Warsaw's December Photos

On 14th December I went with my friend for a walk. We visited one of the Christmas fairs I mentioned last time. It was a small fair in front of one of Wola's churches. Later, we went to the city centre, passing by Pałac Kultury i Nauki (Palace of Culture and Science), one of the city symbols.

Continue reading to see photos of Wola and Śródmieście, made by my friend.

December Highlights

December is a month connected with Christmas. Indeed, most of December is so Christmasy. Christmas decorations are already in November (unfortunately) but everything screams "Christmas! Spend all your money for Christmas!" very loudly in December. And then there comes the New Year party, a time for long parties. ;)

So, what's interesting in December? As I said earlier, it's mostly focused on Christmas.

• Christmas fairs (usually close before Christmas Eve) with traditional food, decorations or various gifts.
• Barbara's Day (patroness of miners).
• Barbórka rally in Warsaw.
• Nativity scenes in churches. Some are static, some are moving (mechanic) and some are alive. 
• Christmas carols concerts.
• Public Christmas parties. 
• Public New Year party. Free. 

These events are annual. There are also some this year "events".

• 125th anniversary of National Ethnography Museum in Warsaw.
• December 2013 is a time for people in Warsaw to give suggestions related to the new participatory budgeting law. Suggestions now, projects next year and it'll be implemented in 2015.
• Starting on 1st January 2014 there will be a new ticket tariff for the public transport. Those who pay taxes in Warsaw can get "Karta Warszawiaka" which means cheaper tickets after next year's rise in tickets. :D Now it's the time to get holograms for the Karta.

More information with photos soon. On 14th December in Wola there'll be an event with lighting up a Christmas tree, a Christmas fair and concerts. It'll continue to 15th December. And on Sunday there'll be a public Christmas party with the President of Warsaw. Food, carols, wishes, etc. except outside.

December Weather in Warsaw

For those who might be planning their trip to Warsaw, an information about weather might be one of the most important. So, today I'll write about the current weather in Warsaw. It's not as scary as one could think!

Currently there is no snow and the temperature is above zero. This is not so surprising in Warsaw. There are years in which the snow and low temperature doesn't come even for Christmas. I always wish for white Christmas, but probably this year, we won't have snow either.

One of the weather forecast (you know they could be wrong) claims that the temperature until Christmas will be above zero, with only rain falls from time to time. Actually 25th December is supposed to be the warmest day in Warsaw in the next 2 weeks with a 6 degrees Celsius temperature.

Temperature below zero might be only at night (according to the forecasts) during the next 2 weeks.

We had first snow, on 6th December at night. A nice present for the Saint Nicholas Day. This is a photo made in the morning of 7th December 2013.

It was snowing already for a few times, but since the temperature is above zero, the snow is quickly melting. unfortunately for me. I love the snowy Warsaw, especially at night. I love walking through a snowy and Christmasy-lit Warsaw at night.

I have to say, that so far December is quite warm. Good for those who aren't used to the low temperature, but not so good for those who love to have fun in the snow. Winter without the snow is not quite right for me. Actually, the cold and snowy winter is my favourite season!

Last week we had some problems in Poland with the hurricane Xaver, which was roaming in Europe. The worst time was Thursday/Friday night (05/06.12.2013). The speed of the wind was up to around 150 km/h. The worst had people living in the north, on the seaside. For few days many people had no electricity. Generally, it was advised on Friday to not go out unless necessary, because of the strong winds. It's over. The hurricane has passed (to Russia), the electricity (afaik) is now restored everywhere.

Hurricane like this is uncommon in Poland. You shouldn't be worried about such things.

Regardless of the weather now, if you plan to come to Poland during winter (starting from now) it's best to have some warm clothes with you.

November in Warsaw

What are the main events and celebrations in Warsaw in November? There are customs related to the past (honouring those who passed away) and the future (marriage fortune magic). And the most important national holiday - The Independence Day.

Continue reading to learn about these and other events.

Polish Independence Day

Polish Independence Day (Dzień Niepodległości) was set to 11 November as a commemoration of regaining sovereignty after 123 years of non-existence. During those 123 years Poland was divided by three neighbours: Russia, Prussia (later Germany) and Habsburg Empire (later Austria). That day was chosen, when Józef Piłsudski assumed control of Poland. He was a Chieft of State (Naczelnik Państwa) between 1918 and 1922.

It was officially set up in 1937, not celebrated during Second World War (from 1939, when Poland was occupied by Germany and USSR) to 1989 and came back when Poland regained sovereignty, this time from USSR.

Dzień Niepodległości is a free from work day. Continue reading if you're interested in learning more about Polish anthem and celebrations.

Cemeteries in Warsaw

The beginning of November is a time to commemorate those who passed away. Many Polish visit graves of family members and friends.

Continue reading to learn trivia about cemeteries in Warsaw and customs related to the Day of the Dead.

The Death of Tadeusz Mazowiecki

Just last week, on 28th October, we got a sad news. On that day, Tadeusz Mazowiecki, the first non-communist Prime Minister in Poland after II World War has died.

Tadeusz Mazowiecki will be mainly remembered as a politician, as one of the leaders of the "Solidarity" (Solidarność) movement.

Much has been written and told about Tadeusz Mazowiecki. Many people has written about his life, also after he died. I'll give you just some examples:

• Tadeusz Mazowiecki, Polish prime minister, dies at 86 (Washington Post);
• Poland's 'father of democracy' Tadeusz Mazowiecki dies aged 86 (Euronews);
• Polish Jews mourn death of Tadeusz Mazowiecki, first post-Communist PM (Haaretz).

Accidentally, Tadeusz Mazowiecki's death occurred few days before the holidays where Polish people commemorate the people who passed away. First November is the All Saints Day, Second November is All Souls' Day. 

The funeral of Tadeusz Mazowiecki was held on 3rd November. This day was appointed by the current President of Poland as "national day of mourning". Polish and European officials took part in the funeral service in the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist in Warsaw's Old Town.

Later he was laid to rest in his family's grave in Laski, near Warsaw.

Below there are two links related to Tadeusz Mazowiecki's funeral:

• State funeral for Poland's former PM Tadeusz Mazowiecki (video at BBC);
• Tadeusz Mazowiecki's funeral takes place in Warsaw (text with photos).

God rest his soul. 

October in Warsaw

October is a very "smart" month. In October lectures start at universities and we celebrate The Day of National Education (commonly known as a The Teacher's Day). October can also bring lots of joy to people... Why?

Continue reading to know more about October events and holidays in Warsaw.

Referendum for and against the President of Warsaw

Hanna Gronkiewicz-Waltz,
photo by: Piotr Drabik/Wikimedia Commons/CC

On 13th October we had an referendum for/against the current President of Warsaw. Opposition of the President of Warsaw (and the ruling party called Civic Platform) wanted to throw down Mrs. Hanna-Gronkiewicz-Waltz from her office.

That didn't happen in the end, as the referendum was invalid. Too little people went to vote. Tho from those who voted, around 95% wanted to end the President's post before the constitutional-end in 2014.

If you want to know more about the referendum, continue reading.

Mushroom hunting

Mushroom hunting (Polish: grzybobranie) is a popular hobby or weekend activity in Poland. Depending on the weather, it's possible to go mushroom hunting from August to October. I could talk (write) for hours about mushroom hunting. I remember that I started mushroom hunting with my family (parents and grandparents) as a child. We would drive the car to the forest (good places may be far away) and then start the several-hours-long mushroom hunting.

I like it and I always look out for possibility to go mushroom hunting. Either with friends or family. Why? For few reasons. First, it's a healthy outdoor activity. Second, it gives you a purpose (if you don't just like walking around for nothing). Three, you'll get a delicious (and natural!) food additives! And I swear you that in Poland we have lots of delicious dishes which use the mushrooms. Four, if you like rivalry, you can compare yourself with others. What is important is a good eye and luck.

Continue reading to get some photos from my mushroom hunting, learn some more about mushrooms and forests in Poland... or find online stores, if you can't go mushroom hunting. Long post before you!

September in Poland

September in Poland is a start of the new school year (up to high school) but also... make us remember the World War II, as it's the month Poland was attacked by Hitler.

If you want to learn more about historical events, celebrations, special days and annual events in Warsaw during September, continue reading.

Remembering The Warsaw Uprising

The Warsaw Uprising

I don't want to write about the history, there are lots of books and articles about The Warsaw Uprising available. This uprising is very controversial (was it needed or no?), so I'd prefer you to have your own opinion about it. I want to (and will) write a bit about the symbols and celebrations.

I'd like to write it clearly. The Warsaw Uprising was in 1944 (01.08.-02.10.1944) and it's NOT the same with the Warsaw Ghetto Uprising (19.04.-16.05.1943) which is part of the Jewish Holocaust.

If you've already read about the Warsaw Uprising in my last post on August in Warsaw, you can continue to read more about remembering the Warsaw Uprising.

August in Warsaw

This is the first of 12 calendar posts. In each of them I'll write about importants events, historical and religious celebrations and festivals in Warsaw.

August in Warsaw/Poland

August is not only the second (and last month) of summer holidays for pupils up to the high school. In August for example we remember about the fights for freedom in Warsaw, we celebrate the Polish Army Day and celebrate Assumption of Mary.

Continue reading to learn more about August events in Warsaw.

Warsaw's Wola

Wola, Warszawa

Wola has many meanings in Polish. The most obvious now is "will" like in "free will" or "strong will". And, I tell you, the people in here has a lot of will! Hardly anybody remembers now that in the past "wola" meant the place wasn't paying taxes or had them discounted. Wouldn't it be great, if it was still like this? Sadly, I live in Wola and I have to pay taxes.

Wola is truly the the best district in Warsaw. I've lived in Wola for most of my life. I like the fact that Wola is close to the city center, but it’s not so noisy, or traffic-packed. The life quality is better, too. It doesn't matter if you're looking for a place to eat, rest, play, learn or work - everything is here.  I'll show you.

Continue to read more about Wola.

Basic info about Warsaw

Warsaw (called in Polish: Warszawa) is a capital city of Poland and its biggest city. Warsaw is also the capital city of the Mazovia province.

Continue reading to learn more about Warsaw.

Poland

 Are you interested in Poland? Would you like to learn more about this country and its culture?
Are you planning to come to Poland as a tourist or you want to study or work in here?

Then please, read on. A Warsaw-born Polish will give you an insider information about Poland and especially Warsaw.

Have a nice stay in Poland.

About Dwelling in Here

Two days ago I returned from Indonesia. I was living there in Solo for almost a year, studying Indonesian language. I was born in Poland (Warsaw) and was living in my hometown for over 30 years before moving to Indonesia.

I'm aware of a so called "Reverse Cultural Shock" so I want to share the information about living in Poland as I'll get used to living in here again.

I know how little is known about Poland and it's culture so I'll add this information as well. I'll try to post as little as possible about my private life.

Currently I'm living again in Warsaw, but who knows where I'll live in the future... I'll continue posting living in different towns and countries.