WE ALREADY KNOW THE FIRST STORIES

WE PRESENT THE RESULTS 20 TASKS FOR THE 20TH BIRTHDAY OF KLUB DIALOGU SCHOOL

We are delighted when our students bring us more tasks from ’20 TASKS FOR THE 20TH ANNIVERSARY OF KD’! Each of these tasks is really interesting and inspiring and allows us to learn more about you, your hobbies and lifestyle.

We get to know you from when you were (or still are) 20 years old, recipes from your kitchen, Polish words that seem difficult, funny or interesting to you.

Thank you very much for your opinions about the teachers, which sometimes written in verse give us a lot of joy!

We are always waiting for more! Hurry up, because this is the best way to have fun with us at a unique BIRTHDAY PARTY celebrating 20 years of the KLUB DIALOGU Polish Language School, and the number of places is limited.

Selected works:

Rafael from Brazil – my 20 years
Emiko from Japan – recipe for Japanese Gyoza dumplings
Maja from Japan – a greeting card for Valentine’s Day

Difficult Polish words selected by students:

Świętokrzyska, cieszę się, spadkobiercy, Szczebrzeszyn, zaprzepaszczony, wykształcenie, pszczoła, szczęśliwy, najtrudniejsze, bezwzględnie, prostopadłościan

Loved Polish words selected by students:

Wakacje, truskawka, ogórki, słoń, słońce, szczęście, poniekąd

A poem by Tatsiana from Belarus about her teacher Ola:

Słuchaj uważnie nauczyciela języka polskiego

Nie ma teraz nic ważniejszego.

Nauczanie dla Oli jest jej powołaniem,

W jej pracy dusza łaskę rozpoznała.

Nauczanie jest jej przeznaczeniem,

Całą wiedzę nam przekazała.

Oli ten wiersz dedykuję;

Mówimy jej skromne ‘Dziękuję’,

Kurs ukończony. Łza rozstania z naszych oczu płynie,

Niech KLUB DIALOGU w Polsce słynie!

Dorota Maszkiewicz22 April 2024 Klub Dialogu, Polish language NEWS & SALE Leave a comment

Halloween, or the Day of the Dead?

Halloween or the Feast of the Dead? Is either of the holidays better?

Although Halloween is gaining popularity in Poland, there are still claims that it is a pagan holiday. Not only did it come to us from the US, but it also wants to replace our Polish Day of the Dead. Is this true?

The origins of the Polish Day of the Dead and Halloween are very similar.

Both pagans and early Christians worshipped their dead. In the 14th century, All Saints’ Eve was introduced (in English-speaking countries called “All Hallows’ Eve” – later the name was shortened to Halloween). It was then that the faithful needed to pray for the dead to all the saints. People also needed a holiday to tame their fear of death, cold and long nights.

So can we compare these Holidays?

Nowadays you can see how different these Holidays have gone, although they started out similarly. In the States, or the UK, Halloween is a joyous holiday, full of dressing up, spooky decorations, collecting candy, pranks and parties. In Poland, a quieter tradition has taken hold – we visit the graves of the dead members of our Families, leaving a candle and praying for them.

Therefore, instead of comparing, it is better to have a good time with friends on Halloween, and visit the graves of loved ones the next day. Then no one will feel disadvantaged. In Polish culture, the need to visit cemeteries on the Day of the Dead is so deeply rooted that there is no need to worry that it will be supplanted by Halloween.

2 in 1 – that is, good fun and a time of reflection.

Isn’t it beautiful that in Poland we can have 2 in 1? Even if we return late from a Halloween party on October 31, the next day we will be eager to visit the graves of loved people who have died. After all, the beauty of a lighted cemetery with lots of flowers and that nostalgic atmosphere are unique and worth cultivating.

And what KLUB DIALOGU says about it?

KLUB DIALOGU Polish Language School is a tolerant and open to dialogue school, where students from all over the world learn. That’s why it’s so important to share your traditions and culture with others, but also to draw from other good models. Such an attitude enriches and creates a place that is friendly to everyone. That’s why in our Polish language courses you can feel comfortable and learning is a pleasure.

Sources:

-https://pl.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halloween

-https://dokariery.pl/-/swieto-zmarlych-czy-halloween-

Dorota Maszkiewicz10 October 2023 day of the dead, feast of the dead, halloween, Klub Dialogu, Klub Dialogu school, learn polish, Polish course, polish culture, Polish language, Polish school, zaduszki WHAT'S GOING ON Leave a comment

KLUB DIALOGU INTERNATIONAL CHOIR ‘Singing in Polish’

Do you like to sing or hum to yourself?

Would you like to know the Polish language fluently?

Make your dreams come true and join our CHOIR ‘Śpiewająco po Polsku’

Singing in a choir only has benefits!

# for health – you learn to breathe properly

# for voice development – you improve your voice

# for language learning – you learn words and grammar forms faster

# for speech development – you will no longer have problems with phonetics

Additionally, thanks to participation in the choir:

# you will meet new friends

# you will take part in international competitions

# you will have a nice time with music

Don’t worry if you think you can’t sing – anyone can sing!

Don’t worry if you don’t know the notes – hardly anyone knows them!

Don’t worry about your A0 level – music is an international language!

Don’t worry if you’ve never sung in a choir – everyone started singing only in the shower!

Don’t worry that performing is stressful – there is strength in the choir!

Your intentions are important, don’t worry about the rest.

Therefore, do not delay! Join KLUB DIALOGU’S CHOIR today!

Invite your friend or a family member.

Rehearsals will start in SEPTEMBER and will be

on SATURDAYS at 11am until 1pm

By the end of the year, the rehearsals will be free of charge.

From 2024 there will be a small charge in order to cover the administrative costs.

ONE TEAM, ONE DREAM, ONE KLUB DIALOGU

We warmly invite you

Justyna – Conductor

Dorota – Director of KD and member of a Choir

Viola – the owner of KD

Dorota Maszkiewicz1 August 2023 international choir, Klub Dialogu, singing in choir, singing in polish EVENTS ORGANISED BY KLUB DIALOGU Leave a comment

BICYCLE PATHS IN WARSAW

KLUB DIALOGU recommends: Bicycle paths in Warsaw

Warsaw is a great city for cycling. You’ve probably noticed that there are bike rental stations in many places, and a bike path leads to every location. (Well, maybe to almost every ;-)).

The most beautiful, recreational bicycle path in Warsaw runs along the right side of the Vistula River, i.e. from the side of the Praga District. This route starts right next to the border with Jabłonna and ends near the Siekierkowski Bridge. Currently, the route is over 21 kilometers long.

Fans of outdoor activities (i.e. Fans of KLUB DIALOGU) can admire the charms of not only the wild corners of the river, but also meet animals such as herons, crayfish, otters, and beavers. It is a protected nature area covered by the ‘Natura 2000’ program.

Did you know that over 150 species of birds live by the Vistula River, and over 30 species of fish live in the river itself?

Riding along this bicycle path, we can reach five city beaches – Tarchomin, Rusałka, Poniatówka, Saska, and Romantyczna. During the summer season, there are numerous events for children and adults. And from here it’s not far from the KLUB DIALOGU School????

An additional attraction is traveling by free water tram to the other bank of the Vistula River. There are 4 such crossings on the Vistula River. The tram runs every 20 minutes. Sounds tempting? You must go and see for yourself!

Dorota Maszkiewicz11 July 2023 bicycle, bicycle path, Klub Dialogu, Vistula River, Warsaw, water tram WHAT'S GOING ON, what's going on Leave a comment

IT’S SUMMERTIME!

Oh, please no, don’t postpone we won’t let you go – alone!

WISŁA RIVER AND KAYAKING

Do you know?

In Poland, there are many rivers. The Wisła river is the most important and the longest Polish river (1047km) and it flows through Warsaw. Do you know, that the Wisła is only a Polish river, because here it has it’s beginning and it’s end. You’ll find its source at the Barania Mountain in the Silesian Beskids (in the south of Poland) to finally enter the Baltic Sea. The Wisła has many inflows of smaller rivers.

In KLUB DIALOGU, during summer Polish courses, we organise many additional events. One of which will be kayaking on the Wkra river. It’s a unique adventure and an opportunity to become familiar with the picturesque surroundings of Warsaw, and to actively spend time in an international and Polish environment. Join us!

Dorota Maszkiewicz12 June 2023 kayaking, Klub Dialogu, Polish, summer Polish courses, Warsaw, Wisla NEWS & SALE Leave a comment

STREET ART IN THE PRAGA DISTRICT

Praga

PRAGA – is an area of Warsaw on the right-hand bank of the Vistula River. During World War II, Praga was not badly damaged, so the specific Praga folklore has been preserved. You can find many gems here, such as shrines in the backyards of tenement houses and traditional craft workshops. Recently, Praga has become a very popular place among artists and tourists.

Street Art. In Praga

STREET ART is an art form that originated in the mid-1990s: graffiti, murals, stickers, and artwork. It is art without limits, free in its nature!

Looking for murals in the city is a creative pleasure and a way to spend time actively. There are many murals in Praga, and all of them can be reached by bike or on foot.

Unfortunately, time and weather conditions have a large negative impact on street works. Falling plaster from buildings, repairs of tenement houses, changeable weather mean that this extraordinary art is destroyed. So do not hesitate and start this fascinating journey today.

1. Duel [Duel], ul. Środkowa 23

2. The longer you wait for the future [Im dłużej czekasz na przyszłość], ul. Stalowa 38

3. Ania and columns [Ania i Kolumny], ul. Stalowa 50

4. Factory owner [Właściciel fabryki], ul. Stalowa 46

5. Mural [Mural], ul. Szwedzka 2/4

6. 63 days in the life in Warsaw [63 dni z życia Warszawy], ul. Grodzieńska 20

7. Temple [Świątynia], ul. Mała 8

8. Deyna [Deyna], ul. Inżynierska 4

9. Praga bag [Praska torba], ul. Inżynierska 3

10. Desperados [Desperados], ul. Ząbkowska 2

11. Little angel [Aniołek], ul. Ząbkowska 2

12. Deyna [Deyna], ul. Brzeska 16

13. Big goose [Wielka Gęś], ul. Brzeska 14a

14. Your mother of god [Twoja Matka Boska], ul. Brzeska 17a

Dorota Maszkiewicz12 June 2023 graffiti, Klub Dialogu, learning Polish, murals, Polish language, praga, street art, Warsaw WHAT'S GOING ON, what's going on Leave a comment

IT’S SUMMERTIME! Oh, please no, don’t postpone!

ROYAL ŁAZIENKI PARK

Do you know?

Royal Lazienki Park (Łazienki Królewskie) is a beautiful park, that is almost in the centre of Warsaw. The most important monuments within the park are: the Palace on the Water, the Theatre on the Water, the Old Orange, the Chopin Monument and Belveder. The Royal Łazienki Park was founded in the 17th century, but the current shape owes to king August Poniatowski (the last king of Poland, 1732-98). The park connects elements of French and English gardens. Throughout summer, below the Chopin monument, live Chopin music concerts are organised.

In order to fully enjoy the charms of the Polish language and the most beautiful nature in Warsaw, during summer courses we will have lessons in the park, by the Vistula River and in the Old Town. Moreover, we will take you, among others, to a Chopin concert.

The photo comes from: (20+) Koncerty Chopinowskie w Łazienkach Królewskich | Warsaw | Facebook

Dorota Maszkiewicz17 May 2023 chopin concert, Klub Dialogu, Polish language school, polish lessons, royal lazienki park, Warsaw NEWS & SALE Leave a comment

PONIATOWSKI BRIDGE – III BRIDGE, THE KING OF WARSAW’S BRIDGES

The Poniatowski Bridge in Warsaw has more than 109 years of history

At the extension of Aleje Jerozolimskie, i.e. the street where KLUB DIALOGU School is located, a unique bridge takes us across the Vistula River in Warsaw – Poniatowski Bridge.

Did you know that this bridge was built over 109 years ago, in the 20th century, in the years 1904-1914. At that time, Poland was no longer on the map of Europe. Its territory was under Prussian, Austrian, and Russian rule, and Warsaw was ruled by Tsar Nicholas II Romanov of Russia.

The construction of the Poniatowski Bridge was one of the city’s largest investments at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries. It was erected on eight steel pillars, and the majestic towers at the entrance to the bridge were to perform defensive functions.

The history of the Poniatowski Bridge is the history of Warsaw

The history of the Poniatowski Bridge is closely connected with the tragic history of Warsaw. Already on 5th August 1915, the Russian army that were retreating from Warsaw demolished 2 pillars of the bridge, rendering it useless.

But much to the joy of Varsovians and visitors alike, the bridge was soon rebuilt (1921–1927).

The storm of World War II saw the bridge once again victim to attack. It was destroyed by the Germans during the Warsaw Uprising on 13th September 1944 at 12.15PM due to the threat of joining the Polish army with the insurgents.

After the war, Warsaw developed rapidly, and buildings were rebuilt. The Poniatowski Bridge was one of the first investments. It was put into use on 22nd July 1946 (the Old Town was only rebuilt in 1953). This gave way for the launch of the first post-war tram across the Vistula River. The Mermaid carved in stone returned to the turret at the Polish Army Museum. And on the Praga side of the bridge, a stone commemorating the fights for the liberation of Warsaw in 1944-1945 was placed.

The Poniatowski Bridge is brimming with life

Currently, the length of the bridge itself is 506 m, and together with the viaduct and access roads, it is over 3.5 km long!

The Poniatowski Bridge is constantly in the center of attention, and its surroundings are teeming with life!

Do you know that:

Despite the construction of the metro line and other bridges, traffic on the bridge does not decrease. It has been calculated that an average of 57,000 vehicles per day cross the bridge
Attention! As many as six speed cameras were set up on the viaduct and the bridge
On the Praga side there is the popular ‘Poniatówka’ beach
Under the bridge, a complex of three beach volleyball courts with stands for 200 people and street workout equipment was built.
At the Poniatowski Bridge there is one of the stops of the Warsaw Water Tram.

Interesting fact – what is the actual name of the Bridge?

The official name of the Poniatowski Bridge is the Prince Józef Poniatowski Bridge (as of 1917). Previously, the bridge was called the Mikołajewski Bridge, the Emperor Nicholas II Bridge or the Third Bridge).

Currently, it is commonly simply referred to as the “Poniatoszczak“

Source: Wikipedia

Dorota Maszkiewicz5 May 2023 aleje jerozolimskie, Klub Dialogu, Poniatowski Bridge, Warsaw what's going on, WHAT'S GOING ON Leave a comment

SIMPLE POLISH GRAMMAR. Excuse me, how do I get to KLUB DIALOGU?

‘I learned about it in the kitchen’, meaning why is it worth learning Polish?

Warsaw is a dynamic, multicultural city. Global corporations operate here, which means that both Poles and foreigners alike work in Warsaw. Very often people speak English at work because it is the official language in the office. It is interesting that in such a situation the Polish language becomes an informal language: Poles like to talk to their colleagues about private matters in Polish. This also means that the Polish language helps in integrating with other people from work who speak Polish. If you work near Rondo Daszyńskiego, you can easily reach us.

‘Excuse me, how do I get to KLUB DIALOGU?’. Learn the meaning of selected ‘motion verbs’

Żeby dojechać do Szkoły KLUB DIALOGU, proszę wsiąść do tramwaju 22 lub 24 na Rondzie Daszyńskiego, przejechać 4 przystanki, wysiąść na przystanku Dworzec Centralny, przejść przez ulicę, dojść do bramy wejściowej, wybrać kod, wejść schodami na pierwsze piętro i przejść przez próg lokalu numer 4. Dzieli nas zaledwie 15 minut!

Czasowniki ruchu w języku polskim są bardzo interesujące. O tym, w którym kierunku będziemy się poruszać, informuje prefiks (mała cząstka, która jest na początku). Najpopularniejsze czasowniki to czasowniki ruchu, na przykład: iść (pieszo/na piechotę), jechać (np. tramwajem) oraz wsiąść (do jakiegoś środka transportu).

The grammar of the Polish language is very logical, and the teachers at the KLUB DIALOGU School are great at explaining it during Polish language courses. Learning Polish is enjoyable, and using the acquired skills is very satisfying, for example when we understand what is gossiped about in work kitchens and canteens ;).
Our school’s offer can be found HERE.

Dorota Maszkiewicz3 May 2023 in Polish, Klub Dialogu, Klub Dialogu school, learn polish, motion verbs, Polish grammar, Polish language, Polish language school EVENTS RECOMMENDED BY KLUB DIALOGU Leave a comment

EASTER IN POLAND – TRADITION AND CUSTOMS

Easter in Polish tradition

Easter – is the most important Christian holiday commemorating the resurrection of Jesus Christ, i.e. the victory of life over death. What an eloquent symbol in the 21st century, when an unjust war is still being waged in the center of Europe, in Ukraine. And still, we consider freedom and peace to be the most important values of the modern world.

It is so difficult to concentrate on preparing for Easter now, knowing that millions of people have lost all their belongings, and often the roof over their heads. That is why we want to dedicate this time to our Ukrainian brothers and sisters, surrounding them with support, love, and whatever everyone can offer in their charity.

Tradition and Custom

In Poland, Easter consists of a number of events. You probably noticed on Sunday 10^th April, many people were walking with green or coloured twigs in their hands. These are EASTER PALMS – a symbol of Christ’s triumphal entry into Jerusalem. Let them, this year, be a symbol of the triumphant Ukrainian flag over a free Ukraine!

SATURDAY (8/04) – is a special time of blessing food in the church. On this day, Christians prepare baskets full of food. They include bread, cold cuts, eggs, salt, pepper, and cake. They also put a lamb in the basket made of bread or sugar. However, in each region of Poland, the decoration and composition of Easter baskets differ from each other.

Traditionally, we celebrate Easter on two days: Sunday and Monday.

EASTER SUNDAY (9/04) – In the morning, families sit together at the Easter table, set with various meats, fish and cakes. Of course, you can’t miss vegetable salad, eggs in any form (stuffed, in sauce, baked, coloured), cold cuts, and żurek soup. Before meals, we share the egg and give best wishes.

EASTER MONDAY (10/04) – is associated with fun and … water! From early morning, especially in the villages, specially dressed boys walk from house to house, scaring the residents and pouring a bucket of water over them. This custom has also settled in cities, so do not be surprised on this day if you are, even accidentally, covered with water on the street!

Let this holiday be not only a triumph of life over death in a symbolic dimension, but also a victory of PEACE over WAR in the here and now!

Dorota Maszkiewicz3 April 2023 Christians, easter, Easter holidays, Easter tradition, Passover, Polish tradition, Slavs EVENTS RECOMMENDED BY KLUB DIALOGU Leave a comment

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