OK, which cities are your favour and why?

[hermesmarana]

as in subject of cors - i mean polish ones.

[usenetposts]

Good question.

I like Warsaw, Poznan, Koszalin, the Katowice area despite the pollution, the
Trojmiasto, Legnica, Bydgoszcz. Bielsko Biała is a great place too. Gorzow is
good.

The ones I like a bit less are Kielce, Radom, and maybe Lodz. Torun doesn't do
much for me either, although there are nice things around and about it. I can't
say I dislike any of these places though.

I think Krakow is OK but overrated, Wroclaw I always get lost in, but it does
have some terrific features.

I don't have an opinion on Bialystok or Szczecin, but I'd like to get to know
them more.

[skattski]

My favorite place in Poland is......Zyrardow!!! It takes only 30min by train
going west from Dworzec Centralny. It`s small but really pretty i`d say. 1 Maja
street goes across the heart of the town, there`s a beautiful park with a
museum of the county and filthy river Pisia. Sure after 9pm you gonna get
mugged cause it`s like Peckham or closer where i live..Camden Town. Very rough.
Tough, there is no knives or gun culture at all...i think. i was born there and
lived there for many years before end up in UK, but still feel thrilled when
paying a visit. My kiwi mate once sad, i`ve been all over the world and have
seen almost everything, i told him,- you must find yourself in Zyrardow to
claim your mission is accomplished . Talk to your polish friends guys, half of
the city either work or study in Warsaw.
Check out the website to find out more. Good luck and take great care :o)

www.zyrardow.pl/
/jk

[hardenfelt]

They all have their attractive sides. It really depends on what You are looking
for.

Warszawa – a mixture of slum and luxury, poverty and wealth. The people
generally have a European mindset. Very little religious nonsense unless You
come across British o American missionaries. The only true international city
in Poland. It has it’s posh places and a student’s atmosphere. A very good city
if You want to do business. Not enough underground culture. Something should be
done about the river bank and some of the houses in the reconstructed Old Town
(which does not look very old) should be transformed into student hostels. A
mayor with visions could get this city into the European first league.

Krakow is a great city – but only for so and so long. Great bars, good and
cheap food, student’s atmosphere. The mindset is to conservative for my taste –
too much history and nationalism. Waldo would feel good here. Besides from
Rynek I like Kazimierz and Nowa Huta – a great example of communist city
planning. The whole town is a bit like a museum but the train journey to Warsaw
takes less than 3 hours – and that’s a big plus.

Wroclaw – Used to be a hole in the ground but it has changed incredibly over
the past 6-7 years. The atmosphere is great, loads of good bars and
restaurants. An active business environment. The mindset is still a bit
małomieszczanski though, but I think it’s changing rapidly.

Katowice – Here I always get lost. It’s not as bad as it’s reputation, but I
haven’t been there for a long time.

Opole – looks like a dying city. It’s really to small to be an administrative
centre, nothing new happens, the cream moves to larger Polish towns or to
Germany. Mindset close to village-mentality.

Torun – this is where I would live for a while if I didn’t need to make a daily
living. Architecture is great and there is an artistic air to he town. Good
restaurants. If you are on a economy budget I recommend the Bar Mleczne on
Rynek but in general the restaurants are very cheap. I think it’s difficult to
make a living though. There is a punk-scene.

Zielona Góra – Almost the same as Torun.

Lódź – Not my favorite city – but Pietrowska is nice.

Poznan – almost German mindset (some might like that). A vibrating city but I
would like to know it better.

Szczecin – I’ve stayed overnight around 20 times, but never found anything that
would make me go there for pleasure.

Gdansk – maybe my favorite. Seaport-mentality (I like that). Architecture
reminds me of Copenhagen. The reconstruction of Długa is indeed very well done.
Jarmark in the late summer is worth a visit.

Sopot – simply love it. Great for biking, swimming, sailing, chatting with
people from all over the world, drinking, eating, concerts and cat-exhibitions.
It’s more quiet in the winter time, but I still like it. The university makes
it a real town and not just a holiday resort.

Gdynia – modern, fast going, streamlined.

Leszno one of the most boring towns I’ve ever been to – but that was 5 years
ago.

:)

[waldek1610]

Krakow- has its laid back, Galician atmosphere. The locals seem to be quite
helpfull and respectfull for visitors and tourists... by the Polish standards.
Lots of character, patriotism and aristocratic flair mixed with cosmopolitan
culture and openness to visitors. It is lot less "hippie"... then Praque in
Czech Rep.

Warsaw- is worth seeing due to its symbolic status of the Polish capital. It
used to be lot more beautifull before WWII, and it could easly compete with
Wienna or even Paris if it wasn't distroyed by Nazi Germany to such extend.

Despite all that, todays Warsaw has more sky modern scrapers then London, more
public parks and squares than Berlin, more cosmopolitan atmosphere then Moscow
or Athens. And of course it is the hometown of Frederic Chopin...what else
could I say

[ejmarkow]

During my travels around Poland, I usually enjoy the smaller historic towns
that don't have too many tourists bumping into one another. There are some
larger cities that are nice though. I like (in no particular order):

Warszawa - The most cosmopolitan city in Poland, nice historic core, wide
avenues, plenty of parks, interesting blend of old and new, amazing that
approximately 90% of it was rebuilt during the last 60 years, good restaurants
and nightlife

Lublin - Stunning old town, a bit rundown at times which gives it that original
feel

Tarnów - Excellent old town, resembling a miniature Krakow, nice gothic town
hall and pedestrian lanes

Reszel - Gorgeous and tiny, nice castle, churches, stone bridge, period
buildings

Olsztyn - Impressive rebuilt old centre and many original buildings scattered
around, very clean environment

Torun - historic and old in every sense, nice

Nowy Sącz - Must see town hall, many fine churches, castle ruins, pleasant
atmosphere

Kraków - Nice, breathless, original, beautiful, but way too many tourists

Krosno - old town centre perched on a small hill, beautiful period houses

Piotryków Trybulnalski - I was happily shocked as I got off the train there,
fantastic old town and quite extensive, churches, old town walls, pleasant

Wrocław - Really impressive and spread out, fine architecture and excellent
town hall

Leżajsk - Compact, very attractive, old and original, historic, I enjoyed it

Zamosc - incredible fortified old town, churches, and splendid center

Przemysl - Ancient city, an eyeopener, very eastern flavor

Radom - Old town center was nice with two ryneks, very run down, surrounding
suburbs were not attractive at all

Kielce - same as above, except as you approach the city from the highway, an
ugly ring of apartment blocks sits on top of a hill, nice church and palace,
train station resembles a UFO

Kętrzyn - quaint, small old town with fine castle and church

Zlotoryja - small and nice, beautiful architecture

Jawór - same as above

Rzeszów - nice to stroll around for a day, castles and churches, beautiful
rebuilt town hall

Łódz - Large, industrial, I got lost there, nice period architecture in the
center

Zakliczyn - small historic town next to the Dunajec river, with ruins of the
Melsztyn castle overlooking the town

Ciężkowice - Interesting rynek, most houses made of wood, nice gothic church
and very tiny town, cool stone park reserve nearby

There are many more.

Of course, my village, Siemiechów, is attractive in its own
right...unfortunately, no 'rynek' (market square) or 'ratusz' (town
hall)...only the public school, post office, meeting hall, local store, fine
stone and wooden churches, 3 interesting World War I cemetaries for military
enthusiasts, one nice stone chapel on the north-eastern part of the village,
some nice roadside chapels and one very old stone religious figure missing a
hand dating back from the 1800's, excellent views and ski area
(www.jurasowka-ski.pl/), paradise for mountain bikers, hikers, campers,
nature watchers, mushroom and berry picking, sipping on a glass of wine or
beer, and relaxation. If you enjoy laying on a pile of hay in a barn with your
significant other, this could be the place for you.

Regards,

Eugene
Siemiechów, Poland
www.geocities.com/ejmarkow/siemiechow

[kylie1]

Eugene, your jurasowka site is not opening for some reason.
As for Siemiechow, I really like the bovine picture licking his chops with this
huge tongue of his.
Did you give him a name yet?
How about Florence the cow?

I am pulling for Wroclaw, that's my fathers city and he absolutely loves it!

[ejmarkow]

Hi Kylie1,

Yes, that cow should be the mascot of our village! Unfortunately, there are way
too many of them here and it wouldn't be fair to the rest of them. I think "Moo-
Hoo the cow" is a nice one.

I see why the Jurasówka Ski Area web site isn't opening up...for some reason,
the ")" became highlighted in red as a link. Try:

www.jurasowka-ski.pl/
Hope that works. It's our local ski area...not so large, but nice!

Regards,

Eugene
Siemiechów, Poland
www.geocities.com/ejmarkow/siemiechow
www.jurasowka-ski.pl

[kylie1]

Thanks Eugene, it works fine now. These pics are great too. I will see if I
can blow them up and use them as my desktop wallpaper.
Moo Hoo the cow sounds good too. Maybe Florence and Moo Hoo can hang out
together. I would send those two skiing on those beautiful slopes...cows on
skis! That would make headlines! I have seen dogs on skateboards before.
Anything is possible.
Am I right to think that ski areas near you are much less frequented than say
Zakopane and therefore a lot more fun?
My son is a huge ski fan but these year temperatures in Vancouver and around
did not go below zero. You have to take a longer trip to Whistler or Okanagan
and it's too much for some.

Thanks for the pics!
Geat job!

Kylie

[ejmarkow]

Hi Kylie,

> Am I right to think that ski areas near you are much less frequented than say
> Zakopane and therefore a lot more fun?

Actually, our Ski Area here, Jurasówka, even though small, has become one of
the most frequented slopes around the Tarnów area. Basically, the Carpathian
foothills start south of Tarnów, so that's where the majority of the clients
here come from because it is only 30 km away. But you are right, the most
popular ski resorts are the larger ones such as Zakopane. Krynica, which is
only about 60 km away from my village and a very large resort, is extremely
popular as well.

I'm glad you enjoyed the pics and website. Thanks!

Best Regards,

Eugene
Siemiechów, Poland
www.geocities.com/ejmarkow/siemiechow

[marimax]

Limanowa is a nice small town

[ejmarkow]

marimax napisał:

> Limanowa is a nice small town

Yes, I agree...nice town center and surroundings! Here is an ariel photo of
Limanowa:

republika.pl/limanowa2/pol4.jpg
More old, attractive historical towns around this region (Małopolskie) are:

Tuchów - Nice market square, two churches, town hall, period buildings
www.tuchow.pl/
Lipnica Murowana - Beautiful market square, old houses, nice monument in the
center, medieval layout
www.lipnicamurowana.pl/
Czchów - Pleasant market square, remains of castle tower, nice church
www.czchow.pl/
Grybów - Very attractive market square including monumental gothic red brick
church, period houses
www.grybow.pl/
Gorlice - Plenty of old architecture, interesting market square that has
overhead walkway and large town hall, attractive church
www.gorlice.pl/
Biecz - A must visit medieval town with superb market square and side streets,
defense walls and church, tenemant houses galore, ancient town hall, former
building which held only school for executioners (cutting a person's head off -
that was a long time ago), this town prospered due to the trade route with
Hungary
www.biecz.pl/
I previously mentioned the nice city of Zakliczyn (the nearest city to
Siemiechów, only 7 km away West) in another post, but forgot to provide the
links to their websites. Here are Zakliczyn's links:
www.zakliczyn.pl/
www.zakliczyn.com/index.php

Regards,

Eugene
Siemiechów, Poland
www.geocities.com/ejmarkow/siemiechow

[chris-joe]

Kylie, Whistler rocks, but nothing beats night skiing on Cypress Mtn. with
glittering city lights under your skis and bright dots of ships in the English
Bay far below.
No skiing there this year?

Greets for much missed Vancouver

[kylie1]

The skiing is going on all the time. Cypress is only 30 minutes away from
downtown Vancouver and you are right, skiing at night is a real treat for all
skiers...some 8km of groomed trails lit throughout the night - absolutely
amazing! The quality of snow can be different in Cypress than it would be at
Whistler. This is why my oldest son likes Whistler or the Big White. Right now
it's +7 degrees at the base of Cypress Mtn. However, in higher elevations the
snow is always there. We have some 19 km of gorgeous cross country trails and
plenty of room for snow tubing and tobogganing. A real paradise for families
with small kids! It's also quite affordable!
Similarily, we have Seymour Mtn, as you probably know and Grouse Mtn with a
wonderful skyride lift - all within 30 minutes from Vancouver's downtown.
I think Polish mountains are also absolutelu gorgeous. If you look at Eugene's
pictures, I think Polish Mtns can compete with any skiing resort anywhere else
in the world. No problem.
BTW, Whistler is very expensive and if you want a cup of coffee with a little
donut your ten dollar is history real quick...remember that too Chris-Joe?

[russh]

> I think Polish mountains are also absolutelu gorgeous. If you look at Eugene's
> pictures, I think Polish Mtns can compete with any skiing resort anywhere else
> in the world. No problem

Aaaaaaah. Who told you that Kylie. I know that you are of Polish decent, but not
even the most ardent lover of Polish mountains would dare to say what you have
just said.

[kylie1]

and why is that russh?

[russh]

They are lower, smaller with fewer, shorter pistes; less organised and
over-crowded in season. The villages are quite nice.

Preferences are; Slovakia (nearest), Austria, Italy, Switzerland and France.

[kylie1]

> They are lower, smaller with fewer, shorter pistes;

well, they are still beautiful to me and beauty is in the eye of the beholder.


I love the Rockies (Banff, Jasper), I love Colorado and Aspen, I lived in the
Austrian Alps for 3 months. I loved it there too. Still, I love Polish
Mountains for their own charm and they have plenty of it- Tatra Mtns are not
small by any means and they got everything you will find anywhere else:
gorgeous spruce forests, rustic pastures, crystal clear lakes and streams,
foaming waterfalls, interesting animals and beautiful flowers. Whenever I look
at Morskie OKO it reminds me of our rockies. Size is not everything for me when
it comes to mountains.

[russh]

> well, they are still beautiful to me and beauty is in the eye of the beholder

I never said that they are not beautiful (although I personally believe they are
not as beautiful as the Austrian, French & Swiss Alps). You said they could
compete as ski resorts with anything in the world; I said no way, you asked me
why and I gave you the reasons.

[kylie1]

we are all intitled to our opinions.

[chris-joe]

I don't think I ever had a donut in Whistler, but I remember having my first
poutine there. Although it wasn't the poutine that made me move to Montreal
soon after

I was a Vancouverite for 15 years and I guess I still consider myself as one.

And from the Grouse Mtn skilift you can quite often catch a glimpse of deer!

As for the Polish mountains- I wouldn't know. I was a teenager when I skied in
Poland last time. And that was quite a different era...

[kylie1]

I love poutine! I know the French Canadians have perfected the art of poutine
but I am quite happy with the Coscto one. You always get a huge helping for 3
bucks and it can feed two people quite easily. It's loaded with Mozzarella
cheese.
Good to know you are from Vancouver! I think you can certainly call yourself a
Vancouverite. 15 years is a long time! Or half Vancouverite and half Montrealer?
The Greek restaurant you mentioned before is still on Davie and still packed.
Last time I was there the line up was stretching for almost half the block.
Deer is beutiful but grizzly bear has become a real nuisance to our
community.More and more Vancouverites keep finding them in their own backyards!
Most of them are tranquilized and released into the wild. It's a huge problem
for Vancouver. People start feeling sorry for them or think they can "make
friends" with them by leaving food outside. Unfortunately it almost always ends
up in something tragic.

[marimax]

$10 donut and coffee ?
Are you trying to impress someone or are plain stupid to pay so much ?
I forgot, you only have your coffee and donut at Chateau Whistler

[russh]

Marimax, you are a real plonker! Funny probably, if you weren't so pathetic.

Read Kylies post again, and maybe you will understand that she was warning that
the donuts and coffee were expensive, not trying to impress.

[kylie1]

marimax, you are very observant and extremely intelligent, I can tell. Thanks
for coming here. You ARE raising Dave's stats by being here. That is greatly
appreciated.
If you weren't as subtle as an axe to the head or a water buffalo in heat I
could probably have a conversation with you.

[chris-joe]

As for poutine they have plenty of varieties here, even the QC 'macdo' carries a
'macpoutine'. I stay away from it for obvious reasons

I didn't mention any Greek restaurant on Davie but now I'm racking my brain
trying to remember its name... Is it "Stepho's"? Right across the street from
the local Shoppers Drug Mart (known as "Pharmaprix" in QC).
And I should remember- I used to live on Davie.

Are you a Westender, too?

Ah, the city wildlife of Vancouver... The coyotes, the whole family packs of
raccoons, not to mention the Canada geese stopping traffic on Granville Street.
The radio reports warning locals of bear spottings in the burbs.
And the Westenders warning one another: "Watch out! There's a skunk in the bush
ahead"

[marimax]

Westend is mostly for grass smokers, lesbians, faggots and prostitutes only a
little better than skidroad.

[chris-joe]

You're almost right mari- the West End Of Vancouver is pretty popular with gays.

As for grass smokers- I would argue that they are pretty evenly distributed
across the country and I'd risk an opinion that pot consumption per capita in
Burnaby or Port Coquitlam (or in any other suburb of Vancouver for that matter)
is probably equal to or exceeds that of the West End.

You're completely mistaken however when it comes to lesbians and prostitutes.
Lesbians tend to like the East End better (Commercial Drive area for example),
while the last prostitute may have been spotted in the West End... well, way in
the early eighties, no later.

Comparing the West End of downtown Vancouver to the skidrow (I suppose that is
what you meant when you said "skidroad") i.e. the area around East Hastings and
Main proves your complete lack of knowledge of Vancouver.

The West End is an urban residential area (and not an inner city) popular with
single, younger crowd as well as with middle class, mostly childless, urbanites
(gay and straight) etc.
Check the prices of the West End condos! Just off the bat I can bet you won't
find a 2 bdr appt for rent for less than $1500.

Also, could you please try to refrain from using offensive terms like "faggots"
in the future?

Thanks

[kylie1]

That's the one on Davie. It is called Stephos.And, yes, it is across from
Shoppers Drug Mart - good memory Chris-Joe.
Yes, we live in Kitsilano.
I will leave the whole rest to marimax. He is itching to answer all your
questions. He does it with grace and charm, as usual.

[kylie1]

A small correction chris joe. Actually, Straight across from Shoppers you
have "Fresgo" restaurant and Stephos is just a block or so away from there. But
it's on the same side as Fresgo. Still pretty close!

[chris-joe]

You're right, Fresgo would be right across the street from that corner
convenience store (still there?) and the Shoppers parking lot

Kits, eh? Nice area, a short Aquabus ride from the West End. What's the name
of the beach next to the Aquatic Centre? Is it the Sunset Beach?

If I were to move back to Vancouver (and I just may do that in the near future)
I would probably be looking for a place in Kits.

Oh, another thing from Vancouver I miss dearly: "The Georgia Strait" mag! It
rocked!

[kylie1]

Yes, it is Sunset Beach. Nice place.
You can find all that on mapquest.com if you want to refamiliarize yourself
with Vancouver.

[mwanginjagi]

I love Koszalin, laid-back and easy-going.. friendly and just 30 minutes to the
sea//

Pozdrawiam

[usenetposts]

mwanginjagi napisał:

> I love Koszalin, laid-back and easy-going.. friendly and just 30 minutes to
the
>
> sea

100%.

A pity I never seem to get to go there these days.

[marcus_anglikiem]

mwanginjagi, what do you do in Koszalin? I used to live there (on Zwyciestwa,
like everything )...

Is Koszalin Attractive?

[ejmarkow]

mwanginjagi napisał:

> I love Koszalin, laid-back and easy-going.. friendly and just 30 minutes to
> the sea.

How does Koszalin look architectually? Is it old, new, attractive? Thanks.

Regards,

Eugene
Siemiechów, Poland

[mwanginjagi]

ejmarkow napisał:

> mwanginjagi napisał:
>
> > I love Koszalin, laid-back and easy-going.. friendly and just 30 minutes
> to
> > the sea.
>
> How does Koszalin look architectually? Is it old, new, attractive? Thanks.
>
> Regards,
>
> Eugene
> Siemiechów, Poland

I guess what really attracts me to Koszalin is it's personality as a city
rather than the architecture and buildings... there is something very unique
about Koszalinczycy... they love life and the love family... there is a sense
of family and oneness... every Koszalin family that I came across was unique in
this sense... they laugh and smile with their hearts... I guess one of the most
unique places I'll ever be in the World...

oo and one thing... Koszalin chicks are so beautiful and voluptious... they'll
blow your brains out!!!

Regards and pozdrawiam
/Mwangi

[szwet14]

For God´s sake - you can polish whatever you wish but not Polish towns, please.

[marimax]

I don't think you know Vancouver very well. Skid road or a skid row there is
not much difference and I hope you never end up there . You should check Coal
Harbour rental prices (if you know where it is)to compare it with West End and
you will see where normal people are moving to.
Believe me faggot is a faggot the same as whore is a whore

[chris-joe]

If you knew Vancouver better then you would know that Coal Harbour IS in the
West End...

And the prices in Shaughnessy and British Properties are even higher than in
Coal Harbour. Does that make Coal Harbour a skidrow?

What can I say? A moron is a moron.

cheers

[marimax]

This time you are right because I had Yaletown on my mind.
I am sure I could drive you around Vancouver and if left at some areas you
wouldn't know how to get back toWest End.
Yes sir a jerk is a jerk, always.

[chris-joe]

I left Vancouver 4 yrs ago, visited twice since; given how fast Vancouver
changes, you're probably right. However what does it prove exactly?
In this fascinating conversation we've been having it is I who's proven you
wrong on several occasions and not vice versa.

Still, what's the Yellow Cab number? 681-1111? Or has it changed as well?
You see- somehow I'd find my way home

[usenetposts]

marimax napisał:

> I don't think you know Vancouver very well. Skid road or a skid row there is
> not much difference and I hope you never end up there . You should check Coal
> Harbour rental prices (if you know where it is)to compare it with West End
and
> you will see where normal people are moving to.
> Believe me faggot is a faggot the same as whore is a whore
>

You need www.effingpot.com/food.shtml

[usaf]

dude I got sick reading it !