Administrative divisions of Poland Posted by Kasia on Jun 27, 2011
The administrative division of Poland since 1999 has been based on three levels of subdivision. The territory of Poland is divided into województwa (provinces, voivodeships); these are further divided into powiaty (counties), and these in turn are divided into gminy (communes or municipalities). Major cities normally have the status of both gmina and powiat. Poland…
Wrocław to be the European Capital of Culture in 2016 Posted by Kasia on Jun 24, 2011
Today something from the current news about Poland. Wrocław was awarded the European Capital of Culture in 2016. The capital of Lower Silesia defeated Katowice, Lublin, Warsaw and Gdańsk in the final round of the competition. The Commission awarding the title praised all the Polish candidates, but stressed that decision was taken unanimously. Wrocław will…
Using word “raz” Posted by Kasia on Jun 23, 2011
Using word raz can be a little confusing, so I will try to explain when and how it is used in Polish language. raz (uderzenie, cios) – blow, strike Dostał kilka razów. raz – once Zdarzyło się raz. dwa razy – twice Byłam tam dwa razy. raz, dwa, trzy – one, two, three Raz, dwa…
Katyń Massacre Posted by Kasia on Jun 22, 2011
A lot of people heard about Katyń Massacre, but not everyone knows really what was it about. Today I will give you an overview and details about this very sad and cruel moment in Polish history. In 1918, Poland regained her independence after enduring three partitions and domination for 123 years by Russia, Prussia, and Austria. Barely 21…
Polish Aviation and its history Posted by Kasia on Jun 21, 2011
Yesterday we went over the automobile history and today is the aviation turn. The first successful airplane (samolot) was invented and flown by the Wright Brothers in 1903. But many nations and cultures dreamed of and experimented with human flight long before that. One of those was Poland. An Italian who became a Polish citizen…
Polish Automobile and its history Posted by Kasia on Jun 20, 2011
The first gasoline powered automobile (samochód) was built by Karl Benz of Germany in 1885, and the American Henry Ford introduced mass production of the motor car to the world. What about Poland’s involvement in the auto industry? In the early years of the automobile, Poland was still occupied by the three partitioning powers. Poles…
Rękawka Festival in Kraków Posted by Kasia on Jun 17, 2011
Rękawka (or actually “Rękaw” ) means sleeve. The Rękawka or “Sleeve” Festival is a tradition that has been celebrated in Kraków, Poland, for centuries. It always takes place after Easter, at the foot of Krak`s Mound, which is one of four artifical mounds in Kraków. Krak`s Mound, which is the most ancient of all, is situated in…