JonnyM
11 Mar 2011
Law / Is it illegal to burn the bible or any religious symbols in Poland? [30]
I must have led a sheltered life.
leather mask with the little red ball gag
I must have led a sheltered life.
JonnyM
11 Mar 2011
History / Nowa Huta and other achievments of PRL (People's Republic of Poland) [79]
That's rather sad.
To me respect out of fear is still respect
That's rather sad.
JonnyM
11 Mar 2011
Law / Is it illegal to burn the bible or any religious symbols in Poland? [30]
Undoubtedly, and you don't need to wear gloves and wellies. Usually.
Undoubtedly, and you don't need to wear gloves and wellies. Usually.
JonnyM
11 Mar 2011
Law / Is it illegal to burn the bible or any religious symbols in Poland? [30]
You think making love is a hobby?
jumping in the bed with his buddy
You think making love is a hobby?
JonnyM
11 Mar 2011
Law / Is it illegal to burn the bible or any religious symbols in Poland? [30]
You mean stamp collecting or woodwork or something? I've never heard of bible burning as a hobby, but in Poland anything is possible.
Same with Gay and their "hobbies" ;p
You mean stamp collecting or woodwork or something? I've never heard of bible burning as a hobby, but in Poland anything is possible.
JonnyM
11 Mar 2011
Law / Is it illegal to burn the bible or any religious symbols in Poland? [30]
So in private, you can burn as many as you want.
So in private, you can burn as many as you want.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
History / Nowa Huta and other achievments of PRL (People's Republic of Poland) [79]
Not only communist - other places in Europe had to build new towns after the war too. Nova Huta (good architechture, good facilities etc) is an interesting example because they were trying to show people that the system could work.
Not only communist - other places in Europe had to build new towns after the war too. Nova Huta (good architechture, good facilities etc) is an interesting example because they were trying to show people that the system could work.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Warsaw to Mlawa - Fastest Mode of Public Transportation on a Sunday in April? [15]
I just remembered - there's quite a nice restaurant between the town square and the TV factory, and a couple of bars in the little streets off the square.
To be honest, the journey there will be as interesting as the town itself, but you should be able to take some interesting photos to show peoplel back home. There used to be a small railway museum - not sure if it's still there though.
Out of interest, which hotel are you staying at in Warsaw?
I just remembered - there's quite a nice restaurant between the town square and the TV factory, and a couple of bars in the little streets off the square.
To be honest, the journey there will be as interesting as the town itself, but you should be able to take some interesting photos to show peoplel back home. There used to be a small railway museum - not sure if it's still there though.
Out of interest, which hotel are you staying at in Warsaw?
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Warsaw to Mlawa - Fastest Mode of Public Transportation on a Sunday in April? [15]
Hi!
In that case, the train is definitely best. Be careful not to get the slow trains though - there are a few traps you can fall into that the online timetable doesn't explain (and the ticket office clerk wouldn't tell you about!). Your best bet is the fast trains, and the one I noticed a little before 6 is probably good, though there may be changes on Sundays due to engineering work. If the 2+ hour journey seems long, remember the views from the window should be nice, and the food in the restaurant car is usually interesting and good value.
Just remember not to check the box on the online timetable (under 'products' in the English version) for the slow (osobowy) trains.
I've been through Mlawa a few times - it's a dull but pleasant little town with a nice square. Not much to see, though the church is old, It's quite poor nowadays, so everything should be cheap - just don't expect much to be open on Sunday. As I remember, it was heavily damaged in the war, so apart from the area round the town square, there isn't much to see or do.
Enjoy your trip!
Jon
Hi!
In that case, the train is definitely best. Be careful not to get the slow trains though - there are a few traps you can fall into that the online timetable doesn't explain (and the ticket office clerk wouldn't tell you about!). Your best bet is the fast trains, and the one I noticed a little before 6 is probably good, though there may be changes on Sundays due to engineering work. If the 2+ hour journey seems long, remember the views from the window should be nice, and the food in the restaurant car is usually interesting and good value.
Just remember not to check the box on the online timetable (under 'products' in the English version) for the slow (osobowy) trains.
I've been through Mlawa a few times - it's a dull but pleasant little town with a nice square. Not much to see, though the church is old, It's quite poor nowadays, so everything should be cheap - just don't expect much to be open on Sunday. As I remember, it was heavily damaged in the war, so apart from the area round the town square, there isn't much to see or do.
Enjoy your trip!
Jon
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Warsaw to Mlawa - Fastest Mode of Public Transportation on a Sunday in April? [15]
To Mlawa on a Sunday! That road is surreal.
To Mlawa on a Sunday! That road is surreal.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Warsaw to Mlawa - Fastest Mode of Public Transportation on a Sunday in April? [15]
By train is best. A bus would not be a good idea if you don't speak Polish, and 1.5 hours to Mlawa on the fast train is very good. I just had a quick look and found 2.44 hours. That's OK, and there's a train that leaves before 6 am.
4 hours on the stopping train is pointless, Mlawa Miasto, by the way, isn't the main station in Mlawa - it's a little halt. Part (a very big part) of those 4 hours is taken up with changing trains to get on one that stops there.
Have a look at the PKP website - click on the flag for their English website, and remember - this is VERY important - only to tick the boxes (lower left side) for the faster trains - the slower ones take ages and involve changing. The faster trains are good, cheap and comfortable.
Most people in Poland wouldn't travel there and back in a day unless they really had to - why not stay overnight?
By train is best. A bus would not be a good idea if you don't speak Polish, and 1.5 hours to Mlawa on the fast train is very good. I just had a quick look and found 2.44 hours. That's OK, and there's a train that leaves before 6 am.
4 hours on the stopping train is pointless, Mlawa Miasto, by the way, isn't the main station in Mlawa - it's a little halt. Part (a very big part) of those 4 hours is taken up with changing trains to get on one that stops there.
Have a look at the PKP website - click on the flag for their English website, and remember - this is VERY important - only to tick the boxes (lower left side) for the faster trains - the slower ones take ages and involve changing. The faster trains are good, cheap and comfortable.
Most people in Poland wouldn't travel there and back in a day unless they really had to - why not stay overnight?
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Polish dentistry cost - 230 zl for one tooth cavity filling [99]
That's quite fast going really. I've only used one Polish dentist, who's a friend, but they seem very thorough and the price is low compared to the UK.i
I don't think t's a rip-off, price wise, but she was probably taking a few liberties doing the lot if all you wanted was a quick fix for toothache. Nevertheless, Polish doctors and dentists tend to be thorough, and it was probably good value for money.
That's quite fast going really. I've only used one Polish dentist, who's a friend, but they seem very thorough and the price is low compared to the UK.i
I don't think t's a rip-off, price wise, but she was probably taking a few liberties doing the lot if all you wanted was a quick fix for toothache. Nevertheless, Polish doctors and dentists tend to be thorough, and it was probably good value for money.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Polish dentistry cost - 230 zl for one tooth cavity filling [99]
I was probably being a bit unfair. Out of interest, how many visits did the 8 fillings take? Or did she do it in one brutal marathon?
Thanks, I need some reassuring words (cheapskate didn't help :) ).
I was probably being a bit unfair. Out of interest, how many visits did the 8 fillings take? Or did she do it in one brutal marathon?
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Polish dentistry cost - 230 zl for one tooth cavity filling [99]
In that case, you shouldn't worry. The price seems OK. My dentist doesn't charge me, but I'm always surprised about the amount of work she does - it's a Polish thing, and touch wood, you won't need to go for a while!
In that case, you shouldn't worry. The price seems OK. My dentist doesn't charge me, but I'm always surprised about the amount of work she does - it's a Polish thing, and touch wood, you won't need to go for a while!
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Traveling From Warsaw to Berlin - train? [25]
I've used that a few times. The kiosks downstairs are also good, but not usually English speaking.
Is the renovation still going on?
So to get tickets you go to the International section, which is behind the the main stairs, They have English speaking staff.
I've used that a few times. The kiosks downstairs are also good, but not usually English speaking.
Is the renovation still going on?
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Traveling From Warsaw to Berlin - train? [25]
Every few minutes, from early in the morning until quite late. The bus goes from right outside the arrivals hall and stops right outside the station. There is also a night bus following the same route.
You don't need a timetable for the bus from the airport to the station. For trains to Berlin, Polish railways (PKP) has an English language website - google it.
Why? Three posters have mentioned this. Each of us is right. If you still have doubts, try google maps.
Could you tell me when the bus number 175 is available and ready to go?
Every few minutes, from early in the morning until quite late. The bus goes from right outside the arrivals hall and stops right outside the station. There is also a night bus following the same route.
Is there is a website which shows the timetable of the buses and trains in poland and specially from airport to train station of warsaw to berlin.
You don't need a timetable for the bus from the airport to the station. For trains to Berlin, Polish railways (PKP) has an English language website - google it.
I 'am still in doubt about the distance between the airport and the train station! How much is it?
Why? Three posters have mentioned this. Each of us is right. If you still have doubts, try google maps.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Differences in Polish, American and British mentality [237]
He shouldn't worry - it is no source of shame. Since time began, some unfortunate women have had to make a living in the only way they can, by selling that commodity for which there is always a demand, no matter how tattered and scabby it may have become through years of overuse.
there may well be some deep-seated psychological issues, perhaps something to do with repressed memories from the years in which he and his mother had been abandoned by his daddy.
He shouldn't worry - it is no source of shame. Since time began, some unfortunate women have had to make a living in the only way they can, by selling that commodity for which there is always a demand, no matter how tattered and scabby it may have become through years of overuse.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Language / Polish - Absolute Beginner Questions. Study plan. [75]
Very much so.
In my experience, doing that can create a block in people's minds.
Very, very true. Just start speaking, don't worry about mistakes and the language will come!
RealPolish, your post is one of the most sensible I have ever seen here on this subject.
I think grammar is not very important for beginners. I think when you speak, you have to do it automaticly rather then looking for grammar.
Very much so.
Trying memorizing grammar rules (don't forget about exceptions!) don't work in learning any language. You don't learn speaking by studying grammar.
In my experience, doing that can create a block in people's minds.
I don't think that Polish is so hard language to learn, it is superstition. I'm native Polish speaker, and I supose that we really want the foreigners to think so.
Very, very true. Just start speaking, don't worry about mistakes and the language will come!
RealPolish, your post is one of the most sensible I have ever seen here on this subject.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Differences in Polish, American and British mentality [237]
You do seem to have some deep and complex issues about this.
You do seem to have some deep and complex issues about this.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Differences in Polish, American and British mentality [237]
So in effect, you're saying that because everybody was doing it it somehow isn't as bad.
Then half the people in the country were guilty don't single out one guy
So in effect, you're saying that because everybody was doing it it somehow isn't as bad.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Travel / Traveling From Warsaw to Berlin - train? [25]
Yes. If you want to speak English, you don't need to queue at the ticket window - go to 'Anna Travel' in the gallery above (you'll see it easily). They have English speaing staff and sell the same tickets at the same price.
Yes. The taxi prices mentioned are accurate. Also there is a direct bus, number 175. Buy your ticket at the machine at the bus stop and cancel it as soon as you get on.
Yes. Warszawa Centralna - it is Warsaw's main station. The train also stops at Warszawa Zachodnia, but if you don't know Poland that's only for the adventurous.
Don't bother. By road it is a long and unpleasant journey, and the train fare is cheap.
- It is possible to buy the ticket from the train station.
Yes. If you want to speak English, you don't need to queue at the ticket window - go to 'Anna Travel' in the gallery above (you'll see it easily). They have English speaing staff and sell the same tickets at the same price.
- The train station isn't far from the airport not more than 5 KM.
Yes. The taxi prices mentioned are accurate. Also there is a direct bus, number 175. Buy your ticket at the machine at the bus stop and cancel it as soon as you get on.
Isn't it Warszawa Centralna?
Yes. Warszawa Centralna - it is Warsaw's main station. The train also stops at Warszawa Zachodnia, but if you don't know Poland that's only for the adventurous.
# My friend told me that In Germany there is something called "mitfahrgelegenheit" which means RIDE SHARE
- Is there something like that in poland? and how I can reach the people who are traveling from warsaw to berlin by their cars? and how much is the cost?
- Is there something like that in poland? and how I can reach the people who are traveling from warsaw to berlin by their cars? and how much is the cost?
Don't bother. By road it is a long and unpleasant journey, and the train fare is cheap.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Differences in Polish, American and British mentality [237]
Corruption is a vicious circle - each link in the chain is as guilty as the rest.
In a sense yes, if that person played their part.
one person was responsible for 40 million lacking basic items?
Corruption is a vicious circle - each link in the chain is as guilty as the rest.
One person taking things for 1 year (1988) made all peoples lives harder throughout 45 years of communism.
In a sense yes, if that person played their part.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
News / Does Poland live up to its freedom rights? [23]
They can't be prosecuted while in office, either. Some nasty stories surface from time to time about politicians getting off various crimes like causing accidents whilst driving under the influence.
A cow at Poczta Polska once told me I pronounce my own name incorrectly. In the UK she'd be fired for saying that to a Pole.
I'm gay and haven't really had any problems like that from Poles, either physical or verbal. Oddly enough, the only nasty comments about my sexuality have come from British expats in Warsaw. I have lived in PL for 11 years.
This bit is also untrue - the Polish police aren't great, but they're improving and will pursue anything that is likely to lead to a successful prosecution. I am speaking about Warsaw - the story out in the boondocks may well be different.
It is illegal to publically criticise or insult a politician, so it's not very free.
They can't be prosecuted while in office, either. Some nasty stories surface from time to time about politicians getting off various crimes like causing accidents whilst driving under the influence.
If you are a foreigner you will regularly experience discrimination and there is not much you can do about it - I include government departments in that.
A cow at Poczta Polska once told me I pronounce my own name incorrectly. In the UK she'd be fired for saying that to a Pole.
God help you if you are not white or gay - you will receive physical and verbal abuse on a weekly basis.
I'm gay and haven't really had any problems like that from Poles, either physical or verbal. Oddly enough, the only nasty comments about my sexuality have come from British expats in Warsaw. I have lived in PL for 11 years.
The police are not capable or interested in helping anyone who suffers this type of abuse.
This bit is also untrue - the Polish police aren't great, but they're improving and will pursue anything that is likely to lead to a successful prosecution. I am speaking about Warsaw - the story out in the boondocks may well be different.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Work / Best TEFL course to take in Poland? [3]
That's right. Only CELTA/CELTYL or its Trinity alternative. There are others but they aren't known by employers (or for that matter recognised by some overseas governments for work permit reasons).
None..... do CELTA
That's right. Only CELTA/CELTYL or its Trinity alternative. There are others but they aren't known by employers (or for that matter recognised by some overseas governments for work permit reasons).
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Language / Pronounciation of the name "Rafael" [16]
That would depend which part of the English-speaking world you came from, wouldn't it...
the U in "cut" and not the A in "cat"?
That would depend which part of the English-speaking world you came from, wouldn't it...
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Life / Polish dentistry cost - 230 zl for one tooth cavity filling [99]
Think how much 8 fillings would have cost you at a private dentist back home. A hell of a lot more than 1150zl. I remember here on this forum you asking for (and people helping you find) an emergency dentist who speaks English.
We thought had toothache. People were helping you. But 8 fillings? Eight!! Now it seems you only wanted to get something cheap.
We should have charged you for the advice, cheapskate.
I think people are prone to preying on foreigners - with the amount of visitors that come through Krakow with big money to spend (again, stronger currencies) there is potential for a lot of profit...why wouldn't they try and cash in on it?
Think how much 8 fillings would have cost you at a private dentist back home. A hell of a lot more than 1150zl. I remember here on this forum you asking for (and people helping you find) an emergency dentist who speaks English.
We thought had toothache. People were helping you. But 8 fillings? Eight!! Now it seems you only wanted to get something cheap.
We should have charged you for the advice, cheapskate.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Off-Topic / An English Version of Gadu-Gadu? [105]
They want you to pay.
it says... "usluga nieoplacona. czy chcesz przedluzyc uslugi"....!??
They want you to pay.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Language / Pronounciation of the name "Rafael" [16]
A pleasure! You've got me wondering now if there's anybody in PL called Rafał Rafael... I used to know a Michał Michalski ;-)
A pleasure! You've got me wondering now if there's anybody in PL called Rafał Rafael... I used to know a Michał Michalski ;-)
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
Language / Pronounciation of the name "Rafael" [16]
It isn't a Polish surname. There is a Polish first name Rafał pronounced Rafau (raf + ow as in town, slightly longer a than cat, accent on the first syllable ). But it is a first name only.
If a Polish person had Rafael or Raphael as a (foreign) surname, they would pronounce it pretty well as you suggested.
It isn't a Polish surname. There is a Polish first name Rafał pronounced Rafau (raf + ow as in town, slightly longer a than cat, accent on the first syllable ). But it is a first name only.
If a Polish person had Rafael or Raphael as a (foreign) surname, they would pronounce it pretty well as you suggested.
JonnyM
10 Mar 2011
UK, Ireland / Does everyone know about countess Markiewicz? Polish connection. [16]
Yes. They use the term Episcopalian in Scotland. The Church of Ireland tends to have huge, locked and largely empty buildings but apparently is having something of a revival, especially among young families.
Yes. They use the term Episcopalian in Scotland. The Church of Ireland tends to have huge, locked and largely empty buildings but apparently is having something of a revival, especially among young families.