bullfrog
13 Aug 2015
Life / What are the things which cause culture shock in Poland? [164]
True but the originals are to be found in Germany!
Beefy guys in sandals and white socks
True but the originals are to be found in Germany!
bullfrog
13 Aug 2015
News / Poland in ruin or flourishing? [35]
Roger's view is fair and balanced and also reflects my own perception of how Poland has evolved. I remember in the early nineties that you could still find horse driven carts in the countryside, now they have almost disappeared. Polonius, what do you expect? I think that for a country that has disappeared of the world map for over 100 years, that suffered a devastating war and then 50 years of communism, Poland's progress has been astounding, and that should make all Poles, whether living in Poland or elsewhere proud. You are obviously an educated and intelligent person, maybe it is your US background and its avid consumerism (everything immediately!) which is preventing you to see the reality?
I live in what you are happy to describe at Polska B (I hate that term) and I have seen rising living standards year on year for at least a decade.
Roger's view is fair and balanced and also reflects my own perception of how Poland has evolved. I remember in the early nineties that you could still find horse driven carts in the countryside, now they have almost disappeared. Polonius, what do you expect? I think that for a country that has disappeared of the world map for over 100 years, that suffered a devastating war and then 50 years of communism, Poland's progress has been astounding, and that should make all Poles, whether living in Poland or elsewhere proud. You are obviously an educated and intelligent person, maybe it is your US background and its avid consumerism (everything immediately!) which is preventing you to see the reality?
bullfrog
13 Aug 2015
News / Poland in ruin or flourishing? [35]
Maybe you have a point.
What has always struck me is how divided the Polish vote is geographically, ie the Eastern part voting PiS and the Western part voting PO. I initially thought that this might be linked to a difference in the origin of the population with proximity to Russia on one side (less developed) and to Germany on the other (more developed). That doesn' t withstand deeper analysis because we all know that Western Poland was repopulated with people coming from the old eastern territories.
I think the split comes from inappropriate/late policy decisions by the successive Polish government in the 1990's/early 2000s, and especially the lack of focus on infrastructure issues. Motorway links between the East to the West were not built at the time when Western firms were making decisions about the location of their Polish factories. As a result most factories were located in the Western part which was already connected to the Western European markets via a preexisting network of motorways. The East West network now exists, at least partially, but it was built far too late when most investment decisions were already made. Show that also in politics time is of the essence..
The point is whether the improvement has been equitably (I didn't say "equally") distributed. Poland now has a caste of overprivileged and everybody else.
Maybe you have a point.
What has always struck me is how divided the Polish vote is geographically, ie the Eastern part voting PiS and the Western part voting PO. I initially thought that this might be linked to a difference in the origin of the population with proximity to Russia on one side (less developed) and to Germany on the other (more developed). That doesn' t withstand deeper analysis because we all know that Western Poland was repopulated with people coming from the old eastern territories.
I think the split comes from inappropriate/late policy decisions by the successive Polish government in the 1990's/early 2000s, and especially the lack of focus on infrastructure issues. Motorway links between the East to the West were not built at the time when Western firms were making decisions about the location of their Polish factories. As a result most factories were located in the Western part which was already connected to the Western European markets via a preexisting network of motorways. The East West network now exists, at least partially, but it was built far too late when most investment decisions were already made. Show that also in politics time is of the essence..
bullfrog
13 Aug 2015
News / Poland in ruin or flourishing? [35]
Yes, but since Poles are also able to vote when abroad (at least in the general elections), that should have no impact on the overall outcome
the millions of young Poles who have left Poland left 'Polska B', meaning that PO lost millions of votes in those regions.
Yes, but since Poles are also able to vote when abroad (at least in the general elections), that should have no impact on the overall outcome
bullfrog
13 Aug 2015
News / Poland in ruin or flourishing? [35]
Roger has been living in Poland longer than you, I don't think he needs you to tell him things he is (and we are) already aware of
Good; so we now know that you are a good citizen and give to charity and to cancer research; many others, including I am sure on this forum, do the same without finding the need to broadcast it constantly
Maybe decide to go back to communism?
Believe me, a lot of people in Poland don't even make 2,000/month (for instance school teachers, shop assistants ....)
Roger has been living in Poland longer than you, I don't think he needs you to tell him things he is (and we are) already aware of
I helped some poor families from Praga North through charity
Good; so we now know that you are a good citizen and give to charity and to cancer research; many others, including I am sure on this forum, do the same without finding the need to broadcast it constantly
authorities should do something against poverty.
Maybe decide to go back to communism?
bullfrog
13 Aug 2015
News / Poland in ruin or flourishing? [35]
Precisely Pol3, don't you think that it takes courage to take a path like he did, against his family, when his parents were members of PZPR? Especially that it happened in the sixties, 20 years before the regime would finally crack?
He palled around with other nomenklatura kids who were in the same boat. It was only at uni that he became a political dissident.
Precisely Pol3, don't you think that it takes courage to take a path like he did, against his family, when his parents were members of PZPR? Especially that it happened in the sixties, 20 years before the regime would finally crack?
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
News / Poland in ruin or flourishing? [35]
With most individuals (including yourself Pol3?), such rebellion starts in their teens, ie pre University years and dwindles as the individual matures. On the contrary, in the case of Michnik, his Uni years appear to have been the starting point of a lifelong choice.. Not quite the same..
Youthful rebellion is nothing new
With most individuals (including yourself Pol3?), such rebellion starts in their teens, ie pre University years and dwindles as the individual matures. On the contrary, in the case of Michnik, his Uni years appear to have been the starting point of a lifelong choice.. Not quite the same..
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Life / Catholic idol worship in Poland [29]
Saw recently in a museum in Marseille (MUCEM) a very interesting exhibition about shared sacred sites between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Quite fascinating to see that there are a large number of such shares sites throughout the world including in the country where I am currently living (Turkey): Muslims make an annual pilgrimage to the Church of St George on Buyukada!
look down on the Catholics as mere "Papists" and their religion as a lot of mumbo-jumbo, full of outdated and primitive ritual symbolism.
Saw recently in a museum in Marseille (MUCEM) a very interesting exhibition about shared sacred sites between Christianity, Judaism and Islam. Quite fascinating to see that there are a large number of such shares sites throughout the world including in the country where I am currently living (Turkey): Muslims make an annual pilgrimage to the Church of St George on Buyukada!
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Life / Polish maid very flirtatious? [36]
Haven't seen one of those for some time; same re real estate threads, which used to be the bread and butter of PF (remember Milky?), they seem to have largely vanished..
Let's back to the topic please
" Do black men have big knobs".
Haven't seen one of those for some time; same re real estate threads, which used to be the bread and butter of PF (remember Milky?), they seem to have largely vanished..
Let's back to the topic please
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Life / Catholic idol worship in Poland [29]
Indeed. When my wife and I went to visit Meryemana last year, the group of 5 people that was coming out of the house as we arrived was, guess what.. Polish!!
Don't forget Meryemana, near Selcuk, where Mary is supposed to have settled and died, or the icons in caves in Cappadocia (most of which have been literally defaced by idiots).
Indeed. When my wife and I went to visit Meryemana last year, the group of 5 people that was coming out of the house as we arrived was, guess what.. Polish!!
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Life / Catholic idol worship in Poland [29]
Not Paedophilia Smurf rather incest. Get your technical words right!
Not Paedophilia Smurf rather incest. Get your technical words right!
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Life / What are the things which cause culture shock in Poland? [164]
Maybe in England then. Scotland tends to be the exact opposite of Poland in this respect. I cannot remember the number of times I shivered just by seeing half naked youg lasses in the streets of Glasgow in the middle of winter. It is true that alcohol keeps the inner parts of the body warm..
I have seen this with the kids from UK parents too
Maybe in England then. Scotland tends to be the exact opposite of Poland in this respect. I cannot remember the number of times I shivered just by seeing half naked youg lasses in the streets of Glasgow in the middle of winter. It is true that alcohol keeps the inner parts of the body warm..
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Law / Buying a USED CAR in Poland, my personal experiences and TRAPS to avoid !! [133]
Poles and Turks share many common traits, among other the willingness to cut corners. Whenever you buy something second hand in either countries, the same motto applies: caveat emptor!
I was thinking it was mostly happening in Turkey, but the same happened here in Poland,
Poles and Turks share many common traits, among other the willingness to cut corners. Whenever you buy something second hand in either countries, the same motto applies: caveat emptor!
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Life / What are the things which cause culture shock in Poland? [164]
Yes, that's because the overdressing prevents Poles from developing a resistance to cold. In this respect, the Scottish method is much more efficient. Throw them half naked at a young age in the snow and those who survive are by definition the ones who are resistant! :)
am still surprised about how many get ill in the wintertime despite all the patent medicines and the overdressing.
Yes, that's because the overdressing prevents Poles from developing a resistance to cold. In this respect, the Scottish method is much more efficient. Throw them half naked at a young age in the snow and those who survive are by definition the ones who are resistant! :)
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Work / Salary: 24,000zl a month - how much I will I have after tax in Poland? [29]
And? Politicians should not be the highest earners in a country, whatever the position. And remember, for someone like the President, his salary is only to buy cigarettes, all the rest gets paid for..
And? Politicians should not be the highest earners in a country, whatever the position. And remember, for someone like the President, his salary is only to buy cigarettes, all the rest gets paid for..
bullfrog
14 Aug 2015
Travel / Ryanair flying domestic in Poland? [46]
and LOT has also just signed a partnership agreement with Turkish Airlines. Not sure exactly at this stage what it means, we will see...
and LOT has also just signed a partnership agreement with Turkish Airlines. Not sure exactly at this stage what it means, we will see...
bullfrog
15 Aug 2015
Life / What are the things which cause culture shock in Poland? [164]
no wonder Jon, Brits are at the opposite end of the spectrum (stiff upper lip syndrome)
no wonder Jon, Brits are at the opposite end of the spectrum (stiff upper lip syndrome)
bullfrog
15 Aug 2015
Life / What are the things which cause culture shock in Poland? [164]
yes, same in French where an "angine" is benign. The serious one is "angine de poitrine"
yes, same in French where an "angine" is benign. The serious one is "angine de poitrine"
bullfrog
15 Aug 2015
Travel / Ryanair flying domestic in Poland? [46]
No Jon , this is something new, in addition to their existing agreement. It was announced 2 days ago.
hurriyetdailynews.com/polish-and-turkish-airlines-extend-cooperation------.aspx?pageID=238&nID=86902&NewsCatID=345
The partnership is nothing new - they've both been in Star Alliance with Lufthansa for a while.
No Jon , this is something new, in addition to their existing agreement. It was announced 2 days ago.
hurriyetdailynews.com/polish-and-turkish-airlines-extend-cooperation------.aspx?pageID=238&nID=86902&NewsCatID=345
bullfrog
15 Aug 2015
bullfrog
18 Aug 2015
Work / First English teaching job in Poland (Katowice) [75]
True, Krakow is only Poland's former capital city, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and a leading centre of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life.. Not good enough for Mrs Know All..
True, Krakow is only Poland's former capital city, home to one of the oldest universities in Europe and a leading centre of Polish academic, cultural, and artistic life.. Not good enough for Mrs Know All..
bullfrog
18 Aug 2015
Travel / Why does everyone seem to hate LOT Polish Airlines? [380]
Jon
Not worth spending time conversing with an obvious troll..
Jon
Not worth spending time conversing with an obvious troll..
bullfrog
18 Aug 2015
News / New constitution In Poland? [57]
Cannot vouch for the US system. As far as the French one is concerned, while I would not go so far as to label it "undemocratic", the French themselves recognize that what is in theory a republic is in fact a disguised monarchy. The difference is that pre 1789 the French king was " de droit divin" (his power came from God), today he (there hasn't been a she yet) is elected.
one should first ask oneself is the American and French system of government undemocratic?
Cannot vouch for the US system. As far as the French one is concerned, while I would not go so far as to label it "undemocratic", the French themselves recognize that what is in theory a republic is in fact a disguised monarchy. The difference is that pre 1789 the French king was " de droit divin" (his power came from God), today he (there hasn't been a she yet) is elected.
bullfrog
18 Aug 2015
History / What was better in Poland under communism? [67]
The tram stops at Arkadia (and not Arcadia, Pol3, getting Americanized, you've been away from PL too long!!)
Now you have to drive to Arcadia, leave your car in the underground car park
The tram stops at Arkadia (and not Arcadia, Pol3, getting Americanized, you've been away from PL too long!!)
bullfrog
19 Aug 2015
News / Polish-foreigner marriages increasing [48]
Any cross cultural marriage is good news, it broadens the horizons of both spouses and that of their children. True, it is often harder to make such marriages succeed compared to monocultural marriages, but on the whole its benefits the gene pool and humanity. Reduction ab absurdum, just look at what happens when the opposite is pushed to its logical limit, ie inbreeding
Any cross cultural marriage is good news, it broadens the horizons of both spouses and that of their children. True, it is often harder to make such marriages succeed compared to monocultural marriages, but on the whole its benefits the gene pool and humanity. Reduction ab absurdum, just look at what happens when the opposite is pushed to its logical limit, ie inbreeding
bullfrog
19 Aug 2015
News / Polish-foreigner marriages increasing [48]
Where is "ere", Rozu? On PF or where you live?
don't see so many of those round ere
Where is "ere", Rozu? On PF or where you live?
bullfrog
19 Aug 2015
Travel / Can I make payments by credit card in Poland's Biedronka stores etc,? [25]
That's because your bank is Spanish and Biedronka is Portuguese owned :)
That's because your bank is Spanish and Biedronka is Portuguese owned :)
bullfrog
19 Aug 2015
News / Poland's President-Elect Duda leads in public trust - CBOS poll [185]
As much as I would like you to be right Pol3, as much I fear that it is Jon who is on the right path. History has taught us that humans, like electrical current, take the path of least resistance or, said differently, prefer instant/effortless gratification to the long winding (and uphill) road of effort, whathever satisfaction might follow. And Poles are, after all, humans..
This Duda can no more stop that than Canute could hold back the tide.
As much as I would like you to be right Pol3, as much I fear that it is Jon who is on the right path. History has taught us that humans, like electrical current, take the path of least resistance or, said differently, prefer instant/effortless gratification to the long winding (and uphill) road of effort, whathever satisfaction might follow. And Poles are, after all, humans..
bullfrog
20 Aug 2015
Travel / Ryanair flying domestic in Poland? [46]
Yes, it was in 2014 the 4th busiest airport in Europe and will most probably overtake Frankfurt to become the 3rd one in 2015 after Heathrow and CDG. As you point out, it is already saturated but funny thing is that contrary to what happens usually the issue is not one of takeoff/landing capacity but one of size of terminal buildings capacity. Anyway that's why Erdogan wants to build a 3rd (hugely controversial) airport in Istanbul which will, when fully completed, become the largest in the world with an annual capacity of 150 M passengers.
IST has massively expanded - to the point now where it's stuffed with people
Yes, it was in 2014 the 4th busiest airport in Europe and will most probably overtake Frankfurt to become the 3rd one in 2015 after Heathrow and CDG. As you point out, it is already saturated but funny thing is that contrary to what happens usually the issue is not one of takeoff/landing capacity but one of size of terminal buildings capacity. Anyway that's why Erdogan wants to build a 3rd (hugely controversial) airport in Istanbul which will, when fully completed, become the largest in the world with an annual capacity of 150 M passengers.
bullfrog
20 Aug 2015
Travel / Ryanair flying domestic in Poland? [46]
Yes, it is indeed a joke; sometimes the taxi/train ride to get to the centre of the city costs more than the air ticket... I have flown once in my life with Ryanair from Marseille (MP2). The boarding process was so horrible (standing in line for God knows how long) that I promised myself never to use them again (the flight itself was alright).
Then to top it all you find you have been dropped in a disused airbase two hundred klics from your destination..:)
Yes, it is indeed a joke; sometimes the taxi/train ride to get to the centre of the city costs more than the air ticket... I have flown once in my life with Ryanair from Marseille (MP2). The boarding process was so horrible (standing in line for God knows how long) that I promised myself never to use them again (the flight itself was alright).