Myszolow
3 Feb 2010
Myszolow
3 Feb 2010
Myszolow
2 Feb 2010
Life / You are Polish if... [433]
You are Polish if...
Well I certainly didn't interpret that the way you did frd. I thought it was a list of someone's observations of characteristics commonly exhibited by Poles.
You are Polish if...
Well I certainly didn't interpret that the way you did frd. I thought it was a list of someone's observations of characteristics commonly exhibited by Poles.
Myszolow
2 Feb 2010
Study / "MAGISTER" OR "MASTERS DEGREE" - ARE THEY THE SAME? [75]
I thought MScs usually only took one year? Mine did - and so did all the ones in Chemistry that I looked at. This was in 1993. Perhaps things have changed? You can do a PhD in 3 years, why would you want to waste two on an MSc?
To do an MSc you will need to do two years of A levels, a four-year BSc (as virtually all BSc courses have a sandwich year) and then an MSc which will probably be two years but might take only one year.
I thought MScs usually only took one year? Mine did - and so did all the ones in Chemistry that I looked at. This was in 1993. Perhaps things have changed? You can do a PhD in 3 years, why would you want to waste two on an MSc?
Myszolow
2 Feb 2010
Life / You are Polish if... [433]
I can spot a Pole a mile off.
A lot of these apply to me - I am English, but have spent quite a bit of time in Poland.
Still many do not. Paper towels are WAY better than cloths, which just spread bacteria around.
I can spot a Pole a mile off.
A lot of these apply to me - I am English, but have spent quite a bit of time in Poland.
Still many do not. Paper towels are WAY better than cloths, which just spread bacteria around.
Myszolow
2 Feb 2010
Life / Do expats living in Poland speak Polish? [233]
You need to mix with a different bunch of people then. Try and find some who don't even know English?
Trouble is, if you're not interested, there is no real incentive to learn Polish unless you have to. So the key is to put yourself in situations where you need it more often. It can be stressful, but it is rewarding.
Not much English is spoken na wsi. But if you're a city dweller it might be a bit of an effort to get to the countryside.
But typically, they want to try out their English on me/speak only English when we are together. Whoever noted that same thing/issue in their recent post is correct.
You need to mix with a different bunch of people then. Try and find some who don't even know English?
Trouble is, if you're not interested, there is no real incentive to learn Polish unless you have to. So the key is to put yourself in situations where you need it more often. It can be stressful, but it is rewarding.
Not much English is spoken na wsi. But if you're a city dweller it might be a bit of an effort to get to the countryside.
Myszolow
1 Feb 2010
Life / Do you think a smoking ban would be a good thing in Polish restaurants and Bars? [217]
Good question. In an ideal world - nobody should be able to do that.
But your argument is rather shot up Harry by the fact that the governments have changed it so that smoking becomes illegal in certain specified places. This means it is therefore no longer a legal activity in those places.
Yeah the whole socialist nanny state thing sucks, but we've all got to cope with it or vote them out and kill all the PC-spouting lefty idiots.
The best story I heard was a self-employed tradesman (plumber or something) who was smoking alone in his own van. He was stopped and fined for smoking in a workplace. Now that, in my opinion, is really taking the ****. You can allow yourself to get wound up about it, but what's the point. Poland is one of the least PC countries I've spent time in and it's one of the things I like most about it. I think it's only a matter of 20-30 years though :(
And yet again you fail to answer the question: why should one group of people have the right to dictate to other persons which legal activities they can allow on their property?
Good question. In an ideal world - nobody should be able to do that.
But your argument is rather shot up Harry by the fact that the governments have changed it so that smoking becomes illegal in certain specified places. This means it is therefore no longer a legal activity in those places.
Yeah the whole socialist nanny state thing sucks, but we've all got to cope with it or vote them out and kill all the PC-spouting lefty idiots.
The best story I heard was a self-employed tradesman (plumber or something) who was smoking alone in his own van. He was stopped and fined for smoking in a workplace. Now that, in my opinion, is really taking the ****. You can allow yourself to get wound up about it, but what's the point. Poland is one of the least PC countries I've spent time in and it's one of the things I like most about it. I think it's only a matter of 20-30 years though :(
Myszolow
30 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / Dialing a polish mobile from a uk mobile in Poland [7]
Are you sure you have international calls enabled? Sometimes you are only allowed to call back home. Just a thought. Might be a block on your provider. Alternatively, are you able to call any Polish landline numbers? If they don't work either, you may have a block.
My mobile provider changed automatically from Vodafone to Plus when I arrived and Ive had no problems calling home, but this is a problem for sure.
Are you sure you have international calls enabled? Sometimes you are only allowed to call back home. Just a thought. Might be a block on your provider. Alternatively, are you able to call any Polish landline numbers? If they don't work either, you may have a block.
Myszolow
30 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / Dialing a polish mobile from a uk mobile in Poland [7]
+48 then dial the mobile number without the leading 0
You won't be charged an international rate, but a standard rate according to your roaming tarrif
+48 then dial the mobile number without the leading 0
You won't be charged an international rate, but a standard rate according to your roaming tarrif
Myszolow
28 Jan 2010
Life / Do expats living in Poland speak Polish? [233]
And most óf them are from na wsi. Théy simply speak Polish as if they were foreign. ;)
Another interesting fact is that an estimated 1% of the EU population speak Polish as a foreign language.
And most óf them are from na wsi. Théy simply speak Polish as if they were foreign. ;)
Myszolow
28 Jan 2010
Food / Polish culinary dislikes [83]
Not really. We use the word grill to mean what I believe in the US is known as a broiler.
It's like a kind of oven that radiates heat from one side only. Most domestic ovens in the uk have one built in.
American barbecue sounds very nice too.
Your wastefulness was fixed. Two words with the same meaning, pfft!
Not really. We use the word grill to mean what I believe in the US is known as a broiler.
It's like a kind of oven that radiates heat from one side only. Most domestic ovens in the uk have one built in.
American barbecue sounds very nice too.
Myszolow
28 Jan 2010
Food / Polish culinary dislikes [83]
Definitions definitions.
In the UK we say barbecue is exactly the same as Polish gril (only one L surely?) Just cooking something on charcoal.
Never seen one of those American contraptions before. So the word barbecue means something different depending on where you're from. And since we invented English, the yanks must be wrong. ;) (just chain jerking)
Also - isn't "czarny" more like black pudding than kaszanka? I don't think black pudding has any cereals in does it? (although it's a long time since I ate black pudding, I have had czarny and kaszanka more recently).
Definitions definitions.
In the UK we say barbecue is exactly the same as Polish gril (only one L surely?) Just cooking something on charcoal.
Never seen one of those American contraptions before. So the word barbecue means something different depending on where you're from. And since we invented English, the yanks must be wrong. ;) (just chain jerking)
Also - isn't "czarny" more like black pudding than kaszanka? I don't think black pudding has any cereals in does it? (although it's a long time since I ate black pudding, I have had czarny and kaszanka more recently).
Myszolow
22 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / WHAT IS SO SPECIAL LIVING IN U.K [90]
According to this news article...
news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8472000/8472980.stm
...
Because it's possible to run a household on one salary.
According to this news article...
news.bbc.co.uk/today/hi/today/newsid_8472000/8472980.stm
...
"They find they can live comfortably here on a minimum wage. Food is cheaper - relative to salaries - and they no longer have to choose between a new pair of children's shoes or a nice dinner as they used to do at home. They have a 'decent life' as they would put it," she says.
Because it's possible to run a household on one salary.
Myszolow
21 Jan 2010
Life / Lack of Spacial Acuity in Poland [69]
What about all the cretins who step into the road and then decide to look and see if there's a car coming?
It's something you just don't see in other places. Maybe while we were being drilled with the green cross code 35 years ago there were very few cars in Poland so it was a bit of a non-issue when you could only cross at a crossing when the lights said you could?
Maybe someone translated the green cross code as STEP LOOK LISTEN instead of STOP LOOK LISTEN. ;)
What about all the cretins who step into the road and then decide to look and see if there's a car coming?
It's something you just don't see in other places. Maybe while we were being drilled with the green cross code 35 years ago there were very few cars in Poland so it was a bit of a non-issue when you could only cross at a crossing when the lights said you could?
Maybe someone translated the green cross code as STEP LOOK LISTEN instead of STOP LOOK LISTEN. ;)
Myszolow
19 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Differences in How Polish People Raise a Child and How Americans Raise a Child [149]
Where do you draw the line between spanking and beating though? This is where Polish language causes confusion because they use the same word for both.
Beating, to me, implies being hit really hard with a stick or belt and leaving a mark which lasts for some time. Smacking is quite normal in most countries where common-sense is still alive and well.
Bottom-line (pun intended) is that you will have to decide what is right for your own kids and you will live with the consequences of your decision. How's that for an awesome responsibility?
Where do you draw the line between spanking and beating though? This is where Polish language causes confusion because they use the same word for both.
Beating, to me, implies being hit really hard with a stick or belt and leaving a mark which lasts for some time. Smacking is quite normal in most countries where common-sense is still alive and well.
Bottom-line (pun intended) is that you will have to decide what is right for your own kids and you will live with the consequences of your decision. How's that for an awesome responsibility?
Myszolow
17 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Differences in How Polish People Raise a Child and How Americans Raise a Child [149]
Fair enough. That's much better explained. :)
Fair enough. That's much better explained. :)
Myszolow
17 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Differences in How Polish People Raise a Child and How Americans Raise a Child [149]
I explained to you what purpose it serves. Cooling down before the kid will be capable of communication.
Raised many kids have you?
I explained to you what purpose it serves. Cooling down before the kid will be capable of communication.
Raised many kids have you?
Myszolow
17 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Differences in How Polish People Raise a Child and How Americans Raise a Child [149]
LOL. Ever tried talking to a child just after a tantrum?
The naughty step is supposed to diffuse the tantrum and take away the audience. That's the whole point of it. It's effective sometimes. I think it was developed by people who don't believe in spanking children. Personally I think spanking is essential, but the naughty step can be a useful tool if not over used.
It gives them and you a time out so that...
* they can calm down
* you can respond maturely
Yeah - I bet they're scarred for life. Why did you become an axe-murderer Billy? "It all started back when I was 15 months old and my mum made me sit on the naughty step for a whole two minutes".
Surely it is better to talk to the child straight after the tantrum
LOL. Ever tried talking to a child just after a tantrum?
or indeed diffuse the tantrum, then allow the child the talk about how they feel before and after the tantrum.
The naughty step is supposed to diffuse the tantrum and take away the audience. That's the whole point of it. It's effective sometimes. I think it was developed by people who don't believe in spanking children. Personally I think spanking is essential, but the naughty step can be a useful tool if not over used.
To allow a child to sit in a corner, or designated space for a period of time resolves nothing.
It gives them and you a time out so that...
* they can calm down
* you can respond maturely
I can only think that it is quite humiliating for a child.
Yeah - I bet they're scarred for life. Why did you become an axe-murderer Billy? "It all started back when I was 15 months old and my mum made me sit on the naughty step for a whole two minutes".
Myszolow
16 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / WHAT IS SO SPECIAL LIVING IN U.K [90]
I think a lot of people stood up and took notice when things got so bad that the BNP started getting enough support to get 2 MEPs.
Hopefully, that is the wakeup call that mainstream parties need to tighten up border controls and immigration policy. Still - it's too late really. It's quite conceiveable that in my lifetime the UK will become an Islamic state - simply by reproduction.
I think a lot of people stood up and took notice when things got so bad that the BNP started getting enough support to get 2 MEPs.
Hopefully, that is the wakeup call that mainstream parties need to tighten up border controls and immigration policy. Still - it's too late really. It's quite conceiveable that in my lifetime the UK will become an Islamic state - simply by reproduction.
Myszolow
16 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / WHAT IS SO SPECIAL LIVING IN U.K [90]
Not something I'd be qualified to comment on. You?
Good observation. I agree with you.
One of the ways the UK has let itself and its traditions go downhill over the years is by encouraging mass immigration and by being a soft target.
Cultural diversity is all very well, but those who are invited to live in a country should do most of the adjusting rather than expecting the locals to adapt to them. (Isn't this how it is in Poland? I can't imagine the local offices of any government organ in Poland translating their leaflets and forms into English to make life easier for me - and that's how it should be.)
It's the FIFO principle. Fit In or go away. ;)
You mean the best prostitutes?
Not something I'd be qualified to comment on. You?
What came as a great disappointment to me upon arrival is that Great Britain has allowed so many of its traditions to go down the drain over the years. It is, in all respects, a crumbling empire - without the empire. And with an Orwellian twist.
Good observation. I agree with you.
One of the ways the UK has let itself and its traditions go downhill over the years is by encouraging mass immigration and by being a soft target.
Cultural diversity is all very well, but those who are invited to live in a country should do most of the adjusting rather than expecting the locals to adapt to them. (Isn't this how it is in Poland? I can't imagine the local offices of any government organ in Poland translating their leaflets and forms into English to make life easier for me - and that's how it should be.)
It's the FIFO principle. Fit In or go away. ;)
Myszolow
15 Jan 2010
UK, Ireland / WHAT IS SO SPECIAL LIVING IN U.K [90]
We've got all the best talent from Eastern Europe here because we opened our doors first. ;)
Compared to Canada though, tbh I think you're better off where you are. UK is in a big mess and will stay that way for a few years until we start making things again instead of shuffling money around and expecting everyone else to do the doing.
We've got all the best talent from Eastern Europe here because we opened our doors first. ;)
Compared to Canada though, tbh I think you're better off where you are. UK is in a big mess and will stay that way for a few years until we start making things again instead of shuffling money around and expecting everyone else to do the doing.
Myszolow
15 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
I do believe you're right, but I had to read it twice more before I could fathom it. ;)
If you read it again sweetie, you will realise he meant being a native English speaker isnt really an advantage as most Poles speak good English.
I do believe you're right, but I had to read it twice more before I could fathom it. ;)
Myszolow
15 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
In terms of percentage growth maybe. But what about in terms of size? Why are things like electronic goods/computers more expensive in Poland? Size of the market.
You also say speaking Polish is not much advantage but in the same breath jobs are hard to come by if you don't. Well that's one fairly major advantage don't'cha think? ;)
If Poland is so rich why are they all over in the UK earning money?
The fact is that Poland's economy is the best performing in Europe at the moment and UK/Ireland among worst.
In terms of percentage growth maybe. But what about in terms of size? Why are things like electronic goods/computers more expensive in Poland? Size of the market.
You also say speaking Polish is not much advantage but in the same breath jobs are hard to come by if you don't. Well that's one fairly major advantage don't'cha think? ;)
If Poland is so rich why are they all over in the UK earning money?
Myszolow
14 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
Not sure it covers all that though. If I recall correctly the funeral grant was about 5,000 zl which covers the basics. The stonemasons for a fairly basic setup cost almost the same again :(
-----------------
BrutalButcher living up to his name. ;)
Nothing wrong with being mature enough to ask for help - particularly from a pre-qualified focus group.
The correct answer is in this topic somewhere. The hard part is choosing who is correct. Good luck to the OP with that choice.
Not sure it covers all that though. If I recall correctly the funeral grant was about 5,000 zl which covers the basics. The stonemasons for a fairly basic setup cost almost the same again :(
-----------------
BrutalButcher living up to his name. ;)
Nothing wrong with being mature enough to ask for help - particularly from a pre-qualified focus group.
The correct answer is in this topic somewhere. The hard part is choosing who is correct. Good luck to the OP with that choice.
Myszolow
14 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
Not really. It makes perfect sense on many levels. I won't say more lest someone takes offence. ;)
maybe English women prefer English guys..strange that isnt it?
Not really. It makes perfect sense on many levels. I won't say more lest someone takes offence. ;)
Myszolow
14 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
That works to an extent, but other people's situations are different.
If he can't get a well paid job in Poland (and let's face it the opportunities for non-Polish speaking foreigners are pretty dire unless you want to teach English - and if you have another career that's not a very attractive option) then they will be much better off pretty much anywhere else in the world.
Money isnt everything, but the economics of it DOES matter. If it were the other way round and he was a girl I think it would matter less. Mind you I don't see a whole bunch of English girls marrying Polish guys and moving to Poland (hee hee - let's not go there). :)
Disclaimer - had I followed my own advice or rather had I known better at the time I wouldn't be divorced today. So in a nutshell try to learn from others peoples' mistakes...
That works to an extent, but other people's situations are different.
If he can't get a well paid job in Poland (and let's face it the opportunities for non-Polish speaking foreigners are pretty dire unless you want to teach English - and if you have another career that's not a very attractive option) then they will be much better off pretty much anywhere else in the world.
Money isnt everything, but the economics of it DOES matter. If it were the other way round and he was a girl I think it would matter less. Mind you I don't see a whole bunch of English girls marrying Polish guys and moving to Poland (hee hee - let's not go there). :)
Myszolow
13 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
OK. Supposing the happy couple decide to live in the UK or elsewhere. In 10, 15 or 20 years, if she is an only child, her first parent may get ill and die. No probs. The other parent will take care of them.
When the second parent gets ill. Perhaps there will be a need for long-term care while they deteriorate and die? It's a possibility I never thought of when I got married, but we had to drop everything and move to Poland for a year and a half to look after my wife's dad before he died.
Of course there are other choices, like...
let him die. But could you live with yourself?
As far as funerals are concerned I'm surprised you don't know that there is a ZUS grant which covers the basic cost of a funeral (otherwise most Poles would be buried in their gardens).
As far as inheritance goes - yeah - fair payment for looking after them - if you're lucky enough to get any.
My main point was "you need to meet the family because you are marrying into the whole lot and there may be unforeseen consequences". That's the advice my son will be getting if he ever thinks of marrying a foreigner of any description.
If she is an only child. What will you guys do when her parents get ill and die?
Pay for the funeral not have to share the inheritance? i dont get that one.
OK. Supposing the happy couple decide to live in the UK or elsewhere. In 10, 15 or 20 years, if she is an only child, her first parent may get ill and die. No probs. The other parent will take care of them.
When the second parent gets ill. Perhaps there will be a need for long-term care while they deteriorate and die? It's a possibility I never thought of when I got married, but we had to drop everything and move to Poland for a year and a half to look after my wife's dad before he died.
Of course there are other choices, like...
let him die. But could you live with yourself?
As far as funerals are concerned I'm surprised you don't know that there is a ZUS grant which covers the basic cost of a funeral (otherwise most Poles would be buried in their gardens).
As far as inheritance goes - yeah - fair payment for looking after them - if you're lucky enough to get any.
My main point was "you need to meet the family because you are marrying into the whole lot and there may be unforeseen consequences". That's the advice my son will be getting if he ever thinks of marrying a foreigner of any description.
Myszolow
10 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Moving back from Canada to Poland, yes or no? [39]
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. I recommend a long holiday in Poland. By long I mean a couple of months or more - before you commit yourselves to anything. Canada is a magnificent country. I can't honestly see why anyone would rather live in Poland than Canada? What exactly is the upside?
Same for UK to be honest. If you're in Canada now and you're doing OK, you're better off staying there unless you have specific opportunities to move for.
The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence. I recommend a long holiday in Poland. By long I mean a couple of months or more - before you commit yourselves to anything. Canada is a magnificent country. I can't honestly see why anyone would rather live in Poland than Canada? What exactly is the upside?
Same for UK to be honest. If you're in Canada now and you're doing OK, you're better off staying there unless you have specific opportunities to move for.
Myszolow
10 Jan 2010
Love / I love my Polish girl! Wanted to share my story. [55]
Although nobody in my family actually said anything to me about it, I think some of them had these thoughts too. Well that was in 1993 when we got married and we're still together.
Her family have accepted me and mine have accepted her. To be honest though I think her family were more against it than mine because it was "obvious" that we would live in the UK. Not much traffic going the other way - even now. :)
If your family are very vocal then you'll just have to put some distance between yourselves and them for a while so you can give yourselves a chance. Once they see she's here to stay they will learn to accept her. If not, they can sod off. (as long as you're not counting on a juicy inheritance).
Don't let love completely cloud your judgement though. You have to try to be a bit objective and see if there isn't something in their arguments. There may be, there may not be. Without knowing you guys it's very hard to judge.
Another piece of "sage advice". Don't make any kind of commitment until you have met and spent time with her family. Unless you can see where and who she came from, you have no idea what you're dealing with and what she will turn into when problems hit.
(When you are young and in love everything seems overcomeable, but some things get harder with time).
For example. Is she an only child or has she brothers and sisters? If she is an only child. What will you guys do when her parents get ill and die? Yes, you marry the whole family. So best to see what you're getting into.
My family are still a problem, they seem to have it in there head she is only coming for the money, does not love me, sees a chance for a good life in England. I am 1000% sure this is not true, I am sure if I had nothing and turned up at her flat in Warsaw she would welcome me in with open arms. Any suggestions on how I deal with family? Most people tell me to just ignore this for the moment, in time people will come round.
Although nobody in my family actually said anything to me about it, I think some of them had these thoughts too. Well that was in 1993 when we got married and we're still together.
Her family have accepted me and mine have accepted her. To be honest though I think her family were more against it than mine because it was "obvious" that we would live in the UK. Not much traffic going the other way - even now. :)
If your family are very vocal then you'll just have to put some distance between yourselves and them for a while so you can give yourselves a chance. Once they see she's here to stay they will learn to accept her. If not, they can sod off. (as long as you're not counting on a juicy inheritance).
Don't let love completely cloud your judgement though. You have to try to be a bit objective and see if there isn't something in their arguments. There may be, there may not be. Without knowing you guys it's very hard to judge.
Another piece of "sage advice". Don't make any kind of commitment until you have met and spent time with her family. Unless you can see where and who she came from, you have no idea what you're dealing with and what she will turn into when problems hit.
(When you are young and in love everything seems overcomeable, but some things get harder with time).
For example. Is she an only child or has she brothers and sisters? If she is an only child. What will you guys do when her parents get ill and die? Yes, you marry the whole family. So best to see what you're getting into.
Myszolow
9 Jan 2010
USA, Canada / Differences in How Polish People Raise a Child and How Americans Raise a Child [149]
And that's completely fair enough in the first few weeks.
I wasn't really meaning newborns though. I meant older kids. In my opinion there's no good reason to routinely share a bed with your 3-year-old unless it's the only one available.
And that's completely fair enough in the first few weeks.
I wasn't really meaning newborns though. I meant older kids. In my opinion there's no good reason to routinely share a bed with your 3-year-old unless it's the only one available.