You’re probably staying at home a lot these days. I, for one, haven’t left the neighbourhood in about 2 weeks. Maybe you don’t know this, but things here in Poland and things back home in the States aren’t the same when it comes to COVID-19. I’d say the governments of both countries have handled things a bit differently, and people as well. This is the first time I can say I’m actually proud of the actions the Polish government has taken here.
It’s incredible really. When I first moved to Poland (let’s be honest, for the first three years I lived here), I really didn’t speak Polish at all. I was lazy, wasn’t really sure I’d need it in the future, just kept putting it off. So everyone who could spoke to me in English. Finally, because of my husband and his family, I learned Polish. Painstakingly, but alas, wreszcie! I can manage myself without nearly having a heart attack before every single interaction. But recently it’s become apparent that almost nobody speaks English to me anymore! And honestly, it sucks.
Working as an English teacher in Poland is a popular job for native English-speaking expats looking to earn some easy cash. But it’s not for everyone. And it’s not as easy as just being able to speak. In addition to knowing how to instil knowledge in others, teaching English in Poland about people skills and deep understanding of the language. A little dose of eccentricity doesn’t hurt either. Think you got what it takes? Read on to find out.
The other day my kid said this: “Mamusiu, co się stało pieskowi?” And I ask my husband, “Is that the correct przypadek?” The answer is positive and it leaves me feeling a bit disappointed in myself and I realize – it has started. My kid’s Polish is already better than mine. How did this happen? He’s only 2.5! He uses proper cases, he uses the right dokonany or niedokonany version of a word, it’s so unfair! When will he start saying things I don’t even understand?!
As you may already know, I’ve had a lot of red tape to get through in my life in Poland. From residence cards, to getting married, to buying a house, it’s been tough but worth it. Now I’m caught up in a new bureaucratic nightmare, which started just days before the birth of my second child – this time with ZUS. Here we go again.
I know there are some taboo topics in Poland like sex (actually true), supposedly money (but everyone talks about it all the time), and health – the topic of today’s post. I’ve had so many situations recently where someone has kept what seems like perfectly normal information about their medical health from me, and it drives me absolutely mad! Please don’t tell me you’re going to the hospital but not why. Please don’t tell me your kid is near death by not why. Please don’t tell me you got a biopsy but not of what. PLEASE. I can’t stand it anymore!
