Mom, will you come do my laundry?

I never thought I'd miss my washing machine and dryer in SF so much (the one that takes two complete drying cycles to dry anything).  When I was looking at apartments in Warsaw, everywhere boasted about having a washing machine, so I never worried about it. If you've used one washing machine, you've used them all, right? 

Wrong.

Here's a little story about me doing (or trying to do) laundry for the first time in Poland. 

I was staying in a hotel for the first 12 days in Poland, and luckily had enough clothes to last me those 12 days.  However, once I moved into my apartment, I knew that I'd need to do laundry.  So one of my first goals was to get some detergent so I could do a couple loads.  That should be easy, right?

Wrong.

I really still don't know if I bought detergent or fabric softener (or possibly neither).  I stared at the labels on every bottle of what might have been liquid detergent in the store for about 20 minutes.  I got so tired from doing this that I actually sat on the ground in the middle of the aisle with bottles surrounding me.  I just couldn't figure it out!  They all had pictures of clothes, flowers, and moms happily cuddling up with a shirt or towel to their face.  They also all had some pictures on the back with some measurements and numbers.  But none of them had any English.  So, which one is which?  There was also powder, which I am pretty sure was detergent, but the instructional pictures on the back were so confusing, that I probably would have done it wrong and flooded the apartment.  The pictures were saying something like adding 85 ml of LIQUID something to 10 L of something else at 40 degrees.  What???  Isn't this powder??  And what about 10 L?  Ugh. So I'm sticking with liquid.  Anyway, I finally got something, and I think it's detergent, but who really knows. 

Ok, so back to using the machine.  First of all, it's in my kitchen, which is weird.  There are no words on the machine, just pictures, so you'd think it'd be easy to figure out.  Nothing can get lost in translation, right???  WRONG.  Look at these pictures!  What does all of that mean?!?!?!  The landlord didn't have the instruction manual, so he tried explaining it to me. But he doesn't speak English, so that didn't work out too well.  I had someone translate and even the translator was confused and said "just do something like this (waved his finger around, at nothing in particular) and then it should work".  Gee thanks. 

I finally guess where the alleged detergent should go (there are 3 different compartments, none of them labelled), and after about 5 seconds of a false sense of accomplishment (I literally had a smile on my face), soap starts appearing on the floor, leaking from somewhere (smile leaves face).  Yea...that wasn't the right compartment. 

I finally get the soap figured out, and go to put my clothes in.  The machine is smaller than the machines I am used to, so I was trying to figure out how much it can handle.  I notice a sign that says 4-5 kg.  I think that might mean the weight limit on the clothes.  So I get out the bathroom scale (no joke).  I have no idea what I'm doing, so I don't want to take any chances!  It's hard to only put clothes on the scale because they keep spilling off, so I weigh myself, then pick up all the clothes and see what I weigh then.  Then I get out a calculator to do the math.  Easy. 

So finally it's working, and working, and working.  And 3 hours later, it's still working.  When will the stupid thing be over???  3.5 total hours of just washing! Apparently there is a speed wash button, but can someone please tell me which one it is??!!!!

Oh by the way, there is no dryer!!!  Who has a washer with no dryer?  Apparently everyone in Poland, that's who.  When I asked around, people said "what do you need a dryer for?  just hang the clothes up".  Oh how I miss the soft, warm, fresh feeling of clothes just out of the dryer...I will not have that for at least 2 more years. Someone please bottle that smell up and send it to me. 

I'm not used to air drying things, and afterwards they are all wrinkled and crunchy.  I don't like that feeling at all.  Especially underwear.  Crunchy underwear is no good.  Someone suggested that I get some fabric softener to help with that.  Is that a joke?  I told them YOU go get me some fabric softener (if you can tell which one it is), YOU figure out how much to put in, and YOU figure out where it's supposed to go.

Mom, will you come help me???

(You will be happy to know that my landlord recently found and sent me some English instructions for the machine...whew!)

Adventures in grocery shopping

NOTE: Any Polish friends reading this are more than welcome to take me shopping next time so I know what the heck I am doing when I go into one of these stores!

I love grocery shopping. In SF, my idea of a fun evening after work was to go to Target, Trader Joe's and Safeway (yes, to all 3) to get all the best deals on my staple items. Each place had good deals on certain things so it was worth it to go to all three. Soy milk and canned soup at Target, Fruits and Veggies at TJs, and bread, meat, and tortillas at Safeway (when on Club Card special). I had a perfect system which saved me hundreds of pennies every month.  Don't be jealous. 

Oh how times have changed.

There are 3 main challenges that I've had (and will continue to have) with grocery shopping here:

1. Everything is priced in zloty/kg, so I can't figure out what's a good deal

2. I can't read any of the labels, and

3. I need "training" on how to shop

1. I have recently figured out that the easy way to convert zloty/kg to $/pound is to divide by 6. It's not exact, but it's close. This works for things like meats, fruits, and veggies (which I actually have still not purchased...see below). Things are generally cheaper here than in the US, which is good. However, I still cannot figure out zl/mL or why all servings are described "per 100 grams". In these cases, not knowing if I am getting a good deal really takes some of the excitement out of grocery shopping.

2. Ok, so I cannot read Polish. We all know that. But it is a bit of a joke when I am looking at something and can't figure out if it is a seasoning, a gravy, or a freeze dried vegetable...then it turns out to be powdered soup. I also don't know how to prepare anything after I buy it (the directions are in Polish, German, Russian, Arabic, Martian, etc). So it might as well be a freeze dried vegetable, because it's going to taste like one after I cook it wrong.

3. I have made, or will make a fool of myself because...:

a. You have to weigh your own produce and put a label on it before taking it to the register. I did not remember that rule and when I brought some bananas up, the cashier scoffed at me, swore at me in Polish (I can only assume), and ran off to the produce section to weigh it and put a label on. I still don't know how to actually do it myself, but for my own safety, I'm pretty sure I better learn. There is usually a person by the produce to help you, but that makes it even scarier because then I will have to try to speak Polish to them (which will limit my produce buying to the 3 things I know how to say - banana, apple, and tomato). This is why I have yet to buy any other produce since those bananas.

b. Apparently bags are not provided when making your purchases.  The cashier just puts all your stuff on the other side of the counter and it is up to you to stack everything on your own arms, or bring your own bag. Did anyone warn me about this before? Nope. I didn't have any bags on me, and at this point, I didn't know you had to pay for them. When I was standing there clueless staring at my purchases, the cashier was already helping the next customer, leaving all my stuff just scattered. I didn't know how to say "hey lady, are you going to bag my stuff?" so natually I just stared at them, hoping they would bag themselves. Then she ran off to do something and I was there alone (the guy behind me already paid and left, and I was still standing there). I saw a bunch of plastic bags hanging from a rack so I took one, thinking I could do this myself. And I put my stuff in it. And I leave.

The next time I went into that store, she did the same thing, putting my purchases on the counter, but no bag. I had quite a bit of stuff now, so obviously I couldn't carry it out by hand. So I motioned like I wanted a bag. She gave me one bag, then charged me 7 cents!!  I had at least 3 bags' worth of stuff, so I motioned "maybe I need another one, lady, can't you see I have a lot of stuff?" So she "sold" me another one. I decided to make it work because I'm sure she remembers me from the banana incident. Only then did I realize that the last time, I actually STOLE the bag. I'm sure people saw me, and they probably think I waited for the cashier to leave her station so I could take a bag and run out!! I am a wanted criminal in Poland!!!! But at least now I know. And now you know.  I will give her an extra 7 cents next time. 

c. The meat counter is very intimidating. There are all kinds of meats, sausages, and cold cuts, with a scary looking lady behind it, with her hair in a net and a cleaver in her hand. This is not the friendliest looking person in the world. That isn't that unusual though...the main problem (in addition to the prices being in zl/kg) is that I don't know what anything is. And the Polish labels don't help (obviously). I have been into this store 3 times, and I still have yet to order any meat. Oh, I go for a look. But I don't order anything. I just look quickly (and longingly), and when she looks like she is about to say something to me, I run away. I'm too nervous to order! (just like I ran away right after I took this picture)

The other day my boss gave me a book that helps you learn Polish words through pictures. There is actually a picture of a butcher shop with words for everything...so next time I will be bringing this book with me, and will hopefully be able to order some meat. Everything will have to be in the exact same spot as the picture though...

Or I might just buy my groceries online.

The good news from all of these adventures in grocery shopping is....my question has been answered!!!!!!!!! YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS. Now I just need to find Pace Picante sauce.

Ready for your visit!!! (and mailing address)

After looking at various apartments all over the city, I finally settled on a place in Old Town, with YOU in mind (I'll tell you what I mean). If you have not yet been to Warsaw, Old Town is a very nice area, with lots of restaurants, pubs, and people. It's one of the most popular places for tourists as well (so you will fit right in!), because it is the most "Old European feeling" area in the city, with narrow, stone roads, a large square in the middle, and quaint buildings. Yesterday I opened my window and could hear a guy playing a saxophone just down the street. Funny because last year I saw Kenny G, the all time greatest hair wearer/sax player in a bar in Warsaw.

Upon my observations, many locals visit the area for dinner, to go on dates, and especially to go to the new Subway for a 15 cm sub (what that means in American, I don't know). Besides all that greatness, it's good for you because when you visit, you will love the area, and I can just let you loose, without you getting lost trying to find a bar or delicious pierogi. Here's a view of my street and of the square:

(Yes, I live within a castle wall! The neighboring plunderers will never be able to get me)

It's about a 10 minute walk to the Metro, which I can take to work, but there are also trams I can take when it is too cold to walk to the Metro station (6 months/year). In the Winter I am sure I will walk faster so I don't freeze to death, so we'll say its about a 7-8 minute walk in the Winter. There are several little shops around, including small drug stores and markets. I will tell you more about my adventures buying groceries later (oh boy).

Inside, the place has been recently remodeled. All of the pictures are on Facebook, which you can access from the link below. A couple funny features are the slash in my address (Krzywe Kolo 26/28), and the fact I cannot pronounce it), the washing machine in the kitchen next to the dishwasher (no dryer), a storage room in the dungeon, the toilet and the shower in separate rooms, and the fact that I have skeleton keys. Seriously, do people other than pirates still use those? It's about 54 sq meters (yea, I don't know what that means either), but there is really no wasted space, so it feels pretty big (twss). Please come see for yourself!

Here is a link to all of my pictures on facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2680535&id=10732812&l=c297f3bdb7

And here's my address!

Krzywe Kolo 26/28 m. 7 (that means apartment #7)

Warsaw, Poland 00-270

A few pictures from the weekend

A few pictures of my first weekend in Warsaw I posted on Facebook:

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2662718&id=10732812&l=f4f1048e10

Why don't the Vietnamese in Poland speak English?

There are few things more uncomfortable (and at the same time very motivating) than not being able to communicate with someone.  I don't mind the fact that I live far from home, and actually, I like being in a foreign place unlike anything we have in the US.  I don't mind not knowing where I'm going, knowing very few people, and so far, I really don't miss DVR (yet).  However, the one thing that truly makes a place feel foreign is when people around you are all speaking Greek (aka Polish). 

I know that most people here (under the age of 40) speak English well, so I'd never really HAVE to learn Polish.  But I also don't want to be the cocky American who thinks that the world revolves around me and that even though I live in Poland, everyone should speak English.  I want to learn Polish. 

The other day I wrote about how most people don't assume I speak Polish.  However, I found out today that there are certain instances where people will talk to me in Polish, and I'll stand there going "Uhhhhhhhh..." and will shake my head "no" without even knowing what they've said.  This happens mostly in stores and restaurants...which has made eating one of the most stressful things about being here!

In the grocery store a lady asked me a question in Polish (I don't know what she said, but it sounded like there was  "?" at the end of it!).  My response? "Uhhhhhhhhh..." (then I shook my head "no" and walked the other way).

A guy on the street tried to hand me a flyer.  My response? "Uhhhhhhhhh..." (shook my head "no" and walked the other way).

Then I go into the Pho restaurant (which wasn't bad at all).  I have to go to the counter to order, and the lady behind it is Vietnamese.  The menu is in Vietnamese with Polish subtitles.  Great.  Luckily I know what I want: Pho Tai.  I order: "Pho Tai please" (but why did I say "please"?).  The lady clearly didn't speak English.  Heck, Vietnamese ladies at pho restaurants in the US hardly speak English...how could I expect that this one would? 

There is no numbering system after you order...you just stand and wait for them to call out when your food is ready.  So I stand there and listen as the lady calls out orders.  All I have to do is listen for "Pho Tai - medium" (I don't know why "medium" is written in English on the menu, but it is).  After a few people pick up their food, I realize that she is calling out the orders in Polish!! (with a thick Vietnamese accent of course).  How am I supposed to know when "Pho Tai" has been called if she is going to say it in Polish??????

I quickly grab my Polish dictionary, looking up the words for "soup" and "beef".  Zupa and wolowina. Hopefully that's what she says when my food is ready.  After several other people pick theirs up, I am still standing there looking like an idiot.  When she starts yelling and pointing at me I figure that means mine is ready.  Whoops.  However, another guy and I both grab the bowl at the same time!  Awkward!!  She points to me, which I think possibly means it was mine (but it also could have meant "you're a stupid idiot, get out of here!").  Luckily, the other guy backs off. 

I also ordered a drink, but it isn't on the tray.  I don't know what to do.   With many people around me there is no time to look in my dictionary for how to say "Excuse me, I actually ordered a coke zero as well...can you please grab one for me?".  So I just mumble "Uhhhhhhhhh...coke zero?"  More Polish is spit back at me.  Or at least some kind of Pol-namese.  Then another guy runs over and points down the hall and says "Coka, outside".  Huh???  I have no idea what's going on.  I have to go outside?  A bunch of people are watching and I'm super panicky at this point.  So, naturally I just walk away with only my Pho, embarassed and defeated, but trying to play it off cool. 

I wasn't that thirsty anyway. 

Survived the first week

A few days have passed and I'm still alive!  I've been in meetings with my new team for the first few days, so hanging out with them has made it easier to get acclimated to the important parts of life, such as ordering food, finding a bathroom, and not looking like an idiot trying to ride the subway.  I have a few Polish team members, but there are also people from Romania, Czech Republic, Serbia, and Hungary. 

The weather has been somewhat dreary (Seattle-like, you might say), but it's been fine, and I am really looking forward to exploring the city.  I've had some good Polish beer and some pretty tasty Polish food (not sure I can tell you exactly what it was though).  I've also had Italian and Thai so I don't OD on Polish food in my first week.  I am also looking forward to this place:

Now that I have a working Blackberry, I'll be sure to take more pictures of food, streets, sights, etc and post them. 

Here are some observations so far:
- Your first question is going to be "How's Poland?"  I say "come see for yourself!"
- Please remember that you need to put a keycard into a slot near the door in your hotel room; otherwise the lights won't turn on.  Please take note of that so you don't call the front desk insisting that the lights in the room are broken
- People don't assume I speak Polish (whew)
- The one guy that did assume I spoke Polish followed me down the street trying to get me to talk to him (in Polish).  I panicked, started running, and yelled back over my shoulder "Sorry I don't have any!" ("Any" of what, I don't know)
- I somehow managed to be off by 1.5 hours today.  It was 3:45 and I thought it was 5:15.  How that half hour snuck in there, I will never know. 
- There are Asians in Poland (either working in restaurants or smoking in alleys)
- My Polish friends have been SUPER helpful in helping me think of places to live, finding me people to hang out with, and making sure I am comfortable
- Wait a minute.  Why do my Polish friends only find me people to hang out with, but never want to hang out with me themselves?
- Now that one of the IT guys has helped me in English, I'm going to bother him all the time (and probably ask him to be my friend)
- I miss Glee
- I need to carry lactaid around with me because nobody (not even my English speaking Polish friends) understands what I mean when I say "I can't have any dairy".  "But milk and cheese is ok, right?"  "Um, no."

- I may not see the sky until April (please send pictures of what it looks like)

I'm off for some sightseeing and apartment hunting over the next few days.  And will try to find a place to watch some football!  Have a good weekend.