I recently took another excursion to South America, and more specifically to Córdoba in Argentina. I got to know the Argentine culture a bit more. For example, I visited bars where cougars hunt for young boys, bars for gays with beards only, bars with everyday drag queen shows… Literally all kinds of unusual nightclubs. However, despite the variety of places I had a chance to visit, this whole trip was a bit sad. Namely, daily life is really inconvenient here.
In Polish culture, persistently staring at someone is seen as rude, pretentious and may be considered a taunt. While in the Netherlands, it has a completely different meaning. Admittedly, the locals here have mastered the use of their eyes as an exchange of information. The Dutch, flirting with each other, do not use any compliments or other verbal signals, do not turn red on their faces, do not use any specific facial expressions. They talk as usual. The only difference is that they look at each other in a different way.
Gaze or Timbre? On Non-verbal Communication in the Netherlands Read More »
I feel ashamed. I feel ashamed after the New Year’s party. It has never happened to me before to feel so ashamed after a party. More precisely, I am ashamed to see how unimportant my problems are compared to my new gay friends. I just learned a little bit about the gay community in Poland and its brutal rules… and I am shocked with what I heard.
New Year’s Eve Afterthoughts: Gay Life in Poland Still Isn’t Easy… Read More »
The sense of time… When you’re at a party and have a good time, time flies much faster. Maybe that’s my problem — I do what I enjoy in life, I have nice people around, I enjoy good weather, I’m in good shape, I don’t have any particular problems. And every time I look at my watch, I realize that a month or two has passed again, and I don’t even know when.
Recently, due to seemingly unrelated things, I realized that I have a problem. Well, in order to console my friend who had some worries, I also started to think about the things that were bothering me. And I concluded that my perception of time was deeply disturbed.
Living in the Netherlands is good, especially when it is sunny and you can spend Sundays wandering the countryside. My level of happiness has gone up too. I noticed it when my housemates started complaining about our living conditions and I realized I had nothing to complain about at all.
I discovered some surprising habits among Chilean locals, like feeding seafood to chickens and unconventional practices at a university that left me astonished and amused. Chile’s approach to art is unique and unconventional, blurring the lines between reality and creativity. I was captivated by the vibrant and spontaneous artistic expressions that differ greatly from European norms. Living in Chile has made me realize I might have a Latin soul, which explains why I never felt fully at home in Europe. My experiences here are helping me find clarity and a renewed sense of purpose in life.
I’ve realized that my broad approach to learning across various subjects during my studies is finally paying off. Each concept I’ve encountered now fits together, allowing me to synthesize information quickly, even in areas where I lack formal training. I’m proud of my progress in overcoming self-doubt and gaining confidence in my abilities. Whether it’s qualifying for essential courses or mastering technical tasks, I’ve learned to tackle challenges independently, breaking free from past limitations. For the first time, I’m experiencing a sense of freedom and contentment, free from complexes and unhealthy dependencies. This new mindset, grounded in self-respect and self-love, has brought me a level of happiness and independence that feels incredibly healthy.
Living in the Netherlands has been full of surprises. For instance, the Dutch approach to legal disputes is casual; filing a lawsuit for a minor amount like 10 euros seems common, contrasting sharply with Polish attitudes towards courts. The Dutch also have a unique level of openness, even discussing restroom plans without hesitation, which might shock visitors. This candidness is part of their broader cultural norms that I find both amusing and intriguing. As I prepare for my upcoming trip to South America for summer school and hiking, I’ve been getting ready by packing and training for the journey. Additionally, I’ll make my TV debut soon, adding an exciting twist to my current adventures.
After a recent trip to Warsaw, I noticed significant changes in the city’s landscape, including new city bikes, more greenery, and a striking skyscraper, but also encountered humorous local news about the Pendolino trains missing their defining feature. Returning to Poland highlighted a personal shift as I felt out of place at a wedding with old friends, exacerbated by my two-year experience in the Netherlands, which has altered my sense of connection with my Polish roots. The Dutch approach to life emphasizes self-development and inner fulfillment before settling into serious relationships, contrasting with the Polish focus on stability and family. This shift has led me to appreciate Dutch values and feel more at ease in the Netherlands, despite the cultural differences.
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