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Travel Zen
Joined: 02 Sep 2004
Posts: 634
Location: Good old Toronto, Canada
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 Posted: Sun Sep 07, 2008 6:58 pm Post subject: How is Poland towards Foreigners ? |
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I'm intersted to tour Poland and the Ukaraine and even Russia in 209.
I'd like to know your experiences and thoughts on how Polish people are towards darker skinned foreigners  |
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simon_porter00
Joined: 09 Nov 2005
Posts: 505
Location: Warsaw, Poland
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| Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 4:48 am Post subject: |
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In short, the major cities will provide you with much more anonymity then smaller towns and viallages twhich will afford you with none. (Poland i'm talking about here - I've no idea about the Ukraine.) What does this mean? Well, Poland is a little bit backwards about accepting some things and people who are not racist will commonly use terms which to us are, unintentionally, not really thinking that they are being racist - darky, for one. This lack of education is one extreme, out and out hatred is other. Mind you you get this in the States and UK as well. You'll just have to exercise a little common sense when going around the less populated areas taking the necessary precautions you would if you were anywhere in the world. If people are only talking about you, it may not be noticeable as you may not speak the language, but you'll certainly notice them looking.
Anecdotally, There's a Nigerian guy who works in Rzeszow and he runs my Mum's village's football team, a place in the back of beyond. When they first saw him, no joke, some of the old babcias ran to church to pray to get rid of Satan. The men's attitude was a little less extreme, they stopped drinking beer for a few seconds goggle eyed, before returning to their beers. He, however, is a huge success and Łazy football team is successful like never before. |
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lundjstuart
Joined: 01 Jul 2008
Posts: 211
Location: Warsaw, Poland
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| Posted: Mon Sep 08, 2008 7:37 am Post subject: |
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Like simon said, live in the bigger cities if you want to blend in! Black people are still exotic here! As long as you dress normal and not exotic, you wont turn any heads here!! Ukanine and Russia, black people are even more exotic than here because they are still secluded in terms of visitors!
Good luck with traveling and just be street smart!! |
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the new guy
Joined: 19 Oct 2006
Posts: 127
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| Posted: Tue Sep 09, 2008 6:26 am Post subject: |
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| I'm caucasian, from Canada, and speak English. I get a kick out of just blending in by not speaking in public, to silencing a tram car of other ppls chatter when I am speaking english with a friend. Funny how that happens. |
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Gowump
Joined: 05 May 2004
Posts: 70
Location: Poland
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| Posted: Fri Sep 12, 2008 12:33 am Post subject: |
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| I agree with "the new guy". Six years in Poland and I still laugh at the looks I get when I speak English in public. |
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the new guy
Joined: 19 Oct 2006
Posts: 127
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| Posted: Mon Sep 22, 2008 9:08 pm Post subject: |
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now that i have been here a week... i am refreshed on customs
1- landmines on the sidewalk
2- cars dont even think about stopping for ppl in a crosswalk
3- ppl getting in your personal space when in lineup at Carrefour
4- the stench of the busses and trams
5- landmines on the sidewalk
6- poorly timed traffic lights
7- bus stops that are placed in the worst places. Not in front of the shopping center, but 400 meters away, making it difficult for the handicapped and elderly to get to it |
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ratsareeatingmybrain
Joined: 19 Jul 2007
Posts: 35
Location: lisbon
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| Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 8:41 am Post subject: |
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Great example, if anyone ever needed to be convinced of cross-continental English differences, new guy.
sidewalk
crosswalk
lineup
center
meters
Is crosswalk US English too? I've not heard it. By the way, what are you going on about with landmines? |
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simon_porter00
Joined: 09 Nov 2005
Posts: 505
Location: Warsaw, Poland
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| Posted: Tue Sep 23, 2008 9:27 am Post subject: |
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I think its a reference to dog sh1t on the pavement.  |
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Harry from NWE
Joined: 13 Sep 2007
Posts: 283
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| Posted: Wed Sep 24, 2008 11:30 am Post subject: |
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| the new guy wrote: |
| 2- cars dont even think about stopping for ppl in a crosswalk |
They generally do when you make it clear that you are going to cross and will be on the crossing before they are. If you just stand and wait for somebody to stop, you'll be there all day.
| the new guy wrote: |
| 3- ppl getting in your personal space when in lineup at Carrefour |
Simple solution: put your hands in your jacket pockets, elbows out and pointed. Then turn round about 90 degrees fast while pretending to look at something, catch them with an elbow and then glare at them for being in your space. If somebody is really annoying you, pretend to scratch the back of your head with your elbow sticking out and try the same trick. Peope tend to take a step back.
| the new guy wrote: |
| 4- the stench of the busses and trams |
Get used to it. Summers are far worse. |
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lundjstuart
Joined: 01 Jul 2008
Posts: 211
Location: Warsaw, Poland
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| Posted: Thu Sep 25, 2008 5:21 am Post subject: |
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| Harry from NWE wrote: |
| the new guy wrote: |
| 2- cars dont even think about stopping for ppl in a crosswalk |
They generally do when you make it clear that you are going to cross and will be on the crossing before they are. If you just stand and wait for somebody to stop, you'll be there all day.
| the new guy wrote: |
| 3- ppl getting in your personal space when in lineup at Carrefour |
Simple solution: put your hands in your jacket pockets, elbows out and pointed. Then turn round about 90 degrees fast while pretending to look at something, catch them with an elbow and then glare at them for being in your space. If somebody is really annoying you, pretend to scratch the back of your head with your elbow sticking out and try the same trick. Peope tend to take a step back.
| the new guy wrote: |
| 4- the stench of the busses and trams |
Get used to it. Summers are far worse. |
its all because of communism back in the day! if you leave an inch, somebody will try to cut you and probably will!! get used to people leaving the line and then returning in the same spot, they have a system of saving someones spot for they like we have in the states of 'butts down' when your drinking! I dont know if you know it but get used to it here!! You should go to Długa 5 if you really want to learn how things are in Poland!! Good luck!! |
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Hod
Joined: 28 Apr 2003
Posts: 1613
Location: Home
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| Posted: Sat Sep 27, 2008 6:34 pm Post subject: |
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I had no problems, but I never went to a football game in Poland. Read the extract below from Krakow Tourist Board website.
http://www.tottenhamhotspur.com/news/articles/traveladviceforwislakrakow250908.html
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Travel advice for Wisla Krakow
Information for fans travelling to Poland for our UEFA Cup first round, second leg tie against Wisla Krakow on Thursday week, October 2.
Please be aware that flags and banners will be allowed entry, but only with appropriate wording. Please note that Wisla Krakow do not allow flags bearing the Star of David to be displayed by home or visiting fans as these fall within the category of religious/political banners/symbols. The list of prohibited items ALSO includes bottles, alcohol and weapons of any kind. All supporters will be subjected to a search prior to entering the Stadium.
Please note that there will be no Wisla Krakow Stewards at the stadium as the Polish club only employs Special Security Officers to supplement their Policing arrangements - both carry batons and in some cases, C.S. Gas canisters.
It is likely that the Stadium will open two hours prior to kick off and visiting fans may be held back for up to 45 minutes after the final whistle. Welfare facilities can be used during this time - please be patient whilst the Police ensure that the home fans have left the area.
In the City Centre itself, local Police will not tolerate drunken behaviour and fans will be arrested if found to be acting in a manner that is likely to endanger themselves or others. The Police will be carrying out a robust operation and will not accept inappropriate or aggressive behaviour of any type. They will carry out frequent patrols of the Centre using cameras for evidence gathering.
Fans found to be drunk may be taken to a drying out centre and will be charged for the cost of their stay. The Police have the right to detain you for up to 48 hours without charge.
Take extra care in the City Centre and on public transport, as there is a risk of pickpockets. |
And just for fairness:
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| . There are horse-drawn carriages for those wishing to see the City in more detail. |
Welcome to Krakow. You're welcome to it. |
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scot47
Joined: 10 Jan 2003
Posts: 15343
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| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 8:24 am Post subject: |
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| The most racist society I have ever lived in. And that was 40 years ago when they used to lock people up for what they said in public. |
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the new guy
Joined: 19 Oct 2006
Posts: 127
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| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 2:49 pm Post subject: |
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Lately its been about 18-22degrees C each day, beautiful!!!
I have been wearing shorts a tshirt and a hoodie sometimes.. and the locals are wearing jeans, jackets, hats, and women with scarves around their necks like its in the deep of winter.
do i EVER get the looks 
oh not to mention...its that time of year again when everyone is starting to come down with sore throats. |
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misskaty
Joined: 11 Dec 2007
Posts: 16
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| Posted: Sun Sep 28, 2008 3:40 pm Post subject: |
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| I wouldn't recommend it. That's based on my experiences of my boyfriend at the time (who is mixed race), visiting me in a small town in Poland. It wasn't so bad in Wroclaw, but in the small place it was not nice. People really stare, and some guy started on him on the bus. Hopefully your experience will be better. |
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the new guy
Joined: 19 Oct 2006
Posts: 127
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| Posted: Mon Sep 29, 2008 9:26 am Post subject: |
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| oh ya... i almost forgot.... its the time of the season for cold sores. |
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