Discovering Polish and Poland

Wesołych Świąt! Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T06:39:00.004+01:00

Andrzejki - st. Andrew's Day

2011-12-15T16:55:00.008+01:00

It’s almost Christmas but I would like to come back to November because it’s worth to write about an interesting tradition from the Central and Eastern Europe, still popular in Poland, especially at schools. On the 30th of November we celebrate st. Andrew's Day. Not many people know who was it and that it’s the last day of the year in the Catholic Church, but everybody knows that it’s a good occasion to learn something about your future ;)

On the previous day (night) young people gather and perform magic rituals. Now it’s usually organized by schools only for fun, nobody really believes in the results of the future telling. Even 6-year-olds can get to know the name of her/his future husband or wife. I have all good memories from my primary school :)

What do we do? Most customs are connected with love and marriage, for example:

- whose shoe will be first at the door, this person will marry as first
- you peel an apple and throw the skin – it will form the first letter of the name of your future wife or husband
- you write names of potential candidates on the small papers and put in under the pillow. In the morning you choose one and it will be this person.

The most popular and complicated is pouring hot wax through a key to water. Then you interpret its shape. The shadow on the wall pictures something that will happen next year.

It’s better to watch than to read, so I recommend you 2 short films: here and here.

For teenagers and older Andrzejki is a good opportunity to organize a party, dance and drink. Maybe you will also try it in 2012?

Polish sexuality 2011

2011-12-04T14:59:00.008+01:00

As maybe some of you know I’m a volunteer sex educator (no practice, just the theory!) and I work for young people. I’m very interested in human sexuality and today I would like to comment the recent study on Polish sexuality done by a famous professor Zbigniew Izdebski and TNS OBOP. It’s a big project and many results are not published yet. I also wrote a short article about this report in Polish.

Professor asked 3206 people (mostly heterosexual) about their sexual behaviour. In all poles like this most people (68%) are happy with their sex life. We should ask what exactly does it mean for them, especially when for 63% of men and 50% of women sex is important. 71% have sex at least once a week – not so bad!

Do people lie? Especially in this kind of poll they probably tell what they think they are expected to. On average Poles have 4,5 sexual partner in the whole life. Really? Only 30% of women declare that they masturbate – it’s still a huge taboo in Poland. For sure the one reason is Church which considers masturbation as pure evil. But Poles are not so religious as you may think. The Church is present everywhere but only 4% of people connect sex with sin.

52% tried oral sex (more than before) and 15% anal sex.

21% of men and 12% of women admit they cheated. What is interesting the relationship remained the same. According to the report Polish women look for something else because they feel bored with their partners.

51% of men i 31% of women think that a woman HAS TO satisfy her partner. Patriarchal patterns persist!

Only 9% of Poles have ever done a HIV test. HIV isn’t VERY dangerous in Poland but for sure the situation will be worse. In Eastern Europe and Middle Asia the number of infected is growing very fast!

66% of Poles use condoms. Hormonal contraception is still not very popular. 21% think that a withdrawal is a contraception method!

Only 25% of Poles consider homosexuality as normal. 35% would like to cure it!

Polish wedding

2011-10-31T13:43:00.017+01:00

I was asked to write about the Polish wedding traditions. I must say that it’s a big topic because they are in a process of change. I will put it from my point of view which means a person living in a big city.

Firstly, a dictionary:

ślub – wedding

wesele – party after wedding

pan młody – groom

panna/pani młoda - bride

młoda para/nowożeńcy - newly-weds

goście – guests

świadek/świadkowa – best man, one from the bride’s side and one from the groom’s

wieczór panieński/kawalerski – hen/stag night

For many people ślub is an extremely important moment, planned even 2 years ahead. If you want a special place for wesele, you should book it very early. Still mostly women take care of wedding preparations but hopefully it’s also changing.

Before a wedding there are wieczór panieński and wieczór kawalerski. The idea of these parties depends on the engaged couple, can be quieter or more crazy. Usually best men organize this evening at home or in a club, so it’s a surprise. Some people are happy to receive erotic gadgets from sex shop and some aren’t so please take it into consideration if you are a guest:) You can for example order tort (a cake) like this:

There are 2 kinds of ślub: cywilny and kościelny (Catholic as most Poles are TRADITIONALLY Catholics).

a) Ślub cywilny takes place in Urząd Stanu Cywilnego – a public institution. It lasts 15 minutes. Here there’s an example of przysięga małżeńska (wedding vow). Then newly-weds exchange obrączki (rings) and are free to go.

b) Ślub kościelny – a special mass that lasts about 50 minutes. You can watch it here. Ślub kościelny requires a lot more preparations – you must attend to nauki przedmałżeńskie – a course of the Catholic version of preparation for family life (including family planning). A confession is also obligatory. Poles are good in avoiding all kinds of regulations, there are some way-outs if you don’t want to do this;)

After the wedding in front of a church or Urząd Stanu Cywilnego guests give flowers and presents to newly-weds. Now many people prefer to avoid flowers and ask for books, wine or a donation to charity. What main gift should you give? The best idea is to ask, money (in envelopes;) is very popular. The amount depends on how close you’re to the newly-weds and if you’re invited to wesele.

If you are, then you go to a place of wesele – can be far away from the church. Wesele starts with welcoming newly-weds by their parents. Usually there’s a music band that plays all sort of Polish and international music. Can be fine, can be a total kitsch. DJs are more and more popular because newly-weds like to decide about the music on their party. The two most important songs are "100 lat" and "Gorzka wódka" (bitter vodka) after which newly-weds should kiss to make it sweeter.

The first dance is important, bride and groom often prepare something special.

On wesele you should have fun, so eat, drink, dance and take part in competitions. If there’s a good konferansjer (master of the ceremony), it can be really a great party. Don’t feel obliged to drink a lot of wódka – I never do this and nobody forces me. You can drink wine or water, it doesn’t matter. More and more people drink less and don’t end under the table;)

I would like to write you about the Polish wedding traditions. What part is the most interesting or different for you? What should I explain better?

New Sejm and Senat

2011-10-17T23:22:00.007+02:00

The election’s results were not so easy to predict, everything could have happened. Fortunately they appeared to be great (naturally from my point of view):

Platforma Obywatelska 39,18%
Prawo i Sprawiedliwość 29,89%
RUCH PALIKOTA 10,02%
Polskie Stronnictwo Ludowe 8,36%
Sojusz Lewicy Demokratycznej 8,24%

Voted 48,92%

In fact my party Ruch Palikota is the biggest winner! We expected this amazing result but our opponents did everything to convince the public opinion that we should lose. Media also tried to diminish our political impact but voters trusted us. Our hard work this year gave us marvellous satisfaction. We have 40 MPs and will introduce different topics to parliamentary debates.

The coalition remains the same: PO with PSL. I hope that the prime minister Donald Tusk will be braver and do more. For sure it’s his success to be elected the second time (unusual in Poland) but his main opponent Jarosław Kaczyński is so dangerous for Poland that many people voted against him. Last 4 years were quite calm but on the other hand idle, very few things have changed to the better. 10% for Ruch Palikota shows it perfectly – people want faster progress both in social and economical matters.

I would like to thank everybody who voted for me! 456 votes is a wonderful result, 55 from abroad really surprised me! This is just a beginning! I will still be a volunteer in my party but this blog won’t become political;) You can always ask me about the current matters in Poland and send me your opinions.

Polish parliamentary election 2011

2011-09-25T09:36:00.012+02:00

On the 9th of October we will vote for 460 new posłowie i posłanki (members of Sejm - the lower chamber) and 100 senatorowie and senatorki (members of Senat). For me this is the most important election ever because I'm running for office! For a few months I’ve been a volunteer in a new party Ruch Palikota and I became one of the candidates on the Warsaw’s list (list number 4, me on the 8th place). What I do every day during the campaign you will find on my website, there’s also my political programme. My party receives more and more support and I’m very optimistic.

More in English about me and Ruch Palikota on Cogo - a portal on Central and Eastern European Matters.

I encourage all Poles living abroad to vote! You all choose candidates from Warsaw’s lists.

Check Ruch Palikota.

Holidays on the Polish seaside

2011-08-13T21:19:00.012+02:00

This year I decided to spend my summer holidays in Poland. For a few years I’d gone abroad looking for 100% perfect weather and a warm sea. These two reasons can spoil holidays on the Polish seaside. And they do ;) During my holidays the temperature was around 15 degrees C, water – maybe a bit more. Because of the rain you can’t lay on the beach (Polish beaches are beautiful and wide!), so people go sightseeing or eat/drink. The first option is very positive but the second one not exactly...

Usually people from Warsaw go to województwo pomorskie (with cities like Gdańsk, Sopot, Władysławowo, Jastrzębia Góra or Łeba – all nice) because it’s closer. I wanted to see new places, so I’d chosen województwo zachodniopomorskie. I went to very small Bobolin near Darłowo.

I prefer to avoid crowds and I hate shops with kitsch souvenirs (these in Poland are really kitsch) so the smaller place the better for me. I only wanted to relax and enjoy the severe beauty of the Baltic Sea...

Because of the constant rain it wasn’t possible to read on the beach. I visited Ustka, Kołobrzeg, Koszalin, Mielno, Darłowo, Słupsk... I wasn't overwhelmed by the beauty of these places. My winner is USTKA with renovated Prussian rustic architecture. In Kołobrzeg you will find some old urban architecture but unfortunately buildings from the PRL period and from the 90’s spoil the view.

Only the last day of my holidays was really sunny and I could get a tan.

The key word on the Polish beach isn’t PARASOL. It’s PARAWAN! Usually it’s windy so you should protect yourself. You can have 1, 2 or 3... BTW I’m always astonished how people really like to be in a crowd.

What can you eat on the Polish seaside? Of course kebab and pizza! Don’t! Try Baltic fish! My favourite and the cheapest is FLĄDRA. DORSZ is also recommendable. Below no flądra – a big mistake!

But on the main square in Darłowo you can find... :)

About the accommodation – next time...

Polish Presidency

2011-07-12T13:39:00.010+02:00

So many topics to write about! But recently I've been involved (and I am involved) in my political activities and unfortunately I’ve abandoned my blog for a while.

From the 1st of July until the 31st of December Poland is a head of the Council of the European Union. It’s a rotating presidency. I encourage you to read what are the Polish goals for this period:

Pl 2011

There are also several films on youtube about the presidency. Do you like these ideas for gadgets from Poland? For me krzemień pasiasty (stripped flint) seems to be the most interesting. It’s a stone that can be found only in Poland, only near Ostrowiec Świętokrzyski.

Hopefully I will come back here soon my dear readers!

Do you know Polska?

2011-06-07T15:55:00.005+02:00

The Polish Ministry of Foreign Affairs introduced a new website promoting the Polish culture. Do you know Polska? is “a visual and interactive dictionary of slang terms that describe Poland as seen by the young generation of Poles”. Firstly, I though “great!”. But is it?

Who is a target of this website? Probably young people who learn Polish and/or speak it quite well. Somebody who is completely uninterested in our language won’t memorize these strange slang words. Now there aren’t many of them but the website is being developed. Everybody can add a word or a photo – please do it:) These slang terms are really used now, the only one I’ve never heard is “ale beka”. I find these quizzes rather controversial because it’s not always clear what the authors had in mind. I didn't get 100%;)

What I really like are the funny photos. They show different aspects of Poland and illustrate explained words. The whole idea is amusing and maybe this website can show Poland as a “cool country”. What do you think about it? I would like to know your opinion. Does it make sense or the ministry is spending our money in vain?

Strawberry season!

2011-05-31T14:17:00.018+02:00

Going to a market (in Polish targ or bazar) is a real pleasure now. Fruits and vegetables smell wonderfully, the weather is perfect. What I especially recommend you to buy are white and green asparagus (szparagi), young cabbage (kapusta) and of course strawberries (truskawki)! There are so many ways of eating strawberries… I love them with white cheese for breakfast, with pasta or rice for lunch, sauté or in a cake or sorbet for dessert…

Even if you speak no Polish, asking for truskawki should be very easy.
„Proszę kilo / pół kilo / dwa kilo” – that’s it!

Today a very easy recipe for a summer lunch! Great for children and adults. Don’t worry about the exact amounts.

We need:

any kind of pasta or rice you like – makaron albo ryż dowolny

sour or sweet cream you like (can be 10% of fat, can be 36%), milk or yoghurt also fine – śmietana / mleko / jogurt

strawberries – truskawki

sugar, if you need (vanilla sugar – a Northeastern European specialty is also perfect) – cukier (cukier wanilinowy)

Boil pasta and mash strawberries with sugar (or not if you count calories). You can use a blender, a potato masher or just a fork. Once again product placement:

Then mix it and smacznego :))

What are your recipes with strawberries? Would you like to have my perfect fruit cake recipe?

Polish certificate exams

2011-05-27T13:07:00.015+02:00

Since Poland has opened to the world, more and more people are interested in learning Polish and living here. A need to certify the language skills has occured. In 2004 the Polish certificate exams were introduced for the first time. Now they are organized regularly in Poland and abroad. You can take them in Warszawa and Kraków or any place in the world if there are minimum 20 candidates.

The exams test language skills on the 3 levels: B1, B2 and C2 (the highest possible). These names origin from the EU language standard established by the Council of Europe. They are explained briefly also on the official website of the Polish certificate. I don’t want to copy all the information provided there. What is important – everybody can take them unless you are a Polish citizen (but if you permanently reside abroad, it’s possible). The minimum age is 16 (B1, B2) and 18 (C2). Probably it’s because you need to have a certain knowledge about the world to understand texts on the test but I’m not sure it’s the best idea.

The main question is - do I really need a certificate? Why should I do that? There are of course internal and external reasons. External – if you would like to study and work in Poland, it can help a lot. A certificate can convince an employer in any kind of job. In some professions there is an official requirement – nurses, doctors, civil servants, real estate agents, property managers and appraisers have to speak Polish at certain levels.

Internal reasons are even more important. I’ve passed FCE and CAE – the Cambridge Exams in English so I know this topic quite well. For me these huge and stressful exams were very motivating. I've learnt a lot during preparations and I have very nice memories from that period. The satisfaction with the results is incomparable to anything else:) Even if I hadn’t had any further benefits I would have taken them to feel more self-confident in English. So I recommend taking the Polish exams to everybody. Yes, I know, doing the same exercises can be boring but the effort is worth it!

And this is what my student Lukas thinks about it: "The Polish Language Exam was to me a kind of confirmation of my learning progress. I was sure, that I would continue learning Polish, but it always leaves you better off, I thought, if you have a state's certificate. The exam lasts two days, first you must listen, read and write and fill in the grammar exercises, second you meet the commission and talk to them for 15 minutes. The whole examine, hence, lasts for more than 4 hours. It's hard to equally concentrate during such a long time, however the exercises are compact and you just do one after another. Obviously one has to be well-prepared, but being able to concentrate and to properly understand the questions is even as important. The parts themselves aren't too difficult, but the combination and number of exercises, challenging you from different directions, is really demanding. If you manage, however, it gives you a very good and overall feedback about your level of proficiency in Polish language. And a good feeling too ;-)"

On the website you have sample tests. Fortunately there are more and more books on the market to help you in preparations. The list is available here. The best idea is to learn with a teacher because language nuances get more and more complex on the advanced level. Polish native speakers are in most cases not able to explain them.

The exam statistics are very interesting. What a pity that the names of the countries hasn’t been translated into English;) Try to guess what countries are Włochy and Węgry:) It’s clear that our neighbours are those who take exams most often. It’s also not a surprise that women are more likely to pass it
than men because they generally study more.

What is your experience? Do you have a certificate in Polish? Is it a good idea?

Useful vocabulary:
certyfikat
zdać egzamin – to pass the exam
zdawać egzamin – to take the exam
zdający/zdająca – an examinee

Bloggers' meeting

2011-05-19T12:01:00.005+02:00

Once again I’m ashamed of not writing for so long. I had 2 professional trainings, I’m also dedicated to my 2 volunteer jobs. And of course I work every day and try to enjoy the springtime in Warsaw. I’m never bored!

I would like to thank Kolin for the invitation to the Warsaw bloggers’ meeting which took place on the 7th of May. I met great people who I’d known only from the internet. Thank you for a warm welcome, I felt really nice.

Meet Brad who writes for Polandian

Meet Damien

Meet Kolin

Meet Michael

Meet Mike

Meet Paddy

Meet Pan Steeva

Meet Scatts

Meet Bartek who is Polish and writes in English

Damien motivated me to write about the Polish certificate exams what I will do soon, I promise/obiecuję!

Sailing in Poland

2011-05-05T13:21:00.010+02:00

The beautiful season has started, it’s high time to relax outdoor. Poland offers you a lot attractions if you like water and pure nature. The most popular tourist region are of course Mazury (plural, Eng. Masuria) in the north-eastern Poland. There you have approximately 4000 lakes which means you can sail for a month. Landscapes are peaceful and stunning. You can stay in the wilderness and avoid people. I spent 6 weeks in total in the smallest boats in Mazury, I had a bath in cold lakes and ate pasta with ketchup for lunch – unforgettable experience! But of course you can rent a yacht or stay in a luxurious hotel. There is a wide offer of agroturystyka – nice accommodation in the countryside. A good point to start are for example Mikołajki, Ruciane Nida, Węgorzewo or Giżycko.

If you live in Warsaw and don’t have time to go further there’s Zalew Zegrzyński nearby. Great for the weekend relax even in a paddle boat.

If you are more advanced try to sail in the Baltic Sea (Morze Bałtyckie) or in the Gdańsk Bay (Zatoka Gdańska). Zatoka Gdańska and Hel Peninsula (commonly called Hell:) are a great place also for windsurfing or kitesurfing maniacs.

BTW I would like to introduce you a Polish great sailor Natasza Caban. An extraordinary girl who sailed solo around the world and helped people with disabilities during the journey. More about her you can read in Polish for example here.

Don’t waste the opportunity:)

Useful vocabulary:

jacht
kajak
łódź/łódka – a boat
motorówka – a speed boat
patent żeglarski – a sailing license
rower wodny – a paddle boat
statek – a ship
wynajmować/wynająć – to rent
do wynajęcia - for rent
żagiel – a sail
żaglówka – a sailing boat

Wesołych Świąt! Happy Easter!

2011-04-22T12:19:00.015+02:00

Julius Fromm, condoms and the promotion of Konin

2011-04-14T15:25:00.007+02:00

Thanks to the great event performed by Stowarzyszenie Akcja Konin many Poles (including me) found out that there was somebody like Julius Fromm. This Jewish entrepreneur was born in Konin (in the middle of today’s Poland) in 1883. His family moved to Berlin in order to look for work. Fromm became a chemist and worked on the rubber. He believed that future belongs to condoms and invented latex. Until that time condoms were very “natural” – pig or sheep guts were used for example. They were expensive and unreliable - didn’t protect from STIs and limited pleasure. So we can say that modern condoms in a way come from Poland:) Julius Fromm created a condom empire, established many manufactures and made a fortune. In Germany condoms were even called fromms.

He was naturalised in 1920 and acquired German citizenship. His life in the times of the rising Nazi’s threat was for sure very challenging. The Nazis didn’t murder him but stole all his property. He spent the WW II in London and died a few days after the liberation. More about him and his empire you can read here.

Surprisingly, in the XXI century condoms remain a taboo in Poland. You can easily buy them in a shop, gas station or pharmacy but adults still would like to protect young people from them. Condom vending machines are considered as evil. When Akcja Konin put a giant condom on the old monument in Konin many were disgusted. I love the idea! The promotion has had a great impact in the media. The grandson of Julius Fromm will come to Poland:)

The subject of sex education is very close to my heart and for sure I will write about it more. It’s not easy to live in a Catholand;)

The best condom ad is 100% not Polish, much too liberal for Poles;) On youtube of course.

“66 - dobre, bo polskie” on tv

2011-04-07T23:25:00.006+02:00

I’m not a fan of television but today I would like to introduce you a very funny programme about the Polish culture. “66 - dobre, bo polskie” (“66 - Good Because Polish” or “The Best Made in Poland”) reviews Polish customs, icons and products. 66 topics are commented by Polish celebrities from different fields. Smart and amusing, informative also for Poles. It’s available only in Polish, I think the Polish government should translate it and spread. If you have the Polish channel tvn style you can watch it for example on Wednesday at 18:00 or on Friday 22:15.

You can also watch the first two parts on youtube. Search “The Best Made in Poland” and download immediately because probably it will disappear soon. I also recommend to watch other tvn programmes online on VOD for example “Rozmowy w toku” or “Kuchenne rewolucje”.

Maria Skłodowska-Curie

2011-04-01T20:53:00.018+02:00

One of the greatest women in history, her life and achievements were extraordinary by any standards. As you can read in Wiki ”Curie was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize, and she is the only woman to win the award in two different fields and only person to win the award in multiple sciences”. She was a dedicated scientist and not only created a new branch of knowledge but also made a huge step forward for women.

She was born in 1867 in Warsaw (in that time Russian Empire) and was lucky to have educated parents who educated their daughters. The family wasn’t rich so Maria had to earn money. She worked as a governess and enjoyed this profession very much. It was still time when men forced women to be interested only in marriage, family and children, but Maria and her sister Bronisława wanted to study. It wasn’t possible in Poland so they moved to Paris. Maria was the first woman who took the exams in physics and chemistry at Sorbonne and who was allowed to participate in lectures. She did a PHD and got married to Pierre Curie – also a physicist. They were a lovely couple, worked together and had 2 daughters. In 1903 they both and Henri Becquerel were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for the research of radiation. In 1906 Pierre Curie was killed in an accident. Maria lost not only a husband but also a workmate. She continued to work and became the head of the laboratory at Sorbonne after Pierre. She fell in love with a physicist - Paul Langevin. His wife revealed their affair. It was too much for the public opinion: a foreigner from the East (many people thought she was Jewish), a scientist, an atheist and a temptress! In 1911 she received the Nobel Prize in Chemistry for discovering two elements: radium and polonium (named after the Latin name of Poland – Polonia). But she couldn’t pick the award, her “reputation” could cause a scandal. Through all her life she had to bear prejudices against her sex.

From 1912 until her death she was the head of the physiochemical department in the Radium Institute. Thanks to Maria the Radiological Laboratory was opened in Warsaw (today Centrum Onkologii im. Marii Skłodowskiej-Curie). The history of medicine would be completely different without radiology!

We must also remember that Maria’s daughter Irène Joliot-Curie and her husband Frédéric Joliot-Curie were also physicists involved in the study of radioactivity. They were laureates of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry in 1935. Maria’s grandchildren continue the great family achievements: Hélène Langevin-Joliot is a professor of nuclear physics and Pierre Joliot is a biochemist.

2011 is the international year of chemistry and in Poland and France – of Maria Skłodowska-Curie. The Polish authorities have created a programme of celebrations but unfortunately concentrated on the academic level. There’s not much for so called normal people. If you compare it to the Chopin’s PR last year, it looks pathetic, Maria doesn’t even have an international website! I really don’t know how to explain it, I’ll give you some hints:

1) romantic Poles prefer to promote art than science
2) it’s ignorance
3) it’s pure sexism.

I’m happy that at least a company AMS organized a competition about Maria. Young artists created posters about women’s and men’s equal rights. There are many with Maria, I really recommend you to see (here)! In Warsaw near BUW there’s a new mural with our famous scientist. It should remind Poles that she was born here.

More about Maria in Polish you can read for example here. You can also listen to a few Polish Radio programs about her here. On youtube you will find many funny films like this in Polish and this in English.

Below an interesting picture from Maria's museum in Warsaw.

Polenorientiert – a conference in Warsaw

2011-03-20T18:27:00.008+01:00

I write a blog only in English but it doesn’t mean I don’t like the other languages. I also have a heart for Roman languages and German. I’m really interested in the past and future relations of Poland and Germany.

One of my old students and a friend Lukas Becht told me about the conference in Warsaw “Polenorientiert. Why Poland is an interesting country for Germans?". It’s a sociological conference about the contemporary relations between the two countries. Lukas will have a speech about the politics, hopefully I will be able to listen to him. Fingers crossed (in Polish trzymam kciuki!) for him.

It’s a fact that more and more Germans visit Poland and learn Polish. In some areas we are very similar and in other different. I will always claim that the languages are comparable. For sure Germans have a brain for the Polish grammar and learn fast (of course the motivation is crucial:). I find the idea of this conference very interesting.

When? 31.03.-3.04.2011
Where? The University of Warsaw
Entrance is free. More info here.

To prove that I did something for Poland in Germany I enclose a photo from the fair in Stuttgart in 2009. Putting these brochures there was a self-appointed initiative and perhaps not exactly legal. But maybe somebody have become interested in Poland?

Polish films in English - even more!

2011-03-13T21:19:00.005+01:00

Once again a great initiative in Warsaw! The best Polish films with English subtitles.

Every Monday at 19:00 in Stare Miasto, ul. Jezuicka 4. Kino Alchemia. Tickets: 13 zł.

(theoretically every Monday but there’s no programme for the rest of March)

14.03.2011: ZIEMIA OBIECANA / PROMISED LAND - A. Wajda, 1974, 18:00!!!
04.04.2011: ZEZOWATE SZCZĘSCIE / BAD LUCK – A. Munk, 1960
11.04.2011: MATKA JOANNA OD ANIOŁÓW / MOTHER JOAN OF THE ANGELS – J. Kawalerowicz, 1961
18.04.2011: REWERS / REVERSE – B. Lankosz, 2009
09.05.2011: REJS / THE CRUISE – M. Piwowski, 1970
23.05.2011: POPIÓŁ I DIAMENT / ASHES AND DIAMONDS – A. Wajda, 1958
06.06.2011: SAMI SWOI / OUR FOLKS – A. Mularczyk, 1967
20.06.2011: NÓŻ W WODZIE / KNIFE IN THE WATER – R. Polański, 1962

My tips? Definitely old Wajda “Ziemia obiecana” and “Popiół i diament”. “Rejs” and “Nóż w wodzie” are also perfect. Just see all! More about the films here.

EDIT: Also the second institution in Warsaw organizes the Polish films in English. Filmoteka Narodowa offers the cycle THE BEST OF POLISH MOVIES. I should write “offered” because the last film will have Spanish subtitles. But it makes it even more interesting. On the 23rd of March you can see “Kobieta z prowincji” – “Mujer de provincias”. More info here.

Why Poles don't read? Plus Polish Internet Libraries

2011-03-05T12:32:00.020+01:00

Recently Biblioteka Narodowa published a report on reading in Poland. Poles are literate but don’t want to read not only the books but also longer texts. In 2010 56% of questioned Poles 15+ didn’t open ANY kind of book (including encyclopedias, cooking books etc.). It was compared to France – 31% and Czech Republic – 17%. In 2008 it was even 62% in Poland – shame (wstyd)!

It’s not easy to explain why it does look like this. Some people will never read no matter what. A family and social environment play a very important role but even educated children of educated parents can avoid reading. In my opinion Polish schools don’t teach reading – now a preparation for the exams the most important on every level. Pupils learn guessing what tests’ authors had on mind. School should create the culture of reading and the ability for the critical thinking.

Poverty is the second factor. It seems that reading doesn’t require spending money on books because there are libraries. In cities you have many, always with computers and free Internet. But in the countryside in the 90’s many libraries were closed. Still in 50% of Polish homes there’s no Internet access. Reading is getting easier and cheaper with e-books. When hopefully the Polish state will guarantee the access for every citizen Poles won’t only watch films or comment others’ activities on the web.

The report showed that poorly educated, 60+, unemployed and pensioners are those who don’t read. In the comment by Biblioteka Narodowa you can also read that Poles work a lot and don’t have time for more sophisticated entertainments. But 25% of those highly educated haven’t read any book in the last year. It’s really worrying that they don’t feel the need to not only relax with the literature but also improve their job qualifications this way.

I’m a reading maniac, my studies were dedicated to reading and I can never stop. I really enjoyed collecting books but last year I decided to give away most of them to libraries. I keep only the most favourite or useful. Why am I writing this? Maybe I could inspire you to share things you don’t need with others? In Warsaw there are places where you can leave used clothing, bedclothes, books, toys etc. If you’re interested, send me an e-mail. Every library takes books also in English (and I read them:).

By the way* I would like to introduce you Polska Biblioteka Internetowa. You will find there many Polish texts or texts in Polish (only these without copyright). There’s also the Polona library with English descriptions. If you would like to read old Polish magazines and newspapers I recommend you to see the website of Biblioteka Uniwersytecka w Warszawie.

* in Poland we say it in the French way: a propos [a propo], originally à propos

Vocabulary:

analfabeta/analfabetka – illiterate
wtórny analfabeta - secondary illiterate
analfabetyzm – illiteracy
biblioteka – library
bibliotekarz/bibiotekarka – librarian
narodowy/a/e - national
pożyczać komuś (+ Dat.) – to lend
pożyczać od kogoś (+ Gen) – to borrow
wypożyczać – to lend out - biblioteka/wypożyczalnia wypożycza książki na miesiąc.
wypożyczalnia - lending library

Placki/racuchy z jabłkami

2011-03-02T16:44:00.011+01:00

I promised to write about them and I had to make them to take pictures. A very easy and quick dish, for lunch or dessert.

Placki z jabłkami are very similar to the American pancakes but they have fruits inside. In Poland we traditionally add apples but they can also taste very well with bananas, strawberries etc. You can also make them with vegetables: zucchini or pumpkin (with salt, pepper and herbs).

The dough is the same as for pancakes (naleśniki) but it’s thicker and you add baking powder or whip whites. My last placki were very flat, probably I added too little baking powder. Don’t be confused with the pattern on the sugar, it was the next layer of placki.

Ingredients:
200 grams of flour
2 eggs
1,5 cup of milk/kefir/yoghurt/zsiadłe mleko (set milk)
3 apples
1 teaspoon of baking powder
oil
powdered sugar

Also possible: vanilla flavour, cinnamon

Put all dry ingredients into a bowl, add milk, eggs and mix. Peel apples and cut them into thin slices. Put chopped apples in the dough and fry on hot oil. Sprinkle placki with powdered sugar. Warm are delicious so eat right off. Great also with cream and jam. Smacznego!

P.S. "Placki" is a very good example of the pronunciation of "c" in Polish. It's always ts, never k. And when c and k are neighbours, we must read both [platski].

Drinking in Poland

2011-02-23T16:47:00.010+01:00

According to the stereotype Poles drink a lot, especially vodka. Is it a fact, a reality, a habit? A recent WHO publication has made me thinking.

Firstly – the data. It’s not very up-to-date (2007) but we don’t have any better. In the stats every Pole 15+ drinks 13 litres of pure alcohol a year*. The Polish data shows only recorded amounts – 9,5 l. Since 2001 to 2007 it’s been 2 litres more.

Let’s compare it to the other countries. “The Economist” did it for us, check this image.

I’m not going to defend or accuse. I drink almost nothing so I can’t share my personal experience with you;) It’s not because I’m against, I just don’t like the bitter taste. Most of my friends end with one or two bottles of wine. Fortunately the society is getting richer so drinking wine becomes more popular. For the last 10 years I’ve observed the growing number of wine shops in Warsaw which is positive.

I wanted to know what foreigners think about the Polish drinking style. From this blog I took this two quotations with which I fully agree:

“The vast majority of Poles drink rarely and with considerable restraint but there is a small elite corps of front line spetsnaz drinkers who take the bulk of the strain for the entire nation”. True!

It starts early as probably everywhere. The first drinking experiences have kids around 13 years old. What is more bothering 68% of 15-year-old boys and 54% of girls drank alcohol last month.

“Polish teenagers were immensely proud of what they saw as their nation’s reputation for hard drinking. In the way of teenagers everywhere the ability to acquire and consume alcohol was seen as a mark of extreme coolness”. Unfortunately many young people enjoys boasting about the amount of alcohol they drank or who did what after heavy drinking.

All in all I don’t think Poles drink differently than other nations. The only alarming situation is the number of drunk drivers who cause a lot of accidents and kill many people. So many campaigns, condemnations and explanations and it’s still a big problem.

If you would like to read more, check PARPA website.

I would like to read about your experience with alcohol in Poland. What does it look like here and in your countries?

* It may sound a lot but 1 bottle of beer for 300 days gives 7,5 l of pure alcohol.

Preparing for Tłusty Czwartek and what is serek homo

2011-02-09T11:13:00.024+01:00

This year Easter is very late (24.04) and proportionally Tłusty Czwartek is on 3.03. So there’s more time to train eating pączki and faworki;) I’ve eaten a lot of pączki recently I must say that price doesn’t reflect the quality and taste. I’ve tried a wide range from the cheap A-petit in the underground passage in Metro Centrum to Delikatesy owned by Bracia Gessler or exclusive Embassy – Magda Gessler’s brand. Pączki for 1,2 zł are not only edible, but also tasty. Those for 5 zł disappointed me, nothing to remember. 2-3 zł is a normal price in Warsaw in local cukiernia (I don’t recommend supermarkets’ production).

Where you can try perfect pączki?

ul. Jarosława Dąbrowskiego 71 – one of the best pączki in Warsaw, with rose MNIAM!

ul. Hoża, close to plac Trzech Krzyży – great pączki with different fillings in the small old cukiernia

ul. Górczewska 15 – these traditional producers sell only pączki! Don’t wait for Tłusty Czwartek, because you will spend 2 hours in a queue

Also in the middle of ul. Chmielna you can smell fresh pączki from 50 metres, they are perfect when warm but after nothing superb.

With faworki it’s even more difficult. Faworki have to be crunchy and not white! But last year in Mokotów I found something which at least was close to my high expectations (because of my grandma's wonderful ones):

al. Niepodległości 119 A

Even though I’m an experienced cook and I never give up in the kitchen pączki and faworki intimidate me. Polish doughnuts are yeast-raised and I haven’t done a lot with this kind of dough. Also deep frying isn’t very pleasurable. BUT pączki are worthy any kind of effort. I didn’t want to throw myself in at the deep end so I decided to try the easier and very quick version firstly. They are called angielskie pączki but I have no idea why. Instead of yeast I used serek homogenizowany* (photo below. I like this producer).

* homogenized cheese. A very popular dairy product in Poland, something between yoghurt and cream. Our neighbours probably also like it. I have no idea how does it look like in the other parts of the world, maybe you could tell me?

The result? More like RACUCHY (I promise to do them soon) than pączki but fine.

Ingredients:

1 ½ glass of wheat flour
1 serek homogenizowany vanilla flavour (can be any different)
3 eggs
half teaspoon of baking powder
2 small spoons of spirit vinegar (I used spirit, because I hate vinegar)
2 spoons of powdered sugar
a lot of fat (oil, lard)
powdered sugar

Mix all the ingredients with mixer. Heat fat slowly. When it’s hot put the small amounts of dough into it (with a spoon or a teaspoon). Deep fry until they are golden brown on both sides. Sprinkle with powdered sugar or cover with icing. You can also add marmalade, chocolate etc.

Fast and tasty! Recommendable especially in the winter.

"From Poland with Love"

2011-02-03T11:57:00.006+01:00

A year ago I wrote about an interesting documentary on the origins of wódka. Fortunately the same crew continued to film Poland. They created the travel series "From Poland with Love" about modern Poland and young artists. It's sponsored by a producer of wódka Wyborowa so you'll see a lot of wódka there;) Films are funny, lively and give a lot of information. You must watch and tell me what impression do you have. Check VBS channel.

New political movement

2011-01-28T11:00:00.007+01:00

Usually I don’t write here about politics. The everyday live show in the parliament and media makes me feel sick. Media give too much space to mediocre people and their fruitless talks. After the plane crash in Smoleńsk day by day we observe political fights. Many Poles are tired of the constant funeral, confrontations with Russians and right-wing conspiracy theories.

Voting in the presidential and parliamentary elections was always rather an inconvenient duty for me. There was no real power which responded to my expectations. It’s quite popular in Poland to vote against, not in favour. But I really would like to see a change and at least try to trust somebody. So I cheer on the new association created by the former PO* member and a very interesting person Janusz Palikot. He was born in 1964 in small Biłgoraj, studied philosophy in Warsaw, was a very successful businessman and a generous patron. In PO he was always different, daring and brutal for stupidity, hypocrisy and incuriosity. Sometimes his remarks were offhand but in general I tolerate him because he’s very smart. His association is called Ruch Poparcia Palikota (the Palikot’s Support Movement) and he’s planning to establish a party. Now he looks for support and sponsorship all around the country. Formal structures already exist and I joined the association.

The next parliamentary elections will be held in October so the new political party might have chances. If PO doesn’t do any significant reforms, people will be very disappointed. Of course many people hate Palikot for many different reasons but I believe he can convince those who never vote.

Now the main slogan is “Gospodarka jest najważniejsza” (“the economy is the most important”). What exactly does Palikot want to change? He’s programme is very liberal regarding the Polish state: he wants to see secular Poland and cut down privileges of the church (financial and in the process of decision making). For Poles it means a lot: restore the right to have legal abortion, introduce a real sex education at schools, create civil partnerships for every sexual orientation. He’s fought for the reduction of bureaucracy in the parliamentary “Friendly State” Committee and wants to strengthen the citizens. He’s against the Polish military mission in Afghanistan and would like to locate the money for the army in culture.

More about his programme you will find here.

Even if he doesn’t succeed, I want you to know that this kind of movement in Poland exists.

* Platforma Obywatelska, the ruling party

Africa in Warsaw

2011-01-17T21:45:00.010+01:00

For the last 60 years Poles haven’t been used to see people of colour and to have foreign neighbours. Democratic changes in 1989 opened the borders and since that time more and more people come to Poland. For many foreigners Poland is a transfer country on the way to the Western Europe but also starts to be more attractive. The Polish law is not inviting for foreigners but probably it’s because Poles make it complicated also for themselves. If you feel discouraged by the amount of papers you need to sign, bring and give to the authorities, I assure – we also have got to do this.

In Warsaw we are used to eat in Vietnamese, Chinese, Turkish and Arabic bars or buy on multiethnic bazaars. Still we need to be more welcoming for people from Africa. You won’t see many of them on the streets but they start to come more often. I would like to know more about how they feel in Warsaw. When I spoke to my students from Nigeria, they said they didn’t feel accepted in the public space. Of course it’s easier to describe negative experiences. When people are neutral and treat you normally, you don’t think about it. If you can write me something about it, please comment!

You can eat African food in a few places in Warsaw, I recommend Senegalese Cafe Baobab. Hmmm veal in peanut sauce was perfect... I must also visit Home Africa Bar. There is also a lot of multicultural events promoting African cultures. I was happy to see an interesting book about the lives of Africans in Warsaw “Afryka w Warszawie. Dzieje afrykańskiej diaspory nad Wisłą”. You will find there fascinating stories of unusual people. The whole book is available for free in pdf here and you can also buy a printed version.

Now for the first time we have a member of parliament from Africa. John Godson is a pastor from Nigeria, has been living in Poland since 1993 and was a radny (alderman) in Łódź. People chose him for the second term because he did a lot for his community. Now he is in Sejm! I hope more foreigners will influence the Polish law. I think he won’t be angry if I put his video here. His Polish is great and kids are lovely.

How to describe Africans in Polish?

Afrykańczyk/Afrykanka – African
Murzyn/Murzynka (from Latin "maurus" = black) – black person. Many people find this word offensive, probably because in Polish we have a few sayings with it to describe hard thankless work. I don’t agree. There are other offensive words.
czarny/czarna - black
czarnoskóry/czarnoskóra – of black skin

Bieszczady – my first trip this year

2011-01-10T13:10:00.021+01:00

For a few days I went to the end of Poland – the part of the Carpathians near the border with Slovakia and Ukraine. Bieszczady is a picturesque land with beautiful views and still wild nature. Only in the forests of Baligród where I stayed there are 30 bears, 90 wolves and 118 bisons (żubr – check the picture on Żubrówka;). They are fully protected and live freely. So good I haven’t met any representative;)

In the winter the landscapes are more severe and it’s more difficult to reach the mountains but you can also ski. Don’t expect the Western style infrastructure but the slopes and chairlifts are ok.

Bieszczady are also considered as a magic land. The population was always mixed – different nationalities and groups lived there for many centuries, had their own religions and beliefs. After the WW II the new Polish part of Bieszczady has been transformed artificially in only Polish.

If you would like to come to Bieszczady, the easiest way is to fly to Rzeszów and rent a car. I wouldn’t count on the buses if you want to venture deeper. You can also concentrate on the cities: Sanok, Krosno and Przemyśl and travel by trains. A few years ago I spent a night in a slow train from Warsaw to Sanok.

Now I’d spent two days skiing and the snow suddenly melted. So we decided to climb Połonina Wetlińska. Check the map here. I had no chance to see the great view because the fog was very dense. But climbing wasn’t meaningless! The schronisko* on the top is for sure the worst in Poland! It was colder inside than outside. The information I found there was amazing:) You have a translation below.

The only thing you can eat there is bigos domowy (home made) – quite expensive in this fancy bar – 15 PLN! You can also sleep there for as much as 18 PLN. But with your own sleeping bag (śpiwór) in the collective room. Opłata klimatyczna (“climate fee” = resort tax) is always obligatory. If you have your own mug and for example tea – 0,5 litre of boiling water (wrzątek) costs only 1 PLN. Wonderful.

“We serve cool drinks from the cellar, approx. 4 degrees Celsius. Schronisko* has no water and electricity. Don’t ask for a refrigerator”. Very nice, don’t you think? To make it more absurd, this place is called “Chatka Puchatka” which is “Winnie the Pooh’s hut”. Believe me – in Poland other schroniska have better conditions. So I drank a tea with honey and lemon, checked the toilet where the snow didn’t melt (see below) and went down.

If you want to drink or eat in a unique atmosphere I also recommend Siekierezada** in Cisna. From outside this place looks very unwelcoming but don’t be afraid. You will find there gloomy local art – many many images of the devil and literature about the life in the village and different paranormal phenomena. In the dark and pagan interior you can eat traditional pierogi or kwaśnica (sour cabbage soup). Even the barman matches perfectly this place.

For more fine art I recommend to visit the Historical Museum in Sanok with the beautiful Orthodox icons, Catholic sacral art and the paintings of Zdzisław Beksiński – a modern painter who was tragically murdered a few years ago. He had come from Sanok and donated his precious works to the museum. I really admire his works and recommend also his website.

This post is getting long but I must write also about Solina – the artificial lake and a dam created in 1968. You can swim, sail or relax in a spa. In the summer looks of course better than in the winter.

It’s not possible to describe Bieszczady in a few words, to be continued in the future...

* translated as a hostel or shelter – is something between, for tourists in the mountains
** the name refers to the title of the novel by Edward Stachura (1971). Siekiera is in Polish an axe, it's a mix with Scheherazade

Sylwester - the last party of the year

2011-01-02T21:30:00.007+01:00

On the 31st of December in Poland we celebrate the name day of Sylwester. That’s why the New Year’s Eve is called Sylwester. We usually don’t celebrate it with families. Teenagers as soon as possible start to prepare parties on their own. All you need is some alcohol, music and friends (or maybe the other way round;). You can also add fireworks, balloons and have a party outdoor or indoor. Many cities organise concerts, so if you’re not cold you can enjoy Sylwester in the crowd. You can also go to a club or ball, that special night is always a lot more expensive than any other.

The 31st of December is a working day but usually everybody ends earlier and shops are open until 4-5 p.m. The 1st is a day off and you can cure your hangover – in Polish KAC (from German). From 2011 also the 6th of January is a day off so you can have very long holidays.

Mountains is a very popular destination for Sylwester or a period from the 24th of December. In Poland you can ski in many places, so not only Zakopane is recommendable. You should reserve your stay a lot earlier!

There are also unusual ways of spending Sylwester or the 1st of January. Some people like to take a very cold bath. We call such a person mors (walrus). Every year they like to get into the freezing water (sea or lake). Some are even quite good in it. Check this video.

We also think about the New Year’s resolutions – in Polish postanowienia noworoczne. Many people don’t like them - prefer not to plan anything or claim that every moment is good for a change. It’s funny that Poles are rather pessimists and moan on every occasion but they really believe that the next year will be better. At least it can’t be worse than the last one;) I wish you of course the same! I have a great song for you, especially for this period of the year, about our traditional dish BIGOS:)) They aren't serious, just pretend to wear golden chains;)

What I don’t like in Christmas

2010-12-27T11:46:00.010+01:00

Let’s face it – Poles are not exactly Catholics (who is?). Yes, I know, you can hear everywhere that we are, you have the statistics, you see people going to the church. The truth is – in Poland the Catholic Church has the enormous influence on the government and the law. People are not used to protest against it so they have to live in the Northern Roman Empire. But it doesn’t mean they live according to the Decalogue, read the Bible, listen to bishops or even believe in the God the Father. Polish religiousness is more pagan style (but don’t say it loudly;) – Poles want saints, angels and Mary to care for them, pray not in order to be saved but rather happy now. (It’s a big topic and for sure I will come back to it. Today I wanted to comment on Christmas.) Thus Christmas is far more a family holiday than religious. It can be a wonderful time but unfortunately so many Poles force themselves to do things they don’t need or want.

Let’s have a look at the typical Polish family (I know, it doesn’t exist but I must generalize a bit). Who is responsible for Christmas? Of course – the Mother! Or a grandmother or a daughter but for sure WOMEN. They plan, cook, bake, clean, do shopping, pack gifts, wash, decorate, serve, wash the dishes... The list is long. Polish Christmas should be splendid: 12 dishes for Christmas Eve, other for the next day, preferably prepared at home not bought. Houses must shine, the more gifts we buy the better. I’m not saying it’s wrong. I support the idea of cleaning everything twice a year but I don’t like the social context.

Many responsibilities don’t mean women have a real power in the family. They were brought up to organize family holidays and serve everybody. Even in quite modern families which try to share equally duties between men and women Christmas or Easter cause problems. Women work very hard but are not respected for that. Because they feel overwhelmed and underestimated they become angry. So you have family discussions, grievance, blackmail... Men generally AVOID. During Christmas preparations they go out and disappear or do one thing with a lot of celebration (“dad is baking his special cake!”). Children don’t want to spend time with irritated mothers so nobody feels good at the table.

Matka-Polka is a term used to describe women who are very dedicated to the family and always put their individual benefits aside. Children and family life are the most important factors in their life. Sometimes they can be happy and fulfilled but in most cases after many years of serving husbands and children they are frustrated and often explode (“this year there will be no Christmas, you’re ungrateful!”, “Through all my life I have sacrificed everything for you!”). You can say – it’s their fault! They have educated husband and children badly. It’s not exactly true – this is how women have functioned in the culture for the last 1000 years. Finally in the XX century they started to really decide about themselves. So it requires more time to redefine family relations.

My point is that you don’t have to sacrifice anything or work until you faint to have a great time with your family. Everybody should be engaged in Christmas preparations and not just “help” (I hate this word) the mother. Food or decorations are far less important than the nice atmosphere. I wish you only Christmas like this:)

Christmas preparations and who is a Matka-Polka?

2010-12-24T02:02:00.012+01:00

I wanted to write a few days ago but finally I’ve spent too much time on my Christmas preparations. I also have a constant cold and it doesn't help. In fact as it's 2:00 a.m. I should be sleeping now...

I promise to write more as soon as possible! I will explain who is a Mother-Pole:) I won’t write much about the Christmas traditions in Poland, my fellow bloggers have already done it. Please have a look:

1) in English: transparent/polish, tasting Poland.

2) en Español: polskeando.

Today is Wigilia (Christmas Eve) and I wish you warm and nice atmosphere, close people around, good food and a lot of lovely gifts:)

This is my favourite Polish kolęda (Christmas carol) in the best version - by Krzysztof Krawczyk. Enjoy:)

Swearing in Polish

2010-12-17T00:34:00.008+01:00

This video motivated me to write something on the Polish swearing style. Indeed our language is very rich - there are many different words on different levels of vulgarity so you can express yourself in every situation;)

to swear – przeklinać. 1. ja przeklinam, 2. ty przeklinasz
a swear word – przekleństwo, brzydkie słowo

1) Take the worst word - kurwa ("prostitute"). I don't recommend to use it in public despite the fact that you can hear it on every corner, at school or work. Some people add it to an every sentence in order to express the whole scale of emotions. Don’t do that unless you want to be seen as primitive and poorly educated.
Poles made up funny substitutes for kurwa. From the worst to the very light: 1) kurna 2) kurde 3) kurczę/kurczak…

The worst words describing women are kurwa, suka (bitch), cipa and pizda ("vulva"). For men there is chuj ("penis"), skurwysyn/sukinsyn (son of a bitch).

2) gówno – shit
Gówno mnie to obchodzi!
Gówno wiesz!

3) English verb to fuck can be translated with many words: pieprzyć, pierdolić, jebać... Originally they refer to the sexual activity. Pieprzyć nad pierdolić mean also to say bullshit and to fuck up.

Mój znajomy całą noc pierdolił o swoich sukcesach.
Wczoraj spieprzył mi się komputer.

4) They behave like all the other verbs – if you add a prefix they have different meanings (all vulgar). I just give a few examples, the whole list is overwhelming.

a) NA-
napierdolić się, najebać się – "to get drunk"
Nie umiesz normalnie pić? Zawsze musisz się napierdolić?

b) O-
opierdolić, opieprzyć – "to tick off"
Szef mnie opieprzył za spóźnienie.

c) OD-
odpierdolić się, odpieprzyć się – "to sod off"
Odpierdol się, to moje sprawy!

d) PRZY-
przypierdolić, przypieprzyć, przyjebać – "to hit"
Przyjebałem głową o szafkę.

e) WY-
wypieprzyć, wypierdolić, wyjebać – "to throw away/out"
Wyjebałeś wszystkie moje rzeczy na śmietnik?

e) ZA-
zapierdolić, zapieprzyć, zajebać – "to steal"
Sąsiad zajebał mi grabie. (I’m smiling when writing this, it’s vulgar but sounds so funny:)

When you can’t use any swear word and something is needed you can use the light cholera or kurczę. In fact you can use anything, the intonation counts. What do you think about the famous motyla noga (butterfly’s leg)? ;)

More beautiful expressions you will find here. And here przekleństwa taken from Polish films.

What words do you use? What is your experience with swearing in Polish?

My first pierogi

2010-12-11T13:21:00.009+01:00

As you probably know pierogi (singular – pieróg [pieruk]) is a Polish typical dish. It’s a dough made of flour and water stuffed with anything you like. We boil them and sometimes fry after in a pan. In Poland there’s no tradition of baking pierogi like in many other countries.

What Poles like to put inside of pierogi?

Traditional pierogi:

1) Pierogi ruskie z białym serem i ziemniakami – “Russian” type with Polish white cheese and boiled potatoes
2) Pierogi z mięsem – with meat (beef or chicken or different mixed)
3) Pierogi z kapustą i grzybami – with sauerkraut (sour cabbage) and dried mushrooms. Served on the Christmas Eve

Other (great for vegetarians or vegans):

1) Pierogi ze szpinakiem – with spinach
2) Pierogi z soczewicą – with lens
3) Pierogi z kaszą gryczaną – with buckwheat groats

Sweet (accompanied with cream):

1) Pierogi z serem – with white cheese and sometimes raisins
2) Pierogi z truskawkami – with strawberries
3) Pierogi z jagodami – with berries

Feel free to experiment with different stuffling!

In my family grandma is the person who always makes and distributes pierogi. I’ve never had a motivation to try my own. But the time has come! I chose a recipe with not just water and flour but also a little bit of fat (olive oil) and yolk.

I will not give you the amounts because I failed;) My dough wasn’t sticky enough and pierogi were difficult to seal. That’s why I recommend to use only boiling water and flour. Nevertheless I didn’t want to throw away the dough! I decided to try to bake pierogi in the oven. I made small ones (now more similar to cakes) with a rose jam from Bulgaria and one big pieróg with broccoli, onion and blue cheese. And it was not only edible but also tasty! Not exactly Polish but never mind. So if something goes wrong don’t feel discouraged! They look not so bad:)

It’s easier to watch than just read so I recommend to take a look on youtube. Here you will find a recipe for pierogi in Polish and here in English.

SMACZNEGO!

The worst Polish ads

2010-12-02T00:36:00.000+01:00

Here are the nominees in the Chamlety contest of the worst Polish ads. "Chamlety" is a smart combination of Hamlet and Polish cham*.

Here you can see the worst outdoor ads. Three of them are degrading for women who are presented as sexual objects created for men's pleasure. They don't have mind or individuality, their body is used only to catch the attention. One brakes the law encouraging to violence and the one about Grunwald is completely ridiculous.

Here are the worst video ads. Sexist and repulsive. OK, so stupid that funny but in general it's not funny at all. Sexism in marketing is of course the international problem. Not so difficult to solve, contests like this can help to raise awareness. What everybody can do is to stop buying products promoted in a such way. If you still aren't convinced that this is really a problem I recommend you to watch "Killing us softly 3". Hopefully people working in advertising agencies will understand it too.

* no idea how to translate, look in a dictionary. Cham it's a very useful word, not vulgar but offensive.

Christopher Columbus was Polish?

2010-11-29T22:34:00.004+01:00

Today very short - just the link. What do you think about it? What does it change?

Have a good night - dobrej nocy/dobranoc!

Never again "Polish concentration camps"

2010-11-24T13:24:00.015+01:00

EDIT: After your request I will explain it once more.

From time to time in Poland media inform that somewhere in the world somebody wrote about the "Polish concentration camps". During the WW II there wasn't any "Polish concentration camp", on the Polish territory all of them were established by Germans (to be more precise - by the Nazis). "Polish concentration camp" is a very dangerous mental leap because it leaves the impression that Poles created the death factories and killed millions of Jews. We are very sensitive about this issue because we know well how easy is to change the history and teach next generations false facts. For example after the WW II in Polish schools children couldn't learn anything positive about the Polish underground forces (AK). Oficially this topic came back after the democratic transformation.

Now the American Polonia (Polish diaspora) wants to eliminate the term "Polish concentration camps" from the US media. They want to convince the biggest dailies to write in their stylebooks that you should use only the accurate term "German concentration camps in Nazi-occupied Poland". If you think it's important please help and sign the petition. Many many people did it.

If you're not familiar with the topic of the Nazi camps have a look at the very useful publication of the Auschwitz Memorial. You can download it in many languages. If you live in Poland of course I recommend you to visit at least one camp. Auschwitz-Birkenau is near Kraków and for example Majdanek is in Lublin.

Polish music 2010

2010-11-19T11:00:00.015+01:00

To be honest it's not easy to be up-to-date with the newest Polish music. In the radio you can hear mostly good old hits and the Western music. In Poland radio stations are obliged to play Polish music during at least 33% of the time (it's a ridiculous law or you have it also in your countries??). But as they don't enjoy it or think that people don't want to listen it's played at nights. It's not better on television so Internet has become the first and last source.

My favourite music is rather mainstream. I can't stand that now the appearance of singers starts to play the more significant role than their voice or talent. People with no skills are promoted in order to make money. Why do we have to listen to this?

I picked some examples of the Polish music 2010 that I listen to, maybe you could add some more? What do you like?

1) Monika Brodka "W pięciu smakach"

The song inspired by the Far East in Warsaw (food, markets). Great lyrics, modesty, humour, interesting video. Bravo! The new album is more individual than the previous one, hopefully she will keep doing this.

2) 3R (Robert M, Dirty Rush, Remo) "Shine on"

The video is the real American style nightmare. Produced by men for men, with almost naked girls with no facial expression. But I like the beat. The comments below are terrific:) Poles are very critical about themselves and always find fault!

3) Kayah & Royal Quartet "Wiosna przyjdzie i tak"

Kayah it's a real star. Her old songs are super hits in Poland: "Fleciki", "Supermenka", "Testosteron". With Goran Bregovic she did "Prawy do lewego", "Tabakiera" and many more. In 2010 she recorded her hits for the second time with the Royal Quartet. More info you will find here. The song "Wiosna przyjdzie i tak" was a promoting singel. Originally comes from the movie "Przedwiośnie".

EDIT: I had a request to translate the last lyrics so here it is. I'm not a translator and I'm open to your ideas how to do it better.

Kayah - “The spring will come anyway”

You wanted to rustle as a tree
Race in the sky as a young wind
Today the sky is so low
That you must bow down

Although your world has ruined
The spring will come anyway

If you’ve made a mistake
The youth will absolve you
If you’ve stopped believing this
The time teaches us hope

Although your world has ruined
The spring will come anyway

Poland - a highly developed country?

2010-11-15T13:12:00.003+01:00

It had been my plan to write on the new UN Human Development Index report and the 41st place of Poland but a friendly blogger did it faster. I don't want to repeat everything so please read this text. I also recommend you this very interesting website with a lot of Polish recipes!

I'm happy that humanistic and economical factors show that Poland is considered as a highly developed country. The development is fast, our cites are safe and more elegant, Poles live longer, travel and buy more things. The future seen from the capital city is optimistic but we also should pay attention to the huge social problems. Well, I'm a Pole, so I must complain a little bit;) The picture isn't so wonderful. The tendencies are the same all over the world - some people are more affluent but in the same time poor people are poorer. Still many children like to go to school because they can eat there a meal. Unemployment and the lack of opportunities are a big problem in the smaller communities. The civil society is arising but many people choose no commitment in the local or public matters. The “liberal” government has no idea how to deal with the public debt and raises VAT to 23% from the next year. Why it’s so difficult to spend more on education, research and development? Poles are enterprising, they just need knowledge, favourable working conditions and a creativity booster. School education still consists in learning encyclopaedia by heart and how to pass exams. Media like to follow public debates on completely unimportant discussions like crosses or personal games in political parties. But on Sunday we have the local elections and can decide!

11.11 Fascism shall not pass

2010-11-07T12:53:00.021+01:00

FASCISM SHALL NOT PASS!

The 11th of November is the Polish Independence Day. On the 11.11.1918 Poland regained independence and after 123 years reappeared on the map of Europe. It was the end of the WW I. But today I don't want to write about the history. Every year this optimistic event is recalled by solemn celebrations - the army marches and presidential speeches. But unfortunately it's also the occasion for marginal radical groups to walk on the streets. Many people and organizations consider it as dangerous and want to protest. This is what is written in the manifesto:

"As every year on November 11, nationalists and neo-fascists from various organizations are planning a march through the streets of Warsaw. We do not want the supporters of xenophobic and racist ideology, who proudly refer to the pre-war organizations of openly fascist sympathies, to again pass through the capital. Remembering the past, we believe that the growing national movement must be opposed. For two years now, we have been trying to block this march. We will stop it only if there will be many of us.

We are a group of different people and organizations. We share an idea of resistance against fascism. We are planning a demonstration on the route of the fascist march. We want to physically block it. We will use our civil rights. We invite all residents of Warsaw and all who want to come to Warsaw, to take part in active opposition to the fascists. We look forward to your participation in the preparations, to your arrival to Warsaw on time and at the place proposed by us. We hope you to prepare banners and inform friends about our activities. We count on your presence".

If it's also important for you take part and tell your friends!

People gather in Krakowskie Przedmieście close to św. Anna church at 13.30.

We want no fascism in Poland and anywhere else!

Akcja "Znicz" - The "Candle" Action

2010-11-04T10:54:00.018+01:00

Every year during the first days of November there is lot of car accidents. Poles kill themselves on the roads all year but in this specific time you can see how dangerous is to use a car in Poland. A lot of policemen monitor the roads and control cars in the akcja "Znicz" but the statistics are far from optimistic. It's not getting better.

What are the reasons?

1) Bad roads. Of course a lot of kilometres of highways have been built but it's still not enough. In my opinion new roads will be too expensive for an average driver. Local roads are dark and often have no signs.

2) Foolhardiness. In Poland abiding by the road rules is still considered as stupid. How can you do 50 km/h in the city? 110 km/h on the highway? Ridiculous. Drivers are always in a hurry. Besides they have better and better cars so why not show off?

3) Alcohol. Embarrasing. This year during the All Saints weekend 1880 drunk drivers were caught. So many years of promotion the sobriety, severe penalties (above 0,5 per mille of alcohol in blood may be punished by 2 years of imprisonment) and the results are poor.

In Poland you can have 0,19 per mille, 0,2 is punished. Our neighbours choose the more strict option, in Belarus, Czech Republic, Lithuania, Slovakia and Ukraine only 0,00 is possible!

I can only add BE CAREFUL!

1st and 2nd of November

2010-11-03T16:39:00.028+01:00

The 1st of November is the All Saints' Day (Wszystkich Świętych). Although it's a Christian holiday I have never seen anybody recalling the saints in Poland. During the PRL times when all the Catholic holidays were replaced by secular traditions the 1st of November was named the Day of the Dead (Święto/Dzień Zmarłych). It was a successful change because now on the 1st Poles think of these who are gone. It's far more important then the 2nd which is the All Souls' Day (Dzień Zaduszny = Zaduszki). It's also a day off work and the most congested day on the Polish roads. All the country goes to cemeteries which is quite unusual in Europe. Don't plan any trips on the 1st of November because you will stuck. This year it was better because we had 3 days to visit all the cemeteries.

What you find there it's really amazing:) Of course many different lights (znicze). The trends change every year. You can choose from a wide range of shapes and colours. A lot of kitsch.

I prefer the simplest and cheapest.

Poles adore decorating graves. Sometimes it's really too much - you shouldn't do it in order to impress your neighbours. Flowers are also important.

You can think that it's weird but I really love going to the cemetery. Even just for a walk. I'm not a Catholic so I don't feel the obligation. In fact it has nothing to do with the Christianity. In the old pagan times Slavs and Balts commemorated the dead by feast rituals. In the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth this tradition was taken over by the Christian All Souls' Day. Poles remember it because Adam Mickiewicz wrote the great drama called "Dziady". It's an obligatory text for every Polish pupil so I should present it in the separate note.

I recommend you to visit a Polish cemetery on the 1st or 2nd of November in the evening. It's magical and yes - romantic. There's a light on every grave (even if there's nobody to come strangers will put it) and graves of famous people or tragical events are almost burning. If you live in Warsaw go and see Powązki, beautiful.

Book guide part 5.

2010-10-26T11:45:00.007+02:00

"Swego nie znacie... czyli Polska oczami obcokrajowców", Judyta Fibiger

You don't know yours but you praise others... A myth or not - Poles don't appreciate what they have? This little book was written in order to show Poles what foreigners who chose Poland as their home appreciate in our country and culture. It consists of 35 short interviews with special women and men from around the world. They represent different professions and have different experience. They also prove that it's possible to speak Polish:) Good pictures, nice to read, I recommend. It should be translated into English and distributed for example during Euro 2012, it could be a great promotion for Poland.

Bezpłatne szkolenie dla cudzoziemców spoza UE

2010-10-19T11:49:00.004+02:00

A free training for foreigners from outside the UE living in Poland minimum 1 year.

Znalezione w portalu ngo.pl:

Fundacja Inna Przestrzeń organizuje bezpłatne szkolenie dla cudzoziemców spoza UE (którzy minimum rok przebywają w Polsce) z zakresu autoprezentacji, bycia liderem i skutecznego poszukiwania pracy. Odbędzie się ono 31 października 2010 r. w Warszawie. Przyda się każdemu w pracy i na studiach. Rekrutacja tylko do 25.10.

Więcej informacji tutaj.

Beautiful Polish autumn - a trip

2010-10-18T14:42:00.019+02:00

Piękna polska jesień

In Poland we really think that our autumn is perfect (when it doesn't rain). This year we've had sunny weather for 2 weeks which was very nice. Leaves are full of colour, you can collect chestnuts or acorns and enjoy different aromas. Having in mind the approaching awful winter I went on a weekend very close to Warsaw to catch the last cool days (above zero). I spent 2 nights in a stud. Horses are quite a reliable alarm clock:) The Chopin’s year is getting to an end and I decided to went back to the Chopin’s family house in Żelazowa Wola near Sochaczew (Soho;). The manor house itself isn’t very interesting but the park and the surrounding modern buildings are really worth seeing. Here are my photos:

More info about the museum you will find here. I recommend also a Polish restaurant in front of the Chopin’s parents residence. Food is correct, interior is cosy and peaceful. You can rest there and charge your batteries for the following attractions.

I also went to Nieborów to see the impressive magnate residence. It was built in the 1694 and fortunately preserved until today. You can visit decorative interiors and 2 big parks – one at the residence and the second in Arkadia (a few kilometers towards Łowicz). Łowicz is an old interesting city with a lot of churches, known by its folklore and food industry. A short walk can be also pleasant.

I also wanted to see the unique fortified church in Brochów, a place were Fryderyk Chopin was baptized. Now renovated.

In Sochaczew you will also find the museum of the narrow gauge railway and the municipal and historical museum.

Have I encouraged you to go? Mazowsze is for sure worth exploring:)

Imieniny - Name day

2010-10-06T11:48:00.011+02:00

As my imieniny (only plural) are approaching I would like to write more about this tradition. It’s of course international, very strong in Poland.

The origin of the name days is Catholic and Orthodox. Memory of saints or martyrs was celebrated by giving them days in the calendar. Believers still celebrate the most important. In Poland people give children only standard names with no extravance so almost everybody has his/her equivalent in the calendar, sometimes more than once.

For example the most popular Polish female name is Anna. Anna has imieniny on the 10th of January, 7th and 9th of June and 26th of July. Generally people choose the closest date after birthday. You don't need to be a Catholic to have imieniny, atheists celebrate them too:) The motivation is no longer religious. For the older generations imieniny were far more important than urodziny (birthday). It could be connected with the fact that you don’t need to tell your age or remember the date;) Most Polish calendars include dates of imieniny because it's very helpful.

If you want to check if your name appears in the Polish calendar look here.

Now it depends on the family if you organize a party at the name day or birthday. I’m lucky because in my family kids celebrate both, I always receive many gifts. But for example my grandma avoids her birthday (you shouldn’t even wish her anything) and the rest celebrates only big anniversaries (50th or 80th birthday). The Westernization in Poland means also growing significance of birthday.

At schools pupils bring sweets on both occasions. In many companies in Poland employees prefer to organize imieniny. You bring a cake and receive flowers of gifts. If you buy flowers remember that only the odd number. It’s the old superstition but the odd number also looks better in the bouquet (in Polish bukiet). Poles love flowers, you can see how many florist’s are on the streets, it’s a good business.

imię –> imieniny. The celebrating person is called solenizant/solenizantka
urodzić się –> urodziny. Jubilat/jubilatka

My name day is on the 10th of October - wishes are warmly welcomed:)

Universal wishes are Wszystkiego Najlepszego – all the best. The pronunciation and other ideas you wil find here.

Polish modesty

2010-09-25T16:55:00.019+02:00

Modesty - sometimes lovely but normally a very irritating feature.

1) Poles don't brag

Probably you will never hear what is somebody's greatest accomplishment or a recent success. We just don't like to be considered as conceited so we prefer to be silent. Children are trained from early childhood - bad behaviour is punished but good is normal so you don't deserve an award. At school teachers don't like to praise pupils, nobody gained his/her self-confidence during school education (many lost).

It leads to absurd - you have to teach people how to speak about their strong points. During one of the workshops in which I took part the most stressful exercise was to speak 1 minute in the most positive way about yourself. Assertiveness is still an unknown word for many.

In Polish there wasn't a word meaning "success", so we borrowed it and now have sukces. But still there is no adjective like "successful". You can only say "człowiek sukcesu" - "a man of success". In this context I prefer American style – talking openly and positively about yourself. Of course I don’t recommend exaggeration.

2) Poles want to be seen as poor

In Poland you shouldn't show off about what you own or how much money you make. Salary is a taboo comparable to masturbation. Poles prefer to hear that everybody live a "normal" life with no extravagance. Of course it’s a kind of a social game, we prefer to hide the truth.

3) Poles don't know what to do with compliments

Compliment Poles and analyze their reaction:) Typical Polish answers are:

- You look perfect in this dress! Wyglądasz fantastycznie w tej sukience!
+ It was a real occasion, 50% discount. To była prawdziwa okazja, przecena 50%.

- You made a delicious dinner. Zrobiłaś pyszną kolację.
+ The meat wasn’t enough salty and I should have baked potatoes a bit longer. Mięso nie było wystarczająco słone, powinnam dłużej piec ziemniaki.

- Your work impressed our clients. Twoja praca zrobiła wrażenie na naszych klientach.
+ All the team worked hard. Cały zespół ciężko pracował.

And what should you hear? Thank you – dziękuję. I also like the idea of agreeing “I think in the same way about myself”, “Też tak o sobie myślę”.

These types of behaviour are strongest among women than men. Women are still taught to be nice, quiet, concentrated on others' needs and to stand in the shadows. Step by step it will change. More and more people invent in their personal development, read self-help books and learn how to think and speak positively about themselves. Trainers and psychologists have a lot to do.

Quick trip to Lublin

2010-09-20T00:09:00.020+02:00

Last week I spent only one day in Lublin and in fact most of it in the museum of the Nazi death camp Majdanek (during the WW II called KL Lublin). I understand that not everybody wants to visit these kind of places but I always recommend to go.

For sure the guide is needed, the one which we had was perfect - could answer all the questions and really liked his job. For 3 hours we couldn't talk about everything and also because the area is quite big you should reserve more time for a walk. All the information there you will find in English.

This is the impressive monument - a gate to the camp:

What is unique in Majdanek are original gas chambers. In the other camps they were destroyed and rebuilt. As you can see the camp is in the city, houses are nearby:

In the Lublin district about 1,5 milion Jews were murdered. I've read a lot about the Shoah but I don't want to write here more now. Inside this enormous monument you can see a knoll made from ground with crumbled bones:

After visiting Majdanek I went to the beautiful Lublin Old Town. The castle has a very interesting architecture. You will find there many buildings in the renaissance style.

Because the act of creating the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth was signed in Lublin in 1569 (called the Union of Lublin - Unia Lubelska) you can find there many references to the old Rzeczpospolita. For sure Lublin is worth seeing for more than one day.

Easiest vocabulary

2010-09-08T12:41:00.002+02:00

When you start to learn polish you can feel discouraged by the long words which are difficult to pronounce. If this is your first Slavic language you have no associations at all. There’s no other way – to must learn them. But today I want to show you that in Polish we have many words what you will understand immediately. We need new words to name the new inventions and ideas and the easiest way is to borrow them from the other language. As many studies and scientific research come from the USA or Great Britain and English is the language of the global communication we can’t escape from having so many anglicisms. But for foreigners who learn Polish it’s for sure better;)

My list is of course incomplete, these are just examples. Many of them come from Latin but it doesn’t interest us at the moment.

1) English-Polish identical words with Polish pronunciation

alarm, argument, bank, bar, drink, fan, film, golf, hamburger, hobby, hotel, idea, internet, market, marketing, media, menu, minimum, moment, ocean, opera, park, partner, party, penis, problem, puzzle, radio, sauna, serial, sofa, sport, student, trend, zero, zoo

2) English-Polish identical words with English pronunciation

case, cool, dealer, design, drive, fitness, leasing, light, peeling, PR, pub, quad, weekend

In the beginning anglicisms have English spelling but after some time it’s getting Polish.

3) English words with Polish spelling

biznes, dżem, dżinsy, flesz, kondom, lider, mecz, menedżer, singiel, striptiz

4) Words from Latin ending in -cja, -sja

Hard to recognize at the first glance but if you remember that in English they all end in –on it will be much easier.

akcja, dyskusja, informacja, lekcja, promocja, relacja, wizja

5) Verbs

It’s often very easy to make a Polish verb. You must take a word from Latin or English and add the ending –ować:

analizować, dekorować, gratulować, interesować się, kopiować, produkować, studiować

The newest words are for example: mailować, mobbować, spamować

It’s also very easy to conjugate them because –ow- always changes into –uj-

1. ja gratuluję (we don’t pronounce this ę but it exists!)
2. ty gratulujesz
3. on/ona/ono/pan/pani gratuluje
1. my gratulujemy
2. wy gratulujecie
3. oni/one/panowie/panie/państwo gratulują

Of course many Polish verbs also end in –ować: pracować, kupować, podróżować.
Remember that when a verb ends in –awać it’s –aj- -> dawać – ja daję.

Where to eat cheaply in Warsaw?

2010-09-01T08:38:00.017+02:00

It's not so easy to find a cheap and tasty bar. Probably it's also not so easy to find an expensive and delicious restaurant (restauracja). But if you're hungry (głodny) you don't have to eat hamburgers, there are many other places.

My personal preferences:

Bar Vega, ul. Jana Pawła II 36c. Great food not only for vegetarians. Big portions, you can make your own combinations. Also a shop with healthy food.

Kebab Sahara, ul. Krucza 51. Now in the new nicer localization. The best musaka in the world. Many types of kebab but also different dishes everyday.

Co Tu, ul. Nowy Świat 26/28 (pawilon 21). Vietnameses for Poland. Always crowded.

I still haven't found the perfect naleśnikarnia. There are very tasty eco naleśniki (pancakes) in Kukuryku, ul. Kopernika 25 but the interior and service need to be improved. If you're looking for the Polish style naleśniki (not thin French crepes) or pierogi try there.

And what to do if you're in the shoppping mall (centrum handlowe)? If it's Ikea, eat there. Not delicious but for these prices recommendable. It's rather a canteen (stołówka), during the weekends whole families form big queues. If there is no Ikea around and I'm terribly hungry I choose Salad Story or as a last resort Wiking with too expensive Polish food.

There are also Polish-style bars called bar mleczny. They have nothing to do with milk, Polish dishes are served there. You will find good food for example in Bambino, ul. Krucza 21 or Sady, ul. Krasińskiego 36. I don't eat there probably because I had Polish cuisine for many years for lunch (obiad), my grandma cooked perfectly for me.

And what are your types?

Useful vocabulary:

dziękuję - thank you
proszę - please. Proszę 2 kebaby / 2 kebaby proszę.
smaczny - tasty
smacznego! - bon appetit!

Book guide part 4.

2010-08-29T22:52:00.008+02:00

Recently I mentioned Steffen Möller - a very nice German guy who has chosen Poland for his home. His fluent Polish*, sense of humour and modesty made him popular in our country. He became a stand-up comedian and now jokes about Poles and Germans in Poland and Germany reducing mutual fears and stereotypes. He also played roles in Polish serials and took part in the well-known talk-show "Europa da się lubić".

I would like to encourage you to read his book about Poles and Poland "Polska da się lubić" (in Polish)/"Viva Polonia" (in German). It should be immediately translated into English and send by the Polish government all over the world. It’s funny, unpretentious and warm. You will get to know more about Polish mentality (virtues and imperfections) and customs from A (absurd) to Ż (życzliwość – kindliness). Recommendable also for Poles – great for curing our own complexes.

* he started to learn during his studies - you don't have to have Polish ancestors to achieve it:)

No history this month

2010-08-24T11:48:00.002+02:00

Recently Polish public debates concetrate mostly on completely unimportant subjects for the citizens' daily life like historical events or pseudo-religious events (cross in front of the Presidential Palace in Warsaw - holy for some but for others an object of ridicule). There are so many urgent matters to talk about (plans to raise taxes, low standards of the university education, sex parities in the elecction, womens' rights, LGBTQ rights...) but media choose easy infotainment. Unfortunately tv journalists seem to have poor education and interests. As I'm irritated I would like to protest;)

I'm not going to write about the 66th anniversary of the Warsaw Uprising and also about the 90th anniversary of the Battle of Warsaw.

But I'm not going to leave you just like that. About this first battle I recommend you to watch this interview with the women partisans (in Polish). History is always dedicated to men but fortunately some people try to overcome it.

About the latter - somebody has described it better:) Now in Warsaw in Krakowskie Przedmieście street you will find huge photos of Józef Piłsudski and Lenin. Controversial but looks well.

What's your favourite Polish word?

2010-08-13T20:29:00.015+02:00

"Gazeta Wyborcza" has prepared a survey. You can send them your own ideas, of course there's no one good answer. I find it a wonderful initiative. I agree with some of the GW's readers that Polish words connected with love and care sound warm and beautiful:

czułość, pieszczota, miś, przytulać.

But what about funny ones?

I love Central Poland words which end in -ak:

zwierzak, bydlak, szczeniak.

They are easier than also not bad zwierzę, bydlę and szczenię, so we replace them.

Steffen Möller who speaks Polish fluently in one of the interviews tells what are his favourite Polish words (I fully agree): dżdżownica, rozbabrany, rozmemłany, bąbelki, ufoludek:)

There are more incredible verbs and participles especially colloquial: memłać, leźć - rozlazły, paść - spasiony, piszczeć, miąchać.

And what do you think about źdźbło, miażdżyca and durnostojka?

Please write me what Polish words do you love!

What a disappointment

2010-08-09T18:39:00.009+02:00

Sorry for not writing for a while but I'm enjoying my time on holidays:)

I've been waiting for the animated history of Poland in 8 minutes ("Animowana historia Polski") shown on Expo 2010. You can see it on youtube. Unfortunately the movie is completely not worth seeing. Fights, blood, torment = boring "men's history". According to the author there was no interesting Polish women to show*. For a second you can see the university in Kraków and Copernicus. More about the Polish cultural life and ideas should be presented. If you don't know the Polish history I'm not sure if you understand anything from this animated version. I would put more about the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth, passion for education, royal eleccions, Polish-Jewish famous people. It's not an easy task to show a lot in such a short time but it doesn't have to be so fast and violent. It's nice that Adam Mickiewicz is there but who will recognize him? So I'm still waiting for the short movie which presents Polish accomplishments, inventions, culture.

* Edit: I'm not alone, there's a page on Facebook about getting rid of women in this movie.

Poles on holidays

2010-07-30T11:36:00.030+02:00

Where do we spend holidays and what do we like to do?

As everywhere else the money is the most important factor. Generally not many people travel around the world, Poles explore cheaper destinations. During the PRL times you could only choose the Eastern bloc (in Polish “demoludy”) destinations - e.g. Bulgaria, Crimea or East Germany (in Polish NRD). Now a lot more popular for holidays are Western or Southern countries like Greece, Italy, Croatia, Spain, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey (on the photo below). But after lovely holidays in Bulgaria I have to admit that many Poles go also there.

Poland is very beautiful and offers a lot regarding holidays but unfortunately if you're looking for 100% perfect weather it's better to go abroad. We even have a nice term for this – “pogoda barowa” – rainy and cloudy weather only for going to a bar.

Poles love Polish seaside – big beaches and clean sand. The only thing that spoils pleasure is the cold Baltic Sea. Sometimes you can swim but I recommend to take a wet suit with you. Where to go? It depends if you like crowds or not. The most popular cities are Sopot, Władysławowo, Krynica Morska, Jastarnia, Jastrzębia Góra, Łeba, Międzyzdroje. If you like water sports the best place is Hel – the peninsula. Below - not the prettiest beach in Łeba:

Mountains in the summer? Why not? It’s quite popular in Poland. Not only Zakopane – Karpacz, Muszyna, Szczawnica, Wisła, Ustrzyki Dolne...

Many people choose agroturystyka – rural houses or apartments for rent usually run by families. All over the country you can live healthy during holidays – eat regional food, drink fresh milk, wander or use a bike. Great not only for people with small kids or dogs – we like to escape from the city for a weekend. Close to Warsaw you can also find nice places to rest for a while in a friendly atmosphere. Host offer not only food but also horses, grills, campfires, workshops and sport equipment.

For people with any kind of health problems there are sanatoria. In sanatorium you will get medical treatment and spend time close to the nature. Most sanatoria have been renovated and have offers for foreigners. If you don’t suffer any health problems – not medical spas are highly recommendable. They are expensive but so elegant and all new.

And in summer music festivals attract a lot of people, at last Poland gains on the Western Europe: Open’er, Przystanek Woodstock, Castle Party, Coke Live Music Festival.

Useful vocabulary:

agroturystyka/gospodarstwo agroturystyczne - farm tourism
dom wczasowy = hotel (lower standard)
pensjonat - guesthouse
urlop - holidays from work (leave)
wczasy - holidays
wakacje - holidays
wyżywienie - food on holidays
wyżywienie własne - your own
zajazd - inn
zakwaterowanie - accomodation

And for those fluent in Polish - a funny article in "Gazeta Wyborcza" about complaining on holidays:)

Łódź

2010-07-26T08:35:00.016+02:00

I visited Łódź for the second time and would like to recommend you a short trip there. From Warsaw it's easy to go there by train (interRegio is the cheapest option).

Firstly, Łódź means "a boat" and it's feminine (ta Łódź, jadę do Łodzi).

It's a city known by the textile industry which grew in the XIXth century. Immigrants from all over Europe came there allured by the vision of the possible wealth. Poles, Jews, Germans and Russians lived in Łódź together, did business and often went bankrupt. Some manufacturers were very rich and built beautiful residences and tenement houses (kamienica) but the mass was struggling and starving. I don’t have to write what working conditions you could face in the early capitalism. Russian authorities weren’t keen on investing in Łódź – for example the first sewage system was built in the 1920s so life wasn’t very pleasurable in this wild city.

Łódź wasn’t destroyed during the WW II so you can visit old factories and see different architecture. Many buildings are renovated but many aren’t so you will feel more like in the East then West. The main street is called Piotrkowska and it’s almost nice – the main problem is the same as everywhere in Poland – authorities don’t control the number and shape of banners and ads so we have an ugly and chaotic colourful mix which spoils the view. I really can’t stand it, in Warsaw it’s the same.

In the beginning of the XXth century Łódź was one of the biggest Jewish city in the world (240 000 inhabitants). There is the biggest Jewish cemetery in Europe. When you go there it’s good to see the old Radegast Station – from where Nazis deported Jews to the extermination camps. Today’s Łódź is only Polish but you can see many signs of the multicultural past.

So what to see in Łódź? It depends how much time do you have. If not much – Piotrkowska, the Museum of Łódź with the exhibition about famous inhabitants and unique interiors, Manufaktura – the great shopping, entertainment and cultural complex in the old factory. Oh and the perfect hotel... You don’t need any transport, everything is very close. But if you don’t like to walk you can always take a cycle rickshaw (Polish riksza) or a Segway.

If you have more time there’s also a good-looking museum of contemporary art, the little sewage canal museum, the old building museum, famous Film School museum and many other places to visit.

Where to eat? I encourage you to visit a Jewish-Polish restaurant to try a local cuisine.

And I really recommend you one of the best Polish movies ever “Ziemia obiecana” (“The Promised Land” - 1974) by Andrzej Wajda based on the novel of Władysław Reymont (1899) about a Pole, German and Jew who do business together in Łódź. Fantastic actors, plot, pictures. Here you will find the movie.

And last but not least a nice but a bit too long video about Łódź in English:

Grunwald - the historical battle

2010-07-15T16:35:00.011+02:00

600 years ago on the fields of Grunwald (German Tannenberg) there was a huge battle between the Polish-Lithuanian alliance and the Teutonic Knights. I think it's really interesting but I have no desire to write now about the historical details so please check the Wiki :)

Today the new president of Poland Bronisław Komorowski, the president of Lithuania Dalia Grybauskaite and the Grand Master of the Teutonic Knights Bruno Platter met in Cracow in order to celebrate this impressive anniversary. Fortunately everybody on the same side:) How good is to live in the Central Europe in peace, after the constant conflicts now we can cooperate.

This week in Grunwald you can watch reconstructions of the battles, medieval crafts, listen to old music and play different games. It's crowded and hot but children love it. Don't forget to visit the biggest castle on the Polish territory - Malbork - the residence of of the Teutonic Knights (XIV-XV).

Below a very good spot made by a Polish great animator Tomasz Bagiński - as always dark and serious. Don't you think that in the past wars were much more fair? Battles were won by these who had better qualifications or were braver. Arms were far less important. And now weapon of mass destruction it's money and technology.

EuroPride in Warsaw

2010-07-14T08:48:00.010+02:00

EuroPride is the annual event organized by The European Pride Organisers Association (EPOA) - a network of European Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Organisations. It started in the 1992 in London and spread in the Western Europe. This summer for the first time EuroPride is organized in the more Eastern Europe. Until the 18th of July you can take part in many different events: conferences, clubbing, parade, film festival. The motto is “Liberty, Equality, Tolerance”.

In Poland LGBTQ rights are still a matter of discussion. Catholic organizations consider them as a danger for the church and families. Protests are loud but fortunately the authorities of Warsaw don't take them into consideration. I wonder how many people will protest during the parade, during the feminist marches there are always some black-dressed guys from nationalistic organizations.

I recommend you to come for the parade and just enjoy colorful diversity and peaceful manifestation. All the details on the official website.

I also invite you to the National Museum in Warsaw where for the first time you can see the exhibition Ars Homo Erotica. More info here.

Summer - what to do in Warsaw?

2010-07-10T20:37:00.016+02:00

At last we have a real summer:) Temperatures 30-35 degrees! We must enjoy it and don't think about forthcoming long autumn and winter;) Of course you can't stay at home. There are so many great things to do in the capital, most of them for free.

1) The river - rzeka

When we want to be close to the water Wisła it's perfect although swimming is forbidden. You can suntan on the one of the beaches. The one near Łazienkowski bridge has just been opened - entrance is near ul. Kryniczna. Free deckchairs, grills and toys for children.

Water tram - goes from the Old City to Łazienkowski bridge

Ferry to Serock - every Saturday and Sunday, 9 hours of relax on the water. I've bought a ticket and can't wait:)

Small ferries for walkers and bikers

2) Open swimming pools - otwarte baseny

Moczydło - ul. Górczewska

ul. Wał Miedzeszyński 345

Open only a little bit but so nice inside - Wodny Park Warszawianka ul. Puławska.

3) Sighseeing - zwiedzanie

In Warsaw you can find more and more new murals. Just wander and look for them. Some you can check here. In July the city hosts Street Art Doping festival.

4) Free yoga on the weekends - joga za darmo w weekendy

At 10:15 on Saturdays in Skaryszewski Park and on Sundays in Pole Mokotowskie Park. More info here.

5) Ice cream - lody

I recommend Grycan - a Polish company which makes perfect cold desserts.

Malinova - ul. Niepodległości 130

A. Blikle - well-known Polish pastry family.

6) Movies - filmy

15th Film Summer Festival in Warsaw. Here you will find the programme. Cheap tickets.

7) Music - muzyka

Jazz in the Old Town Festival - every Saturday at 7 p.m. free concerts

Don't forget about Chopin, it's his year! All summer you can listen to the concerts.
Festval "Music Gardens" in the Royal Castle - till the end of July

More info about Chopin Year Celebrations here.

8) Theatre - teatr

Free performances of Teatr Polonia on pl. Konstytucji. Mon-Fri at 5 p.m. From the 12th of July also flamenco show! More info here.

and many more... How to stay abreast? My advice - every Friday buy "Gazeta Wyborcza" with "Co jest grane?".

Around hygiene - wokół higieny

2010-07-02T23:12:00.003+02:00

"We buy only unwashed eggs" "Attention farmers don't wash eggs (nuts;)"

Every year the same... when it's getting hot using the means of transport can become unbearable. In Warsaw many passengers clearly avoid antiperspirants and sometimes even soap or washing powder. Many buses have air condition but you can never notice - drivers often turn it off in order to save gas and get a bonus. Tons of petitions and nothing has changed.

Many Poles still don't understand why we should care about hygiene and what are basic hygienic habits. These kind of statistics are always risky but we can assume that less than 50% of Poles clean the whole body every day and change the underwear. Not better with brushing teeth. What is interesting people declare that lack of hygiene is dangerous for health but in the same time spend very little money on cosmetics and chemicals.

The Polish state completely doesn't care about education - people aren't taught at school what and how often should we clean and wash. Very little money is spent on preventive treatment, the Ministry of Health prefers to cure very serious diseases. When you are dying possibly you will be treated well in the public health care. If in general you're healthy and just want to check your blood results you won't get anything. What for? Even doctors who work privately often look at you as an alien when you want to do any tests. But the health care system is the other big topic...

And what should we do when somebody around us stinks? Uncomfortable situation, most people tell nothing. The oldest way is to buy a deodorant as a gift - not always effective. What is your advice?

If you are interested how long Poles live and what are the most popular diseases see this document in Polish.

Presidential campaign

2010-06-30T22:14:00.009+02:00

Because of the tragedy in Smoleńsk the presidential campaign is very short this year. Candidates must be fast and don't have many occasions to fight. After the death of so many people they deliberately didn't want to be aggresive or use any usual dirty methods.

I avoid watching candidates on tv because they mostly pay lip service. Of course I don't expect them to fulfil their promises especially because the president in Poland hasn't a very strong position. The power is divided between him and the prime minister but the government has a lot more to say.

Even though the election itself is boring and debates are sometimes embarrasing the results will be very important. The early ballot wasn't a big surprise, according to the expectations won Bronisław Komorowski from Platforma Obywatelska (Civic Platform) but Jarosław Kaczyński from Prawo i Sprawiedliwość (Law and Justice*) was right behind him. They are both right-wing and conservative so there isn't a big choice. We choose between a bit more Europe-oriented and open-minded and the populist more concentrated on Poland, Catholic Church and peculiar patriotism. This is a conflict between so called III and IV Republic of Poland. It's quite important to see the difference between these numbers:

1) I RP (Rzeczpospolita Polska) - XV century - 1795
2) II RP - 1918 - 1939
3) III RP - 1989 - now
4) IV RP - a slogan used mostly by Law and Justice in order to differentiate from the III RP governance.

The map of people's votes is extremely interesting. Western and more developed Poland chose Komorowski and Eastern regions preferred Kaczyński. This line represents a border of Russia and Prussia when they ruled Poland. Not so much has changed during last 100 years.

Unfortunately the turnout in Poland is always too low but this year better (55%) than 5 years ago (50%). Many people remain indifferent and many don't want to choose between these two candidates. But after the early ballot there is a huge mobilization in the nation so maybe we'll see a much higher turnout this Sunday. It's always better to take part in the election. I will support Bronisław Komorowski
although he doesn't convince me at all. Maybe next time there will be a candidate for me...

* no English website - meaningful

For all EU citizens living in Warsaw

2010-06-24T18:20:00.008+02:00

This is the information I was sent by a market research company TNS OBOP which works for the Polish Ministry of Infrastructure. I haven't changed anything:

TNS OBOP are currently conducting a study amongst EU citizens looking at their attitudes and opinions to a number of issues relating to the EU and understanding citizen's experiences in exercising their rights to intra-EU mobility.
We are holding a number of group discussions where we will invite people to come and discuss these issues. There are no right or wrong views or perceptions during these discussions; we are simply interested in what you have to say on the topic.
We would like to invite you to attend a group discussion, with 5-6 other people. The group will be held at 30.06.2010 on TNS OBOP, Wspólna 56 street, Warsaw. Please help our interviewers to gain all information needed to invite you on focus group.

Would you be able to attend?
We are looking for volunteers in the 25-55 years old residing in Poland from 3 to 6 months and from 7 months to 5 years.
Estimated time of the meeting is about 2 hours.
We will pay for your participation gratification in the amount of 150 zł.

Contact Agnieszka Zalewska 504 129 506.

The interviews will be in English and Polish so feel free to speak.
The results will help to the Polish government diagnose what kind of difficulties foreigners face in Poland. Let's do this for the better EU integration:)

Adam Mickiewicz

2010-06-11T00:26:00.016+02:00

For me there was no doubt - the first Pole that is worth knowing is Adam Mickiewicz - a poet, visionary, man of letters, activist. I studied Polish philology also because of him and spend a lot of time in his fascinating life. He was born in the 1798 on today's Belarusian territory which after the partitions of the Commonwealth was ruled by Russians. One of his quotations (known by every Pole) is "Lithuania, my homeland" so you can have doubts if he was really Polish. He was born in a region where nobles spoke Polish and had Jewish, Belarusian and Lithuanian neighbours. Mickiewicz's first language was Polish, then he wrote also in French. He is regarded as the national poet of Poland, Lithuania and Belarus and of course every nation searches his ancestors.

His life was too complex to write here his biography but I want to just give you some ideas.

Mickiewicz's family was poor but thanks to the scholarship he was able to finish studies on the Vilnius University. As a student he started to write poetry and it became obvious that his talent was outstanding. Too modern for classical old masters he was quickly popular among young people. After unclear investigation about his and his friends' involvement in the patriotic organization he was expelled from home forever. Forced to live in Russia he spent a few years in Petersburg and Moscow. Fortunately, supported by the Russian aristocracy he didn't have to earn a living. It was the time of his personal development, new works, romance. He was not only a sensitive genius but also very attractive man:) He managed to escape from Russia and wandered a few years in Europe (Germany, Switzerland, Italy). Depressed in his thirties he felt like an old man. As many Poles that time he settled in Paris. Too rashly decided to get married. His marriage with mentally ill Celina Szymanowska was very difficult. They had 6 children and were very poor. By the age of 35 he wrote his greatest works. Then he was involved in European politics, wrote articles, became a lecturer of Slavic languages and literatures at the Collège de France. With Andrzej Towiański - a self-made religious leader - he created a sect and lived the EXTRAORDINARY life. After their break-up Mickiewicz was involved in the revolutions of 1848. After his wife's death in the 1855 he went to Constantinople in order to form a Polish and Jewish legions to fight against Russians. His sudden death surprised everybody. He was buried in Paris and then moved to Wawel in Cracow.

Next time more about his works!

Poland on Expo 2010 and folk traditions

2010-06-08T22:03:00.002+02:00

Today I would like to show you the Polish design on Expo 2010 in Shanghai. Three young architects (Wojciech Kakowski, Marcin Mostafa, Natalia Paszkowska) inspired by folk art did a great job. The pavilion resembles Polish paper cut-outs (wycinanka). Here you will find different examples of this tradition originally from central Poland. Simple women made these beautiful shapes. I remember doing it in my primary school but of course very simple ones.

If you don't know what souvenirs should you buy in Poland I recommend you for example these modern folk gadgets.

More photos from the inside of the pavilion here.

8 minutes 3D movie by Tomasz Bagiński „Animowana Historia Polski” - "The Animated History of Poland" was seen by many many visitors. It hasn't been showed yet in Poland. From the trailer it looks dramatically (only war and tribulation) but I read that's not everything. How do you like it?

Water still dangerous in Poland

2010-06-06T21:10:00.004+02:00

... but some guys take advantage of the flood... Yes, it's stupid and risky but I love people with imagination... When Poles do something ridiculous but innovative or cheeky / perky (no idea what's the appropriate word in English) we call it "polska fantazja" - "Polish fantasy". We think that we're not good in everyday solid work but have a lot of energy and brilliant ideas from time to time (especially feeling unsafe).

Funny Polish photoblogs

2010-05-29T11:56:00.007+02:00

My favourite about bad taste, kitsch, sometimes stupidity and sometimes ignorance.

Aaaby sprzedać - for some people selling things on the internet auctions is a challege;) Original pictures taken from Allegro - the biggest Polish auction portal (with great comments).

Ekskluziff - how to promote your apartment on the web before selling;) Disastrous interiors and design.

Białe kozaczki - "White high boots" (Kozak = Cossack). The symbol of cheap and primitive clothing. Worn by women any age and shape without reflection. Unfortunately usually accompanied by kitsch long nails, extremely blond or black hair, orange suntan and very short skirts. Brrrrrr.

Floods in Poland

2010-05-25T15:34:00.018+02:00

Wyrzuty sumienia = remorse! I have many ideas to write about but somehow I haven't managed to do it recently. But this week I will improve.

I must come back to the last topic. Many people suffer from the flood, thousands were evacuated and 16 died. In a few regions in Poland it really looks terrible, you can see the video here. All the local services are struggling: firemen, soldiers, also prisoners and volunteers. It's unusual that there's so much water after 3 days of rain in May. In Poland heavy rains start in the summer. The biggest flood ever was in July 1997 (56 casualties). Most vulnerable regions are Małopolska (Kraków), Podkarpacie (Rzeszów) and Dolny Śląsk (Wrocław). Warsaw was always rather safe but this year it changed - the level of Wisła is very high. There are some difficulties but fortunately caused mostly by preventive actions. Many people come to see Wisła and take pictures - "turystyka powodziowa".

Vocabulary:

powódź - flood
powodzianin (pl. powodzianie) - flood victim
klęska żywiołowa - natural disaster
ratunek - rescue
pomoc - help

If you're in danger in Poland shout "Ratunku!" or "Pomocy!".

How can we help people who lost everything? For example by giving money to the Polish Red Cross.

In 1997 the havoc was enormous. To help raising money Polish artists sang a good song by Hey and Katarzyna Nosowska "Moja i twoja nadzieja" ("My and your hope"). Video here and lyrics here.

I recommend you also a humorous comment on reporters' excessive involvement in the flood.

Dangerous rain

2010-05-18T21:42:00.004+02:00

Today something in Polish - where should we add Polish characters?

Noc Muzeów 2010 - Museum Night Fever

2010-05-09T18:43:00.010+02:00

The first Lange Nacht der Museen took place in Berlin in 1997. In the 2003 the idea came to Poland. Every year more and more institutions open for one night. The cultural offer is enormous.

On the 15/16th of May in many Polish cities there will be a lot to do, don't miss it! I warn - if you prefer to watch exhibitions in peace you will have no chance. Museums are crowded but the unique atmosphere counts! If the weather is good people just enjoy walking in the city center. Leave your car at home - in Warsaw there are many special buses besides it's worth to ride a bike (don't forget about the lights!).

Here you will find the programme for every city. The entrance is free:)

Apart from the museums I recommend you to visit for example Próżna street in Warsaw. It was Jewish before the WW II and somehow wasn't completely burnt down after the ghetto uprising in 1943. It's a ruined ghost street and traditionally a place of Jewish cultural events.

BTW remember that the word "noc" is feminine! That's why we say "dobrAnoc". The other option for "good night" is "dobrej nocy" because it's a wish and the Polish verb to wish ("życzyć") requires a noun in the form of the genitive.

Miłej nocy muzeów!:)

If you want to know more feminine nouns that end in a consonant check this.

Foreigners and migrants in Poland

2010-05-06T16:55:00.010+02:00

A foreigner:

1. obcokrajowiec (pl obcokrajowcy)

obcy (foreign) + kraj (country)

2. cudzoziemiec/cudzoziemka (pl cudzoziemcy)

cudzy (not mine) + ziemia (land)

Emigracja - emigrant/emigrantka
Imigracja - imigrant/imigrantka

I would like to present you some of the great iniciatives for foreigners or by foreigners in Poland.

Welcome Center in Warsaw - a place where you can get advice on legalizing employment or stay in Poland, search for contacts or take part in workshops for migrants.

Publications for foreigners that help to understand the complicated Polish law.

Kultilink - job portal for foreigners.

Los Polandos - a radio programme about Poland and Poles in the eyes of foreigners. Every Friday 11:00, radio TOK FM.

Kontynent Warszawa - a portal with all the information about multiculti events, places, institutions in Warsaw.

Foundation Inna Przestrzeń

3rd of May - Day of the Constitution

2010-05-03T20:20:00.015+02:00

One of my favourite national days - a remembrance of the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth civic traditions. On the 3rd of May 1791 the Parliament signed the act which was aimed to improve defects of the deteriorating state. It was created by the great noblemen around the enlightened king Stanisław August Poniatowski (a controversial guy, I appreciate what he did). The Constitution gave more rights to townspeople and peasants and enhanced some democratic procedures. For details check Wiki.

Unfortunately, the act was in force only a year. It couldn't have been a great success as our three neighbours (Russia, Prussia and Austria) didn't want to see the country stronger. After the first partition in 1772 the Commonwealth was weaker but there was still a big piece of land of to divide and take over. In 1795 the big country perished from the map of Europe for 123 years. Here you have a map of how it exacly looked like.

But the Constitution of May 3 remains a great victory of the reformative block. It is known to be the first constitution in Europe and the second in the world after the United States (1787). On this picture (1891) by Jan Matejko - Polish historical painter - you can feel the probable atmosphere of that time.

From this short presentation you can learn that the signing of the act wasn't 100% legal but...

On this occasion I recommend you to go to the Royal Castle in Warsaw. But don't only look at the interior - it's better to hire a guide or read a lot inside. You can learn the Polish history from the paintings and get to know our last acknowledged king*.

The 3rd of May can be an occasion for many different events. I avoid the military parade in Warsaw but I like the idea of running.

And lastly a nice old song:

* In the XIX century Polish kings were for example Russian tsars but ask Poles - we don't have it in the collective memory.

1st of May - Labour Day

2010-05-02T20:53:00.015+02:00

In Poland as in many other countries some people celebrate the 1st of May as an international day of social justice and workers' rights. However for Poles these celebrations have specific associations - after the WW II the communist authorities used this day in order to show their power and friendship with the USSR. Unfortunately, the presence on impressive and colourful parades was obligatory and people who didn't want to take part were somehow punished at work or school. Some "disobedient citizens" considered the absence as a patriotic manifestation. Fortunately I don't remember these times. Here and here you can see the examples of propaganda posters. BTW I recommend you going to Kozłówka - a beautiful place on the way from Warsaw to Lublin. Among other things you will find there also a gallery of the socialist realism - socrealism.

Now on the 1st of May parades are still being organized in Poland. Left-wing parties and their allies meet there communist worshippers, trade union activits and anti-capitalists.

As in Poland the 1st and the 3rd of May are free of work they form a long weekend - długi weekend. We call it weekend majowy or majówka. In the favourable conditions you can take 3 days off and have 9 days for holidays (not this year). Many Poles plan far or close trips, grills, parties with friends on działka (a piece of land which we own, with a house or even not, not very far, where we gather, grill sausages, drink alcohol, invite close people, sometimes sleep). Conditions on działka depend of course on how much money somebody wants to invest - some of them are really classy and some don't even have a toilet.

Prasówka - round-up of the press

2010-04-29T23:49:00.014+02:00

Why foreigners who live in Poland should learn Polish? Of course the article is also in Polish;)

The ridiculous and amusing idea from "The Economist" - the new map of Europe. I would enjoy this new Polish location but not because of no neighbours - we would have more beaches:]

The same in Polish resumed by "Gazeta Wyborcza".

A funny material from Fakty TVN about the most challenging geographical names to read - the famous Icelandic volcano Eyjafjallajokul really doesn't seem to be so difficult!

Book guide part 3.

2010-04-24T15:05:00.006+02:00

Written by Ewa Lipniacka - an English Pole whose family emigrated to Britain during the WW II. She discovered her country and wrote about Polish culture in a funny way. In this series you will find books about almost all European nations and some other.

As we can read from the cover:

"Xenophobia - an irrational fear of foreigners, probably justified, always understandable". In Polish ksenofobia, ksenofob - Polish ortography is simpler than English but we don't have x and write is as ks (seks) or sometimes gz (exam - egzamin).

In my opinion xenophobes are mostly people who have never been abroad and have no contact with other cultures. When you notice that people around the world have more less the same problems and experience your fear diminishes. This kind of books help in undestanding others.

Inside you will find chapters like: Character, Manners, Eating & Drinking, Business, Leisure & Pleasure. As a Pole I haven't been aware that Poles buy A LOT of flowers or share personal opinions willingly and loudly. I knew that Poles love titles (doktor, inżynier, kierownik;) and "there is a peasant nestling in the heart of even the most noble Pole".

Even if a "national character" is an issue to be discussed I admit - I identify with this book. Worth buying and reading.

E-guides

2010-04-21T21:21:00.011+02:00

At last it's warmer in Poland and you can enjoy your time outside. I recommend short one or two day trips - anywhere! Even if your Polish friends tell you there's nothing to see in the surroundings don't believe them. All around the world people aren't very familiar with their own place;)

If you live in Warsaw and don't have time for travelling explore Mazowsze - the most interesting part is the north and south. But also close to Warsaw there are fantastic places like the palace in Otwock Wielki. I haven't been there but it looks great!

Check these not so well-known places!

I found a very interesting website with many e-guides in Polish. In English you will find something here and of course in the irreplaceable Trip Advisor. Virtual Tourist seems to be also ok but 49 regions in Poland existed between 1975 and 1998! Apart from 1999 we have 16 województwa (voivodeship). Shame!

On the photo: Opinogóra Górna - a representative property of the noble Krasiński family. Now the Museum of the Polish Romanticism. Exhibition only in Polish!

Commemoration of the dead

2010-04-18T20:00:00.010+02:00

I wanted to write about it after Easter but now after 7 days of the national mouring I have the more significant reason.

Many foreigners who spend more time in Poland notice that Polish people are very attached to the dead. Cemeteries aren't abandoned places and we visit them on many occasions without pressure, not only on the 1st and 2nd of November (Dzień Wszystkich Świętych i Dzień Zmarłych). This Easter I took a photo on one of the Warsaw's cemeteries:

Poles care about graves, clean them, decorate and spend a lot of money on flowers and candles. Unfortunately some people think that the more you buy the more feelings towards the dead person you show. In the smaller communities people even show off on the cemetery;) New style mourning candles are often kitsch (Polish kicz, adj. kiczowaty) and I'm not a fan of these:

Here you will find the information about contemporary Polish death and burial customs. This week you could have observed carefully planned ceremony of the burial of the president. It's amazing that 200 000 people came to the Presidential Palace in Warsaw just to see the coffin, pray and say goodbye. Poles prefer to be together in difficult moments but unfortunately rather only sad or dramatic events unite the nation. But it's too big topic for this post.

Today the president was buried in the Wawel Cathedral in Kraków - Polish symbolic place. For many it was too pompous and inappropriate as there are graves of Polish kings and the most worshiped poets. For sure it's meaningful and creates a new tradition.

In the past noble Poles had extraordinary funeral ceremonies, this is a fragment from Wikipedia about Sarmatism (XVII-XVIIIth century): "Funeral ceremonies in Sarmatian Poland were highly unusual, and unknown in other parts of Europe. They were carefully planned shows, full of ceremony and splendour. Elaborate preparations were made in the period between a nobleman’s death and his funeral, which employed a large number of craftsmen, architects, decorators, servants and cooks. Sometimes many months passed before all the preparations were completed. [...] Occasionally an army of clergy took part in the burial (in the 18th century 10 bishops, 60 canons and 1705 priests took part in the funeral of one of Polish noblemen)". This kind of celebrations had nothing to do with Christianity. Too expensive, too ostentatious, their aim was to show power and wealth of the elite.

When there was no Polish state funerals of the famous men often turned into patriotic manifestations. We inherit these both traditions.

National mourning

2010-04-11T20:01:00.019+02:00

So many things to write...

Unfortunately all 88 passengers and 8 members of the crew died. The body of the Polish president has been identified and transported to Warsaw today. Thousands of people came to say goodbye, give flowers or light a mourning candle (znicz on the photos). I also wanted to be at least for a while in front of the Presidential Palace (Pałac Prezydencki), in the crowd it's easier to not to feel the emptiness.

If you understand Polish I recommend you to watch today's Fakty TVN. It's a very good material and very sad.

This kind of a tragedy happened for the first time in the whole world. "The crash wiped out almost half of Poland's leadership. Those killed included Kaczynski, his wife, Maria, the army chief of staff, the head of the national bank, Poland's deputy foreign minister, 12 members of parliament, and at least two presidential aides" ("The Guardian"). Most of the senior staff in the presidential administrative office died. Not only officials were flying on that plane - also families of the officers killed in Katyń 70 years ago and chiefs of the veteran organizations. Here you can find the whole list.

We really appreciate a huge support from the Russian president, prime minister and all the services. Perhaps this incredibly difficult situation will warm up rather cool official relations between Poland and Russia.

In Poland we will have 7 days of national mourning. EU and our neighbours: Lithuania, Ukraine, Russia and Czech Republic decided to do the same (but shorter). We are surprised of the amazing support from Latin America: Venezuela, Colombia and Brasil (in which will also be national mourning!). Polish tragedy is on many newspaper covers but we really wish a different kind of promotion.

This week most of cultural events are cancelled, theatres and cinemas are closed, you will see many Polish flags with a pall. In the newspapers you will find many many obituaries (nekrolog). In radio and tv there will be no ads! Every flag will hang half-mast.

A national tragedy

2010-04-10T12:00:00.012+02:00

Today at 9:00 Polish presidential plane Tupolev Tu-154 crashed in Smoleńsk (Смоленск) in Russia. The Polish state delegation was going to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Katyn massacre. The cause of this air crash is unknown yet, Polish and Russian governments have started investigations.

Likely all of the (approximately) 88 passengers on board were tragically killed - including Polish president Lech Kaczyński with his wife Maria Kaczyńska, Ryszard Kaczorowski - the last President of Poland in exile, many members of parliament, high rank army officers and representatives of different churches.

It unbelievable, we're all devastated.

According to The Constitution of the Republic of Poland now the head of the state is Marshal of the Sejm (Chairman of the Sejm) Bronisław Komorowski.

Polish Easter - Polska Wielkanoc

2010-04-08T01:35:00.016+02:00

I wasn't fast enough - in the Polish Blog Adam wrote in an interesting way about traditional Polish Easter. I don't want to repeat all the facts, I add some crucial things.

Easter remains not only the Christian tradition. It's a mix of very old pagan customs and the faith in the Resurrection (Zmartwychwstanie) of Jesus. All the spring, fertility and new life symbols like egg, bunny*, little chicken, yellow and green colour (jajko, zajączek, kurczaczek, kolor żółty i zielony) are connected with celebration of the passage of seasons and the spring equinox. If you think it sounds like a heresy I recommend you for example this article. In the beginning the transition from paganism to Christianity was about domination and blood and some pagan celebrations had to be incorporated in order to convince more people and make the abstract new faith more understandable.

In Poland there's no tradition of giving presents for Easter. Families meet on Sunday and Monday in order to eat together and if the weather is ok spend time more actively (no exaggeration - mostly going for a walk). People who want to avoid all this pack and leave. In Poland you can still ski in April or just enjoy your time on the beach in lovely Sopot.

On Saturday people bring to a church a small basket (święconka) with hard-boiled eggs, bread, sausage, salt and pepper and Easter decorations. My grandma prepares an ascetic version and boiles eggs with onion skins. Here you will find more examples of pisanki.

Priests bless baskets and during the Easter breakfast on Sunday we share every product (on the first photo). Then we eat a lot more: pâté with horseradish (pasztet z chrzanem), salads and of course more eggs - here with my homemade mayonaise and anchois:

For lunch there are two traditional soups: żurek and barszcz biały. On the second dish Poles eat meat: pork, veal, chicken, turkey, white sausage or less popular fish. And for dessert Eastern pascha:

and mazurek - a cake with any ingredients on top you like. My family's version requires a great deal of work and patience because this glaze needs 5 hours. But it's worth, the result is mouth-watering! Impossible to buy in any shop.

You can burn some calories on Monday while running away from people with water;) Śmingus-dyngus is a joyful tradition but you have to be prepared - there's no mercy!

* in fact in Polish it's zając - a hare

Songs about Polish tourist places

2010-04-03T19:49:00.009+02:00

Because of the cleaning ritual I have no time to write about Polish Easter. I will complete it soon, today I've prepared something different for you but also in the holiday mood.

Listen to this absolute classic songs, every Pole should know them. You can find lyrics here.

How Muniek Staszczyk with T.Love sees Warsaw - "Warszawa"

Freedom and nudity on the beach in Chałupy by Zbigniew Wodecki. This point on the screen shouldn't be green;) - "Chałupy welcome to"

Grzegorz Turnau in magical Kraków/Cracow - "Bracka"

The green hills of Solina by Wojciech Gąsowski - "Zielone wzgórza nad Soliną"

Winter holidays in a health resort in Tatra Mountains by the fabulous Wojciech Młynarski - "Jesteśmy na wczasach"

Have you enjoyed?:) Of course there's a lot more! Please write what other songs like this you like.

1% of tax

2010-03-30T18:29:00.002+02:00

If you pay taxes in Poland you have the opportunity to take away 1% from the state and donate it to the chosen NGO which has the status of Organizacja Pożytku Publicznego (OPP). This wonderful idea promotes NGO and encourages people to share. I can't imagine that somebody could ignore it, you really make no effort. You choose the organization and write it in PIT. PIT is Personal Income Tax but it's also the name of the document in which you declare your income (1st of May is the deadline). Here you will find the list of organizations. I also recommend you NGO's portal.

If you have no idea these are my recommendations:

1. Radek Makowski. A little boy from my distant family who as a consequence of a very difficult labour has cerebral palsy and hydrocephalus. He's 4 year old and needs rehabilitation. More information about him in Polish here. You can also donate money directly for him to the bank account of the foundation.

Fundacja Pomocy Osobom Niepełnosprawnym „Słoneczko”
Stanica 33, 77-400 Złotów
KRS 0000186434
Konto: SBL Zakrzewo o/Złotów Radek
89 8944 0003 0000 2088 2000 0010
With a note: Radosław Makowski 56/M

2. Fundacja Feminoteka. Great job, great portal and bookstore.

Fundacja Feminoteka
KRS 0000242885
ul. Warecka 8/91
00-040 Warszawa
Konto: ING BSK S.A.
68 1050 1038 1000 0022 9768 3522

3. Straż dla zwierząt. The Polish version of SPCA (Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals). A very small organization that we can help to develop.

KRS 0000248947
Konto: 16 1090 1753 0000 0001 0481 7326

You can donate any amount of money here: 68 1090 1753 0000 0001 0806 5211
kod SWIFT: WBK PPLPPXXX

Spring ritual + cultural reflection

2010-03-28T00:50:00.004+01:00

Every year after painful winter Poles want to breathe. That's obvious that we go out more often, choose outdoor sports and just enjoy the sun. But there's also a lot to be done at home. Yes, it's time for wiosenne porządki - the spring-cleaning. We have more energy and want to tidy up everything in order to feel reborn. Ordinary dusting furniture isn't enough. It's better to mobilize and throw away and give to charity all unnecessary things, sort out clothes, clean windows and beat carpets. In the past there was a huge washing before Easter but now fortunately we don't have to wait in order to launder in the river;)

Cleaning reminded me of a funny situation my friend experienced abroad. She was asked if in Poland we know what a dishwasher is. It's nothing wrong in the fact that most people in the world know nothing about Poland and some of them consider this country as a very very developing. But maybe sometimes it's better to keep some questions for yourself? It applies to every culture. It's not that I feel offended actually not so many Poles have dishwashers. But what's the point of asking? Should we really have them? Would it make us more civilised? These kind of questions demonstrate superiority over the second nation.

But just in case let's make it clear;)

97% of Poles have a washing machine
95% a vacuum cleaner
10% a dishwasher

I found this interesting information from Główny Urząd Statystyczny in "Gazeta Wyborcza". Here you will find more statistics on what we have at home and how it's changed over last 10 years. It's also a nice vocabulary exercise:) "B.d" is "brak danych" - lack of data.
And remember that we have 2 words: "aparat fotograficzny" and "kamera". The first one is for taking pictures and the second for making movies.

21st of March - start wiosny

2010-03-25T21:03:00.010+01:00

A very old pagan tradition of celebrating the end of winter remains important in Poland. Now we don't fight with the cruel gods or don't praise the good ones but the 21st of March is still special. The old Slavic folk custom of burning and drowning Marzanna on the last day of winter is still alive. It's performed mostly by children at primary school who make a puppy of this pagan goddess of winter and death. They drown it in river (under teachers' supervision). It's a ritual that symbolizes the passage of seasons. In the past the Catholic Church wanted to prohibid it but somehow didn't succeed. Drowning Marzanna remains one of very few Polish celebrations that are not connected with Christianity (we have almost only national or religious holidays). Most pagan signs vanished or were eliminated by the "new faith". Unfortunately we don't know much about the Slavic mythology. Only specialists analyse what is left from the past. But it's too big topic for today.

Drowning Marzanna:

The 21st of March is not only the day of spring but also truant's day (dzień wagarowicza). Theoretically teachers accept pupils who avoid school this day but in reality many people (should) come. To make it more bearable you can dress up in a funny or weird way or put on a lot of make up. Boys often try girls' clothes and accesories:) Sometimes lessons last shorter or are replaced by competitions and pupils' performances.

The 21st of March is also a good occasion for any other joyful event. I really enjoyed the idea of giving tickets to theatres, cinemas and museum in return for recyclable materials. In Warsaw it mobilized many people. If you live in Cracow or Wrocław it's an upcoming event so collect newspapers, bottles or batteries:) More info here.

I'm so glad spring has come back:) My bike waited 5 months for good weather.

On cheese once again

2010-03-17T20:08:00.011+01:00

Food turns out to be the hottest topic here! I must write about it more often:)

Dear Michael, I haven't written that Poland is the kingdom of cheese. I agree completely - we don't have much to brag about. For some reason Poles are more original in the field of sheep milk (oscypek, redykołka, bryndza, bundz). More info about them in Wiki.

We copy products from abroad quite well. I also like Polish cheap feta and blue cheese. We have a not bad copy of Old Dutch Master which is called Bursztyn. I haven't tried yet Stary Olęder and Ser Carski but it could be something like Old Amsterdam - my favourite.

Poles like żółty ser (on the photo) - gouda, morski, edamski, salami, zamojski. Indeed many brands are tasteless (I must admit I eat only Western żółty ser). Maybe that's why żółty ser always appears in sandwiches with something on top like ketchup, mayonnaise, vegetables, cold meat or even honey or jam. I especially like it with plum jam. Would you eat it? Many Poles I know wouldn't;)

Digression: I never buy jam, I eat only one made at home. My grandma has spoiled me. Now I make it for myself. Probably I can't live without blackcurrant and apricot jam. Ach!

I'm not a fan of ser topiony (processed cheese?) but it's also popular in Poland. I use it sometimes to prepare my family's lighter version of leczo (Hungarian lecsó).

In Poland there was no tradition of celebrating cheese, only Poles who went abroad eat it alone or sometimes like French for dessert. It's changing because we have more and more brands and get to know new styles of eating. 20 years ago few Poles ate feta, mozarella, parmesan, ricotta, cheddar. We're glad that we have such a big assortment now.

Nasza zima zła!

2010-03-15T22:40:00.017+01:00

Dear Anonim, you read in my mind - I wanted to write about the counterattack of winter. We really don't remember heavy snowing in March. My patience has come to an end and even though it's very beautiful outside I hate snow! Today I got up at 6:00 and immediately started to take pictures in order to make evidence. The sun and snow were shining and it was -5. But something has changed - the sun doesn't disappear at 8:00 (like before) and lasts a bit longer.

I want to stop wearing winter coat (it's my companion since October which was frosty) and avoid wellingtons - needless to say, snow melts and there's water everywhere. At least WKD (Warszawska Kolej Dojazdowa) is reliable:

And here nice trees. It reminds me Christmas, let's do this once again! I can decorate the tree and prepare barszcz czerwony.

For fun an audio passage from Maria Konopnicka's poem for children. It's from the XIXth century but my generation knows it.

Polish white cheese - biały ser

2010-03-14T00:04:00.012+01:00

I call it just white cheese because the names like quark or curd cheese don't sound very familiar. I have no idea what's the best English word for TWARÓG, I'm sure it's not a cottage cheese which looks like styrofoam. We have it also in Poland (serek wiejski) but this is something different.

Biały ser/twaróg it's my love and the base because I eat it every morning. I have no idea why I'm never fed up, I miss it every time I go abroad;) If I emigrated I would prepare it at home for myself like many others. I haven't done it but it's very easy - you just need milk (not UHT) and patience.

If you come to Poland you should try biały ser. I especially recommend the company Piątnica. They don't pay me for ad, I think they have the best dairy products on the market. I'm their most loyal client - give me a reward;)

There are 3 types of twaróg: tłusty (fat), półtłusty (half), chudy (low fat).

What can we do with biały ser? There are 2 options - sweet or not.

For breakfast biały ser itself with bread or plus:

1) banana, strawberries, jam, honey, sugar and cream (you can add cinnamon or anything you like)

2) radish, tomato, cucumber, chive + salt and pepper

During lunch or dinner you will find biały ser in: pierogi ruskie (with potatoes), sweet pancakes (naleśniki), croquettes with spinach (krokiety ze szpinakiem), kluski leniwe or not typical Polish dishes like lasagne or musaka. You can also fry it on a pan with spices. We even make a sandwich paste with biały ser and fish.

And desserts! For sure - delicious sernik and many other cakes.

Biały ser is cheap, healthy (organic!) and tasty - is there anything better? MNIAM MNIAM.

Women's and Men's Day

2010-03-10T20:58:00.005+01:00

8th of March is the international Women's Day. Poles associate it mostly with communist times when women received a flower and a pair of tights which was always "produkt deficytowy". Polish men buy small things or flowers not only for their wives or girlfriends but also mums, grandmas, aunts, daughters, work colleagues, friends... It's really up to you.

In democratic Poland women not only receive flowers and greetings but also march on the streets in order to fight for our rights. Feminist organisations for 10 years have promoted idea of gender equality, access to the medical care and the right for a legal abortion. The walks are called Manifa and integrates many circles: feminist, LGBTQ, trade unions, left-wing parties... In every field there is something to do regarding the women's rights (women's rights are human rights!). Every year emphasis is placed on different things but the main aims are:

1) to change the very strict anti-abortion law
2) to fight violence against women
3) to provide free nursery school for every child
4) to hire a real government's Plenipotentiary for the Equal Treatment
5) to provide non-biased sex education in schools
6) to refund contraception and regulate IVF law
7) to respect the secularity of the Polish state
8) to establish parity in the elecctions (at least 50% of women on the lists)

For more info check the website of Manifa movement.

And the 10th of March is the Men's Day! Perhaps it's only in Poland because the international one is on 19th of November. Most people don't know about it but I think this idea is worth spreading. I can't accept the situation when women have only 1 day and men remaining 364... So give or say something nice to your close men:)

Saying hello and goodbye in Polish

2010-03-07T23:17:00.013+01:00

This post encouraged me to write on Polish greetings. The most important rule is to use formal greetings and Pan/Pani forms to:

1. people that you don't know
2. older than you
3. on a higher position.

Of course if you're young you can be informal with people in the same age. But the older you get you should avoid saying "Cześć" to strangers. In shops, restaurants or any kind of services we always use formal versions.

Informal both hello and goodbye:

Cześć - hard to pronounce but a nice word - it also means "honour".
Siema - abbreviation of "Jak się masz?" ("How are you?"), used by young people
Hej

Formal hello:

Dzień dobry - Good day, morning, afternoon
Dobry wieczór - Good evening

Half formal half informal hello:

Witam - I welcome you, only the host uses it, very popular also in e-mails
Witaj - Welcome

Formal goodbye:

Do widzenia

Half formal half informal goodbye:

Do zobaczenia - See you! We assume that we will meet soon.
Do usłyszenia - the same but used only during phone conversation

Informal goodbye:

Na razie - See you
Do zobaczyska - See you
Pa pa
Trzymaj się/Trzym się - Take care

In the night:

Dobranoc/Dobrej nocy - Good night

How do you do? How are you?

Jak się masz? Jak się Pan/Pani ma?
Jak się miewasz? Jak się Pan/Pani miewa?

The most popular answer is "dobrze" (well) and "(Wszystko) w porządku" (ok, everything all right). But we have a wider range of options: świetnie/super, bardzo dobrze, tak sobie (so so), jako tako (tolerably well), źle (badly), bardzo źle, fatalnie/okropnie (terrible).

Co u Ciebie? Co u Pana/Pani? Co słychać? Co nowego? - What's up? What's new?

Answer can be the same as above plus: Nic nowego/Po staremu (nothing new).

As Anna in Polish Blog wrote - be aware that you can hear a real answer including somebody's problems with: health, money, work or partner. Very popular is to complain about the weather, political or economical situation in Poland. Poles don't like to brag and generally they diminish their accomplishments. This is a very interesting topic but this post is getting too long so I will continue next time...

C.D.N. (ciąg dalszy nastąpi) - to be continued

Donate blood

2010-03-03T22:35:00.010+01:00

I realise that I have completely ignored the Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver. Poland was actually quite successful and had won 6 medals. But today I want to write about something different...

I always promote the idea of donating blood because you never know when you might need it – and there is always too little of it in hospitals. If you're an expat why not do it here, in Poland? Of course some people just can't do it and some will never want to share this piece of their body but if you hesitate why not try?

Don't believe in myths!

1) The process of donation is 100% safe and you can't become infected. Hygienic conditions at the donation stations are excellent.

2) It's not painful and, in most cases, soon after, you will feel very well.

3) Every donor is carefully examined. You will be asked to fill out a form about your health. Your blood will be tested for STIs and hematocrit. It's worth donating, if only to get these results. Your pulse, blood pressure and body temperature will be also evaluated.

4) It is not true that after one donation (450 ml) your body will produce more blood. You don't have to donate regularly, but why not? Men can safely do it six times a year, and women, four times a year.

5) Following the donation, you will be offered some juice, a chocolate bar and 8 chocolates.

By law, if you donate blood during office hours, it is considered an excused absence. You will not be paid, but you can deduct the value of your donated blood from your income tax, i.e.,130 zł for each one donated litre.

While in Warsaw, it's best to go to ul. Saska 63/75. If you don't speak Polish, consider going with somebody who does.

For details see Wiki and Krewniacy.

How to promote Polish cities?

2010-03-01T16:46:00.006+01:00

I won't give the answer but only show some ideas. Maybe we could start a small discussion? I chose the best videos (in my opinion). Unfortunately, you have to make an effort to find them and this isn't exactly the mainstream. Ads that you can find on BBC and CNN won't tell you a lot about the country because they mostly lack the voice or promote only very modern Poland. I don't know why exactly golf in Poland is highly recommended, I wouldn't come here for that.

I prefer to get info than just watch some nice pictures. Chopin was used too many times, we need to be more creative. Let's start with Gdańsk for business - long but informative.

The second one is new. It was made in order to promote Warsaw but probably it won't be used because decision makers don't like the idea of Warsaw as the provinces of Europe. But why not, it's at least something original!

And the winner is Zielona Góra! A funny movie about the city in Western Poland. Unfortunately only in Polish! It's a big avi file but worth downloading! HERE.

Which one do you like most?

Theatre plays with English subtitles

2010-02-27T22:34:00.010+01:00

I have always thought about why not to offer theatre plays for non-Polish speakers who live in Poland. Dear Expats, for sure some of you would like to see Polish performances:) Now there's an opportunity! At last Teatr Narodowy (National Theatre) in Warsaw provides English subtitles for some plays on the biggest scene. You will find no info on their website, I noticed it in the ad in Gazeta Wyborcza. So probably the only way is to ask directly what is going on.

In March you have:

3.03. "Iwanow" - a very interesting psychological play by Antoni Czechow (XIXth century Russian author)

11.03. "Umowa, czyli Łajdak ukarany" ("La Fausse Suivante, ou le Fourbe puni") - a XVIIIth century French comedy by Pierre de Marivaux

14.03. "Opowiadania dla dzieci" ("Stories for Children") - a fantastic tale about pre-war Jewish community in Poland by Isaac Bashevis Singer. Take your kids with you! It's apart 7 years old but I would say from 5. Children and adults in every age will have a great time.

I'm a theatre addict and I saw all of them. For me the best is the third one and it's not because of the local patriotism;) It's wonderful and unforgettable. The director Piotr Cieplak received 2 prizes deservedly.

Patriotic and soldier songs

2010-02-24T16:16:00.029+01:00

Chopin motivated me to write something on Polish traditional music. Today I'm presenting you my favourite Polish patriotic songs.

1. "Szara piechota" - "The Grey Infantry"

Probably it was created during the WW I. It's about the experience of ordinary soldiers. The performance of the Polish Radio Orchestra is perfect. A piece of military vocabulary for you:

bój (old) - fight, battle
karabin - gun
maszerować - to march
salutować - to salute
strzelec - shooter
szereg - row, line

BTW this white eagle is the Polish national emblem.

2. "Czerwone maki na Monte Cassino" - "The Red Poppies on Monte Cassino"

Lyrics and music written by soldiers of the Anders Army during the Monte Cassino battle in 1944 (in Italy). Lyrics are as drastic as this long battle was but I like the metaphor of flowers red of blood. Polish superheros are praised for their honour, bravery and committment. Two older battles in which Polish soldiers took part are mentioned here: Somosierra (1808 - I'm not proud of that but it remains a Polish legend) and Racławice (1794).

In Warsaw in Park (Ogród) Krasińskich you can find a monument in remembrance of the Monte Cassino battle. It's quite new and unfortunately looks like a ghost what makes people laugh.

You can sing with karaoke version:) The man on the photo is general Władysław Anders who lived in London after the war and is buried at the Polish War Cemetery at Monte Cassino.

I'm curious if you like it or it's bearable only for Poles:)

Chopin live 24h 7 days!

2010-02-22T13:54:00.012+01:00

Maybe you know that this year belongs to Fryderyk/Frederic Chopin. We celebrate the 200th anniversary of his birth. In Poland many institutions take part in this huge birtday party. If you're interested in his music and the life of this eminent figure, check the schedule. Celebrations start this week with concerts and next week renovated museums in Warsaw and Żelazowa Wola (his birthplace in Mazowsze) are going to open.

I like most the idea of giving concerts non-stop for 7 days! The event is called "Najdłuższe urodziny" ("The longest birthday") and takes place in Krakowskie Przedmieście in Warsaw. More and less professional pianists are unaccountable. They start today at 7 p.m. It's for free so don't lose your chance! Details here.

I'm going tomorrow! Maybe closer to the weekend I could try listening to Chopin at 4 a.m.:) I wonder how many people would be there...

New movies

2010-02-21T12:35:00.017+01:00

This weekend I went twice to the cinema. I could go even the third time because there's a lot to see now in Poland.

1) A Roman Polański's new film "Ghost Writer" is a really intelligent and amusing thriller. Smart, funny, with professional cast and crew. Pleasure to watch! The trailer looks very "American style" but fortunately the films isn't exactly like this (which means e.g. no happy ending). I enjoyed the colour of this movie - everything is dark and grey.

Not only the director is a Polish element - Paweł Edelman is behind the camera. He did many great movies (Polish and international) and received many prizes.

NEWS! Roman Polański won best director prize - "Silver Bear" trophy - in Berlin for "Ghost Writer".

2) The second movie "Wszystko, co kocham" ("Everything I love") by Jacek Borcuch wasn't that good. I read only very positive reviews so I was a bit dissapointed. I don't want to discourage you from seeing it - my friends like it. The action takes place in Gdańsk in 1981 - when Martial law was introduced because of growing power of political opposition (here you will find more info about it). Polish history is only the background. The main character in the film is a teenager who plays punk rock with his band and discovers love and sex. He's of course rebellious and does something against communists. For me it's a little to shallow but watch it and decide for yourself.

You are dust, and to dust you shall return

2010-02-17T12:23:00.008+01:00

This Wednesday in the Catholic church is called Środa Popielcowa (Popielec). The name comes from the word "popiół" (ash). It's the beginning of Lent which lasts 46 days (40 without Sundays). A religious person should eat a little this Wednesday (no meat) and less till Easter. Even though it's not obligatory many people go to church on Środa Popielcowa. The priest place ash on their heads. One should contemplate, expiate and think about death.

I don't know how many people in Poland really fast. For sure during Lent less parties are being organized and Catholic weddings are exceptional. Everybody decide for himself/herself. For example you can avoid only chocolate:)

Book guide part 2.

2010-02-13T12:30:00.010+01:00

"Mazowia Heart of Poland - Leksykon Mazowsza" - book with CD-ROM

Today self-promotion - I'm presenting you work done recently by my father and stepmother - Bogdan i Agnieszka Wawrzyńczyk. Their aim was to promote Mazovia region because it's not considered as a touristic attraction. I was born in Warsaw and I'm really interested what is going on around but my knowledge about places worth seeing in Mazowsze was very limited. I learnt a lot! The book is short and concise, I recommend it with pleasure! It's written in Polish and English.

Inside you will find:

- General information about Poland
- Geography, nature, history of Mazovia
- Culture, science and economy
- Tourism, Mazovia TOP - 100 most fascinating and unique places
- Chopin’s Mazovia
- List of counties and municipalities of Mazovia

On CD-ROM there are also:

- "Leksykon powiatów Polski" ("Lexicon of Polish Powiats", 232 pages in Polish), a book prepared in collaboration with the Ministry of Economy in 2003
- maps of Poland and Mazovia
- the alphabetical list of Mazovia’s cities and municipalities with links to their websites!

You can order the book here: propolonia at post.pl

Learning Polish - videos

2010-02-11T19:43:00.012+01:00

I'm very glad that learning Polish is getting more and more popular. 20 years ago Polish borders at last opened and now many Poles go abroad and many foreigners come to our country. On the web the number of useful materials to learn Polish is growing. Today I will focus only on videos.

On Youtube you will find mostly materials for beginners: to learn alphabet, numerals and useful everyday phrases. I recommend them especially if you don't have contact with a native speaker - you can learn how to pronounce. I like best materials done by a very interesting German-Polish NGO Solar Net International. Some of them are a bit ridiculous, e.g. teaching how to pronounce "a" with the word "antychryst";) Or somewhere you will find mistakes. But I really appreciate their work:

The problem starts when you want something more developed. I'm rather exacting and can hardly recommend you anything apart from mentioned Solar Net. I know it's easy to critize - making this kind of videos is for sure not bułka z masłem*. So if you have any ideas - create!

I enjoyed this simple but funny video on vocabulary connected with family life:

Polish Lesson in Marriage for Beginners from Bartek Dziadosz on Vimeo.

* "breadroll with butter" - Polish idiom for something very easy

Tłusty czwartek - Fat Thursday

2010-02-08T23:14:00.017+01:00

Today you can eat without thinking about calories:) Tłusty czwartek it's a joyful holiday based on the Catholic tradition. It starts the last week of Carnival. You can eat a lot because next Wednesday is Środa Popielcowa - the beginning of Lent (Wielki Post in Polish). Lent lasts 40 days and if you're a Catholic you should stop enjoying your life so much;) All these holidays are connected with Easter so they are moving. Next year Tłusty czwartek will be on the 3rd of March - be prepared!

Due to the tradition on Tłusty czwaterk Poles eat pączki (on the photo above) and faworki. About 100 million pączki are produced (3 for every citizen) this day. You can buy them all year but only today there are queues in cukiernia (pastry shop). You can also make them at home. Here you will find a video in English. And here - instruction for faworki in Polish.

Pączki are delicious especially with rose marmalade. You can fill them with anything: jam, chocolate, cream. In Poland the most popular is fruit marmalade. In Warsaw it's easier to buy good pączki then perfect faworki. I'm still looking for the best cukiernia.

Smacznego!

Useful vocabulary:

cukier puder
cukiernia
cukiernik
faworek/faworki
lukier
marmolada
obżarstwo
obżerać się
pączek/pączki
pycha
smalec
Środa Popielcowa
Wielkanoc
Wielki Post

Listening exercise about Tłusty czwartek on Youtube.

Norman Davies on Polish history

2010-02-07T11:06:00.006+01:00

Brief and touching! For me this voice is something new. Even though it's very positive for Poles it's not typical Polish point of view. In Poland through the process of school education people are taucht how "polishness" has been preserved for ages and that it's a great value, there's no time and often will to show more aspects of historical events. We repeat the frase that Poles were rather tolerant for foreigners and believers of different religions but we lack the lesson for the future. This short movie with Norman Davies should be presented at every school in Poland. Of course he could be accused of idealism as Polish Catholics have always dominated in this country but he shows that coexistence was not only possible but also brought value. The idea of Polish contribution to democratic systems is worth spreading because it's not well-known.

Norman Davies - a British historian interested especially in the history of Central Europe. A polonophile, wrote many books about Poland, has a Polish wife.

Interesting article about Warsaw + tips for travellers

2010-02-03T16:57:00.005+01:00

From the magazine "Podróże". Nice pics! Because it's in Polish I will present you the main points. It's a kind of guide for travellers who find themselves in the Polish capital city. So here is the advice with my comments:

1. Don't start your trip on Dworzec Centralny - the main train station. Come to Warsaw by plane, bus, car or bike. Leave this place for the end - we don't want you to be scared or prejudiced in the beginnging;) For me going there is an obligatory extreme experience but you have to be prepared for the smell, dirt and other visual attractions. For Euro 2012 Dworzec Centralny should be renovated but it will be only a face-lifting. So if you want to see its present charm, hurry up!:)

2. See Warsaw from the top: you can choose between Pałac Kultury i Nauki, Mariott Hotel or many lower places like Biblioteka Uniwersytetu Warszawskiego.

3. Don't treat Warsaw equally with other Northern cities. Don't say it's ugly, many people from Warsaw are really sensitive on this matter (for example me:). Why? Because we appreciate the fact that is exists. Remember that it's a new city, was almost completely rebuilt and not only Poles decided what to built and where. Warsaw inhabitants are very nostalgic about the pre-war city. Check it on youtube. Here you can see what was left from Warsaw in 1945.

4. Even dull and ugly places can surpise you - in Bródno district in the park famous artists (Paweł Althamer, Olafur Eliasson, Rirkrit Tiravanija and Monika Sosnowska) designed "Park of Sculpture".

5. Warsaw can be seen as a big gallery as there are many small art iniciatives on the streets and in alternative places. Look around!

6. ul. Mokotowska - yes yes yes! Trendy shops and unique atmosphere. Also Old Praga is starting to attract fine shopoholics.

7. A large number of Vietnamese people lives in Warsaw. They have their own places in which you can taste this Asian culture.

8. One of the Polish top words is "prowizorka" which is a colloquial version of "makeshift". It represents Polish culture and its characteristic fatalism - why bother and end things that have been started - let's leave them as they are. It's based on the assumption that we have no influence on our surroundings and somebody will take our work for granted. In Warsaw you can see many places which need finishing.

Poles in Scotland

2010-02-02T09:59:00.011+01:00

Polish immigration to the British Isles dates back to WW II. After the war many people couldn't or didn't want to come back to Poland ruled by the new communist government. For 50 years it wasn't easy to go abroad or emigrate but the Isles always attracted Poles. After Poland’s accession to the European Union job markets on the Isles were open for Poles and we made use of every chance. Many people went to UK, Scotland and Ireland for work. Partly young and well-educated specialists and partly workers form rural areas where there are perspectives.

How many Poles are on the Isles? Nobody knows. Presumably 1,5 million only in the UK. In London you can come across a Pole almost on every corner. There are many communities and organizations. Polish media and other services are developing.

The biggest problem with immigrants around the world is of course lack of intercultural exchange, mixing together with locals and understanding for different values and beliefs. I appreciate every initiative that helps people go out from the ghetto and integrate with a local community. That's why I'm presenting you Scotsbarszcz - "a free online monthly magazine aimed at strenghtening the bonds of friendship between the Scottish and Polish people". Good job! I hope that even without advertisements this magazine will survive to help Polish and Scottish People live together in Scotland.

Loanwords in Polish - zapożyczenia

2010-01-30T13:41:00.023+01:00

Loanwords show intercultural contacts and influences between the nations. Today I'm presenting you a short history of Poland on words*. Many examples below come from a very useful dictionary "Wielki słownik poprawnej polszczyzny PWN".

1. In the beginning it was of course a Slavic mix. Most basic, every-day life words in Polish have Slavic roots (can be also based on German and Balt languages). E.g. names of seasons, food, tools. If you speak any other Slavic language, you will find many similarities.

2. With Christianity and the "baptism of Poland" in 966 religious words came from Latin via German languages and Czech. Even after 1000 years ago the origin can be noticed:

krzyż - cross
poganin - pagan

3. In the Middle Ages many new cities on Polish land were established regarding the German law. That's why we have some old words from German connected with administration and trade.

burmistrz - mayor
rynek - market

4. In that time Polish contacts with Czech and Hungarian language were more developed because of the kings' dynasties. So we have e.g.:

Cz. hańba - shame
H. orszak - procession

4. During the Renaissance and the rule of Italian queen Bona Sforza d'Aragona not only Italian vegetables came to Poland but also noble people started to be interested in Italian culture. This trend remained in the XVII century - on the court and in rich manor-houses Italian art was worshiped.

fontanna - fountain
pomidor - tomato

5. For many centuries Latin remained an international language of well-educated people in Europe. In the Polish-Lithuanian Commonwealth there were 3 official languages: Polish, Ruthenian and Latin. And of course till now we have many Latin words.

historia - history
immunitet - immunity

7. But the time has come for Latin. From the XVII till XX century noble people had to speak French. French loanwords in Polish date from the XVI century with a short episode of the rule of king Henryk Walezy (Alexandre-Édouard de Valois-Angoulême). And we have a lot! They are mostly connected with elegance, hygiene and social life. We write them in a Polish way. If you know French, it will be much easier for you with the Polish vocabulary:)

prestiż - prestige
makijaż - make-up
fryzjer - hairdresser
bagaż - luggage

8. Because of developed relations with eastern neighbours in Polish we have words from Ukrainian, Belarusian and Russian. Not as many as you could expect, it's because Poles always preferred to copy the Western style of living.

U. hultaj - rascal
B. posag - dowry
R. czajnik - kettle

9. Because of the wars and peace contacts during the XVII century with The Ottoman Empire we have also Turkish words in Polish:

dywan - carpet
torba - bag

10. And from the XX century English is bombaring Polish as many other languages. The domination of Anglo-Saxon culture is inevitable and loanwords are unaccountable. They are connected with a new international life style, technology, sport.

dżins/jeans
trend
snob
gol

*There are of course many types of loanwords but we don't need this philological knowledge here.