resident
23 Dec 2010
Travel / Country-style hotel outside Warsaw [5]
thanks Harry. As ever your response is most helpful.
thanks Harry. As ever your response is most helpful.
resident
10 Dec 2010
Travel / Country-style hotel outside Warsaw [5]
well, as the title indicates, I'm looking for a nice rustic-style hotel reasonably close to Warsaw for a couple of nights - sleigh rides in the forest, and mulled wine by a fireplace in the evening. Ideally would be a similar style set-up to Kania Lodge in the north, ie the sort of place you will have good food and enjoy with your partner. Does such a place exist in the vicinity of Warsaw?
well, as the title indicates, I'm looking for a nice rustic-style hotel reasonably close to Warsaw for a couple of nights - sleigh rides in the forest, and mulled wine by a fireplace in the evening. Ideally would be a similar style set-up to Kania Lodge in the north, ie the sort of place you will have good food and enjoy with your partner. Does such a place exist in the vicinity of Warsaw?
resident
25 Nov 2010
Life / Polish authors, books & literature. [94]
Yes, I'm aware of his somewhat 'muddled' history. I think it is important for people to be aware of this when reading Kosinski, however, a good book is a good book. It's crucial people do not mistake it for an account of Holocaust survival (and I'm sure many people unfortunately have). I do not have my copy at hand, but I'd be certain on the sleeve notes it's described as 'fiction', it certainly appears in 'fiction' sections of book stores as opposed to 'history'.
Part of Kosinki's magic, I believe, lay in his ability to intertwine truth with fiction, leaving the reader to guess which was which. A great writer of stories, definitely, but never to be confused with a historian.
Yes, I'm aware of his somewhat 'muddled' history. I think it is important for people to be aware of this when reading Kosinski, however, a good book is a good book. It's crucial people do not mistake it for an account of Holocaust survival (and I'm sure many people unfortunately have). I do not have my copy at hand, but I'd be certain on the sleeve notes it's described as 'fiction', it certainly appears in 'fiction' sections of book stores as opposed to 'history'.
Part of Kosinki's magic, I believe, lay in his ability to intertwine truth with fiction, leaving the reader to guess which was which. A great writer of stories, definitely, but never to be confused with a historian.
resident
25 Nov 2010
Food / Health food stores in Warsaw [5]
would I know the name of it? Of course not. But there's a shop more or less Kuchnia Swiat on the lower floor of Zlote Tarasy that sells vitamins, organic products and lots of other lovely things for your body.
would I know the name of it? Of course not. But there's a shop more or less Kuchnia Swiat on the lower floor of Zlote Tarasy that sells vitamins, organic products and lots of other lovely things for your body.
resident
25 Nov 2010
Life / Polish authors, books & literature. [94]
Kapuszcinski (sp?) has done some marvellous works, and while I've only read one book of Borowski's (This way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentleman), I think it stands out as one of most haunting works that covers the war. On a far less intense note, I've also recently discovered the joys of Jerzy Kosinski. Ok, some of his work reads like the sort of Clancy/Brown/Garland garbage you find in an airport store, but others - for instance Blind Date, Being There and Painted Bird - should be rated as little less than champion reading.
I've also recently purcahsed some Dorota Maslowska, who according to the sleeve note is the Polish Irvine Welsh. Well, so far I'm disappointed in her, but shall strive to persevere.
Kapuszcinski (sp?) has done some marvellous works, and while I've only read one book of Borowski's (This way for the Gas, Ladies and Gentleman), I think it stands out as one of most haunting works that covers the war. On a far less intense note, I've also recently discovered the joys of Jerzy Kosinski. Ok, some of his work reads like the sort of Clancy/Brown/Garland garbage you find in an airport store, but others - for instance Blind Date, Being There and Painted Bird - should be rated as little less than champion reading.
I've also recently purcahsed some Dorota Maslowska, who according to the sleeve note is the Polish Irvine Welsh. Well, so far I'm disappointed in her, but shall strive to persevere.
resident
12 Nov 2010
Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]
explain further. My post makes it clear I have no time for what the word stands for, however you wish to spell it. Or do you struggle reading English?
explain further. My post makes it clear I have no time for what the word stands for, however you wish to spell it. Or do you struggle reading English?
resident
12 Nov 2010
Life / Is the word "Polack"rascist? [185]
If Poles wish to call each other Polack, then fair enough, in much the same way if coloured people wish to call each other nigger. I regard both words as offensive, and would never use them. However, if people from those particular ethnic/racial group wish to call each other that then who am I to judge. Of course, I certainly find it puzzling why they would ever do so other than a desperate stab at being seen as 'street'.
If Poles wish to call each other Polack, then fair enough, in much the same way if coloured people wish to call each other nigger. I regard both words as offensive, and would never use them. However, if people from those particular ethnic/racial group wish to call each other that then who am I to judge. Of course, I certainly find it puzzling why they would ever do so other than a desperate stab at being seen as 'street'.
resident
11 Nov 2010
Travel / What to do in Poznan for 3 days? [21]
I once had a strong dislike for the city mistaking it as, dare I say it, boring. Then I got off my arse and looked beyond the hotel bars and discovered a city that was comepletely nuts. And I mean that in a positive way. Amazing place for nightlife. I think the bar by U Honzika you refer too is 'Kiselice' or something simialar? a weird basement type place? Always something going on in Poznan, as much as I love life in Warsaw would dearly prefer living in Poznan nowadays.
The thing I love about Poznan is the way that new bars always come and go - though it's annoying when you find somewhere nice, only for it to vanish a few weeks later!
The only thing I dislike about this city is the way that many pubs seem to insist on playing music at an ear-splitting level. I'm really not sure why - wouldn't they sell more if people can talk more?
The only thing I dislike about this city is the way that many pubs seem to insist on playing music at an ear-splitting level. I'm really not sure why - wouldn't they sell more if people can talk more?
I once had a strong dislike for the city mistaking it as, dare I say it, boring. Then I got off my arse and looked beyond the hotel bars and discovered a city that was comepletely nuts. And I mean that in a positive way. Amazing place for nightlife. I think the bar by U Honzika you refer too is 'Kiselice' or something simialar? a weird basement type place? Always something going on in Poznan, as much as I love life in Warsaw would dearly prefer living in Poznan nowadays.
resident
11 Nov 2010
Travel / What to do in Poznan for 3 days? [21]
I was unaware you were Poznan based until I checked your profile. Was working there a lot over summer, did you visit the cargo container? madness. The Belgian beer bar remains an eternal favourite though the owner (slawek?) took a distinct shine to getting me plastered on his most dangerous brews :) Za Kulisami, however, remains my eternal favourite for smokey nights collapsed in a heap.
If you ever come back, give me a shout and I'll be glad to take you on a nice tour of some lesser known pubs ;)
I was unaware you were Poznan based until I checked your profile. Was working there a lot over summer, did you visit the cargo container? madness. The Belgian beer bar remains an eternal favourite though the owner (slawek?) took a distinct shine to getting me plastered on his most dangerous brews :) Za Kulisami, however, remains my eternal favourite for smokey nights collapsed in a heap.
resident
11 Nov 2010
News / Praising Poland can be dangerous [45]
I would call a 2009 contraction of somewhere around 15% pretty disastrous. The market might be over the worst and growth projected, albeit around 2%, but that should not ignore the fact that the last two years have left the baltic tiger looking like a starved zoo animal. recover it will, I'm sure, but the whole crisis has left all three looking far from the ferocious entity of before. I don't think I'm the only person who predicts a cautious uplift, a very cautious and at times awkwardly slow uplift.
point taken, name of the book incidentally? But my original point was it is not Germany that owes Poland, but the western allies. I think modern Germany has done an astounding and sincere job of atoning for the past. They will never wipe the slate clean, memories are too bitter, but they deserve complete credit for how far they have come.
A disaster?
I would call a 2009 contraction of somewhere around 15% pretty disastrous. The market might be over the worst and growth projected, albeit around 2%, but that should not ignore the fact that the last two years have left the baltic tiger looking like a starved zoo animal. recover it will, I'm sure, but the whole crisis has left all three looking far from the ferocious entity of before. I don't think I'm the only person who predicts a cautious uplift, a very cautious and at times awkwardly slow uplift.
Well, Germany certainly repaid the favour to Poland by allowing Poland to join the EU.
point taken, name of the book incidentally? But my original point was it is not Germany that owes Poland, but the western allies. I think modern Germany has done an astounding and sincere job of atoning for the past. They will never wipe the slate clean, memories are too bitter, but they deserve complete credit for how far they have come.
resident
11 Nov 2010
Travel / What to do in Poznan for 3 days? [21]
football brings out the worse in a lot of people, especially when a touring English side lands on these shores; the natives feel they have something to prove. Delighted to hear you had a good time nonetheless, the city is certainly is worth a visit during times less tribal. In Brovaria, the city has one of the best microbreweries in the country. Proleteryat an excellent communist themed bar with obscure Polish beers, and some generally great drinkeries. A lovely place indeed.
Had abit of trouble with some locals but nothing the police couldn't handle, and was certainly not representative of Poznan.
football brings out the worse in a lot of people, especially when a touring English side lands on these shores; the natives feel they have something to prove. Delighted to hear you had a good time nonetheless, the city is certainly is worth a visit during times less tribal. In Brovaria, the city has one of the best microbreweries in the country. Proleteryat an excellent communist themed bar with obscure Polish beers, and some generally great drinkeries. A lovely place indeed.
resident
11 Nov 2010
Travel / A week in Krakow (February) - info about weather, hotels, and traffic [28]
Krakow is horrible at that time of year weather wise, but provided you're bundled up it also represents one of the few times of the year you can enjoy the city without a deluge of tour groups, backpackers and stag groups blocking your path. Bring a hat, it will save your ears, no matter how stupid you might look.
Krakow is horrible at that time of year weather wise, but provided you're bundled up it also represents one of the few times of the year you can enjoy the city without a deluge of tour groups, backpackers and stag groups blocking your path. Bring a hat, it will save your ears, no matter how stupid you might look.
resident
11 Nov 2010
News / Praising Poland can be dangerous [45]
Estonia's economy, much like the other two Baltics, is a disaster and was hit harder by the crisis than practically any other country you care mention (I think of the EU countries, the Baltics experienced the biggest contraction). Granted the blame has little to do with communism, rather the banks of Scandinavia, a fact I think all three Baltic governments and people would agree with. Communism is no longer a valid excuse, I agree with you, but that's not to say the so called western allies should hold their heads high and forget the debt they owe a fair few countries in this part of the world.
Estonia's economy, much like the other two Baltics, is a disaster and was hit harder by the crisis than practically any other country you care mention (I think of the EU countries, the Baltics experienced the biggest contraction). Granted the blame has little to do with communism, rather the banks of Scandinavia, a fact I think all three Baltic governments and people would agree with. Communism is no longer a valid excuse, I agree with you, but that's not to say the so called western allies should hold their heads high and forget the debt they owe a fair few countries in this part of the world.
resident
11 Nov 2010
UK, Ireland / Long-term impact of returning UK Poles to Poland [21]
there are different branches of law, maybe you're aware? Real estate is a little different...
And you call yourself a lawyer?
there are different branches of law, maybe you're aware? Real estate is a little different...
resident
11 Nov 2010
UK, Ireland / Long-term impact of returning UK Poles to Poland [21]
because I really can't be bothered to waste my Thursday evening rooting through legalities. However, I think the fact that so many children nowadays are being handed blatantly un-Polish names speaks for itself?
because I really can't be bothered to waste my Thursday evening rooting through legalities. However, I think the fact that so many children nowadays are being handed blatantly un-Polish names speaks for itself?
resident
11 Nov 2010
UK, Ireland / Long-term impact of returning UK Poles to Poland [21]
That I can't tell. However I have a Polish god-daughter called Amelie, it became a very popular name among 'trendy' couples after the hit film. That was what, eight years back? Poland's changed, Harry hasn't.
Edyta Gorniak was accused of breaking the law about five years ago, for giving her baby a non-Polish name, despite both parents being Polish. So when did the law change?
That I can't tell. However I have a Polish god-daughter called Amelie, it became a very popular name among 'trendy' couples after the hit film. That was what, eight years back? Poland's changed, Harry hasn't.
resident
11 Nov 2010
News / Praising Poland can be dangerous [45]
Oh my god, a Harry supporter. These are dangerous times.
may I remind you it was only last week Harry wrote that Hitler should have done a better job on the Catholic Poles or words to that effect. What a fine man...
Oh my god, a Harry supporter. These are dangerous times.
may I remind you it was only last week Harry wrote that Hitler should have done a better job on the Catholic Poles or words to that effect. What a fine man...
resident
11 Nov 2010
News / Praising Poland can be dangerous [45]
perhaps you can do Poland a favour and go back to Scotland. I'm sure you'll find plenty of fellow Pole-haters in the sink estate pubs and aisles of Asda. Why live here if you hate everything so much, you must be a complete basket case.
Could it be that you've never actually read the Yalta agreement?
perhaps you can do Poland a favour and go back to Scotland. I'm sure you'll find plenty of fellow Pole-haters in the sink estate pubs and aisles of Asda. Why live here if you hate everything so much, you must be a complete basket case.
resident
11 Nov 2010
UK, Ireland / Long-term impact of returning UK Poles to Poland [21]
another great Harry lie. You are so entrenched in the 1970s it's hard to believe. As much as you don't like it, Poland is moving forward, live with it.
It would be illegal for Polish parents to name their son Colin or Sean, or their daughter Vanessa (especially with that illegal letter!)
another great Harry lie. You are so entrenched in the 1970s it's hard to believe. As much as you don't like it, Poland is moving forward, live with it.
resident
4 Nov 2010
Travel / Nice restaurants in Warsaw [30]
stupid? fukier is (still) one of the best restaurants in the country, and well worth the prices. fantastic interiors, superb service, and the food - ten out of ten. I have never been disappointed. If that sounds stupid to you then maybe you should stick to eating your fish and chips.
If you're stupid enough to eat in the Old Town square, you deserve the robbing that you will get.
stupid? fukier is (still) one of the best restaurants in the country, and well worth the prices. fantastic interiors, superb service, and the food - ten out of ten. I have never been disappointed. If that sounds stupid to you then maybe you should stick to eating your fish and chips.
resident
4 Nov 2010
Food / Mother of all hangovers....Polish Beer! [71]
Polish hangovers can be monstrous - there's one way to fight them, and that's with fire. I recommend the bloody mary at sense, the intercontinental and the bristol. hangover gone in thirty seconds.
Polish hangovers can be monstrous - there's one way to fight them, and that's with fire. I recommend the bloody mary at sense, the intercontinental and the bristol. hangover gone in thirty seconds.
resident
4 Nov 2010
Travel / Starbucks in Wawel Castle, Krakow. Is this a joke or true? [42]
if there's hot dog stands and burger vans outside the entrance of auschwitz then why not a starbucks outside wawel.
if there's hot dog stands and burger vans outside the entrance of auschwitz then why not a starbucks outside wawel.
resident
4 Nov 2010
Food / What's your favorite Polish beer? [870]
if in warsaw try Konstancin. I'm also a big fan of Raciborskie. two lesser known beers that taste excellent.
if in warsaw try Konstancin. I'm also a big fan of Raciborskie. two lesser known beers that taste excellent.
resident
4 Nov 2010
UK, Ireland / What English food would you serve a Pole? [83]
stargazy pie, though if cooking in Poland substitute the pilchards for herring
excellent recipe here: cornishlight.co.uk/fish-recipe.htm
stargazy pie, though if cooking in Poland substitute the pilchards for herring
excellent recipe here: cornishlight.co.uk/fish-recipe.htm
resident
4 Nov 2010
Travel / Fish and Chips in Warsaw [53]
neither have you obviously. it's certainly the best chips in warsaw. the sauces are fantastic, and they've even got kalasnikoffs; beat that for authenticity
I can see you've never been to the Belgian chip shop in Warsaw.
neither have you obviously. it's certainly the best chips in warsaw. the sauces are fantastic, and they've even got kalasnikoffs; beat that for authenticity
resident
4 Nov 2010
Life / The Polish people have a strange attitude to cats and dogs? [84]
and know you are confessing to being a cat thief? you do not FIND a cat in a car. what were you doing looking in someone elses car? why did you take the cat? did you not think that the cat clearly belonged to someone?
I found my Warsaw cat (a very distinctive breed) in the engine bay of a Peugeot 205, she was about two weeks old then.
and know you are confessing to being a cat thief? you do not FIND a cat in a car. what were you doing looking in someone elses car? why did you take the cat? did you not think that the cat clearly belonged to someone?
resident
4 Nov 2010
News / Designer drugs kill 18 in Poland [32]
so you do not believe this figure? I know people who have been to hospital on this evil stuff. maybe try it, rather than talking about something you know NOTHING about
I'll call bullshiit on that one.
so you do not believe this figure? I know people who have been to hospital on this evil stuff. maybe try it, rather than talking about something you know NOTHING about
resident
4 Nov 2010
Travel / Indian or Mexican food in Warsaw. [60]
you clearly know little about indian food, or how it is eaten in india. royal india is one of the best indian restaurants in warsaw, and nearly as good as the tandoori palace, which itself is commonlz reputed to be the best indian restaurant in POLAND. Ganesh made me feel ill, all sauce, and no meat, and stupid staff. you are welcome to it.
Another newish place is Royal India
you clearly know little about indian food, or how it is eaten in india. royal india is one of the best indian restaurants in warsaw, and nearly as good as the tandoori palace, which itself is commonlz reputed to be the best indian restaurant in POLAND. Ganesh made me feel ill, all sauce, and no meat, and stupid staff. you are welcome to it.