So this is the first one in what I’m hoping will become a regular feature on this blog. Pole Poll’s aim is to try and move away from the stereotypical picture of a Pole in the UK and show what motivated people to come here, what they do, love about this country and miss about Poland.
I’ll approach various people to ask them five simple questions, but if you’re Polish and living in the UK – and want to take the Pole Poll – drop me an email (and read more here):
I’m really pleased to be able to introduce the first respondent, Sylwia Presley:
1. Who are you?
I am a blogger, photographer and occasionally a writer. A mum of a lovely 3-year-old boy (www.dawipresely.wordpress.com). Currently working for a Word of Mouth Marketing agency in Oxfordshire, I am happy to be able to work with something I like – social media:) though recently I am moving away from blogging itself towards business ethics.
Occationally I exhibit my works, but due to the lack of time and commitment, I stick to minimum once a year. Next exhibition (FLOWERS) is planned for May, in my landlord’s magical garden, just next doors – that’s how lazy I can be.
I also like to take part in or organise projects where I can support others with my skills, probably to balance my time spent at work;) Currently I am writing and translating for GlobalVoices (PL) and building up presence for Bar Mleczny, where with Magda (http://magdanawyspie.blox.pl/html), a blogger girl from Oxford, we plan several streams of activities related to Poles living in UK (promoting culture, arts and probably providing support to minority members; establishing a bridge between British and Polish culture). I am really happy to see blogs like yours doing the very same thing:) [Thanks, Sylwia! Michal]
2. Why are you in / have you chosen the United Kingdom?
I married a British citizen, whom I have met in Budapest. We moved to the UK to make him happier, and since he still couldn’t settle down, our ways separated. I’m a single, quite a happy bunny now;)
3. If I went back home to Poland, I’d take with me…
Difficult, I do not really consider this option, but let me imagine it… I think I would learn to prepare proper Cornish pasties and scones to enjoy their true taste back in Poland. I would take a lot of British rock. And few books on gardening – I love British gardens, and I am impressed how locals care for nature.
4. I’ll never get used to…
Ignorance and lack of basic knowledge – the fact that one person of my age trully believes in Asia people speak Asian, and cannot be convinced otherwise, another one asks me what language do they speak in Austria… And that I need to convince the lady from the Job Center that UK IS in the EU. Or that people working in WHSmith do not know the books I am talking about – UK releases… do not get me wrong, I do not think it’s an average state, but I myself find it hard to act normally, if you like, in those situations.
5. I miss..
Books, music, art in Polish. I am lucky to have Oxfordshire library close, where I can borrow Polish books, but – regardless of how irrational that might be – I miss the huge choice of EMPIK [large Polish book and music store chain].
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