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Cultural Musings

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5 Things about Christmas in Poland that take some getting used to

As you know, I’ve lived in Poland for 5 years. However, I’ve only experienced 2 real Christmases. It’s really special in Poland because of the traditional dishes and sometimes there’s actually snow, which is a treat. I think it’s only snowed on Christmas once maybe since I’ve lived here? So it doesn’t seem too common. But considering the fact that we can usually wear shorts on Christmas in Florida, it’s kind of a change. I have to say though, I think I need another few Christmases to get used to some traditions here.

20 December 2015

Cultural Musings, Poland

30 ways you know you’ve been living in Poland too long

When you live in a foreign country, you sometimes don’t realize the effects it has on your daily life. When I meet with my American friends nowadays, they think I talk funny. Poles have their own way of speaking English and when you hear it all day, every day, it starts to wear off on you as well. For example, I say “for example” way more than I used to or I use “this” in situations when I know I should use “that”. Polishisms. But there are innumerable other ways in which Poland rubs off on you. How? Read on.

8 December 2015

Cultural Musings, Poland

Who celebrates Thanksgiving in Poland? I do.

Deep-fried turkey. Marshmallow-covered yams. Green-bean casserole. Cranberry sauce. Pumpkin pie. These are just a few of the essential Thanksgiving dishes. If you’re a Pole, you may be asking WTF is casserole? (It’s like zapiekanka.) But really, why do we celebrate Thanksgiving? Why do 3.6 million people fly home the day before just to eat turkey? And why is it more significant than Christmas for many Americans?
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29 November 2015

Cultural Musings, Poland

Are we so different? Poles vs. Americans

Poles and Americans aren’t so different. All in all people are similar, especially young people, but there are some differences in culture which can’t be ignored. Growing up in the States, we’re encouraged to embrace our individualism. This is evident in how we name our children. We invent names for them or simply use names of common objects. Rain, Pilot, Apple, whatever. Poles, however, stick to Polish names. If you use an English name, it’s a bit ridiculous. It’s better to have a normal name like everyone else than to stand out in the crowd. This is just one of the many ways in which our cultures differ.
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10 November 2015

Cultural Musings, Poland

All Saints’ Day // Wszystkich Świętych

I’m not a Halloween-celebrating American. When I was a kid we weren’t allowed to celebrate Halloween so I don’t have those happy associations with trick-or-treating or dressing up. It’s just not something I miss about the States (unlike July 4th and Thanksgiving – those are sad days for me here), but Poles celebrate it more and more each year. There is the occasional costume party but still kids don’t really trick-or-treat much and people just don’t go all out like they do in the States.
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4 November 2015

Cultural Musings, Poland

Czemu język polski jest tak trudny? // Why is Polish so hard?

The single most frustrating thing about my polonization is the language barrier. I’ve been living in Poland for 5 years and I’ve only been speaking Polish about 2, so I had a late start. I think that’s a common story for foreigners here because we’re all so daunted by the complexity of it all. Luckily my Polish family doesn’t speak English, and for some reason, they accept me even though I can’t seem to stop botching their language so royally.

5 October 2015

Cultural Musings, For Foreigners, Travel

5 reasons why traveling in Europe is better than in America

I have a confession to make. I’ve been to more European countries than States. That kinda makes me feel like a bad American but I think it’s a proximity thing. You know, like when you live near something cool, the chances of going are often smaller than if you’re visiting a place for the first time. For instance, I’d never been to Kennedy Space Center in Cape Canaveral until last year when my boyfriend urged me to take him there. And it’s 40 minutes away from my house in Orlando.

28 September 2015

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