Clearing the Snow

Taken last night in Szeroka (the main street of Toruń)...these street cleaners were clearing away the snow. When it comes to snow here in Poland, the Poles really do know how to cope with it. Yes...it may be a shame to clear away the snow. But then again...at least the transport generally runs on time, schools remain open and the country sill runs. Shame, we cannot say the same for the UK. How come Britain can't cope with a spot of snow?!!

The Polish Tescos

Yes...we even have TESCOs here in Poland as well. Though, it's very different to the UK version. So no Twinning teabags or Cadbury's chocolate bars!!!

Cemetry lights or BBQ Candles?

Next weekend will be All Saints' Day when all the Poles descend on their local cememtries and leave candles and flowers. It's a really moving occassion, especially walking through the graves and night (with all the twinkling candles).

Talking of which...the grave lights are very popular here...as you can see with the above advertisement. A few years ago, an English friend of mine came to Toruń and but about 20 of these lights thinking they were BBQ lights. He then went back to the UK and invited some Polish friends of his around for the evening. You can imagine the shock and surprise when they entered his garden!! They must have wondered who had just died!!! Hee hee!!!

Health & Safety!

Health & Safety goes out of the window here in Poland!! A Polish worker works high up on the walls of Toruń's castle. In the UK...this would never be allowed!

A Reader in the UK writes...

Dear Editor,

Nearly (3) Three years ago Cheltenham & many parts of Gloucestershire was flooded.

News of this was covered quite extensively both locally & nationally as well as in many parts of Europe as well. A fellow EU country, Poland, is experiencing extensive flooding, particularly in the South of the country. There appears to have been little or no media coverage both locally & nationally in the UK. Polish people make a great contribution to the local economy in Cheltenham & we would be lost without them. I think the flooding in Poland deserves more media attention that it is given. Flooding is a problem that is close to our hearts in Gloucestershire. Why hasn't the flooding in Poland been given the same extensive coverage that Gloucestershire was given (3) Three years ago. Poland is not a wealthy country so hopefully they are getting help from theEU.

Is anyone aware of a disaster fund, that is often the case, in the event of International natural disaters such as this occuring ? If so Where ?

Name and address supplied.

Well done Howard!

As some of our TDP readers may recall, back in December Howard Marshall travelled over to Toruń to take part in the Santa Claus Half Marathon. He managed to raise 500GBP for the UK charity Global Footsteps.

You can read our coverage of his visit to Toruń here:

http://torundailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/12/santa-half-marathon.html

http://torundailyphoto.blogspot.com/2009/12/santas-in-town.html

Here he is a couple of weeks ago presenting the cheque. Global Footsteps is an educational charity which aims to foster inter-cultural relations between linked communities. It is based in Cheltenham, UK which is twinned with Gottingen, Germany which itself is twinned with Toruń!

You can read more about Global Footsteps at www.global-footsteps.org .

Election Day over in the UK

I know it has nothing to do with Poland...but just got back from the UK and here are 2 posters for today's UK general election. A new PM or no new PM? That's the question!!

The Great Big Clean Up - THIS IS HOW IT'S DONE!!

No sooner has the snow fallen down onto Toruń, then everyone starts to clear it away. Snow ploughs pile onto the streets, a team of cleaners march into town with grit and salt and shop keepers sweep away the snow from in front of their shops. Thez have to because if they dont they are liable for any injury that happens if someone was to fall over by their shop. If they dont clear away the snow from their pavement they could be fined (the going rate is about 100PLN).

Britain take note! It snows more here in Poland...and yet the country still operates like clockwork. This is how its done! Start investing in your snow ploughs and grit!