   
22 Jan 2007
Love / Polish girls attitudes towards sex. [568]

u have your own world... which is not neccessarily like the others

and

nope!

A slight self contradiction methinks Mr L.

On a wider note this, and other threads, seem to be fixated with attempting to put individuals into cosy little behavioural and cultural pigeon holes. Although we are all to an extent conditioned by the attitudes and behaviour surrounding us when we grow up, anybody with a modicum of intelligence starts to make their own decisions in life and forms their own opinions. We are individuals who change and make moral judgements.

There are some folks posting who seem to believe that all opinions are equal, but some opinions are more equal than others (aplogies to Mr. Orwell)
globetrotter   
23 Jan 2007
Love / 6 months with my Polish girlfriend and I still don't understand her.. [208]

I feel like having a chat today with her, but don't want to put the guilt trip on her, perhaps I will leave it a few days and then call her.

Good call. Bottom line is the more you keep going with this the more it's going to hurt if it all falls through. Against that you have to balance a lifetime of regrets if you don't try and if she means that much to you. Only you can make the call.
globetrotter   
26 Jan 2007
Genealogy / Michal Kreczak born in Kropiwinica - looking for survivor of Polish Air Force [13]

The only information I have is my father is Michal/Michel Kreczak

Jellybaby

I have been through the records that I have access to and cannot find any reference to this surname. The official RAF records of personnel serving in WWII can only be accessed by a relative of the person or persons being searched for. There is a charge of £30 for the search. Initially you need to write (not e-mail) the following address:

PMA (Sec) 1b (RAF)
Room 5 Building 248a
RAF Personnel Management Agency
RAF Innsworth
Gloucester GL3 1EZ
United Kingdom.

Before you do this you might like to register at the following site:

worldwar2exraf.co.uk

This is a veterans bulletin board where you may be lucky enough to find someone who recognises the surname. It relies upon ex RAF staff recognising the name.

Sorry I cannot do any more without being a relative.

Best of luck
globetrotter   
27 Jan 2007
Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [451]

The Chineese among themselves sometimes would call white people "big noses"

Farang - the name given to Westerners by the Thais - means 'big nose'.

My collie has a big nose.

My labrador's nose is big AND wet - but he is not Polish
globetrotter   
29 Jan 2007
Genealogy / Do Polish people have big noses? [451]

So not inclusive :) Attractive women too.

See also: talent, target rich environment, drink on a stick, etc.

Hey - should we start a thread for survival English slang for all our new arrivals?
globetrotter   
31 Jan 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]

I once (vaguely) remember drinking some black vodka. Tasted a bit of liquorice. Any clues to what that might be?
globetrotter   
31 Jan 2007
Food / What is your favorite Polish Vodka? [653]

Blavod?

Rings a bell. It was fine stuff. Thought I'd bought some at the airport once but when I got it home it didn't taste too good. Maybe it was bad all along!
globetrotter   
31 Jan 2007
Law / Hiring a Polish Worker - Pros and Cons [107]

If there are some English who dont like the fact that so many Poles came to UK

I think that most of us have welcomed the hard working and curteous Polish people. There are a few people who resent you being here but mostly they are idiotic and lazy people. On the whole we are tolerant people, maybe less so than a few years ago. I am sorry that things did not work out for you this time but hopefully you may come back some day.