landora
24 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]
But you don't REALLY believe it, do you? :D
Its common knowledge and it was in the local paper also.
But you don't REALLY believe it, do you? :D
landora
24 Mar 2010
UK, Ireland / The Daily Mail - coverage of the Polish people [161]
Yes, and they hunt the swans, squirrels, hedgehogs and badgers... oh wait, it was British farmers that persecuted poor badgers, thinking that they spread tuberculosis... they must have been influenced by those evil Poles... :P
I agree 100% Not all Poles in the UK cause problems but it seems you have exported quite a lot of drink driving respectless kurwa boys which cause problems and detract from image the hard working skilled people who are there earning an honest crust.
Yes, and they hunt the swans, squirrels, hedgehogs and badgers... oh wait, it was British farmers that persecuted poor badgers, thinking that they spread tuberculosis... they must have been influenced by those evil Poles... :P
landora
25 Mar 2010
Work / English teaching books in Poland: villains and heroes [30]
I was learning from Proficiency Masterclass (Oxford University Press) at some point and found it absolutely brilliant - witty, challenging and interesting.
I was learning from Proficiency Masterclass (Oxford University Press) at some point and found it absolutely brilliant - witty, challenging and interesting.
landora
25 Mar 2010
Language / Free online polish to english translation service? [18]
she calls you a "little worm" :D
she said..its affection great..robaczku
she calls you a "little worm" :D
landora
5 Apr 2010
Life / Polish TV licence (abonament) - almost no-one I know pays [36]
They sent me letters when I was living in the student halls. I didn't have a tv, so I didn't reply. Finally a Great Scary Warning came through, so I called them and shouted at them, and they never sent me anything again.
They sent me letters when I was living in the student halls. I didn't have a tv, so I didn't reply. Finally a Great Scary Warning came through, so I called them and shouted at them, and they never sent me anything again.
landora
6 Apr 2010
Life / I'm British in Poland and I think that it's time to go back to the UK! [240]
Oh well, opening a bank account in the UK involved three visits to the bank, each time with a different letter, because they couldn't get in their heads that I live in halls and DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ELECTRICITY SEPARATELY!
Bank account
Oh well, opening a bank account in the UK involved three visits to the bank, each time with a different letter, because they couldn't get in their heads that I live in halls and DO NOT HAVE TO PAY FOR ELECTRICITY SEPARATELY!
landora
6 Apr 2010
Travel / Driving to Poland from England - any tips? [264]
Are you sure? I thought it was only restricted in the first bit after the Berliner Ring to 120km/h? Could be wrong though - but you always see maniacs in Polish plates driving like complete idiots there.
But in his case - he's going to the South, so I'm not so sure that it's sensible going via the A2 at all. I'd be looking at going via the German and Polish A4 instead - really, there's a multitude of ways through Germany, but definitely, you want to be crossing the border at Gorlitz.
There are lots of Police on the A12, the section Berlin to Frankfurt Oder. All the road works are finished so you should have no delays through there, its 120 km/h on this road too.
Are you sure? I thought it was only restricted in the first bit after the Berliner Ring to 120km/h? Could be wrong though - but you always see maniacs in Polish plates driving like complete idiots there.
But in his case - he's going to the South, so I'm not so sure that it's sensible going via the A2 at all. I'd be looking at going via the German and Polish A4 instead - really, there's a multitude of ways through Germany, but definitely, you want to be crossing the border at Gorlitz.
landora
6 Apr 2010
UK, Ireland / Female health in Britain - Polish view [105]
You know, that's why a doctor is a doctor - he is more qualified! If a midwife is just as good, why didn't she study to become a doctor?
They can do much more harm by "trying to diagnose it themselves". If it''s something potentially serious it should be seen by a specialist.
As for not getting smears under the age of 25, I think it's a total disgrace. You'd do better spending money on the smears for young women, than on free contraception for teenage girls that can't stop themselves from jumping into bed with anyone.
No, and many Poles have problems in the UK understanding why the system doesn't let you see specialists without referral. It's even worse with pregnancies - they simply cannot get it into their heads that a qualified midwife is more than capable - because she doesn't have papers saying that she's a doctor, therefore she cannot be any good.
You know, that's why a doctor is a doctor - he is more qualified! If a midwife is just as good, why didn't she study to become a doctor?
It's partially this obsession with specialists that causes the NFZ to struggle - they would go a *long* way by requiring GP's to do their jobs properly. It's even normal here for GP's to simply refer you straight away to a specialist rather than trying to at least try a diagnosis themselves.
They can do much more harm by "trying to diagnose it themselves". If it''s something potentially serious it should be seen by a specialist.
As for not getting smears under the age of 25, I think it's a total disgrace. You'd do better spending money on the smears for young women, than on free contraception for teenage girls that can't stop themselves from jumping into bed with anyone.
landora
6 Apr 2010
UK, Ireland / Female health in Britain - Polish view [105]
You must have visited really weird pubs...
At least the UK has pub toilets, not just one tiny loo (locked, key behind the bar and cleaned once a week) like in Poland.
You must have visited really weird pubs...
landora
7 Apr 2010
Life / Babcia or Busha - any social class difference? [359]
It's common in American movies, they seem to think that any Slavic language will do and it's all the same ;)
And no, there is no such word as "busha' in Polish.
It's common in American movies, they seem to think that any Slavic language will do and it's all the same ;)
And no, there is no such word as "busha' in Polish.
landora
19 Apr 2010
News / Kaczynski to be buried at Wawel ?! [289]
Darling, I'm not a foreigner and I'm a patriot. I am also Catholic, and I used to be a scout (harcerka).
I was never a communist, nor a leftie.
I see the presidency of Lech Kaczyński as complete failure. I was ashamed of him - many times. I think he was a tool in his brother's hands, a weak politician, a poor president.
And no tragic death in the world is going to make me forget this.
I'm very very upset about all this what happened in Katyń. I know what happened 70 years ago as well. Still, I do not think Mr. Kaczyński has done enough to deserve burial in Wawel. He was not a hero. He hasn't done anything for me - or for Poland.
I just hope his evil brother is not going to become our next president...
Darling, I'm not a foreigner and I'm a patriot. I am also Catholic, and I used to be a scout (harcerka).
I was never a communist, nor a leftie.
I see the presidency of Lech Kaczyński as complete failure. I was ashamed of him - many times. I think he was a tool in his brother's hands, a weak politician, a poor president.
And no tragic death in the world is going to make me forget this.
I'm very very upset about all this what happened in Katyń. I know what happened 70 years ago as well. Still, I do not think Mr. Kaczyński has done enough to deserve burial in Wawel. He was not a hero. He hasn't done anything for me - or for Poland.
I just hope his evil brother is not going to become our next president...
landora
20 Apr 2010
News / Is it possible that Polish president was assasinated? If so then, by whom? [921]
And I would hope that the Russian military would be present for the arrival of the Polish President and others.
Do people, for instance, really believe that the American military wouldn't be nearby whenever a foreign head of state turns up?
And there is still Russian military based in Smolensk.
And I would hope that the Russian military would be present for the arrival of the Polish President and others.
Do people, for instance, really believe that the American military wouldn't be nearby whenever a foreign head of state turns up?
landora
6 May 2010
landora
21 Jun 2010
USA, Canada / US Polonia 70% for Kaczyński [343]
People that are not planning to come back to Poland, have never been to Poland or have been out of the country for more than 10 years should not be allowed to vote. Why are they allowed to decide what happens in the country they have never lived in? They have no idea what's happening in Poland and quite frankly, it's none of their business. Some of them barely speak Polish any more, but oh, they are SO patriotic! I don't want to be affected by the decisions of people who actually live over the ocean and just feel sentimental about the "old country". Come and live here and than we will talk!
People that are not planning to come back to Poland, have never been to Poland or have been out of the country for more than 10 years should not be allowed to vote. Why are they allowed to decide what happens in the country they have never lived in? They have no idea what's happening in Poland and quite frankly, it's none of their business. Some of them barely speak Polish any more, but oh, they are SO patriotic! I don't want to be affected by the decisions of people who actually live over the ocean and just feel sentimental about the "old country". Come and live here and than we will talk!
landora
22 Jun 2010
USA, Canada / US Polonia 70% for Kaczyński [343]
I didn't enjoy anything that Polonia would like to send me, for the simple reason that I didn't get anything from them.
I was getting gifts from my Dutch and French family, but they don't have citizenship any more. Also they are not idiots, so probably wouldn't be voting psycho Kaczyński anyway.
I stand by the view that if you don't live in the country, you don't have (moral) right to force a president on people living here. It's just cheeky. I don't choose your American president, so why do you think it's okay to choose mine?
As for PO and PiS electorate - you can't deny that Kaczyński voters are in majority uneducated, from small villages, old. And you can see this even on their meetings - crude faces of simple people so full of hatred, such good Christians physically attacking journalists or anyone else with different views... Like here:
So sad...
And did you enjoy the money and goods Polonia sent to you when you were wiping you tushy with newspapers? Ungratful bastards.
I didn't enjoy anything that Polonia would like to send me, for the simple reason that I didn't get anything from them.
I was getting gifts from my Dutch and French family, but they don't have citizenship any more. Also they are not idiots, so probably wouldn't be voting psycho Kaczyński anyway.
I stand by the view that if you don't live in the country, you don't have (moral) right to force a president on people living here. It's just cheeky. I don't choose your American president, so why do you think it's okay to choose mine?
As for PO and PiS electorate - you can't deny that Kaczyński voters are in majority uneducated, from small villages, old. And you can see this even on their meetings - crude faces of simple people so full of hatred, such good Christians physically attacking journalists or anyone else with different views... Like here:
So sad...
landora
22 Jun 2010
USA, Canada / US Polonia 70% for Kaczyński [343]
Exactly, people that haven't achieved anything in their lives, are very bitter about it and keep blaming anyone but themselves for their failure.
No idea, probably weren't interested in it. They are Dutch/French, not Polish.
Really? Oh dear, I'd never guess :D
You really don't understand irony, and you can't post anything without reffering to abuse. Such a typical PiS voter.
I pointed the fact that I don't vote in American elections to show how unfair it is that people, who are essentially American can vote in Polish election. American Polonia are Americans with Polish roots, not Polish! Especially second or third generation. I don't understand why we give citizenship to grandchildren of people who had Polish citizenship.
Just to give some example - my kids will have dual citizenship - Polish and British (after their British father). Their children will only be Polish, because my children, born in Poland, will not be able to pass British citizenship on. Poland should do something similar.
I just love when someone who barely speak Polish and hasn't done anything for this country talks about patriotism. Best example - all those Americans claiming that "busha" is a legitimate Polish word for "grandma" in some other thread. They don't speak Polish, the few words they know are mangled and wrong, but they know best!
And now excuse me, I have to go to work to pay ZUS and taxes for all those benefits scrounging PiS voters.
Well most of PiS voters in my family are life failures who are deep in debt and are barely making ends meet.
Exactly, people that haven't achieved anything in their lives, are very bitter about it and keep blaming anyone but themselves for their failure.
Why don't they?
No idea, probably weren't interested in it. They are Dutch/French, not Polish.
That is because you don't have American citizenship, edumacated simpleton.
Really? Oh dear, I'd never guess :D
You really don't understand irony, and you can't post anything without reffering to abuse. Such a typical PiS voter.
I pointed the fact that I don't vote in American elections to show how unfair it is that people, who are essentially American can vote in Polish election. American Polonia are Americans with Polish roots, not Polish! Especially second or third generation. I don't understand why we give citizenship to grandchildren of people who had Polish citizenship.
Just to give some example - my kids will have dual citizenship - Polish and British (after their British father). Their children will only be Polish, because my children, born in Poland, will not be able to pass British citizenship on. Poland should do something similar.
I just love when someone who barely speak Polish and hasn't done anything for this country talks about patriotism. Best example - all those Americans claiming that "busha" is a legitimate Polish word for "grandma" in some other thread. They don't speak Polish, the few words they know are mangled and wrong, but they know best!
And now excuse me, I have to go to work to pay ZUS and taxes for all those benefits scrounging PiS voters.
landora
22 Jun 2010
USA, Canada / US Polonia 70% for Kaczyński [343]
Honey, what are you talking about? Can't you even read?
In very, very simple words: they have Dutch or French citizenship, as they are not the first generation living abroad and they didn't apply for the Polish one. Can I be more clear than that? Bigger letters maybe?
My family was fighting against communism. I've never voted any left wing party. I'm living in this country, working for it and paying taxes. How dare you offend me like that? Do you want to see my diplomas? Do you want to show me your own - if you have any? Have you ever heard such a difficult word like "democracy"? You know, it means that people are actually allowed to have different views on things, as opposed to dictatorship. You know, it's scary to think there are more people like you out there in my beautiful country.
I was getting gifts from my Dutch and French family, but they don't have citizenship any more.
Why not?
landora:
No idea, probably weren't interested in it. They are Dutch/French, not Polish.
So, they don't have Dutch/French citizenship nor Polish. Only to you your statements make sense. Another 'educated' POlshevik.
Why not?
landora:
No idea, probably weren't interested in it. They are Dutch/French, not Polish.
So, they don't have Dutch/French citizenship nor Polish. Only to you your statements make sense. Another 'educated' POlshevik.
Honey, what are you talking about? Can't you even read?
In very, very simple words: they have Dutch or French citizenship, as they are not the first generation living abroad and they didn't apply for the Polish one. Can I be more clear than that? Bigger letters maybe?
My family was fighting against communism. I've never voted any left wing party. I'm living in this country, working for it and paying taxes. How dare you offend me like that? Do you want to see my diplomas? Do you want to show me your own - if you have any? Have you ever heard such a difficult word like "democracy"? You know, it means that people are actually allowed to have different views on things, as opposed to dictatorship. You know, it's scary to think there are more people like you out there in my beautiful country.
landora
23 Jun 2010
Law / Advice please - Getting monies from a Poland employer who refuses to pay [41]
Absolutely awful advice you've given there - whether or not you're serious, the point is that you're unlikely to get anywhere whatsoever with such an approach. In fact, all you'd do is succeed in them refusing to pay up - and I can't imagine any court in Poland finding such an approach to be reasonable.
Good luck with those Catholics.
Absolutely awful advice you've given there - whether or not you're serious, the point is that you're unlikely to get anywhere whatsoever with such an approach. In fact, all you'd do is succeed in them refusing to pay up - and I can't imagine any court in Poland finding such an approach to be reasonable.
landora
15 Jul 2010
Travel / Hostel in Kraków (clean, inexpensive, central location, fast commute, quiet) [18]
Errr, it was Hostel Yellow we were in, you mixed up the colours :D
Hostel Orange is quite nice, can't fault it :) Free internet too, and friendly receptionists. It's in a good location, and the nice part is that it's near an English bookshop that's apparently quite well known.
Errr, it was Hostel Yellow we were in, you mixed up the colours :D
landora
17 Jul 2010
Law / Non-EU country citizen on tourist visa - could anyone help me with Karta Pobytu? [63]
Five years of residence, with a full checkable work history is the basic requirement. As I remember, you're allowed six months break in that time in total in regards to employment.
Time spent as a student doesn't count towards this total - you need to be in full time employment.
Can anyone help me with the information about karta stalego pobytu.
Five years of residence, with a full checkable work history is the basic requirement. As I remember, you're allowed six months break in that time in total in regards to employment.
Time spent as a student doesn't count towards this total - you need to be in full time employment.
landora
17 Jul 2010
UK, Ireland / Are the working class in the UK now shunned in the 'new' Poland? [53]
I suppose, if you run an online "business" that isn't registered in Poland (hello, Urzad Skarbowy, I'd like to make a report...) and which isn't successful at all, I suppose you can expect to earn 1/4th of the amount in Western Europe.
the middle class can find an angle to maintain their dignity and moral high ground, even hough they may earn a quarter of what they would get in the west for flipping burgers.
I suppose, if you run an online "business" that isn't registered in Poland (hello, Urzad Skarbowy, I'd like to make a report...) and which isn't successful at all, I suppose you can expect to earn 1/4th of the amount in Western Europe.
landora
20 Jul 2010
Study / Learning Polish at Adam Mickiewicz University [11]
I've heard the same thing, in particular, that the courses are geared entirely towards students and not for the "man in the street".
From what I know, the Polish philology department also has a very heavy focus on grammar - great if you want to study the language in depth, but useless if you want to actually learn it without being discouraged.
To be honest, Poznan is a rubbish place to learn Polish.
I've heard the same thing, in particular, that the courses are geared entirely towards students and not for the "man in the street".
From what I know, the Polish philology department also has a very heavy focus on grammar - great if you want to study the language in depth, but useless if you want to actually learn it without being discouraged.
To be honest, Poznan is a rubbish place to learn Polish.
landora
21 Jul 2010
Life / Do you collect mushrooms in your country? Poles in Poland do. [69]
Do not pick up smardz under any circumstances!
It's rare and protected by law!
Do not pick up smardz under any circumstances!
It's rare and protected by law!
landora
21 Jul 2010
Work / Advice on Teaching English in Poland [709]
Completely and utterly out of sync with reality though - just like the BC as a whole.
Completely and utterly out of sync with reality though - just like the BC as a whole.
landora
30 Jul 2010
Life / Need Help Finding a Specific Polish Novel [9]
Quick google gave me the result of "Lenka szuka ojca". I've never read it, but the author is apparently Russian. Can it be it?
Quick google gave me the result of "Lenka szuka ojca". I've never read it, but the author is apparently Russian. Can it be it?
landora
25 Aug 2010
History / Boycotts of Solidarity's anniversary celebrations. Poland's Solidarity - Now and Then? [16]
It's a sign that Solidarity these days is nothing but the small minded, self interested "worker" faction from the 1980's. There's certainly hardly any intellectuals around!
Solidarity did themselves no favours whatsoever by aligning so closely with Kacynzski - all they've done in the process is make Tusk et al more determined to destroy their grip on certain elements of Polish society. Their day has gone.
It's my view that if this same faction was offered power in 1989 at the expense of non-members, they would have taken it - indeed, I don't believe that many of them wanted an end to communism, but rather they wanted some of the perks and privileges for themselves. If the money was there - I suspect Solidarity would have been bought.
Wałęsa is boycotting Solidarity's 30th anniversary celebrations in Gdańsk.
It's a sign that Solidarity these days is nothing but the small minded, self interested "worker" faction from the 1980's. There's certainly hardly any intellectuals around!
Solidarity did themselves no favours whatsoever by aligning so closely with Kacynzski - all they've done in the process is make Tusk et al more determined to destroy their grip on certain elements of Polish society. Their day has gone.
It's my view that if this same faction was offered power in 1989 at the expense of non-members, they would have taken it - indeed, I don't believe that many of them wanted an end to communism, but rather they wanted some of the perks and privileges for themselves. If the money was there - I suspect Solidarity would have been bought.
landora
27 Aug 2010
USA, Canada / PolAms -- do you regard yourselves only as 'white Americans'? [187]
It's no doubt the work of the same people who voted for Jaroslaw Kaczynski because he's a TRUE ANTI COMMUNIST POLISH PATRIOT.
The American Polonia are frankly a disgrace, and this act just confirms that. The fact that I was watching an American TV show with someone with the last name "Marchewka" - no doubt Polonia, yet she pronounced her name as "mar-chew-ka" like an English speaker would....gah.
Sorry, but if you claim to be Polish-American, then you should be fluent in Polish (not just in listening/speaking) and you should actually have spent a decent amount of time in Poland. Holding a Polish passport and voting Jarek doesn't make you Polish!
There has been a movement in somw quarters of Polonia to have PolAms cross out that term and pen in 'Polish American'. How do you feel about that?
It's no doubt the work of the same people who voted for Jaroslaw Kaczynski because he's a TRUE ANTI COMMUNIST POLISH PATRIOT.
The American Polonia are frankly a disgrace, and this act just confirms that. The fact that I was watching an American TV show with someone with the last name "Marchewka" - no doubt Polonia, yet she pronounced her name as "mar-chew-ka" like an English speaker would....gah.
Sorry, but if you claim to be Polish-American, then you should be fluent in Polish (not just in listening/speaking) and you should actually have spent a decent amount of time in Poland. Holding a Polish passport and voting Jarek doesn't make you Polish!
landora
27 Aug 2010
Travel / Hard Candy - Krakow, Poland - reviews? [131]
The great thing here is that all these guys are posting on here, admitting that they were stupid enough to go to a bar with some girls that showed interest in them "randomly" on the street!
The great thing here is that all these guys are posting on here, admitting that they were stupid enough to go to a bar with some girls that showed interest in them "randomly" on the street!
landora
30 Aug 2010
Travel / My (short) Poland experiences - bad luck? [142]
There are ugly and beautiful spots in Poland, like everywhere.
Try to talk to some Brits about the UK, or French about France, or Italians about Italy... shall I go on?
It's more that people are not used to he variety of nations you get, for example, in London. It will change, with time.
Well, we don't smile to every single passer-by - that's just so fake! But "silent"?? Never noticed that!
And that is simply not true - service happens to be terrible less and less often. And we still get the benefit of your local friendly shop! Also, my fiance gets by in his brokne Polish and people really appreciate the fact that he's making an effort!
I really think you've got a huge chip on your shoulder yourself. People in the cities have their own business to mind and in the villages they are just curious.
Aesthetically, generally bleak soulless and depressing atmosphere.
There are ugly and beautiful spots in Poland, like everywhere.
Many people have a chip on their shoulder about Poland - we are great everyone else is crap - type attitude. From food to architecture to education ... anything really.
Try to talk to some Brits about the UK, or French about France, or Italians about Italy... shall I go on?
Homophobia, racism and a vague sexism seems to be rife.
It's more that people are not used to he variety of nations you get, for example, in London. It will change, with time.
Stony faced, almost silent population when going about their daily business
Well, we don't smile to every single passer-by - that's just so fake! But "silent"?? Never noticed that!
Appalling customer service in shops - even if you try in broken Polish.
And that is simply not true - service happens to be terrible less and less often. And we still get the benefit of your local friendly shop! Also, my fiance gets by in his brokne Polish and people really appreciate the fact that he's making an effort!
Non-verbal rudeness - lots of disdainfull looks, people looking you up and down, turning their noses up etc - even in cities..
I really think you've got a huge chip on your shoulder yourself. People in the cities have their own business to mind and in the villages they are just curious.
landora
1 Sep 2010
Life / Cost of Utilities in Warsaw. [23]
Got mine too - this is for two people living in a 65sqm flat, who run all sorts of electrical stuff and who don't pay any particular attention to energy usage. Two months - 271zl. And that's with several electrical things running 24/7, along with someone running a business from home - so all the usual things are on constantly, such as a printer and computer.
I just happen to have my electricity bills for the last half year in front of me (one person living in a 50m flat but one who is often up late and not very good at cutting down energy use): they are for 169.28zl per two months.
Got mine too - this is for two people living in a 65sqm flat, who run all sorts of electrical stuff and who don't pay any particular attention to energy usage. Two months - 271zl. And that's with several electrical things running 24/7, along with someone running a business from home - so all the usual things are on constantly, such as a printer and computer.