Life / Poland's Environment, recycling [79]

I'm having a hard time finding an English version of what is recyclable and how to segregate. We got a notice from apt admin but no explanation. The containers in the trash area are not marked well. One is still the large tin collection bin and now there is a big red one and a smaller red or green... Can't remember.

Life / Are Polish natives intolerant of foreigners who do not properly speak the language? [30]

I think Poland is no different than anywhere else for the most part! You have really nice and even helpful people and then you have the others who can't be bothered. We have been here almost 4 years. My entire family is Polish and migrated to the Chicago area 3 generations ago, so I was excited at the opportunity to come here! Poles are just a quirky group of people. But we are both positive, fun-loving people, so we've not really had any horrible experiences. And oftentimes, even if someone starts out being not so kind, we usually can cheer them up. And when someone realizes you need help with something, they are almost always willing to help you. I have heard more than a few horror stories, I've just not experienced them! We love being here!

USA, Canada / Polish-American mutilation of the Polish language [75]

Both sides of my family migrated to the Chicago area. Some were from near the Warsaw area (owned land) and others from a couple small towns not far from the mountains. We used Busha on the side of the family from Warsaw area, but it was for our great-grandmother.

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

I may have replied to this already but I don't see it! I moved to Warsaw with my husband (for his job). One side of my family is from that general area and the other more near the mountains (I think). I've been unable to find out if any are still alive (they were 5 years ago, but pushing it)! We've been unable to locate birth certificates or information because everything had been destroyed in war(s).

Anyway, we have now been there for 3 years and have extended for 1 additional at this point. We would stay there several more if the company would let us! We are from the US and we find Warsaw pretty darn safe in comparison! We love how easy it is to get around as we don't have a car. We did take our Harley over there but haven't gotten out much due to our frequent travel for work. We have always found the people pretty nice. I mean Poles are not really outgoing or social with people they don't know, but we have found that if we just start talking to them, they warm up. Of course, our Polish is horrible because we've traveled so much, so maybe it helps that we make people laugh! I am now trying to work with Rosetta Stone and a Colloquial Polish book, but the most difficult part is recognizing what I'm hearing. I can read it much better than hear or speak it. I would just love to be able to hold a conversation in Polish with one of my aunts who would be thrilled to do so (before she dies)! I love Polish food as I grew up with it - although nobody make sit like my family does!! I do like that the kids are still mostly respectful to the elderly. We love being able to get on a plane and be somewhere new within a few hours! We had great plans to take the Harley through the Alps but have yet to have the time :( You know how life just creeps up on you! Being away from the US has really given me new appreciation for different cultures and traditions. We have traveled in Europe, have been to Egypt, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, India (my husband), Thailand, etc. I enjoy meeting people from everywhere, and although you can do this just by traveling around the US, it's totally different when you are dealing with people who are not so spoiled! :) I will be happy to return to the US when we do, but I am savoring every moment abroad right now!

Life / Babcia or Busha - any social class difference? [359]

Names for Grandma

I know Babcia is the traditional name for grandma but are there any other affectionate names for grandma? We called my great-grandmother Busha (american spelling) but have heard some also call grandma that. Is that correct and, if so, What is the spelling for that?

Genealogy / Slawinski / Slawinska - where did the last name Slawinski originate from? Slowinska [12]

Bummer! :) I don't even know the true spelling because the Ellis Island records suggest probably about 50 different forms of the name.... Oh well... it was worth a try!

Genealogy / Slawinski / Slawinska - where did the last name Slawinski originate from? Slowinska [12]

Merged: Slawinska? Slavinska? Slovinska?

Been searching for any info I can find on my family - all Polish from different parts. Great Grandmother born in or near Warsaw and father was a landowner. My aunt thinks the last name was spelled Slavinska (probably americanized) and great-gran went to states when she was 14 with her aunt and uncle through Ellis Island. But don't know which aunt/uncle. She was born 1897. Here's one of my aunt's responses -- I know some of the spelling is off but is it possible to tell area based on food?

Jenny, my mom tried everthing she could twice to find Busha's family thru the Red Cross. All the churches were demolished during the war and that is where records were kept so they had nothing to go on. I don't even know for sure the name of the town she came from. I heard many stories during my lifetime but not consistent. I am not sure how to spell Slavinska maybe you know of different spellings living in that country. Also I find that many areas serve different kinds of food. So you can check where Chiiinena (spelling) is popular and when she made beet soup it was not with sour cream it was sweet sour with dill. and she made pork shoulder with potato dumplings and gravy, she made punchkies round by tablespoon and no jelly dropped in hot oil. these are some of the things I remember her cooking for us. I don't want to disolution you but mom tried very hard with Busha still alive to answer questions and they could find nothing.

USA, Canada / Any Poles in Texas! [61]

How was what?

USA, Canada / Any Poles in Texas! [61]

There are a whole group of Poles apparently in Poth, TX. I just moved from San Antonio in August 08 and had a store there. I had many Poles beginning to come into the store - more and more moving down there! Originally from Chicago and of course there are tons of Poles there (my family being many)!!! Right now living in Warsaw (since August)!

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

Then you are obviously missing out on a lot... nothing compares to being right.... oh well!!!

Life / Reasons for moving to Poland [291]

Lukasz, where was the prettiest place you went to in the states? Did you go to the national parks? There are some absolutely beautiful places.

My husband's job brought us here 3 months ago and we'll be here 3 yrs (at least). My family is originally from Rzeszow and Debica (I think small towns). Our kids are all in college or working and living their own lives. Since there are no weddings/grandchildren in the works, we thought this would be the perfect time to be over here. We love to travel and want to see as much of Europe as possible while we are here (hopefully on the Harley). We will also look up whatever family is still here. And of course, we are hoping to give our kids, friends, and family the opportunity to come over here as well without having to worry about the expense of hotels, and always eating out, etc. There is so much to see and learn here!