scottie1113
18 Jun 2010
Language / I'm gonna learn Polish in a month! [86]
I didn't, and I still don't. Have you gotten past "piwo" yet?
Believe it!
I didn't, and I still don't. Have you gotten past "piwo" yet?
scottie1113
18 Jun 2010
Life / Small change in shops in Poland!? [95]
The same thing happens to me, which is why I like to go to the same small shops all they. Once they get to know you, they're very helpful. Sometimes they don't have enough change and they tell me they'll gime me my 1 zl the next time I'm in. They always do.
Biedronka is the worst, though. Grumpy checkers who scowl and roll their eyes when you don't have exact change.
And you have to love the old ladies who wait until they see the total before rummaging in their huge purses to find their wallets, then begin counting out what seems like mountains of small change at the kasa. And of course, then the checker has to count it again. Oh well. That's life in Poland.
In the local shops near where we stay, if they don't have change they let you pay them later (for small stuff).
The same thing happens to me, which is why I like to go to the same small shops all they. Once they get to know you, they're very helpful. Sometimes they don't have enough change and they tell me they'll gime me my 1 zl the next time I'm in. They always do.
Biedronka is the worst, though. Grumpy checkers who scowl and roll their eyes when you don't have exact change.
And you have to love the old ladies who wait until they see the total before rummaging in their huge purses to find their wallets, then begin counting out what seems like mountains of small change at the kasa. And of course, then the checker has to count it again. Oh well. That's life in Poland.
scottie1113
20 Jun 2010
UK, Ireland / Missing Polish woman found murdered in Chesterton, UK [27]
Obviously I am. So please explain to me why this thread was originated.
Obviously I am. So please explain to me why this thread was originated.
scottie1113
20 Jun 2010
Travel / Restaurant reviews in Warsaw and real life ? [9]
I know this thread is about Warsaw, but when you tossed in "Poland" I have to disagree. In Gdynia and Gdansk there are two Pueblo restaurants, and while I've never eaten in the one in Gdynia-yet-the one in Gdansk is very good. It comes very close to Mexican food in Southern California, and there's no cabbage anywhere. I really like the place, and it's hardly an ex-pat hangout.
Cabbage with Mexican food is SO wrong.
and, unlike every other 'Mexican' or 'Tex/Mex' place in Poland, there is no cabbage anywhere!
I know this thread is about Warsaw, but when you tossed in "Poland" I have to disagree. In Gdynia and Gdansk there are two Pueblo restaurants, and while I've never eaten in the one in Gdynia-yet-the one in Gdansk is very good. It comes very close to Mexican food in Southern California, and there's no cabbage anywhere. I really like the place, and it's hardly an ex-pat hangout.
Cabbage with Mexican food is SO wrong.
scottie1113
20 Jun 2010
scottie1113
20 Jun 2010
Travel / Restaurant reviews in Warsaw and real life ? [9]
I know what you mean about the mom n pop places, and I agree 100%. I lived in San Diego for 25 years. And I said "very close", not "as good as". That ain't gonna happen here. And I was speaking about only two restaurants in the troj-miasto, not Warsaw. Surprisingly, I haven't seen carnitas or taquitos on any menu here.
I know what you mean about the mom n pop places, and I agree 100%. I lived in San Diego for 25 years. And I said "very close", not "as good as". That ain't gonna happen here. And I was speaking about only two restaurants in the troj-miasto, not Warsaw. Surprisingly, I haven't seen carnitas or taquitos on any menu here.
scottie1113
20 Jun 2010
Food / Russia vs Poland Vodka war [70]
Uh, not exactly. Two come immediately to mind: the American War of Independence, and the War of 1812. Sorry, couldn't resist. Shall we have a shot of Sobieski and let bygones be bygones? :)
Of course, in any war... the british come out tops...
Uh, not exactly. Two come immediately to mind: the American War of Independence, and the War of 1812. Sorry, couldn't resist. Shall we have a shot of Sobieski and let bygones be bygones? :)
scottie1113
21 Jun 2010
Life / Popular and Practical Cars in Poland [49]
Not skoda, szkoda
Not a good idea to put anything in a car when you ship it, ever.
Skoda! Ironically i was told that it means "pity" in polish,
Not skoda, szkoda
from what i know the shipping is going to be about $1,500 usd to ship it over, and that way i can stuff the thing full of stuff thus lower shipping cost of my other stuff (though it'll take a while to get there)
Not a good idea to put anything in a car when you ship it, ever.
scottie1113
21 Jun 2010
Food / Russia vs Poland Vodka war [70]
An excellent idea! If you're ever in Gdansk, look me up.
Shall we make that 2 shots of Sobieski, one for each bygone?
An excellent idea! If you're ever in Gdansk, look me up.
scottie1113
23 Jun 2010
Life / Typical Examples of Polish Parking Entitlement (post yours) [57]
In the US, that car would be a Porsche. And when the owner returned, he would have two flat tires, and maybe the car would have been keyed as well.
I saw this beauty today and luckily had my Camera at hand :)
In the US, that car would be a Porsche. And when the owner returned, he would have two flat tires, and maybe the car would have been keyed as well.
scottie1113
24 Jun 2010
Language / Difference between Polska & Polsce? [26]
True, but they don't have different cases for nouns. I'm American, studied Latin for two yers, and understand the way cases work, but Polish has 7 of them, and that makes it more difficult for me to learn. I also speak French, some Italian, and a little Spanish. All those languages have articles: a, an, the, which is difficult for Poles to wrestle when when they learn English.
About verbs. English is much more precise than Polish when it comes to time, so there are lots more tenses than in Polish.
Polish is by far the most difficult language I've ever tried to learn, and in about 17 more years maybe I'll learn to say dwa piwa instead of dwa piwo. :)
True, but they don't have different cases for nouns. I'm American, studied Latin for two yers, and understand the way cases work, but Polish has 7 of them, and that makes it more difficult for me to learn. I also speak French, some Italian, and a little Spanish. All those languages have articles: a, an, the, which is difficult for Poles to wrestle when when they learn English.
About verbs. English is much more precise than Polish when it comes to time, so there are lots more tenses than in Polish.
Polish is by far the most difficult language I've ever tried to learn, and in about 17 more years maybe I'll learn to say dwa piwa instead of dwa piwo. :)
scottie1113
24 Jun 2010
History / Ghetto Uprising better known than Warsaw Uprising? [92]
How could they have done anything. They were somewhat busy in other parts of the world, or don't you know WWII history? That's not meant as a slam, but I thought your comment was rather pointless.
How could they have done anything. They were somewhat busy in other parts of the world, or don't you know WWII history? That's not meant as a slam, but I thought your comment was rather pointless.
scottie1113
24 Jun 2010
scottie1113
24 Jun 2010
History / Ghetto Uprising better known than Warsaw Uprising? [92]
Man, that's a pretty broadbrush statement. Some of us actually know a little Polish history. Tread softly here.
Americans confuse the two, that's if they even know that there were two uprisings. In fact, when asked about the Warsaw Uprising, the usual response is; "yea, that's when the Jews resisted the Germans".
Man, that's a pretty broadbrush statement. Some of us actually know a little Polish history. Tread softly here.
scottie1113
25 Jun 2010
History / WWII - who really was the first to help Poland? [901]
8 December 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor. Maybe the US was a little late to the party, but better late than never.
Could you perhaps remind me of the date on which the USA declared war on Nazi German
8 December 1941, the day after Pearl Harbor. Maybe the US was a little late to the party, but better late than never.
scottie1113
25 Jun 2010
Language / Difference between Polska & Polsce? [26]
Yes, although mine's not skinny.
Still think those skinny Polish women are worth it?? ;) :D
Yes, although mine's not skinny.
scottie1113
25 Jun 2010
History / WWII - who really was the first to help Poland? [901]
Ah Harry, you're right. Senility caught up with me on the date. 8 December was the war on Japan.
Nope. It was 11 December 1941 and was in response to Nazi Germany declaring war on the USA earlier that day. Although the USA had been shooting at Nazis for a couple of months by that point and the first American losses coming on 17 October and the first US ship being sunk on 31 October.
Ah Harry, you're right. Senility caught up with me on the date. 8 December was the war on Japan.
scottie1113
25 Jun 2010
USA, Canada / polish people in usa that wanted germany to win [34]
Neither do Americans. Fortunately some of us know how to read are are interested in history. I think polskisoldier88 is out to lunch on this one.
That would mean that Polish people in America do not get a complete WWII education.
Neither do Americans. Fortunately some of us know how to read are are interested in history. I think polskisoldier88 is out to lunch on this one.
scottie1113
27 Jun 2010
Travel / Driving to Poland from England - any tips? [264]
Man,ain't that the truth!
trust me having a polish girlfriend doesnt make learning polish any easier lol
Man,ain't that the truth!
scottie1113
28 Jun 2010
Travel / Indian or Mexican food in Warsaw. [60]
I've eaten at Pueblo in Gdansk three times in the last week. It's that good.
I've eaten at Pueblo in Gdansk three times in the last week. It's that good.
scottie1113
28 Jun 2010
Travel / Driving to Poland from England - any tips? [264]
Hmmmm. I must have been on a different road.
With Iwona? or with Polish? Both are complicated. :) But I study Polish every day, try to learn a few words, and speak as much Polish as I can. It's not an easy language to learn. Reading and writing are easier, because I have time to think about how to write something, and I can also use a dictionary when I get stuck. Speaking is always impromptu so I don't have that luxury. I figure in only 17 more more years I'll have progressed beyond piwo, dwa piwa. :)
When travelling from the UK to Polska...don,t forget to purchase some mushrooms from the girls by the roadside....these two seem to have run out of mushrooms....
Hmmmm. I must have been on a different road.
i assume that you have a polish girlfriend and that your trying to learn to speak polish
how are you doing with that ?
how are you doing with that ?
With Iwona? or with Polish? Both are complicated. :) But I study Polish every day, try to learn a few words, and speak as much Polish as I can. It's not an easy language to learn. Reading and writing are easier, because I have time to think about how to write something, and I can also use a dictionary when I get stuck. Speaking is always impromptu so I don't have that luxury. I figure in only 17 more more years I'll have progressed beyond piwo, dwa piwa. :)
scottie1113
13 Jul 2010
Law / Foreign retirees taxed in Poland? [25]
OK, here goes. I'm an American teaching in Poland. As such, I pay Polish taxes on money earned in Poland, as I should. I file US taxes annually and have to declare how much I made in Poland. I provide the appropriate Polish form to document this. I can earn up to 91,000 US dollars in any country or countries outside the US before I have to pay taxes to the US on it.
I have applied for US Social Security-yep, I'm old. That money is not taxable in Poland, but it is in the US. It's a pretty simple system, and I've got the IRS publications which explain it.
OK, here goes. I'm an American teaching in Poland. As such, I pay Polish taxes on money earned in Poland, as I should. I file US taxes annually and have to declare how much I made in Poland. I provide the appropriate Polish form to document this. I can earn up to 91,000 US dollars in any country or countries outside the US before I have to pay taxes to the US on it.
I have applied for US Social Security-yep, I'm old. That money is not taxable in Poland, but it is in the US. It's a pretty simple system, and I've got the IRS publications which explain it.
scottie1113
20 Jul 2010
Work / Mechanical engineer born in Poland, grew up the States. Go back to PL. How? [29]
What massive building boom?
massive building boom in poland
What massive building boom?
scottie1113
20 Jul 2010
Love / Polish Girl & Me...Is She Interested? [57]
Dude, you're being used big time. Wise up and dump her. How old are you anyway?
Dude, you're being used big time. Wise up and dump her. How old are you anyway?
scottie1113
22 Jul 2010
Life / Who's Leaving Poland? [138]
Me. Been here for three years and unless something completely unforeseen happens, I'm going to throw out my anchor here.
how many of you can honestly say that you will stay in Poland forever?
Me. Been here for three years and unless something completely unforeseen happens, I'm going to throw out my anchor here.
scottie1113
22 Jul 2010
Life / Who's Leaving Poland? [138]
For the most part, yes, although when I worked in sales-commission only, not a salary-I took off for four months (not in one stretch, but in total) for several years and still made more during my my working months than I did while working at other jobs. But this is very uncommon. Most Americans would never take this much time off.
Some companies give more holidays the longer you work for them. After a year, you get a week. After two years, you get two weeks. In some cases, after three years, you get three weeks, but this isn't the norm.
Americans really only get two weeks holiday a year?!
For the most part, yes, although when I worked in sales-commission only, not a salary-I took off for four months (not in one stretch, but in total) for several years and still made more during my my working months than I did while working at other jobs. But this is very uncommon. Most Americans would never take this much time off.
Some companies give more holidays the longer you work for them. After a year, you get a week. After two years, you get two weeks. In some cases, after three years, you get three weeks, but this isn't the norm.
scottie1113
23 Jul 2010
Law / How can I get Polish citizenship after been married to a Polish spouse [75]
Not really. As an American I can apply for Polish citizenship, and if granted, I can retain my US citizenship and passport unless:
1. I serve in the armed forces of Poland. Not gonna happen. I'm an old f*rt and did my thing in the US Marines for 12 years.
2. Vote in Polish elections. OK, I won't, but this one p*sses me off. If I choose to live here-and I do-I'd like to have a say in who leads the country. Oh well. I can live with this even if I don't like it.
The real irony is that I can then get a Polish passport which would enable me to live and work in any EU country. So what? I'm going to stay in Poland, even though I speak French, some Italian and a little Spanish. Poland is my chosen home.
Plus the possibility of having to give up one's US passport
Not really. As an American I can apply for Polish citizenship, and if granted, I can retain my US citizenship and passport unless:
1. I serve in the armed forces of Poland. Not gonna happen. I'm an old f*rt and did my thing in the US Marines for 12 years.
2. Vote in Polish elections. OK, I won't, but this one p*sses me off. If I choose to live here-and I do-I'd like to have a say in who leads the country. Oh well. I can live with this even if I don't like it.
The real irony is that I can then get a Polish passport which would enable me to live and work in any EU country. So what? I'm going to stay in Poland, even though I speak French, some Italian and a little Spanish. Poland is my chosen home.
scottie1113
23 Jul 2010
Life / Who's Leaving Poland? [138]
Me. I have no Polish roots but wanted to experience living and working in Europe. Came here three years ago, liked it, and I'm staying.
Also wonder how many people with no family ties decide to stay in Poland
Me. I have no Polish roots but wanted to experience living and working in Europe. Came here three years ago, liked it, and I'm staying.
scottie1113
24 Jul 2010
Travel / Poland-My 9-day experience [239]
Some of the points are valid, but most are not, especially to those of us who live here.
Nothing beautiful in Danzig? You've got to be kidding me! It's got the most unique Old Town in Poland for a starter. And it's Gdansk, not Danzig. I don't care what her school books called it. When in Rome...
No waves at Hel? Not on the bay side, true. Walk a few hundred meters across the peninsula to the open sea and you'll find waves.
Most of her inaccurate observations were based upon a short 9 day trip. If she comes back next summer, I'd gladly show her some stunning sights in and around Trojmiasto.
Maybe part of her frustration was having to drive a car without an automatic, or not researching who's eligible to buy student tickets on a train. Some people just like to p*ss and moan.
Some of the points are valid, but most are not, especially to those of us who live here.
Nothing beautiful in Danzig? You've got to be kidding me! It's got the most unique Old Town in Poland for a starter. And it's Gdansk, not Danzig. I don't care what her school books called it. When in Rome...
No waves at Hel? Not on the bay side, true. Walk a few hundred meters across the peninsula to the open sea and you'll find waves.
Most of her inaccurate observations were based upon a short 9 day trip. If she comes back next summer, I'd gladly show her some stunning sights in and around Trojmiasto.
Maybe part of her frustration was having to drive a car without an automatic, or not researching who's eligible to buy student tickets on a train. Some people just like to p*ss and moan.
scottie1113
24 Jul 2010
Life / Who's Leaving Poland? [138]
Good luck to you. If you're in Gdansk before you leave I'll buy you a beer.
Well you heard it here first folks.....Wildrover is leaving Poland , but its not because of anything wrong with Poland...just simply that i made the decision to move to Russia to make my home so my lady can be close to her daughter and friends....
Good luck to you. If you're in Gdansk before you leave I'll buy you a beer.