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Post by Bonobo on Feb 23, 2008 22:57:35 GMT 1
In the old good forum Jim mentioned how he tried to settle back in Poland, bringing his wife too. Sadly, she didn`t like Poland too much and decided to return to the USA.
Why? Was it due to problems with communication (she doesn`t speak Polish) and because of all her friends who were left behind in the USA?
What may discourage foreigners from settling in Poland for good?
My suppositions:
1. Climate. For 6 months throughout a year the sky is grey, cloudy, bleak. It can be cold, windy and dull, even in the summer. Quite depressing.
2. Language barriers. Polish is difficult to learn, almost impossible unless one begins as a child. On the other hand, most Poles can`t speak foreign languages fluently. Yes, younger generation of urban Poles is much better educated but it is still not the Dutch, Norwegian or Danish proficiency in English. So, communicating in the countryside can be a real nuisance.
3. Foreigners are certainly disappointed that the Polish currency is so strong. One old forum poster complained that Americans living in Krakow even can`t afford a tram or bus ticket which costs more than 1$ now. Two years ago I saw American tourists choose moderately-priced dishes from the menu in a restaurant in a small town.. They were visibly tight-fisted about it.
4.. A lot of things take much longer time to organize than in normal countries. E.g., recently I read that on average, collecting all legal documents necessary to start building your own house takes about one year or even longer. Beaurocracy is the problem.
I have run out of ideas for the time being. Can you help?
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livia
Just born
Posts: 121
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Post by livia on Feb 25, 2008 0:07:49 GMT 1
Pawian, I regularly meet two families of none-Poles who have settled down in Warszawa for good. In one example this is since some 3 years in the other almost 10 and the older couple has children born here. I know of many other 'escapes from the West' around, plus some mixed couples - usually Polish girl and a foreign guy ;D ;D ;D
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Post by Bonobo on Feb 26, 2008 22:38:24 GMT 1
Pawian, I regularly meet two families of none-Poles who have settled down in Warszawa for good. In one example this is since some 3 years in the other almost 10 and the older couple has children born here. I know of many other 'escapes from the West' around, plus some mixed couples - usually Polish girl and a foreign guy ;D ;D ;D You know just a few. So do I. They are scattered here and there, all over the country. But, why aren`t there millions of them, flocking to Poland like to some Promised Land?  ? hahahahahaha Germans, Brits, Americans, etc? Huh!!?? |
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Post by Bonobo on Mar 21, 2008 14:07:22 GMT 1
On a certain blog I have found a British expat who complains about having to pay for water in Poland. Coming from London, I took it for granted that I could drink as much water as I wanted from the tap without fear of any water-borne nasties infecting me or equally nasty chemicals. I try and drink as much water as possible as it is healthy and I done that here too for a month until I got a stern warning from my adopted babcja (grandmother) that scared me despite not understanding a word! Now it pisses me off every time I have to buy a 6 litre bottle of water which usually only lasts me 2 days at most. You can see from the photo it can cost about 5-6 zloty and that is the same as a packet of cigs and although I do not smoke anymore I still have a habit of judging prices by how they relate to the price of a pack of 20 in England (which is way overpriced in relation to other prices due to tax). I know that being unable to drink tap water is not unique to Poland and I had problems with tap water in Ireland because it tastes like a sheep had bathed in it, but it is the first time I have had to deal with it for an extended amount of time. The expense is not the major issue, but inconvenience because running out with the local shop already closed means no water for me. Furthermore it is a pain to decant water from the huge bottle into smaller ones to put them in the fridge so mostly the water is warm. Lastly we accumulate armies of blue tinted plastic bottles which are a real pain to get rid of.
Looking on the bright side I have increased my spoken Polish in shops a great deal because I am in there all the time to buy more water, I can order a large bottle of still mineral water like a native Pole. Also I have tasted many different brands of Polish mountain mineral water (One called Zywiec which the famous beer uses to it's brew) and I'm sure I am all the healthier for it.talesofenglishman.blogspot.com/search/label/What%20I%20dislike%20about%20Poland |
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Post by valpomike on Mar 21, 2008 16:05:48 GMT 1
I would, if not for my family, all here, nove now, to Poland.
It is much like we, here, in the U.S.A. were several years ago.
1. It is safe, no drive by shottings like in the U.S.A., or much of the other crime we have here.
2. The people care for each other, even if you don't speak Polish, they are there to help you.
3. People are most all, happy and enjoy life, and want to share.
4. Poland is a wonderfull place, with much history, and many new buildings also.
5. The women of Poland, are beautiful. If you stand on the street, seven out of ten are outstanding.
6. Food is better. Poland's peole take more time and pride in what they make, or cook.
This all that come to mind now, but I am sure, many more, reasons, why I would love to live in Poland.
Michael Dabrowski
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Post by valpomike on Mar 22, 2008 20:42:14 GMT 1
Read my reply and tell me what you think.
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Post by Bonobo on Mar 22, 2008 22:57:03 GMT 1
I would, if not for my family, all here, nove now, to Poland. 1. It is safe, no drive by shottings like in the U.S.A., or much of the other crime we have here. Yes, statistically, Poland is a safer country than the Western ones. Hmm, it depends. Some Poles can be unfriendly to strangers. But when a stranger becomes familiar, he/she is treated with all hospitality. Hmm, it depends. Poles don`t smile so much as Americans. Keep smiling rule isn`t observed in Poland, even by shop assistants. Besides, Poles drink too much, often to a complete loss of consciousness. It is an obvious sign that you have some personal problems and are unhappy and drink to forget.. Yes, it is true. We are not worse than other countries in that. Yes, they are pretty. Maybe not 7 out of 10, let`s say 5 out of 10 hahahaha. But men look much worse. Only 2 out of ten are really handsome. But the rest are very manly and they are excellent feedom fighters hahahaha Yes, food is tastier. Probably safer too as Polish farmers use less fertilizers. However, it is fattening. Cholesterol!!! |
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Post by jeanne on Mar 23, 2008 11:44:47 GMT 1
4.. A lot of things take much longer time to organize than in normal countries. E.g., recently I read that on average, collecting all legal documents necessary to start building your own house takes about one year or even longer. Beaurocracy is the problem. Just what is a 'normal' country?? Anyway, this problem of legal documents and length of time to get started building a house sounds very much like what goes on in the US...permits, permits, permits... |
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Post by Bonobo on Nov 6, 2008 20:55:08 GMT 1
Polish trains
Polish Radio
28.10.2008
Riding the train in Poland is a particularly interesting experience.
As a foreigner that doesn't have the genetic code to makes sense of the chaos naturally, the whole process involves a myriad of
frustrations.
By Magdalena Jensen.
Allow me to share some of my mishaps and moments of distress in
order to provide some kind of guidance for any future adventures you might encounter on Polish rail… After all, I have had my share of
screw-ups over the past few years.
Let us start at the ticket counter, no, let's even back up the
process a little bit farther: making sense of the Rozklad Jazdy, or
the `Train Schedule' in Warsaw's Central Train Station. Here's a
tip: my first experience at a ticket desk taught me to always
consult the schedule before I bother the grouchy little lady. They
really hate to be asked to think a tiny bit and provide you with
train departure times, let alone arrival times. And who can blame
them - it is all posted up on the wall for all to see - in cryptic
symbols with numbers thrown in here and there.
So, the Rozklad Jazdy. It is a giant board with a very long list of
Polish cities and the train-departure times, accompanied by an even
longer list of codes and keys, supposedly to clarify what all of the
little symbols are that are next to every single departure-time
shown.
To give you a hint of what I mean, let me tell you a little story.
In line at the train station Saturday, I glanced up at the board.
The very last city listed is Zielona Gora, located in western
Poland. The train for this little metropolis leaves twice a day, at
5:55 am and 16:05 pm if I remember correctly. The 5:55 am departure time was followed by two symbols, a red TLK and a boxed-in numeral 25. Puzzled as to what the symbols meant and having some spare time as the line was quite long and, naturally, one of the cashiers left for a tea break, I started to examine the long list of codes and
their meanings. Finally finding the red TLK far on the left and half-
obscured by the clock, I found that it meant, effectively, `cheap
train line'. Ok, no mystery there. Next, I search for the boxed-in
25. Scanning the lists of numbers, I found it: `Train doesn't run on
23 March'. What?! That's not even a national holiday… alas, one of
the great mysteries of Poland's train system.
The next step in partaking in Poland's train tradition is to buy
tickets. As previously mentioned, this is no easy feat. First, one
must know exactly what time one's train departs because, if you
approach a cashier window without this information firmly in your
possession and you proceed to actually ask the little scowling lady
sitting there, you may as well give up all together. You will hear a
deep sigh, witness a stormy cloud cross her face and deepen her
scowl, and, more than likely, she will stab her finger in an upward
motion, indicating to you to read the Rozklad. If she is so kind as
to volunteer information about when the next train to Krakow is, you
can be absolutely sure she will not inform you of any details or
possible discounts you might qualify for. In fact, the scowling
little functionary will try to extort you for as much money as
possible, if only to make your life just a tiny bit as miserable as
hers seems to be.
So, there's another tip – be well-versed in what sorts of discounts
you can receive on Polish trains. International Student
Identification Cards, also known as ISICs, garner a 33% discount,
Polish student IDs a 50% discount, and retirees also get some sort
of discount. To add another layer of confusion, not all discounts
apply evenly to all trains, even that is a tangle of yarn I have yet
to fully unravel. My advice, make sure you simply announce whatever
discount you qualify for as soon as possible in the transaction,
then be sure to repeat it three times or so to ensure that you
actually get it.
Once you have purchased your ticket, and hopefully not gotten too
screwed in the process, you have to find your train. In Krakow, this
is not so difficult as most things are translated into English or at
least international symbols are everywhere. Warsaw, despite it being the country's capital, is a whole other, far less tourist-friendly
mess. Neither the arrivals and departures boards are translated into English, nor are any other signs in English anywhere. Without
knowing any Polish, you are just as likely to end up on a platform
for what you think is your departing train, when, really, it is the
arriving train. Best solution here, ask a sympathetic looking Polish
person in the throng to help you, they will provide far more
information and smiles than anyone at the information desk. They are probably about 47 percent more likely to speak English as well.
This sounds like a lot of stress, just to get on the train, and,
well, I'm not going to beat around the bush – it is. Polish trains
are a nightmare. Hopefully it will all get cleared up in time for
the hoards of football fans that will descend upon Poland in 2012
for the Euro cup. But, in the meantime, grit your teeth, and go for
it. The benefits are worth it as the Polish countryside, when viewed
from the comfortable seat on a speeding train, is an especially
beautiful and befitting reward.
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 21, 2009 22:31:06 GMT 1
In polishforums foreign guys list things they miss in Poland or would like to see them improved:
Better Roads
The art of queuing!
Top Quality steaks
Stella Artois.. aka wife beater!
Fish and Chips Bar..aka chippy
A decent (reasonably priced!) Curry house!!!!
The police!!!
The no smoking ban!!!!!
Blockbusters!
Sky Sports 1,2 & 3!
Kareoke!
My piss head mates!
CIDER
Frank's Red Hot
Decent Spaghetti Sauce
Pancakes & Maple Syrup
Grills
Good Steaks
Driving on the left hand side of the road
Clam chowder
Maryland steamed blue crab
crab cake
Philly steak sub
Maine lobster
Florida lobster
Florida stone crab
Chicago deep dish pizza
Jack Daniels bourbon
pull apart southern bbq
Jewish pastrami and corned beef
Coney Island hot hog and chile
Pina Coladas
Hush puppies
corn bread
Kentucky fried chicken
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Post by valpomike on Jan 21, 2009 23:53:42 GMT 1
Many of those things Poland has, and many Poland does not want or need.
I think this guy is from England.
Mike
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tomek
Nursery kid
Posts: 256 
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Post by tomek on Jan 22, 2009 22:36:07 GMT 1
Many of those things Poland has, and many Poland does not want or need. I think this guy is from England. Mike But the last words are not by Englander. I can read Kentucky, Maryland, Chicago and suich. It is from American words, right? |
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Post by valpomike on Jan 23, 2009 0:26:20 GMT 1
American words, but things that they now have in Poland, thanks to the U.S.A.
Mike
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Post by valpomike on Jan 23, 2009 16:26:10 GMT 1
If more would just give Poland a chance and go there, they also would fall in love with her, as I have. It is a great place full of many great people.
If you have never been there, do it now, before you get too old, to walk the place, and see all the sights.
You will be happy that you did.
Mike
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gigi
Kindergarten kid
Posts: 1,470
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Post by gigi on Jan 23, 2009 22:02:59 GMT 1
I don't know, Mike - how can one survive without KFC???  Actually, I think there is a KFC in Warsaw. We'll have to ask Tufta. I'm sure if there is one he is a frequent customer.  |
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 23, 2009 22:09:02 GMT 1
American words, but things that they now have in Poland, thanks to the U.S.A. Mike Clam chowder Maryland steamed blue crab crab cake Philly steak sub Maine lobster Florida lobster Florida stone crab Chicago deep dish pizza Jack Daniels bourbon pull apart southern bbq Jewish pastrami and corned beef Coney Island hot hog and chile Pina Coladas Hush puppies corn bread Kentucky fried chicken Mike, most of these things are not available in Poland, and if they are, their price is out of reach for most Poles. I would like to try Florida lobster and other seafood. Thanks for bourbon, though - yuuukkk! I don't know, Mike - how can one survive without KFC??? Actually, I think there is a KFC in Warsaw. We'll have to ask Tufta. I'm sure if there is one he is a frequent customer. There is one or two in Krakow too. The guy who complained about the lack of it surely is living in a small town. |
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Post by valpomike on Jan 24, 2009 16:07:02 GMT 1
There is a KFC along with McDonalds and Pizza Hut, all along the same street, in Warsaw. We ate at the KFC in Warsaw, and it was not like the one at home, the taste was different, we did not know why.
Mike
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Post by jeanne on Jan 25, 2009 3:06:51 GMT 1
There is a KFC along with McDonalds and Pizza Hut, all along the same street, in Warsaw. We ate at the KFC in Warsaw, and it was not like the one at home, the taste was different, we did not know why. Mike Easy answer...it was Polish chicken! ;D |
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tomek
Nursery kid
Posts: 256
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Post by tomek on Jan 25, 2009 12:50:29 GMT 1
There is a KFC along with McDonalds and Pizza Hut, all along the same street, in Warsaw. We ate at the KFC in Warsaw, and it was not like the one at home, the taste was different, we did not know why. Mike Easy answer...it was Polish chicken! ;D Polish food is more health then abroad food. Not so many additions, artificials, preserves. I think this. |
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Post by valpomike on Jan 25, 2009 17:21:56 GMT 1
But, I am sorry to see, much of this is changing. I wish and hope it does not, but it is, as per my family and friends in Poland. But I got word the Taco Bell has left Warsaw. The people would not keep it going, by buying there products.
When my cousin and her son, spent a month with us last year, she had to go to Taco Bell often, she missed it, and I don't even care for them more than once every month or so.
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 25, 2009 19:14:25 GMT 1
But, I am sorry to see, much of this is changing. I wish and hope it does not, but it is, as per my family and friends in Poland. But I got word the Taco Bell has left Warsaw. The people would not keep it going, by buying there products. When my cousin and her son, spent a month with us last year, she had to go to Taco Bell often, she missed it, and I don't even care for them more than once every month or so. Mike Hmm, Taco Bell.... Taco Bell..... the name rings the bell but too vaguely. Is it Mexican food? If it is, then I know why it collapsed. |
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Post by tufta on Jan 26, 2009 13:38:19 GMT 1
There is a KFC along with McDonalds and Pizza Hut, all along the same street, in Warsaw. We ate at the KFC in Warsaw, and it was not like the one at home, the taste was different, we did not know why. Mike Mike, I have done it for your and counted the KFC and Pizza Huts in Warsaw. There're 10 of each. They loose competition with Polish chains, which is Dominium Pizza and Da Grasso, and the Spanish chain Tele-Pizza, each having over 20 restaurants in Warsaw alone. And of course Gigi is right and knows me so well! I spend every free moment I have in KFC ;D Also I think Jeanne is right - Polish chicken may be the reasons of different taste. But suprisingly the KFC taste in US is much better than in Poland  As to some other 'strange and long' type of threads , made by Bo during the weekend. I read them all, enjoyed them (though enjoy is not a perfect word sometimes). I regret I don't have enough time to comment in an intelligent manner (hope its just time, that is...) |
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Post by valpomike on Jan 26, 2009 15:56:58 GMT 1
Have you ever had KFC in the U.S.A. ?
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 26, 2009 22:00:29 GMT 1
Have you ever had KFC in the U.S.A. ? Mike No, but I was to JFK in NYC with my LSD!!! |
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Post by valpomike on Jan 27, 2009 3:31:09 GMT 1
Tufta,
Have you ever been to the U.S.A., and if you have, did you eat at a KFC?
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Jan 28, 2009 19:50:02 GMT 1
More suggestions from Britishmen:
So, what would I introduce from the UK to Poland? hmmmm,
1. Companies paying salaries at the end of the month, not 10 days later
2. Emplyee rights.. they seem to have none in Poland, including this 'pact with the devil' contract that many have to sign.
3. Government documents in various languages - would make life a lot easier
4. Motorways!
5. Me. oh, I'm already here! i miss...
irn-bru
british bacon, well actually its danish lol
british pork sausages
potatoe scones (Polish ones are not the same)
flaming hot and pickled onion monster munch, nice n spicy nik - naks, skips, salt and vinager, ect the list goes on
proper milk (uht just isnt the same)
I have to say i have had good and s hit steaks both in poland and in britian i just love a good steak anywhere
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Post by tufta on Feb 2, 2009 12:18:37 GMT 1
Tufta, Have you ever been to the U.S.A., and if you have, did you eat at a KFC? Mike Mike, I have been to the USA. I have eaten in KFC. When I was in USA for the first time there were no KFCs in Poland at all. It was a synonym of American fast food next to McDonald's to me. Or junk food if you prefer. I tried both options and loved the taste of American junk at that time. In the meantime Poland was macdonaldized and kentuckyfriedchickenized but unfortunately my taste buds must have degenerated with age and I can no more fully appreciate the deep, multilayer taste and bouquet of these meals. ;D ;D |
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Post by valpomike on Feb 2, 2009 17:22:50 GMT 1
This is a sure sign that you are getting old, because, I also, do not like fast foods, here or in Poland.
The two places I liked, in your neighborhood, are, Osteria Restauracja, and U Szweijka, on the street. I have been to both a few times, and when I return to Poland, I will go there again. What do you think of them?
Mike
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Post by Bonobo on Feb 2, 2009 22:17:08 GMT 1
Tufta, Have you ever been to the U.S.A., and if you have, did you eat at a KFC? Mike Mike, I have been to the USA. I have eaten in KFC. When I was in USA for the first time there were no KFCs in Poland at all. It was a synonym of American fast food next to McDonald's to me. Or junk food if you prefer. I tried both options and loved the taste of American junk at that time. In the meantime Poland was macdonaldized and kentuckyfriedchickenized but unfortunately my taste buds must have degenerated with age and I can no more fully appreciate the deep, multilayer taste and bouquet of these meals. ;D ;D The last time I was to McDonalds was about 6 months ago. Actually, I don`t remember. |
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Post by jeanne on Feb 3, 2009 3:17:31 GMT 1
unfortunately my taste buds must have degenerated with age and I can no more fully appreciate the deep, multilayer taste and bouquet of these meals. ;D ;D When I was young, I loved fast (junk) food, but now I cannot stand even the idea of eating that stuff!  |
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? hahahahahaha Germans, Brits, Americans, etc?
