PolishOrigins™ Forum

Our Gen Stories, Websites and Blogs :: RE: Article: The Story of My Life

kruse — Tue, 26 Aug 2008 23:11:27 GMT

Author: kruse
Subject: I am australian, Polish Decent
Posted: Tue Aug 26, 2008 6:11 pm (GMT -5)

Ted

Great article I just stumbled on this site and found this very interesting read.
My history is very similar to yours even to the situation that I am my parents came to Australia in July 1950 on the same ship "Anna Salen"

The ship Anna Salen left Bremerhaven on 24 June 1950 and arrived in Melbourne Australia 29 July 1950. The name Tadeusz Strojwas passenger number 1245 appears on the passenger list.

I have a complete passenger list for anyone who may be interested.

Your Forefathers' Traces Tour :: RE: Is there anything I should know before coming to Poland?

mbwilson — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 02:52:22 GMT

Author: mbwilson
Posted: Fri Aug 22, 2008 9:52 pm (GMT -5)

Well, since my husband and I recently traveled to Poland for the first time (and I hope, not the last!) there were just a few things I can think of at the moment. Since we had Zenon with us as our guide, he explained many things so there really weren't any big surprises.

I think a small calculator would be handy for monetary conversion. The other thing that may surprise Americans is what the Poles eat for breakfast (we loved it!)! We were surprised to have delicious soups for breakfast along with the different kielbasas and sausages. Soup for breakfast would be very unusual in an American household as well as the fresh tomatoes and cucumbers. Perhaps the veggies were only because we traveled in summer and we also had a few farm stays but that was very refreshing.

We were also surprised at how many people spoke very good English! We learned a few Polish words but having Zenon with us made things very easy. Like in many other European places the younger people are very good with English. If nothing else, sign language works great!

Also, don't be afraid to use public transportation. You can get a map/plan at different kiosks where tickets are sold and it is good and reasonable in the larger cities.

Louie, have a wonderful trip. Keep an open mind and try new foods and beverages . You will be surpised at how wonderful everything is and how hospitable most people are.

Mary
_________________
Mary Bier Wilson
Volunteer for Random Acts of Genealogical Kindness at
http://www.raogk.org/
Indian River County, FL

Your Forefathers' Traces Tour :: Is there anything I should know before coming to Poland?

Zenon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 20:50:48 GMT

Author: Zenon
Subject: Is there anything I should know before coming to Poland?
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:50 pm (GMT -5)

Is there anything I should know before coming to Poland? Any hints for first time traveller?

I have recently received these questions to my e-mail account from Louie who is going to visit Poland this September. Because I have never travelled from the USA to Poland and I know many of you did (some of you even several times), I thought that you would be the best experts to answer these questions.

Was there anything that surprised you and you wasn't prepared for? Were there any situations when you didn't know what to do, how to behave...? Is there anything you need to have with you except electrical adapter?

Any hints, even those strangest, will be welcome

Our Gen Stories, Websites and Blogs :: Article: Recollections of Julius Bier

Zenon — Thu, 21 Aug 2008 08:00:45 GMT

Author: Zenon
Subject: Article: Recollections of Julius Bier
Posted: Thu Aug 21, 2008 3:00 am (GMT -5)

Article: Recollections of Julius Bier

Another fascinating story about the vicissitudes of life. This is invaluable document not only for members of Bier family. It shows how life of ordinary Jewish people looked like more than 100 years ago in Poland and in the USA.

The recollections in form of interview inspired me to do the same with the oldest member of my family. This is too bad that it is too late to meet all people I would desire to talk to...

Origins of surnames :: RE: Mikulicz

Zenon — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:54:27 GMT

Author: Zenon
Posted: Tue Aug 19, 2008 7:54 am (GMT -5)

Mik-; Mikulicz from Polish first name Mikołaj . The names is of Greek origins of Nikolaos, nike - "victory" + laos - "people". Latin form: Nicolaus; English: Nicholas. The first name Mikołaj is known in Poland since 12th century.

In 2002 there were 284 people by the surname Mikulicz living in Poland and the most lived in Brodnica ( 18 ) and Iława ( 16 ) areas.

In 19th century there were two noble Mikulicz families living on territory of an old Republic of Both nations:

Mikulicz coat of arms Mikulicz living in Mozyrz region (Mozyr on today's Belorus territory). (As you noticed, example of the surname and coat of arms is mentioned in article How Surnames Came Into Being in Poland)

Mikulicz coat of arms Gozdawa living in Lithuania.

Sources:
- Nazwiska Polak�w (Surnames of Poles) by proffesor Kazimierz Rymut, Krakow 2001.

- Spis Szlachty Polskiej (Register of Polish Nobility) compiled by Jerzy Sewer count Dunin-Borkowski and published in 1887 in Lwow.

- Database of surnames used in Poland compiled in 2002 by prof. K.Rymut - Dictionary of Surnames in Current Use in Poland.