A Chapter Ends

An Aussie in Poland is coming to an end. After three years and nine months I am leaving Poland. It’s been an interesting three and three quarter years to say the least. The cold winters with white salty patches on my shoes have been frustrating. Although after I had decided to leave Poland, I discovered Górka Szczęśliwicka (Szczęśliwica Hill) located on the west side of Warsaw. If I had known of its existence and the fact that I could learn how to ski and snowboard there the winters would have been much more enjoyable. I have managed to head for the slope three times in the last month which have made me a tad more comfortable on skis. If the snow returns I might make a fourth attempt and hopefully plan a skiing holiday once a year or so to practice my new found skills.

I’ve met some interesting people who have enriched my life and I hope that we will stay in contact once I return to Australia. I’m not saying goodbye to Poland forever. I plan to return for annual holidays or at least every eighteen months or so to visit family. I’m not leaving on my own. I’m taking with me another person. My partner. He’s going to want to visit his family on a regular basis too. It’s going to be hard leaving and starting all over again. I love fresh starts but I’m worried about my partner who’s first goal will be to learn as much English as possible. Shocking I know that after three years together we’ve communicated in Polish ninety eight percent of the time and only sometimes thrown in a few English terms.

Poland has had its ups and downs as I have had mine over the past three years. I do like Poland, I could even go as far as saying I love Poland (at times anyway). Summer is fantastic especially when the sun is shining and its scorching – something that the locals don’t like. I love riding my bicycle along the streets and see poppies popping up in the fields or on the side of the streets. I like how the mood automatically changes from sombre to relaxed, and everyone shifts from wearing dull grey and black to clean whites and bright shades of green, blue, pink and yellow. It’s not just the flowers that start blooming but the people do to.

This blog will be changing too. I won’t be writing about my frustrations and experiences with Poland but about my journey through life, struggles and successes with language learning, travel encounters, studies and life in general regardless of my location. The name will be changing. The layout too. Once chapter ends, and another begins. Feel free to comment and tell me what you think.

I have four weeks remaining in this developing and growing city that has become an important city in the European Union. It’s future can be bright as long as the church and state start behaving like adults and putting its citizens first rather than their greedy pockets. But that’s another story. In the next few weeks I’ll try to post a few ramblings about Warsaw and what it has to offer. And if you’re interested you can check out my running journey at www.runningcandid.blogspot.com

11 Random Monday Acts

1 - Ate half a packet of Tim Tam’s
2 - Cooked Bombay Masala for dinner – note to self: try that new restaurant on ul. Nowy Swiat 23, ‘Buddha Bar & Restaurant’ which has Indian, Chinese and Thai cuisine. Yummy.
3 - Wrote lots, well came up with lots of ideas for articles anyway – that’s still being productive isn’t it? At least now I don’t have any excuses not to write query letters.
4 - Procrastinated about exercise – maybe I’ll do some weights tonight, my planned interval run will have to be put off for tomorrow
5 - Commented on Facebook – twice…weird I don't normally do that. Could social networking be growing on me?
6 - First day of session 2 uni, I’m doing Public Writing and Media Debates and Controversies – I’m wondering if I’m going to be the endless student?
7 - Hold on I did write a chapter of my chick lit work in progress
8 - Tried to think positively though it becomes impossible every time I have contact with Poland’s health care system, in particular their hospitals. They constantly break the European Patient Laws (Prawa Pacjenta –www.bpp.waw.pl) but I suppose I did a lot of that yesterday. I’m working on some ideas for an article regarding this area. The problem is that people are afraid to stand up for themselves in case a doctor will leave a needle inside them after surgery, forget to check their blood pressure, or something much worse. Accidents do happen.
9 - Wasted a lot of time surfing the Internet. It’s research okay. I’m really enjoying going through the Matador site. www.matadortravel.com
10 – Taught a TEFL lesson, just one, it’s so lovely to be finished by 10am, than again it is the holidays so many people are taking a break from learning English.
11 – Looked for jobs in London, thought about working in Spain or Austria or maybe even China. I’d love to spend 3-6 months working in one or two more countries. What is stopping me?

Komorowski v Kaczynski

No surprise as to the result. Komorowski up front with just over 40% and Kaczynski not far behind with 35% of votes (www.wp.pl). Napieralski didn’t do to badly with just 14% of Poles voting for him. If he presents himself well over the next few years, doesn’t get into trouble and stays away from corruptive activities while working towards a better Poland he could have shot at the Presidential seat next time around. So now the two candidates have another two weeks to persuade Poles to vote for them. With very close votes for both it will be difficult to tell who will get the final one. In 2005 there was a similar position and in round two the late Kaczynski won. With only a 54.4% turn out, round two is anyone’s guess as to what will happen on July 4.

Lately it’s been hard to tell who’s better and who’s worse when it comes to these two. Both have their positive and negative aspects, and most likely ulterior motives. Poland seems to be very incompetent when it comes to participating in Presidential elections and this is a downfall of this society. If more people voted there may not have had to be a round two or we may have gotten a surprise result with one of the other candidates getting the seat. It’s hard to tell who’s the better of the two, or which one is going to be the best for Poland’s future. I don’t believe Kaczynski could have changed so dramatically since the tragedy of April 10 and Poles shouldn’t necessarily give him the benefit of the doubt. He may have good intentions but will these intentions come to fruition if he gets elected in the run off, and there is a good chance that he will.

Both candidates campaigns over the next two weeks will need to work magic in order to persuade those individuals who voted to vote for them again, and those who didn’t to sway towards their side. Is this possible? Difficult to tell, one wrong move can cost many votes. The turn out may also be higher and this may have a strong influence on the final result. Let’s hope the turn will be better than today’s.

What will need to be considered is the future of health care, education, welfare, Euro adoption and Polish – Russian and Polish-American relations. Many issues which the government and President have not been able to agree on in the past. When deciding we shouldn’t let the campaigns alone swing our decisions but also consider the actions and attitudes of these two politicians. What have they done so far that has benefited Poland? What do they want to achieve? How have they behaved? What do they stand for? Do they want to help the majority or the minority? Will they think independently regardless of the party they belong to?

It’s a hard choice to make. The decision will also decide the direction Poland will take.

Here's a link to some comments against Komorowski (in Polish)
http://moimzdaniem.salon24.pl/184920,kaczynski-vs-komorowski-czyli-kto-gorszy-dla-po

General information on both candidates
http://europeancourier.org/test/2010/05/28/june-20-komorowski-v-kaczynski/

Some more info on the important issues to be considered during this election
http://en.rian.ru/analysis/20100618/159483099.html

http://www.businessweek.com/news/2010-06-20/poles-vote-for-president-in-euro-deficit-referendum-update1-.html

Must Vote, but for Whom?

This Sunday responsible Poles of legal age are going to make their way to the voting booths. The two prime candidates for the position of President are Bronislaw Komorowski and Jaroslaw Kaczynski. If we look at statistics the other eight candidates don’t stand a chance. The race is on between the two PO and PIS candidates. Who to vote for?

It’s a tough question. Listening and watching their campaigns makes my stomach turns. My trust in Polish politics is limited. After three years living in this country and taking an interest in politics I am shocked as to the behaviour of many of the politicians here and the rules that apply to them. From what I can see is that there aren’t rules. Candidates who should be removed from politics immediately are allowed to run for President. Lies, bribery and charges seem to be irrelevant here. I try to keep a positive outlook on all this but at times it does get difficult.

I’d like to see Poland become the country that it can be. To prosper and grow. To give equal opportunity to all its citizens. To develop the agriculture, tourism and construction industries. There are so many opportunities and talents that are wasted due to a lack of knowledge, resources, support or all of the above. It’s a shame because the potential is there. Poland is a beautiful country.

Poland requires a leader. Komorowski and Kaczynski as leaders are questionable. They are the only two candidates that are the most appealing and suitable but not necessarily ideal. They have their strengths and weaknesses but I don’t think that their abilities weigh up to the requirements of this country’s needs at the present time. Poland needs someone who isn’t just going to be charismatic and persuasive with the public. Poland requires a President who can make independent decisions irrespective of which party he belongs to. A President who will be able to assess the current situation in Poland and make educated and logical decisions in relation to education, the health care system, welfare, infrastructure and the future of the country. Someone who will put the people’s needs first, and their own second.

In order for Poland to become the best it can be, the country is going to require a strong leader with good intentions. A leader who can make those intentions into reality. Both candidates have made promises about what they intend on doing once they are in the Presidential seat. However, these are just words, and history tells us that during the campaigns, many of these words are empty.

I hope that every Pole that is legally allowed to is going to vote on Sunday. I think this election is one of the most important ones in recent years, especially due to the recent tragedies in Smolenski and with the floods. The people need a President who they can rely on and trust not only in times of tragedy and sorrow, but also in times of prosperity and change for the better. A President who will stop looking at the past and start thinking about the present and beyond.

Voters need to look at this objectively and without emotion. The future of Poland will be determined by the result of these elections. It’s a shame that we don’t have a leader who we’d like to vote for without a doubt.

A kinda anniversary

Three years today.
Wow. It's hard to believe. Where have the past 1096 disappeared too. It sure as heck doesn't feel like I've been taking up space in Poland for that long.

What have I done in all this time? Has it been wasted? Has it been worthwhile?
Well, in my personal guidebook for life I like to think that every experience is a valuable one. There will always be good times, bad times and indifferent times. The only thing I hope for at this moment is that I have grown as a person. The rest doesn't really matter.

So how am I celebrating?
A delicious bowl of pasta, glass of red, and an assignment for my Masters that must be finished today, no excuses. Joy.

Poland in Mourning

April 10th 2010. A day meant for commemeration. A day for remembrance. The 70th anniversary of the Katyn tragedies.

Instead, Poland is in mourning another tragedy.

The Polish President and his wife, have been tragically killed in an aeroplane catastrophe near the Smolensk Airport.

What has occurred is beyond anyone's imagination. What happened this morning is one of the biggest tragedies of the 21st Century that a nation could experience.

As the TVN broadcasters read out the names, one by one, they claim that there were 88 individuals on board, though the number could be lower or higher. Many of them important parliamentary and religious figures in Poland.

The loss experienced is beyond words, beyond understanding, unimaginable, unbelievable.

How could this tragedy have occurred?
Why?

Questions that may not be answered to anyone's satisfaction.
Faulty aeroplane. Bad weather. Something else.

The irony in it.

70 years ago Poles were killed in Katyn. Today, 70 years after, another catastrophe has hit Poland.

An investigation will take place. But whatever they find, it will not bring back the lives of those lost. Condolences and sympathies to the entire nation.

When things like this occur, it forces us to reflect. To wonder about what is life about. How insignificant the things we worry about are. We don't know what tomorrow brings. Yesterday shouldn't matter, tomorrow doesn't exist, and we should focus on the present because really it's a present to have every extra day. Accidents happen, we cannot predict them. Things happen that are out of our control.

The magnitude of this tragedy, the repercussions on the nation. What will happen next?

Goodbye January, Hello February

Well it's the start of a new month. February is finally here and I'm glad that January is over and done with. Not that it was a bad month or anything, it was actually pretty good but when you're in Poland and it's above -20 degrees and there's lots of snow and you have to get up at 5;30 to go to work than it's a completely different story.

In February the days begin to drag for longer. It no longer goes dark at 3;30 in the afternoon so that you're able to glimpse a little bit more of the natural light and even sun light if we're lucky enough to get a sunny winter day. I prefer those, even though if it's sunny, it gets even frostier at night but at least there's usually no wind, rain or snow fall.

February has started on a roll. I love it when on Monday's, and especially when it's the beginning of a new month I get very productive. Today's productivity is on a medium to high level. I've written a few articles, a couple of queries, some follow ups I taught English in the city before coming back home to do a lesson wiht my younger cousin as she is on school holidays and we have more time to work on her English over the next two weeks. Which I hope we will. This also means I have more time to write as a number of my students have taken leave to go away with their children.

I love February. Even though it's cold and snowy, there are many birthday's and name's days (celebrated in Poland), as well as Valentine's Day. There's so much to do, gifts to buy for family and friends and maybe even find the time to build a snowman or have a snow ball fight. It's 28 days where anything can happen. I'm counting on making February a creative and productive month that will set the pace for the rest of the year.

How was the first day of the month for you?

Gotta Love Public Transport

Standing crammed between other passengers in a stuffy and smelly train is no one's idea of a comfy trip home. On the contrary, it's a pain in the ass and the ribs, especially when someone decides to elbow you as the train comes to a screeching halt at one of the stations where even more passengers attempt to push through and make the limited amount of breathing space available disappear.

There's a public transport problem in Poland to say the least. It's probably one of the worst I have seen or experienced. And they are never prepared for winter, claiming that once again it has taken them by surprise. Come on, we know that in this part of the world winter comes, oh I don't know, about once a year between November and March, it's usually too f*@*ing cold to forget. Winter's been mild the past few years, which is a great opportunity for the government to save some cash and improve the train lines and public transport system in general. It could also improve the walking ability of many citizens who travel by foot, and hire people to shovel the snow or better still let the petty crooks sitting in jail and wasting tax payers money do the hard work for free with signs on their backs advertising their crimes and then they may feel too ashamed and exhausted to become repeat offenders. That's like 'killing two birds with one stone' as the saying goes. Less snow on the streets, pathways to enable proper functioning of public transport like trains, buses and trams, and more crooks actually having a chance of being rehabilitated and cured of their menacing ways.

My train was once again 30 minutes late today as it was yesterday. I should be used to it by now but then again, why should I? I pay to use the transport system every month. I should therefore get quality and timely service but it turns out that KM and ZTM prefer to treat their customers like they are nothing but cattle. Now I'm off to catch the next train home and can't help but wonder what will be in store. Crushed against dozens of other passengers, stuffy, sweaty, smelly and equally furious. What a treat!

On a much happier note, for some anyway, today in Poland is Grandmother's Day and tomorrow is Grandfather's Day. It's fantastic that they celebrate this here as in many parts of the world as grandparents need to be shown more appreciation. It's a day when a simple bunch of flowers or a phone call can make a difference and put a smile on their face.

Friday 13th and other irrational beliefs

For many people Friday 13th marks an unlucky date. It's superstitious but for many it seems the case. What's the point in ruining your day from the very beginning. Sure the trains may have been late today, I didn't win on the lottery, and my inspiration is waning but that's no different to a couple of days ago, last week or last month. It happens from time to time. That's just a normal part of life. I'm not superstitious, at least most of the time. Then I think about all those other superstitions that I've come to know whilst being in Poland. Many have found international homes and are shared among cultures.

- An itchy nose can mean anger is on the way, or love
- Walking under a ladder brings bad luck so try to avoid it by walking around it instead
- Wear red underwear for an interview, test or meeting to bring you luck and success
- Spill some salt and you're likely to end up quarraling with someone
- Never buy shoes for your loved one because they will quickly walk away from you
- If you're a woman, avoid leaving your handbag on the floor unless you don't want money
- Avoid getting out of bed with your left leg as it will mean you'll be in a bad mood all day

Poland is filled with superstitutions, many are still strongly believed by the older generation and continues to be passed on to the younger generation. Superstitions are about belief. You either believe them or you don't. Some are fun, others are silly, and many more sound downright outrageous.

XXI Bieg Niepodległosci

Yesterday marked the 91st anniversary of Poland's Independence. Many people celebrated on the streets and at home. Millions of homes hung the Polish flag out in front of their homes as a sign of patriotism and pride. Others took part in the parades. While seven thousand Poles, along with hundreds of their family and friends, took part in the XXI Bieg Niepodległości (21st Independence Day Run).

The 10km run takes place every year on 11/11. Thousands of people join in to run around Warsaw to celebrate Independence Day. This year Jarek and I took part as well. All the runners were dressed in red or white tshirts to represent the colours of the Polish flag. The aerial view would have been amazing.

I was very pleased with my result as I beat my last year's record for the 10km (56mins) by over five minutes, this years' 10km result was 50:51. I am extremely pleased especially considering the weather - overcast, cloudy, 6 degrees and raining. But it was fun.

'All Saints Day'

The day of dead has been celebrated for centuries all around the world. In Poland it's an important day of the year. Families around the country prepare days in advance travelling to cemeteries where their loved ones are buried, lighting candles, saying prayers, leaving flowers. It's a day when we remember the people who have passed. Where they've gone is not something anyone can say. Some believe they've gone to heaven, others claim that they continue to live amongst us, while others still think they have reincarnated and come back to live another life. Either way, it's important to remember that they were here among us once upon a time. The event has been celebrated since around the second century A.D. and has continued until today.

All Hallows Eve is a celebration that is by most believe to be Pagan, others, especially the Church believe it is Christian and began when the peasants in the middle ages begged for cakes in exchange for praying for lost souls, hence the term 'trick or treat'. Some people regard All Hallows Eve or Halloween as an American holiday but it's a nice way to celebrate a sad day. Dressing up as monsters, witches, fairies and fireman gives children and adults an opportunity to be light hearted, have a bit of fun and enjoy a special holiday together. I think that we could take example from the Mexicans who really know how to celebrate the 'Day of the Dead'.

For the Catholic Church, All Saint's Day is one of the most important holy days every year. People gather together in churches for Mass which follows into the cemetery. Families, friends and acquaintances visit cemeteries near and far. Once the sun sets and dusk is upon us the cemeteries look extraordinary all lit up.

The downside is that it's another day that commercialism and marketing has touched. This afternoon as we were going to one of the cemeteries, beside ever-burning fires (znicze) and flowers, I saw people selling tea and coffee, and fairy floss. What are they going to start selling next year? Balloons and hot dogs?

Smoking in Public Places

Smoking kills. Well duh. Unfortunately the Poles are yet to fully take countries like England and Australia and ban smoking in shopping centres, bars and restaurants. It's a free country after all. So smokers can pollute others and what can the non smokers do? Not breath?

Many smoking Poles are against banning smoking in public places. It'd be like taking away an important freedom they feel entitled to. Since they hadn't had much in the past, they refuse to agree with it. But why do non smokers have to suffer in the process? Don't they have rights too?
A friend informed me the other day that a woman at her workplace asked for a lighter and when my friend replied with a 'No. Sorry I don't smoke', the women responded rudely, 'Well maybe you should start,' and stormed off to find someone else to lend her a lighter for her cigarette. The mentality of some people continue to leave me in awe.

I commute by train and bus. Last week a man blatantly lit up a cigarette on one of the lovely air conditioned trains without giving it a second thought. Of course there was no security or conductor to tell him off.

Sitting in a café between lessons, sipping a yummy Chai Turtle Latte – green tea, honey, steamed and frothed milk – and trying to write as the table across from me lights up for a second round in five minutes, while I suffer and inhale the fumes. Yes I can pick up my latte and disappear but shouldn't I have a right to enjoy my coffee without worrying about someone else's cigarette smoke damaging my health?

According to the European Environment and Health Committee, tobacco control is one of Poland's top health priorities. It mentions that the health protection authority is responsible for ;
“ - protection of non smokers rights to live in an environment free from tobacco smoke...
creation of legal and economic conditions conducive to reduction of tobacco product use...”

To my understanding, banning smoking in public cases should be the next logical step in order to fulfil these responsibilities, not just in and around educational institutions but also in shopping centres, all buildings, bus stops and other public areas. Making a ban is not enough. Someone needs to control the ban and make certain that it is adhered to.

While it's prohibited to sell tobacco products to people under the age of 18, it's clear and evident that this law is not adhered to. Only at the weekend I witnessed a women cashier in one of Warsaw's exclusive supermarkets selling two packets of Marlboros to a young buy who was clearly under the legal age. She didn't even bother to check his identification. All three parties involved, the shop, the cashier and the boy, should be charged for this minor offence. They won't be. Every day young people are damaging their health because even though there are laws in place, they are not followed nor are they controlled.

„In 2000 34% of the total population e.g. 10 million Poles, (24% of Polish women and 44% men over 15 years old) smoke cigarettes. It is alarming that an increased proportion of young teenagers start smoking. In Poland every day about 500 juvenile boys and girls start smoking, and every year about 180 000 children try smoking. 52% women are passive smokers at home, and 27% - at work. 15% of Polish smokers smoke in the presence of children. Every year 100 000 deaths in Poland are related to smoking.”
http://www.euro.who.int/eehc/implementation/20050525_1

These statistics are shocking, however in recent news announcements, smoking bans are in the works. While smoking will be banned from schools, shopping centres, bus stops and airports among others, when it comes to restaurants and bars, the owners will be free to decide when they ban smoking completely or provide smoke free zones separated by closed doors in their venues. When this will be in place, and whether it will be adhered to and controlled, is something different altogether.

Fifty percent surcharge on coffee

Sometimes I wonder about the decisions I make. Like coming to the Marriott for a conference by Oxford Press for TEFL teachers, having forty minutes to spare and deciding to have a coffee at the lobby café where I can see delicious looking sandwiches and tasty coffees making my mouth water. 'La Pallesiere' in the lobby on the right as you enter, offers takeaway and eat in options. I order a café mocha, something different from my usual large black Americano. The price is 9.50zloty. Not a problem.
The lady behind the counter is middle aged. She's kind enough to smile which doesn't happen as often as I'd like or I'm used to. There's a sense of warmth glowing from her, which makes her a good candidate for working with people there.
'You know that if you have it on the spot there's a fifty per cent surcharge.' she informs me.
I try not to sound shocked and contain my laughter, telling her that it doesn't matter. I still want the coffee.

I sit down at the marble table and a few moments later the same lady brings over my Café Mocha in a medium sized cup. No revelation there. It's just cacao, coffee, milk and water.
This is Poland, I shouldn't be surprised. I am paying extra for the pleasure to sit in the Marriott lobby where business man chat, young pretty girls are interviewed for positions in the hotel, and parents try to contain their loud children. Nothing different from the regular Coffee Heaven or Starbucks down the road, so why the surcharge? Ah, yes I forgot. I'm at the Marriott sitting at a marble table and leather chair. The patrons flash their gold watches and expensive tailored business suits. Tapping on lap tops on speaking on their phones about another boring meeting or conference, making excuses to their wives or husbands as to why they are going to be late home again.

So why did I agree to pay 15zloty for a Café Mocha when I could have brought half a kilo of coffee for that same price and had it for a month or two at home? Well, it's all about the experience. Travelling is about experiencing the destination you are at. I've never been to a hotel where they surcharged for eating or drinking on the spot. It's a first. Is this normal? If someone can let me know I will be grateful. If it wasn't for the conference I would have not been there.

I still have time to enjoy my coffee and observe the vanity of individuals, young and old, who come here. I was supposed to go without coffee today and for the rest of the week but how could I resist. I may not have a reason to come here again. Or maybe? But I like the Marriott. I love hotel lobby's and restaurants just as much as airports. People watching is fun, and I notice I'm not the only one doing it. I am here to observe, write and enjoy the Cafe Mocha.

Time to finish up and had to the third floor for the conference, after all that is what I came here for.

70 Years Since the War Began

Today marks the 70th Anniversary of WWII. In Poland, and many other European countries this is a special event that needs to be remembered. Leaders from Russia, German and other European countries have arrived in Poland to remember the past. Who started the war? Who died in the war? Who survived the war?

On this day, seventy years ago one of the most brutal and deadly wars began. WWII took the concept of war to the next level. Once upon a time it was soldier against soldier, that has changed since WWII, now it's soldier against citizen, citizen against soldier. The battlefield is no longer limited to those in the army, navy or air force, it now fully includes the individual. Men, women and children are all victims, they've all become targets.

There has been a lot of blame thrown around about WWII, and while it was a tragic event that even words can not describe, blame is not going to change what happened. It's not going to bring back the brave and innocent people who were lost. It's not going to punish those responsible seventy years ago. Yes, we need to remember the past and the history, but not at the expense of teaching hate or announcing that revenge is OK. Neither hate nor revenge are OK.

For someone who was not there to experience WWII, it's difficult to find words to describe what people may have felt or how they should now react. My great grandfather, a policeman, died in Katyn. His son, my grandfather, along with his siblings and mother were packed up in the middle of the night by German soldiers and sent to the outskirts of Russia in areas now known as Kazakhstan. Whether they lived or died, no one cared. It was up to them. They were lucky. They survived, and I am lucky to have my wonderful grandfather in my life today.

We need to remember what happened to make certain that it doesn't happen again. War is an unnecessary evil. Power makes us want to do terrible acts to achieve higher status. Our power should not come at the cost of someone else's life. We should remember our heroes, our loved ones and the people who suffered. We should remember that war is not the way. We should understand that it's possible to live in peace and harmony. We are all the same regardless of our country of origin, our race, religion, or status. We all have the same basic needs, emotions and dreams.

War is the answer only to a person who is afraid, lacks confidence and needs to feel superior by tormenting, terrorizing and weakening others. Just like the school bully, except this time it's a grown up who should be wiser.

We all humans. We should all be able to live together, help each other, and fill our hearts and lives with love. History should not repeated itself. It should teach us to live together in peace.

Warsaw's KDT Hall

Warsaw just doesn't know how to get it right. Today Marszałkowska Street, in Centrum, was saturated with protesters, onlookers, police in armour and rowdy security guards. KDT (a hall with discount shopping) was being shut down and all the sellers were asked, maybe demanded, to take their stock and disappear.

Disappear where?

Had they not been given an alternative venue to run their business?

According to the President of Warsaw, they had, but they had failed to respond to the options given to them. Were these alternatives adequate or were these innocent people whose jobs were secured in the KDT hall.

The city of Warsaw claims that the area will be used for the metro system (there are already two entry & exit points) and they plan to build a future museum – there's enough museums in Warsaw, instead they should focus on restoring and modernising the present ones. Warsaw's Museum of Technology in the Palace of Culture and Science leaves much to be desired, it's at least twenty years behind.

Priorities are not straight in Warsaw. People do not take priority. Instead they are treated worse than animals and when harm is done to them, there's no one to come to the rescue.

Warsaw may be the capital of Poland but it sure isn't the leading or most prosperous one. The decisions made by Parliament and other governing bodies are questionable to say the least. My question is what are they really trying to achieve because it sure doesn't look like they want to help anyone but themselves.

If you don't have money, you don't have a say. Without the right income you can forget about health, education and a normal standard of living.

Taxes Rising, but Minimum Wage Hasn't Budged

According to 'Polska Times' newspaper (6.7.09) the government is fighting with the crisis. The only problem is that Poland hasn't been really hit with a financial crisis like other parts of the world, but the government feels that we need to raise taxes in many areas, while it gives itself a pay rise (which has been noted on the front cover of newspapers like Fakty & Dziennik.pl in recent months). That to me or anyone else, is not smart governing. Don't they realise that if they put the citizens first they would be better off in the long term and their career would not be cut short due to greed and foolishness. The problem here is that most of the politicians present, past and future, go into office in hopes of making themselves rich. At least that is the view from the outside.

The Times Poland, mentioned rises in excise tax (akcyzy) for fuel [why when the cost has dropped three fold per barrel do Polish petrol prices continue to be ridiculously high? – to put into perspective, the average Polish citizen will have to work 1 hour for 2L of petrol, someone on minimum wage, will work for 1hr for 1L of petrol].

A tax is planned for alcohol and cigarettes. Because I am a non smoker and rarely drink alcohol, I think this is a good idea. But the reason behind it should not be for the government to make some extra money to hoard into their pockets but to encourage people to stop poisoning and killing themselves. More and more people are dying from smoking and drinking related causes all over the world, yet governments are doing little to outlaw smoking which kills more people than illegal drugs like cannabis. But that's another issue.

The government doesn't seem to understand that by continuing to raise taxes they are not going to make more money, because people are going to stop spending it as they won't have enough. Instead of driving, they are going to use public transport, walk or cycle. Duh. But of course this is not relevant because by the time they get out of office, they will already have set themselves up for life. Something the majority of Poles don't have a chance to do.

I'm not saying that all politicians are like this here, however, the decent ones who actually want to help Poland, are being pushed aside, stomped on, and removed from parliament by any means possible.

It's rather disappointing to see the leaders of our country not learning from their mistakes in the past. Will Poland ever experience the reality they deserve and get themselves out of this slump that has been present for decades?

Have I been unfair in my comments? I'd like someone to tell me I'm wrong and that our politicians and ministers are doing everything they can to make this country better, more prosperous, safer, cleaner and wealthier than it has ever been. I just can't see it.

Who deserves a pay rise?

Minimum wage is about 850zl (US$280 per month). This is not enough to cover rent, pay monthly bills, put food on the table and have a life. While ministers are earning ten or twenty times this amount and regularly demand pay rises because they claim that they should be earning similar amounts to people in their positions around the world. Well, so should teachers, doctors, nurses, waiters, chefs, and shop assistants.

Minimum pension for someone who has worked for forty odd years is about 600 zloty (US$200 per month). How is an older person who needs to pay bills, buy food and medicine support themselves? The older generation have built Poland, they have lived through its horrid history and survived, and this is how they are being repaid for their efforts.

The last few pay rises that I have seen for pensioners on the minimum have been 10 zloty, maybe 15 zloty. Is that really going to make a difference, especially since they have to pay tax from these meagre funds?

This is disgraceful for a country who is a member of the European Union, has been a democracy for twenty years, and has the potential to be something great.

Thank you for listening to my venting and any comments are appreciated, afterall this is just my opinion.

Why Visit Poland?

Earning in the zloty is not the best. Especially when the exchange rate is not your favour. Even though I earn above the average income most months of the year, it's a lot less then I was earning in Australia. This isn't great if I want to send money to my account back home. Sometimes it doesn't seem worth it.

Poland is an interesting place, but unless you're taking up a managers position and going to be earning over 20,000 zloty a month, don't come here for the money. So why would you bother?

- A different culture. Poland is different, the people are different. Life is different. Two years later, I am still getting used to the attitude and behaviour of the majority I have come in contact with. It's always good to open yourself up to new ideals, a new way of life. While the place has been modernised over the past 20 years, they still have a long way to go.

- A sense of history. Poles have battled it out for centuries. Wars, uprisings and having their land taken away from them, given back, taken away again, and once again restored. Since World War II, Poland has changed somewhat, it has lived under Stalin rule, Military Rule and Communism, and survived. Get a taste of the history by visiting some of the famous sites like Auschwitz, Krakow, Warsaw Uprising Museum and much more.

- The exchange rate. If you're coming from England, Australia, America or anywhere that has the Euro. 1 Euro = 4.54 zloty or 1 USD = 3.25 zloty (6.6.09). Not bad if you want to have some fun.

- The spring time. This has to be the best part of the year. All the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining and I wake up with a smile on my face, especially when I can go for a nice long morning run in the forest.

- Vodka. Polish folk are big drinkers. Young and old. Unfortunately many don't know their limits and will end up sleeping at bus stops, on the side of the street or in front of the shop. However you will have a good time if you go out. Just be ready to down those shots (and remember your limits, no point in getting so plastered that you forget the experience).

- Natural habitats. Polish is rich when it comes to beautiful places to visit. Zakopany and Tatra Mountains is one of the most popular destination but Poland has much more to offer than that. Check out Bieszczady and Lake Solina, Bialowierza National Park in Hajnowka, Wieliczka salt mine, and much more.

May Long Weekend (Majowka)

The May long weekend, which includes Labour Day (Swieto Pracy) on the first and Constitution Day (Dzien Konstytucji) on third fell on Friday and Sunday. Which means only a three day weekend. Last year it worked out to five days.

Fortunately Poland is a small country and you can drive from one end to the other in about 10 + hours depending on your speed and persistence. Though I wouldn't advise on breaking speed limits or making records, the roads are ridiculously dangerous, and highways lack good conditions to drive faster then 80km (though many might disagree here). There are crosses and flowers every couple of hundred metres or so reminding drivers of people who have lost their lives, this is enough to cause me to slow down.

But what this short distance across the country means is that it only takes a few hours to get to your favourite weekend away destination. The popular hot spots are Zakopany, Mazury, Gdansk and its surroundings. Mountainside, lakeside, seaside, whatever tickles you fancy. Relax or be active, dance the night away at a disco or settle down on a blanket and read a good book, the choice is yours.

Many Poles were lucky this year to to soak up the spring sun, which is the best, and has been with us for a good few weeks allowing a nice tan to form. The past couple of days it actually feels like summer which is even better for me as I miss the hot Australian sun. Right now I am writing this on outside, on the stairs of my boyfriends house, the birds are chirping in the background, the roosters are singing cock-a-doodle-doo, and the sun is getting hotter and hotter.
This year Jarek and I decided to stay home. Warsaw that is, or a couple of kilometres outside the city which is much better, clearer air, more birds and green grass. On the Friday we did a 30km round trip on our bikes to visit our families and recover from a hangover caused by our birthday and namesday (imieniny) BBQ where we downed five or six bottles of vodka the night before.
Saturday we spent visiting Nowy Swiat and Foksal Street (great restaurants, fashions and exorbitant prices), soaking up the sun, browsing through stores and moving on to Stare Miasto (the Old Town), enjoying a delicious vanilla swiderek (swiderek is an ice cream sold during the warmer months, yummy).

We were lucky as the main street was closed from traffic and only pedestrians, cyclists and skaters were allowed. Sometimes it's nice to stay put and discover the place you live and work in.

An Aussie in Warsaw

Why would a 20 something year old from the sunny Gold Coast in Australia want to leave her fantastic job, a flat near the beach and great lifestyle for dreary, sad and 20 years behind Poland?

Firstly, let me make one thing clear. I am both an Aussie and a Pole, however I don't like to label myself as either or. I was born in Poland, and raised in Australia. But I feel at home wherever I choose to go or travel to. I still remember bawling my eyes out on the train platform with the news that I was leaving my grandparents behind and everything I'd ever known to go to a place I'd never heard of.

Sixteen years later I'm back. Not intentionally. Back in 2007 I came to Warsaw to visit my grandparents and get some paperwork sorted before moving on to live in London for awhile. Well no one was kind enough to inform me that due to the ridiculous amount of bureaucracy my stay would have to be extended.

Stuck. Unemployed. Low on money and with no ability to work legally and nothing to do but write. I think there was a time where I reached a really low point in my existence. I didn't know what to do.

Cheer myself up of course.

An opportunity arose for me to go on holiday to a popular seaside destination. No thinking needed there. I was off, with people I didn't know and the intention to have a fantastic time in order to leave my worries behind, at least for a week. Needless to say, halfway through my week away, I fell in love, and as they say the rest is history.

Two years later many things still drive me insane.

I'm a freelance writer, TEFL teacher, traveller, friend and a huge optimist. Throughout this blog I will attempt to include travel stories, experiences, jokes, photos, news and views on politics, on people, on just about anything I feel like. But be warned I tend to get opinionated, however I try to have your best interest at heart. A small incident brought me here, a chance encounter, and the a wonderful man who has taught me to love, to enjoy the smaller things in life, and to laugh every chance I get.

This blog has begun in the hopes of gaining an understanding of the Polish culture and coming to terms with the fact that I have decided to stay here indefinitely. I welcome you, and hope that you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoy writing it. Please feel free to comment or debate if you disagree with my opinionated soul.