Olaf
19 Jan 2012
News / Is there anything Poland won't do for money? "Wolf's Lair" - up for rent" [59]
It seems like Smurf read only the headline or misunderstood the facts.
It seems like Smurf read only the headline or misunderstood the facts.
Olaf
13 Jan 2012
Life / What is wrong with Poznan? [197]
That's a good one! I've talked to one student like that on an American med course. I would rather bleed to death than let him do surgery on me - once I got to know his attitude and knowledge (5th year student, not a doctor yet, but he knew little of what I believe is common knowledge in medicine) - or rather lack of competences. That is scary, he will be a doctor in some time, but I'm only glad that he won't be curing me as he'll go back and "treat" other people somewhere else.
Sigh, your assumptions and angry tone in your response proves my point and shows that I struck a nerve in a Poznan citizen with much undeserved city pride who also has much anger and rudeness within haha. Also you can talk as much smack about the school as you want, but my post has to do with the dumbness of the city of Poznan and not the University.
please don't even try to compare the competence of Polish vs. American doctors.
That's a good one! I've talked to one student like that on an American med course. I would rather bleed to death than let him do surgery on me - once I got to know his attitude and knowledge (5th year student, not a doctor yet, but he knew little of what I believe is common knowledge in medicine) - or rather lack of competences. That is scary, he will be a doctor in some time, but I'm only glad that he won't be curing me as he'll go back and "treat" other people somewhere else.
Olaf
11 Jan 2012
Love / First date in krakow [22]
I think so. But in any case here's the Aquarium in Krakow - English lang. version seems not to be working now
and ice skating rink in krakow - no Eng. version here too, but Google Translate will help.
I am not supposed to give advice on these topics;)) but you can choose a nice cafe, arrange to meet in some place close by, take her there and have a date there, I'd go for ice cream deserts after coffee.
Next time pick her up and take to some other place. But maybe do not follow Harry's advice. I've seen it in The Graduate. Tempting as it is, but do not! :D
Harry, I spilled my coffee on the keyboard because of you!
Yes exactly stuff like that sounds awesome!
Okay, so just taking a girl to a cafe/restaurant would be good enough for a first date?
Okay, so just taking a girl to a cafe/restaurant would be good enough for a first date?
I think so. But in any case here's the Aquarium in Krakow - English lang. version seems not to be working now
and ice skating rink in krakow - no Eng. version here too, but Google Translate will help.
I am not supposed to give advice on these topics;)) but you can choose a nice cafe, arrange to meet in some place close by, take her there and have a date there, I'd go for ice cream deserts after coffee.
Next time pick her up and take to some other place. But maybe do not follow Harry's advice. I've seen it in The Graduate. Tempting as it is, but do not! :D
Harry, I spilled my coffee on the keyboard because of you!
Olaf
11 Jan 2012
Love / First date in krakow [22]
You mean like the Aquarium, ice skating rink?
I think an invitation to a meal is perfectly enough for the first date, more than enough. First one can be just at a cafe only.
You mean like the Aquarium, ice skating rink?
I think an invitation to a meal is perfectly enough for the first date, more than enough. First one can be just at a cafe only.
Olaf
11 Jan 2012
Life / What is wrong with Poznan? [197]
You remember well, there's something about that number of state ones (or more?) and dozens of private ones.
also true
Perhaps it'd be best to compare even separate faculties. Then AMU would have some top European place in some and way lower places in other.
If I remember well, there are about six state universities in Poznań. There are probably some private ones as well.
You remember well, there's something about that number of state ones (or more?) and dozens of private ones.
this ranking method is screwed
also true
Perhaps it'd be best to compare even separate faculties. Then AMU would have some top European place in some and way lower places in other.
Olaf
11 Jan 2012
Love / First date in krakow [22]
No, you are probably right! I just suck at dating, that's all. I shouldn't have written anything here in the first place.
Horse carriage would be better for some next dates I guess..
No, you are probably right! I just suck at dating, that's all. I shouldn't have written anything here in the first place.
Horse carriage would be better for some next dates I guess..
Olaf
11 Jan 2012
Love / First date in krakow [22]
or take a horse carriage - that's fancy!
Restaurants: try Aperitif at Sienna street (Maly Rynek) or Klimaty Poludnia (deeper in the backyard of Gertrudy street). From both places you can take this carriage, but maybe it'll be a better start to start off with the carriage which would take you directly to the restaurant after a short trip?
Jezzz... this is not my section. :)
walk thro old town
or take a horse carriage - that's fancy!
Restaurants: try Aperitif at Sienna street (Maly Rynek) or Klimaty Poludnia (deeper in the backyard of Gertrudy street). From both places you can take this carriage, but maybe it'll be a better start to start off with the carriage which would take you directly to the restaurant after a short trip?
Jezzz... this is not my section. :)
Olaf
11 Jan 2012
Life / What is wrong with Poznan? [197]
I see Delph and others already commented but I'll ad mine too.
Careful here, you're walking on thin ice;)
I reckon you're not a driver in Poznan, are you?
With that I agree with this 100% - but that's not unique to Poznan, it's all over Poland and is stupid and very dangerous. We have this in Krakow and everywhere else too.
I'd say that you just had a bad experience, mine is quite the opposite.
Because you can buy a ticket from a bus driver if there is no other way. It works in the UK, it can work in Poznan, right?
It seems like you have just arrived to Poland and Poznan because you are wondering about obvious things.
I see Delph and others already commented but I'll ad mine too.
undeserved pride in their city
Careful here, you're walking on thin ice;)
Why do pedestrians need to press a button in order to get a signal allowing them to cross the road?
I reckon you're not a driver in Poznan, are you?
On a related note, why does the traffic light for a car turn green seconds before the pedestrian signal? Does nobody understand how dangerous and stupid this is? Every day I see cars that start to make right hand turns having to slam on their brakes as pedestrians step right in front of them because of their delayed signal. Stupid stupid stupid.
With that I agree with this 100% - but that's not unique to Poznan, it's all over Poland and is stupid and very dangerous. We have this in Krakow and everywhere else too.
I can’t think of a city in Poland (including Warsaw) that has ruder and angrier citizens than Poznan. Why this is I would love somebody to please explain.
I'd say that you just had a bad experience, mine is quite the opposite.
This is a city that only now is starting to put ticket dispensers on their trams and buses. Come into the city on a Sunday? Good luck finding a place to purchase a billet and then risk getting caught by the conductors if you take a tram or bus – very fair system for citizens and tourists alike.
Because you can buy a ticket from a bus driver if there is no other way. It works in the UK, it can work in Poznan, right?
So there is it, what is wrong with Poznan and why doesn’t anything get done about it???
It seems like you have just arrived to Poland and Poznan because you are wondering about obvious things.
Olaf
5 Jan 2012
Food / PIZZA & KETCHUP served only in Poland? [159]
True.
And that makes me Italian! ;)
Italians cannot stand the vulgarity of putting ketchup into pizza.It is like a blasphemy
True.
And that makes me Italian! ;)
Olaf
5 Jan 2012
Food / PIZZA & KETCHUP served only in Poland? [159]
Being in a few places in Michigan made you think that the whole world is like that. This is uniquely American way of thinking.
Apart from that, I am also wondering why not use good tomato sauce to pizza but ketchup.
Does any country other than Poland
I have not run into an pizza places in Michigan that do so.
Being in a few places in Michigan made you think that the whole world is like that. This is uniquely American way of thinking.
Apart from that, I am also wondering why not use good tomato sauce to pizza but ketchup.
Olaf
4 Jan 2012
Law / Car registration in Poland (bought a car from Holland on a temporary license) [25]
Hi Harry;)
To your first comment: Not that much hassle. IF there's a EU citizen then they register their stay and then prolong reg. of address to maximum time and that's all. No need to prolong anything every year.
If not EU citizen, then if visa was necessary then karta pobytu is issued for the same time, it can be longer than a year.
It's more about registered address that matters for the department that registers your car. You can do a lot by writing statements too.
I will give you an example from my experience. Last week I registered my car in a different place than my main registered address. It seems impossible to 4 out of 5 officers that I asked for information before doing so, then I wrote a statement that I live and work in Krakow and therefore I want my car to be registered here, so that I don't have to take days off work and drive very far to my previous department of vehicle registration to do stupid things that could be done over the Internet. I attached this to registration forms and that was all. It took 10 minutes in Krakow office! Sometimes ther is a long waiting line but to save my time and not stand in lines I went there during lunch time. And now I have new KR (something) registration plates. I have to learn my new plate numbers:)
To your second comment:
You are thinking about only one option here. I used the other many times because it doesn't require owners presence and you don't even fill in anything. I meant a registration by youself, and having a proper contract YOU have the rights to the apartment stated in the contract, therefore you can - and should - be registered. I've done it many times actually. There is also on another in which you smartly move the obligation to register from you to local authorities.
Why make it difficult for yourself when there are more simple ways.
Hi Harry;)
To your first comment: Not that much hassle. IF there's a EU citizen then they register their stay and then prolong reg. of address to maximum time and that's all. No need to prolong anything every year.
If not EU citizen, then if visa was necessary then karta pobytu is issued for the same time, it can be longer than a year.
It's more about registered address that matters for the department that registers your car. You can do a lot by writing statements too.
I will give you an example from my experience. Last week I registered my car in a different place than my main registered address. It seems impossible to 4 out of 5 officers that I asked for information before doing so, then I wrote a statement that I live and work in Krakow and therefore I want my car to be registered here, so that I don't have to take days off work and drive very far to my previous department of vehicle registration to do stupid things that could be done over the Internet. I attached this to registration forms and that was all. It took 10 minutes in Krakow office! Sometimes ther is a long waiting line but to save my time and not stand in lines I went there during lunch time. And now I have new KR (something) registration plates. I have to learn my new plate numbers:)
To your second comment:
You are thinking about only one option here. I used the other many times because it doesn't require owners presence and you don't even fill in anything. I meant a registration by youself, and having a proper contract YOU have the rights to the apartment stated in the contract, therefore you can - and should - be registered. I've done it many times actually. There is also on another in which you smartly move the obligation to register from you to local authorities.
Why make it difficult for yourself when there are more simple ways.
Olaf
4 Jan 2012
Law / Starting a daycare in Poland, possible? [15]
Hah! Did you explain them it's no use? If so, and they still wanted, let them spend their money...
I had one psychopath phone me for a native speaker for his 18 month old!
Hah! Did you explain them it's no use? If so, and they still wanted, let them spend their money...
Olaf
4 Jan 2012
Law / Car registration in Poland (bought a car from Holland on a temporary license) [25]
The source is treasury offices - Urzad Skarbowy for VAT and Urzad Celny for excise tax.
Best you can do is to get an agent who would do all that for you, for not big fee. Why bother yourself.
Not really - foreigners should formalize their stay: registering address is just the first step, then there's registration of stay or residence card (for non-EU citizens). Having one of them will allow you to register address for more than 3 months. No need to go there every 3 months.
And you don't need a permission to register address - you should show rights to your rented (owned) apartment - which is e.g. a rental contract and it's done. There are at least two ways to do it.
where can i check if I am obliged to pay excise and VAT as I am not Polish?
The source is treasury offices - Urzad Skarbowy for VAT and Urzad Celny for excise tax.
Best you can do is to get an agent who would do all that for you, for not big fee. Why bother yourself.
but must be updated every three months and needs the landlord's permission.
Not really - foreigners should formalize their stay: registering address is just the first step, then there's registration of stay or residence card (for non-EU citizens). Having one of them will allow you to register address for more than 3 months. No need to go there every 3 months.
And you don't need a permission to register address - you should show rights to your rented (owned) apartment - which is e.g. a rental contract and it's done. There are at least two ways to do it.
Olaf
3 Jan 2012
Food / Does Poland have any similar beers to guinness? [22]
Smocza Glowa (dark) from Krakow (only in kegs)
Dragon (dark) from Browar Fortuna from Wielkopolska
Smocza Glowa (dark) from Krakow (only in kegs)
Dragon (dark) from Browar Fortuna from Wielkopolska
Olaf
3 Jan 2012
Olaf
2 Jan 2012
USA, Canada / Moved back from Canada to Poland:). Here are the reasons why. [868]
Can you count properly? Look at the weather now, It's 2nd January and it's not winter still. It is unusual, but anyway real winter comes usually sometime in December and lasts till end of March. This is about 3 and a half months...
It seems you are hard to satisfy. And in Summer you complain that it is too sunny and hot, right?
Try Nordics or other European countries and then complain. Do you come from Jamaica? What did you expect in winter? Sun and some +20 C degree?
And it's 6 months long.
Can you count properly? Look at the weather now, It's 2nd January and it's not winter still. It is unusual, but anyway real winter comes usually sometime in December and lasts till end of March. This is about 3 and a half months...
If there is snow- it sucks, if there is no snow is sucks too. It is dark when I leave for work and dark when I come home.
It seems you are hard to satisfy. And in Summer you complain that it is too sunny and hot, right?
Try Nordics or other European countries and then complain. Do you come from Jamaica? What did you expect in winter? Sun and some +20 C degree?
Olaf
22 Dec 2011
USA, Canada / If America is so bad, why move here? [254]
The first half of your post seems something I would agree with, but the other half...
But you would agree that some of them should really be charged more for taking twice the space? E.g. in public transport. Some should buy two tickets, in places especially. Ever sat next to a giant (and I don't mean here basketball players or "Valuev" types, but real whales!) person on a 14 hour flight? Some of them practicly sweat mayonaise.
Double cheesburger and french fries I suppose.
So maybe you should address some questions to the Germans then.
Dafug? Sure there are some "haters" like that everywhere, also in Poland unfortunately, but I've heard such bullsh*t stories you mention only in the US, not Poland.
Go talk to people in the US or read more. Much more racial-based and ethnic-based hatred in the US than in Europe, let alone Poland.
The first half of your post seems something I would agree with, but the other half...
I can't imagine anyone getting upset over anothers weight.
But you would agree that some of them should really be charged more for taking twice the space? E.g. in public transport. Some should buy two tickets, in places especially. Ever sat next to a giant (and I don't mean here basketball players or "Valuev" types, but real whales!) person on a 14 hour flight? Some of them practicly sweat mayonaise.
It's what's inside.
Double cheesburger and french fries I suppose.
One of my ancestors died in a concentration camp as an experiment.
So maybe you should address some questions to the Germans then.
I find it disgusting that any Pole would still blame all the problems in the world on the Jews.
Dafug? Sure there are some "haters" like that everywhere, also in Poland unfortunately, but I've heard such bullsh*t stories you mention only in the US, not Poland.
Go talk to people in the US or read more. Much more racial-based and ethnic-based hatred in the US than in Europe, let alone Poland.
Olaf
19 Dec 2011
Life / Do I have to do something to start receiving mail in Poland? (moved from the US) [33]
How do you know it was POLISH Post? Maybe it was robbed still it the other country?
Polish mail continues to prove itself to be absolutely GHETTO.
How do you know it was POLISH Post? Maybe it was robbed still it the other country?
Olaf
14 Dec 2011
Law / Buying a car in Poland or Germany? [36]
I'd say it's the same (dealer or direct, private owner). What matters most is if that's the cr you want, in the condition worth the price, that's all.
Half of the cars are already brought to Poland so if you browse on the web the ones that are around you then you might save time, effort and travel to Germany. If you don't find anything locally, then consider a broader circle or going abroad, this is how I did it. Oh, and some dealers accept orders for cars.
I'd say it's the same (dealer or direct, private owner). What matters most is if that's the cr you want, in the condition worth the price, that's all.
Half of the cars are already brought to Poland so if you browse on the web the ones that are around you then you might save time, effort and travel to Germany. If you don't find anything locally, then consider a broader circle or going abroad, this is how I did it. Oh, and some dealers accept orders for cars.
Olaf
14 Dec 2011
Law / Buying a car in Poland or Germany? [36]
I think you answered your question partially already. Not to pay excise tax (you'll pay over 18% of the car value in case of the cars you mentioned) and deal with a lot of other formalities (how well do you know Polish, it will be completly necessary) it's much better to buy a car in Poland. And you'll save much time too. There is a lot of cars imported and waiting already in Poland, so going abroad yourself seems only for people who have enough time, know German (to negotiate and do formalities and temp. insurance etc.) and Polish (to pay VAT, excise, getting Polish tech. inspection and other formalities before registering the car...) and want to go through the struggle. On the other side many cars in Poland (in Germany sometimes too) have a decreased mileage counter.
I think you answered your question partially already. Not to pay excise tax (you'll pay over 18% of the car value in case of the cars you mentioned) and deal with a lot of other formalities (how well do you know Polish, it will be completly necessary) it's much better to buy a car in Poland. And you'll save much time too. There is a lot of cars imported and waiting already in Poland, so going abroad yourself seems only for people who have enough time, know German (to negotiate and do formalities and temp. insurance etc.) and Polish (to pay VAT, excise, getting Polish tech. inspection and other formalities before registering the car...) and want to go through the struggle. On the other side many cars in Poland (in Germany sometimes too) have a decreased mileage counter.
Olaf
12 Dec 2011
Life / Internet problems in Krakow? [8]
Upper left side of the universe ;)
I had no more problems than usual (centre of Krakow).
Where? In Krakow? Poland? Europe?
Upper left side of the universe ;)
I had no more problems than usual (centre of Krakow).
Olaf
8 Dec 2011
Real Estate / Moving to the Katowice area soon! Safe neighborhood for an Irish man? [38]
Maybe in your home town, buddy, but not here.
Maybe in your home town, buddy, but not here.
Olaf
6 Dec 2011
Work / Salary Expectations Question (Krakow, Fund Accounting) [19]
someone has either made a joke or knows nothing about salaries here.
Your salary would be - depending on details such as: languages or duties etc - between 3500 PLN and 5500 PLN. Gross of course.
800-1000PLN/month
someone has either made a joke or knows nothing about salaries here.
Your salary would be - depending on details such as: languages or duties etc - between 3500 PLN and 5500 PLN. Gross of course.
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Life / Polish water safe to drink? [50]
Exactly, common sense goes a longer way also here:)
Hah! Good one! I will consider moving close to a brewery then;)
Exactly, common sense goes a longer way also here:)
they bottle and sell it as Arctic; we drink it for free.
Hah! Good one! I will consider moving close to a brewery then;)
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Life / Question Of Religious Beliefs That Could Differ in Poland [33]
Why does anyone feel like talking if he or she is Wiccan, Pagan, Christian or Muslim? If you keep this to yourself, as it should be, then I gues there is no risk anywhere. But even when say around that you are Wiccan, nothing bad will happen to you in Poland.
Why does anyone feel like talking if he or she is Wiccan, Pagan, Christian or Muslim? If you keep this to yourself, as it should be, then I gues there is no risk anywhere. But even when say around that you are Wiccan, nothing bad will happen to you in Poland.
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Life / Polish water safe to drink? [50]
Just as tap water. It's controlled and tested. And I would never drink e.g. Kropla Beskidu, or former Bonaqa but would not have doubts to drink most tap water. Never got sick after tap water.
Often it's just some unbiased prejudice that "tpa water isn't safe". It used to be like that but it was many years ago.
Well, even I can check it online from Krakow. There are often tests published. Here it says something about water in Gdansk being one of the best in Poland:
sng.com.pl/page.php?anim=2&page=38
tester.brita-polska.pl/gdanska-woda-pod-kontrola,artykul,51
i hope this clears out the superstitions about "contaminated" or "unhealthy" tap water. The only thing might be different taste, some people may not like it, depends on region.
True, but it's unlikely to be contaminated.
Just as tap water. It's controlled and tested. And I would never drink e.g. Kropla Beskidu, or former Bonaqa but would not have doubts to drink most tap water. Never got sick after tap water.
Er...and you doubt him/her? Why would he/she lie to you?
Often it's just some unbiased prejudice that "tpa water isn't safe". It used to be like that but it was many years ago.
What the hell would you know about the tap water in Gdańsk?
Well, even I can check it online from Krakow. There are often tests published. Here it says something about water in Gdansk being one of the best in Poland:
sng.com.pl/page.php?anim=2&page=38
tester.brita-polska.pl/gdanska-woda-pod-kontrola,artykul,51
i hope this clears out the superstitions about "contaminated" or "unhealthy" tap water. The only thing might be different taste, some people may not like it, depends on region.
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Life / Polish water safe to drink? [50]
Mostly tap water in Poland is safe to drink, the only thing might be diferent taste in different regions etc. due to different composition of minerals. It is always good to filter the water before drinking, but often bottled water is not better than the tap one (in some areas) so why pay and carry those bottles. That's no sense in most regions of Poland. Many people are fixating on this. When I had doubts, I contacted my local water supplier and asked for opinion and current tests results. All was fine and I can drink water from the tap in Krakow. Same was in Poznan.
Mostly tap water in Poland is safe to drink, the only thing might be diferent taste in different regions etc. due to different composition of minerals. It is always good to filter the water before drinking, but often bottled water is not better than the tap one (in some areas) so why pay and carry those bottles. That's no sense in most regions of Poland. Many people are fixating on this. When I had doubts, I contacted my local water supplier and asked for opinion and current tests results. All was fine and I can drink water from the tap in Krakow. Same was in Poznan.
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Real Estate / Moving to the Katowice area soon! Safe neighborhood for an Irish man? [38]
Does an Irish gentelman require any special security? ;)
a safe neighborhood for an Irish gentleman
Does an Irish gentelman require any special security? ;)
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Life / Automobiles vs. Pedestrians in Poland [77]
Well, sometimes yes - common sense is also advised for pedestrians. I myself, being on both sides (a pedestrian and a driver) see many times a person walking straight on the road without even turning their head to see if there is a car or not.
Well, sometimes yes - common sense is also advised for pedestrians. I myself, being on both sides (a pedestrian and a driver) see many times a person walking straight on the road without even turning their head to see if there is a car or not.
Olaf
5 Dec 2011
Life / Automobiles vs. Pedestrians in Poland [77]
Unfortunately such situations happen often, and also many similar (like driving through pedestrian crossing when people are walking on it). Drivers often have little imagination and even less manners. You were right in the situation you described. I found this, in Polish, but Art 26, point 4 is about your situation I think:
kodeks-drogowy.org/ruch-drogowy/ruch-pojazdow/przecinanie-sie-kie runkow-ruchu
Unfortunately such situations happen often, and also many similar (like driving through pedestrian crossing when people are walking on it). Drivers often have little imagination and even less manners. You were right in the situation you described. I found this, in Polish, but Art 26, point 4 is about your situation I think:
kodeks-drogowy.org/ruch-drogowy/ruch-pojazdow/przecinanie-sie-kie runkow-ruchu