the POLSKI blog

Right, Christmas in nearly here. And I know people will want to impress their Polish friends by wishing them Merry Christmas in Polish.
Time then for a quick overview of the most useful Polish phrases for the festive period.
Let’s start with the name itself, Christmas in Polish is
Boże Narodzenie [Audio clip: view full post to listen]
Although [...]

If you didn’t understand the second half of the title, don’t worry, I’ll explain.
As you may be aware, every year Google produces its Zeitgeist, a list of the most popular search terms over the past year in each of the countries, in which it has its presence. In Britain, people search for the iPhone, the [...]

Time for another Pole Poll. As you probably know by now, I approach various Poles living in the UK to ask them five simple questions. If you’re Polish and living in the UK – and want to take the Pole Poll – drop me an email (and read more here):

Last week it was Sylwia’s turn [...]

Looking for new musical inspiration? Look east. After my recent post on new Polish folk/rock music, time to introduce a bit of electronica.
Here are two people who are not afraid to experiment with electro, jazz, house and anything in between, Smolik and Novika.
Smolik started his career in a Polish band called Wilki, but quickly became [...]

I’m getting a bit allergic to celebs and their omnipresence. My recent trip to Poland only confirmed my suspicions about the inevitable spread of the celebrity culture. Celebs everywhere, with only a few noble exceptions.
Nothing seems to be immune from their ‘endorsement’ any more. The same here. Now even The Guardian – until recently one [...]

This was sent by my friend in Belfast. It was used in a council team building exercise – to get people to start thinking about what Belfast might be like in the future.

By the way, ARE there any Polish councillors anywhere?
→ More from It’s a sign!

So, is it true that the Polish Santa Claus visits twice? Yes. Lucky Poles, eh? Let me explain.
6th December is St. Nicolaus day (Mikołajki), and traditionally it’s been a day when people give their children small gifts. But only those who’d behaved themselves, obviously. Santa Claus for most people in Poland will more likely be [...]

Let’s turn the tables. Normally I write about something Poland-related here, but this time I would like you to give me the facts and, perhaps more importantly, the opinions.
I was away and quite busy over the past few days, and only just noticed tonight while on the Tube home a storm brewing on the comments [...]