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CBD SPRING BULLETIN
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We are happy to announce that we are back - with new team members* and fresh ideas! Our motto is to build diversity in all aspects-gender and cultural.
Enjoy reading! We’ll be back in June with summer edition!
Women’s Network reactivation!
CBD SPRINGBULLETIN
Marta ŁoszczyńskaPoznań
Kasia GryczkaWarszawa
Ilona Oboraalmost Budapest
Marta PawlakPoznań
Marta GajdaWarszawa
*
What will you � nd inside:
Travelling around the world
Travelling in CE
CBD going to the cinema
CBD reading books
CBD watching TV
CBD cooking
CBD having fun
Women’s Day Celebration
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Why it is so important and bene� cial to celebrate Women’s Day by men?
By buying � owers you support domestic gardening - For just one small � ower you can be fed with some special meal
By ignoring this day, you are prone to your woman’s disappointment and accusation that you do not treat her as a women
This is a great opportunity to start conversation with charming neighbor from second � oor without fear that you will be accused of harassment
Giving a � ower to your adolescent daughter will stun her so much that she will not demand money for new clothes for a while.
Nevertheless, all men celebrate this day and all women expect this day so it is better not to step out of line
8th of March
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In case you want to � nd out some more – feel free to contact us!
[email protected]; [email protected]
BRAZIL IN 3 WEEKS (if you are not an extreme risk taker)
How many times have you thought of visiting a huge and distant country somewhere in South America but were always worried about all the preparations…?
Here you have few useful tips that will help you to make your dream come true:
1. Hunt for a good ticket deal – once have it = it’s time to start preparations! (check eg: � y4free.pl, loter.pl, tripsta.pl) 2. Make some Brazilian friends before you go there - they will help you to verify your plans and will take you to the places you would never discover on your own (www.couchsur� ng.org might be really helpful) 3. It’s time to plan the route if you want to experience the mixture of di� erent Brazilian � avours: metropolitan cities, virgin nature, cultural pot and taste of paradise - you can follow our route: Rio de Janeiro – 5 days (top attractions: The Christ, Sugar Loaf, Copacabana & Ipanema beaches, Santa Teresa, Lapa district) Iguazu Falls – both Brazilian & Argentinian sides – 3 days Salvador and surroundings – 4 days (afro-brazilian cultural in� uence and delicious seafood: bobó de camarao, moqueca). Morro de Sao Paulo island – 3 days (unforget table sunset view, the best caipifruta drink ever) Búzios – VIP resort to chillout before the long � ight back - 4 days 4. Book your hotels in advance – if you leave it to the last moment once you are there – be prepared to pay tripe price. 5. Enjoy this country of samba, caipirinha and super friendly people – you will never forget this Brazilian experience
Other tips: Better start to learn some Portuguese because English is de� nitely not the strength of Brazilian people (no worries – basics are enough) You will have a great opportunity to practise your negotiations skills gained in CBD - taxi drivers will be good partners for that.
Kasia Gryczka & Kasia Kopaczewska
Travelling around the world - Brazil
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Travelling in CE - Croatia
In early 20th century it was inhabited by ca 3000 people, but during the World Wars most of them immigrated to USA. Now there are ca 150 inhabitants on the island, which means that most of the houses are empty. Still owners, who now live in US, do take care of them so you will often � nd a newly painted house in which no one spent a night for years.
Finding an accommodation is thought as only few people live from tourism. Most of them live from agriculture or by money sent from US immigrants. 95% of the island is privately owned, only the roads and the seaside area are owned by state. Slatinica is one of the most beautiful golden-sand beaches on the Adriatic. More than a kilometer long, located on the opposite side of the island (ca 20 minutes walk from the village). If you go there you will most probably have to share it with max 50 people It’s reachable by ferry or a boat (depending on which day of the week you are coming). If bringing a car with you, you’ll have to park it in the harbor and leave it during your stay as no tra� c is allowed except for a quads or golf carts that are quite popular among local population.
For party animals:NOVALJA, Island Pag
Novalja is one of the fastest developing towns on the Adriatic coast in the past decade. The island Pag is connected with a bridge and also with a ferry boat that departs every half an hour during the season, so it’s much easier to reach vs. the other recommendation. It’s a small and friendly little town with nice houses and villas and most importantly very nice beaches.
Novalja, like the whole Island Pag, is famous for good food, especially cheese and young lamb meet. Novalja o� ers pretty much everything what a demanding tourist wants to get during the vacation, but for what Novalja is mostly famous for is a near-by beach named Zrce that lives around the clock. During the day it’s packed with young people from all over the world and during the night it’s packed with pretty much the same people who simply stayed there for a whole night party. Place is also known as Ibiza of the Adriatic.
You don’t want to take your kids to Zrce before 10 AM, till all the zombies from the last evening party leave the premises, or after 4 PM as party usually start very early. BTW – if by any chance I would go there alone or with my buddies I would probably got an instant divorce.For more vivid images try googling Zrce party.
Hrvoje Skalko
For Robinsons:Island OLIB
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Rollers
Smarzowski like Slavic Nemezis is directing the characters of “Drogówka”. Seemingly random recordings of o� ences from the beginning of the � lm are becoming the foundation of riddle
Ania Orlicka
CBD going to the cinema
If you don’t know which � lm to chose, you can always ask Ania Orlicka for recommendation. Ania is up to date with recent � lm releases and – what you probably haven’t know - she writes mini reviews on-line in � lm.gazeta.pl section, which are often rewarded by other internet users. Today we share with you two reviews of recent Polish movies (topline summary in English).
solving…who killed? The origin is the characteristics of “the magni� cent seven” policemen who stand for the seven deadly sins.
Pride, greed, lust, envy, gluttony, rage and laziness…who is who? Sergeant Ryszard Król (Bartłomiej Topa) is undoubtedly a sheri� on this Wild Warsaw West, faced with accusation has to clear himself and we support him until…the end, is he not committing sin though?
Smarzowski is dragging out all the worst instincts in line with expectations, stripping all not really human but rather animal nature and we can either � nd it repulsive or acknowledge how imperfect we are and try not to give in, not to fall and get dirty. He is not moralizing; the � lm is naturalistic so much that it hurts and we can draw conclusions or not, the road is clear, speed limit exceeded, reins slackened with free ride!
Glean
Not thriller but horror! Pasikowski has opened the Pandora box and the monster of Polish anti-semitizm has crawled out. The plot is deeply moving, as it destroys the monument of Poland being the Messiah for the nations.
Franek Kalina is coming from America to his home village to visit his brother Józek, who apparently is hunted down by the local community. Franek is wondering why and he is dragged into the cyclone eye of hatred, which destroys the surroundings. Józek is the catalyst of misfortune, as he cannot accept that Jewish gravestones are being devastated and he is taking them to his own � eld, creating a cemetery.
Therefore he is unveiling fresh wounds and fears, that the truth about Jews disappearance from the village will be revealed. Soon brothers continue the crusade hand in hand, as neither the clerks nor the church is helping to explain. Truth, however is not liberating it is so depressing that is leaving them in the hole of despair, like in the scene of digging out the bodies. Only the rain is falling as if it could wash away the sins of the ancestors. Film is raising controversy, questions are being asked, why it was made? It should not be taken as the universal truth about Polish and their conduct towards the Jewish community. It is the stigma of the real, single crime; we cannot hide it, only the admitting of it can help to get less harsh judgment. How many years will still pass until there will be a � lm about Wołyń massacre in 1943 where 50 thousand Polish minority was killed? Until that day we have to deal with our sins and although not everybody wants to put it straight it is the only chance for catharsis and resurrection in one go.
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Fault Lines(Znamię)
by Nancy Huston
This is the � rst Nancy Huston’s book which has been translated into Polish- a best seller in France, with over 400,000 copies sold and the winner of France’s Prix Femina in 2006. The book was originally published in French and then translated by the author herself into English.
The structure of the novel is a bit risky: it’s a tale told
backwards in four segments, each narrated by a six-year-old child from a di� erent generation of the same family. Fault Lines begins with Sol, a gifted, terrifying child whose mother believes that he is destinated for greatness. His only imperfection is the birthmark he has on his temple, like his dad, his grandmother and his great-grandmother. Sol’s mum decides to have his birthmark removed, but is this the right thing to do?
The birthmarks in the book have a lot of meanings which the author reveals through four stories which move from the West Coast of US, from Haifa (1982) to Toronto (1962) and � nally to Germany (1944). A family secret about the Second World War is really shocking. In my opinion the cumulative e� ect is powerful. Fault Lines is a touching novel which examines how the decisions and upheavals of one generation can impact upon the lives of the next. I recommend it also for reading men.
Have you watched “House of Cards”, the most
popular TV series in the world?
Genius, brilliant, fabulous that epithets come together with the title “House of Cards”- right now the most popular TV series in the world. Everybody talks about it: politicians, journalists, critics but above all - viewers. What this madness is all about ?
Ilona Obora
Marta Pawlak
CBD reading BOOKS
CBD watching TV
House of Card it is not regular TV series. Despite the facts that it cost 100 MM USD it is impossible to watch it on any TV station. 13 episodes premiered on February 1, 2013 on the streaming service Net� x.
Set in present day Washington, D.C., House of Cards is the story of Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey brilliant in this role), a Democratic congressman who after getting passed over for promotion to Secretary of State, decides to take revenge on those who betrayed him. Frank as a politician has no moral rules. He blackmails, destroys, conspires and uses people in order to get what he wants. His beautiful wife helps him and is as ruthless as he.
The director of two � rst episodes is David Fincher known for such productions as Fight Club, Seven and Panic Room. He shows Washington D.C. like no one before. The USA capitol is a dark place with no morality where power and money are the main trigger for people actions.
Serial draws from the � rst to the last second, it is monumental. This production has permanently entered the phrase „binge watching,” or watching non-stop to the dictionary. You will not be able to break away of it. Thus, I strongly recommend to start watching it on Friday evening.
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CBD cooking
Meringue withto� ee cream
(Beza kajmakowa)
Ingredients for meringue: - 6 egg whites (IMPORTANT: eggs should have room temperature) - 300 g sugar - 1 tea spoon of white wine vinegar (I prefer apple one) - pinch of saltIngredients for to� ee cream: - 250 g mascarpone cheese (I recommend PIĄTNICA) - 300 ml cream 30% - 150 g of canned to� eePreparation meringue: Preheat the oven to 180.
Put parchment paper on 2 oven baking trays. Draw circle 23 cm in diameter in each of them.
Beat the egg whites with a pinch of salt to � rm peaks. Gradually beat in the 1 teaspoon of white wine vinegar and the remaining sugar, and whisk until thick and glossy. Divide the mixture into 2 parts and spoon the meringue on the circles. It is important to leave 1 inch margin from the edges. Place the trays into the preheated oven and bake for about 5-10minutes. Then switch the trays and reduce the temperature to 130C and bake for further 1,5 hours. After this time turn o� the oven, and leave the meringues in the oven to cool o� slowly, and leave them in the oven for a night. (That’s why it is best to bake it in the evening).
Marta Gajda
My daughter is helping me :)
Preparation cream: Mix mascarpone cheese and the canned to� ee. In a di� erent bowl beat the cream until thick. Then, using a spoon, gently add cream to the mixture of to� ee and mascarpone. (It is very important to use a spoon, because if you use a mixer the cream will be too watery).
Place a meringue circle on a plate and spread the cream � lling. Cover with the other circle. Dust the meringue with cocoa and serve:)
Those of you who will try to prepare that delicious cake - bring it to the o� ce for degustation :)
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The � rst person who sends thecorrect answer, wins PARKER PEN!
The following ten people get consolationprize: DVD with Lejdis � lm.
a. Zuzia & Mikołajb. Zosia & Jaś
c. Ola & Kubad. Zosia & Kuba
PL CBD in numbers - interesting facts:
54%of PL CBD peopleare men
46%women - but our women’s
population is growing faster!
51%of our kids are boys
All together we have 120 childrenWhich makes 1,11 kid per person
49%are girls
Next generation of CBD is doing better!
Hmm, no too bad - at least we support Pampers business but for sure we could do better - not to let DADA win! PL CBD - we believe in You!
NOW IT’S YOUR TURN! HAVE FUN WITH US AND WIN NICE GIFTS!
CBD having fun WIN WINWIN
We know the most popular names of our kids. Do you also know them?Choose the correct answer, send it to [email protected] and win!
Contest no 1
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Maybe after almost 2 years in CE, you already know the CE countries and their capitals, let’s see if you also know some details about their cuisine, sport, culture, etc. Fill in below crosswords and � nd out more about CE (don’t get scared too much - all tips can be found in the attached CE booklet at the end of our bulletin).
Crossword
T
S
O
V
L
E
CBD having fun
Let the spring come to us soon! Share with us your most spring photo
and enjoy it on the the next newsletter cover.Hurry to be the � rst “SPRING CELEBRITY”-;)
The more spring , the better picture! Deadline: 15th of April. Send your photo to:
[email protected] winners will be announced
in Summer Bulletin!
The � rst person who sends the password - wins PARKER PEN!The following ten people get consolation prize: DVD with Lejdis � lm.
1.2.3.4.5.6.7.8.9.
10.
11.12.13.
14.15.16.
Contest no 2
Contest no 3
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Questions:1. First name of world famous traveler and explorer, who was born most probably on the island of Korcula.2. A country with more than 1,400 lakes.3. The famous Czech, herbs liquor.4. The largest lake in Central Europe.5. The famous, world know Czech beer.6. A fashion symbol of culture and elegance, originates from 17th century Croatia, where it was part of the uniform worn by Croatian soldiers.7. The most popular sport in Latvia.8. Famous Polish dish, made of cabbage and meat.
9. Currency and in some languages also an animal.10. The most popular vegetable in Poland.11. “Prague Spring” is one of the most known music…12. The Slovak equivalent of Robin Hood.13. The Singing…- commonly used name for events between 1987 and 1991 that led to the restoration of independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania.14. In that country you say “egészségedre” instead of “cheers”.15. Famous Hungarian wine.16. The capital city of Lithuania.
One day, a mailman was greeted by a boy and his dog.The mailman said to the boy, „Does your dog bite?”„No,” replied the boy. Just then, the dog bit the mailman.„Hey,” he yelled. „I thought your dog doesn’t bite!”„He doesn’t,” replied the boy, „but that’s not my dog.”
JOKES
CBD SUMMER BULLETIN
coming in June!
CBD having fun
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If you have any questions or ideas please contact us:
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This will help with our crossword
CE Cultures@WorkBooklet for CE Employees
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Table of contentsWORD FROM THE CULTURES@WORK REGIONAL OWNER .........................................................4
CE HOLIDAYS CALENDAR ........................................................................................................................5
REPUBLIC OF CROATIA (REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA) ..........................................................................6
CZECH REPUBLIC (ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA) .............................................................................................7
REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA (EESTI VABARIIK) .........................................................................................8
REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY (MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG) .......................................................................9
REPUBLIC OF LATVIA (LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA) ..............................................................................10
REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA (LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKA)...................................................................11
REPUBLIC OF POLAND (RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA) .................................................................12
SLOVAK REPUBLIC (SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA) .............................................................................13
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA (REPUBLIKA SLOVENIJA) .....................................................................14
3CE Cultures@Work - Transition Training
1 Jan6 Jan*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May3 May*27 May*7 Jun15 Aug1 Nov11 Nov25 Dec26 Dec
PolandNew Year's DayEpiphanyEaster SundayEaster MondayLabor DayConstitution DayPentecostCorpus ChristiAssumption of the Blessed Virgin MaryAll Saints’ DayIndependence DayChristmas DayBoxing Day
1 Jan15 Mar*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May*27 May*28 May20 Aug23 Oct
1 Nov25 Dec26 Dec
HungaryNew Year's DayNational Day (1848 Revolution)Easter Sunday Easter MondayLabor DayPentecost SundayPentecost MondaySt. Stephen’s Day National Day (Third Hungarian Republic and 1956 Revolution memorial day)All Saints’ DayChristmas DayBoxing Day
1 Jan
*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May8 May5 Jul6 Jul28 Sep28 Oct17 Nov24 Dec25 Dec26 Dec
Czech RepublicRestoration of the Independent Czech State / New Year's DayEaster SundayEaster MondayLabor DayLiberation DaySt. Cyril & St. Methodius DayJan Hus DaySt. Wenceslas DayIndependent Czechoslovak State DayStruggle for Freedom and Democracy DayChristmas EveChristmas DayBoxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)
1 Jan6 Jan*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May*7 Jun22 Jun25 Jun5 Aug15 Aug8 Oct1 Nov25 Dec26 Dec
CroatiaNew Year's DayEpiphanyEaster SundayEaster MondayLabor DayCorpus ChristiAntifascist Struggle DayStatehood DayVictory and Homeland Thanksgiving DayAssumption of MaryIndependence DayAll Saints’ DayChristmas DayBoxing Day (St. Stephen’s Day)
1 Jan2 Jan8 Feb*8 Apr*9 Apr27 Apr1 May2 May*27 May25 Jun15 Aug31 Oct1 Nov25 Dec26 Dec
SloveniaNew Year's DayNew YearThe Slovenian Cultural Holiday (Prešeren Day)Easter SundayEaster MondayDay of Uprising Against OccupationMay Day HolidayMay Day HolidayPentecostStatehood DayAssumption DayReformation DayAll Saints’ DayChristmas DayIndependence and Unity Day
1 Jan6 Jan*6 Apr*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May8 May5 Jul29 Aug1 Sep15 Sep1 Nov17 Nov24 Dec25 Dec26 Dec
SlovakiaRepublic Day / New Year's DayEpiphanyGood FridayEaster SundayEaster MondayLabor DayVictory Over Fascism DaySt. Cyril & St. Methodius DaySlovak National Uprising DayConstitution DayDay of the Blessed Virgin MaryAll Saints’ DayStruggle for Freedom and Democracy DayChristmas EveChristmas DayBoxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)
1 Jan*6 Apr*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May
4 May23 Jun24 Jun18 Nov24 Dec25 Dec26 Dec31 Dec
LatviaNew Year's DayGood FridayEaster SundayEaster MondayConvocation of the Constituent Assembly Latvia / Labor DayDeclaration of IndependenceMidsummer EveMidsummer Day / St. John’s DayIndependence DayChristmas EveChristmas DayBoxing DayNew Year’s Eve
1 Jan16 Feb11 Mar*8 Apr*9 Apr1 May24 Jun6 Jul15 Aug1 Nov25 Dec26 Dec
LithuaniaNew Year's DayRestoration of the State DayIndependence Day LithuaniaEaster SundayEaster MondayLabor DayMidsummer Day / St. John’s DayStatehood DayAssumption DayAll Saints’ DayChristmas DayBoxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)
1 Jan24 Feb*6 Apr*8 Apr1 May*27 May23 Jun24 Jun15 Aug24 Dec25 Dec26 Dec
EstoniaNew Year's DayIndependence DayGood FridayEaster SundaySpring Day (May Day)PentecostVictory DayMidsummer Day / St. John’s DayRestoration of Independence DayChristmas EveChristmas DayBoxing Day (St. Stephen's Day)
Dates of marked religious holidays are valid for 2012 and change every year in accordance with the Western Church calendar.Based on www.wikipedia.org and www.timeanddate.com.
***
CE Holidays Calendar
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REPUBLIC OF CROATIA REPUBLIKA HRVATSKA
Croatian interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: ZagrebOfficial language: CroatianPopulation: 4 290 612Currency: Kuna (HRK)Internet domain: hrCalling code: +385
› When talking, get straight to the point. Otherwise, we get confused.
› When invited for a coffee, always accept the invitation. It means we like you (we do business over: smoking cigarettes, drinking coffee & wine, eating lunches).
› We improvise a lot; get used to it.
› Be aware of the National Holidays and the way they connect with weekends. If a holi-day falls on Tue. or Thu., Croatians take Mon. and Fri. off.
› Schedule meetings, calls or send emails between noon and 1:00 pm. This is our lunch time after which we grab coffee (note: on Friday this refers to the whole day☺).
› We are not Yugoslavians, we are Croatians.
› We all do not speak Slovenian and we can't read Cyrillic.
› We gesticulate a lot when we talk, do not get scared.
› Don’t expect us to work on a day when the Croatian national team plays football.
› Savka Dabčević-Kučar was Europe's first female Prime Minister (President of the Executive Council of SR Croatia).
› The cravat (also known in modern English as the necktie), a fashion symbol of culture and elegance, originates from 17th-century Croatia, where it was part of the uniform worn by Croatian soldiers.
› Croatia's main tourist attraction has always been its beaches. The country has 1,778 km of coastline (5,790 km if you count the islands), "In Style" magazine has included Croatia on its list of seven top world destinations.
› The country includes seven World Heritage sites and eight national parks – around 10% of total territory of Croatia enjoys special protection by law in the aforementioned forms.
› Insular Croatia consists of over one thousand islands varying in size.
› There are 49 caves deeper than 250 m in Croatia, with 14 of them deeper than 500 m and 3 deeper than 1,000 m.
› Croatians are protective of their Croatian language from foreign influences as the language was under constant change and threats imposed by previous rulers.
› The most popular sports in Croatia are football, handball, basketball, water polo, tennis, and skiing.
› Maraschino – popular bittersweet liqueur is flavored with Marasca cherries, which are grown in Dalmatia, Croatia, mostly around the city of Zadar.
› The world traveler and explorer Marco Polo was born in 1254, most probably on the island of Korčula. Even today, there are people living on the island with the same last name.
5CE Cultures@Work - Transition Training
CZECH REPUBLIC ČESKÁ REPUBLIKA
Czech interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: PragueOfficial language: CzechPopulation: 10 535 811Currency: Czech koruna (CZK)Internet domain: czCalling code: +420
› Be open to our sense of humor/black humor. We have a very strong sense for irony/sarcasm and tend to use it when you would least expect it. So do not take it person-ally☺. Our intent is not to offend anybody, just to ease the atmosphere.
› Approach us with a positive attitude to solving issues/problems. Czechs are peaceful and tend to work in a friendly atmosphere. Even if in disagreement, we will handle things positively and come to consensus.
› Keep the deadlines and deliver on your promises. Czechs are rather hard-working and expect others to comply with this standard. Have fun with us: we like to have fun, drink and dance.
› Czechs are in a way reserved when in business, so do not push us to say our opinion when you believe we should. If we feel there is something valuable to say, we will speak up.
› Do not tell us you know nothing about Czech history/presence. We are proud of our important figures in history/presence. So we appreciate if you know at least some.
› Do not criticize us in public. Otherwise, we will turn the whole thing into sarcasm and valuable feedback will get lost. If there is something important you want to share with us, do so in private.
› Important inventions from Czech Republic include the contact lens and the separa-tion of modern blood types.
› Czech state, formerly known as Bohemia was formed in the late 9th century as a small duchy around Prague.
› Czech Republic has the highest beer consumption per capita in the world.
› The Program for International Student Assessment, coordinated by the OECD, currently ranks the Czech education system as the 15th best in the world, higher than the OECD average.
› Mobile internet is very popular. Czech Republic has the most Wi-Fi subscribers in the European Union.
› Josef Ressel (1793–1857) invented of the screw propeller.
› "Father of genetics" – Gregor Mendel – is famed for his research concerning the inheritance of genetic traits.
› The country is famous for its love of puppetry and marionettes with a number of puppet festivals throughout the country.
› The famous Pilsner style beer was originated in western Bohemian city of Plzeň.
› At the turn of the 20th century, Chicago was the city with the third largest Czech population, after Prague and Vienna.
› The most famous music festival is "Prague Spring" (Pražské jaro), has been annu-ally organized since 1946.
› Aside from Slivovitz, Czech beer and wine, Czechs also produce two uniquely Czech liquors, Fernet Stock and Becherovka.
› Kofola is a non-alcoholic domestic cola soft drink which competes with Coca Cola and Pepsi in popularity.
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REPUBLIC OF ESTONIA EESTI VABARIIK
Estonian interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: TallinnOfficial language: EstonianPopulation: 1 340 194Currency: Euro (EUR)Internet domain: eeCalling code: +379
› Schedule meetings well in advance. For us time management is essential.
› Focus on the details. Estonians are very detail-oriented and will not commit to anything before they examine all thoroughly.
› Respect an Estonian’s personal space. Close contact can make us uncomfortable. In Estonia people tend to leave a relatively large room between each other when talking.
› Ask an Estonian about Estonia. Get ready for a long story to follow☺.
› Don’t ask personal questions and don’t be offended if your Estonian colleague does not inquire about your family or personal life. Estonians like to separate business from their personal life. Sharing the latter is a symbol of trust, which takes time to gain.
› Don’t be loud. Loud voices and excessive hand gestures are often perceived as rude and make us uncomfortable.
› Don’t mix up Estonia with other countries. Estonia is the one farthest to the North with Tallinn as a capital. We consider Estonia to be Nordic rather than Eastern European or Baltic.
› Don’t try speaking Latvian or Lithuanian to an Estonian. Estonians might understand some Russian or Finnish, but English is the language of choice.
› The Singing Revolution is a commonly used name for events between 1987 and 1991 that led to the restoration of the independence of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. The term was coined by an Estonian activist and artist, Heinz Valk, in an article published a week after the June 10–11, 1988 spontaneous mass night-singing demonstrations at the Tallinn Song Festival Grounds.
› Estonia has over 1,400 lakes.
› Estonia has pursued the development of the e-state and e-government. Internet voting is used during elections in Estonia.
› In 2006 the State of World Liberty Index report (ranking of countries according to the degree of economic and personal freedoms that their citizens enjoy), Estonia was ranked 1st out of 159 countries. Freedom House has reported Estonia as having the highest level of internet freedom in the world.
› Estonians consider themselves Nordic people rather than Balts based on their historical ties with Sweden, Denmark and particularly Finland.
› Today's Estonia is a multinational country where, according to the 2000 census, altogether 109 languages are spoken.
› Women are leading Estonia's scientific society. In 2006, over 60% of the scientists in Estonia were women.
› State of The World's Mothers 2011 report ranked Estonia as the 18th best country in the world to be a mother, ahead of countries like Canada and the United States.
7CE Cultures@Work - Transition Training
REPUBLIC OF HUNGARY MAGYAR KÖZTÁRSASÁG
Hungarian interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: BudapestOfficial language: HungarianPopulation: 9 979 000Currency: Forint (HUF)Internet domain: huCalling code: +36
› Be open and honest when conversing. Expect to be asked personal questions, but don't be offended. It's just a way for us to get to know you better.
› Expect lots of eating, drinking, and socializing during negotiations.
› Put your last name before your first on your business card. Also include the founding date of your company and any advanced academic degrees you may have.
› Discuss sports, music, food, and wine.
› Try everything on your plate.
› Open a gift immediately upon receipt.
› Kiss close friends on both cheeks, starting with the left.
› Don’t try to schedule meetings on Friday afternoons in summer or from mid-Decem-ber to mid-January.
› Don’t be more than five minutes late. If you think you are going to be late, call to explain.
› Don’t cancel a meeting in the last minute.
› Don’t be the one to move a conversation to business. There is usually a bit of small talk to start with. Leave it up to your Hungarian partners to initiate a business part.
› Don’t discuss politics or religion.
› Don’t begin eating until a host starts.
› Don’t bring wine. We are proud of our own wine.
› The country is home to the largest thermal water cave system and the second larg-est thermal lake in the world (Lake Hévíz), the largest lake in Central Europe (Lake Balaton), and the largest natural grasslands in Europe (Hortobágy).
› Hungary is a land of thermal water. Passions for spa culture and Hungarian history have been connected from the very beginning.
› The English word "coach" came from the Hungarian kocsi "wagon from Kocs" refer-ring to the village in Hungary where coaches were first made).
› Béla Barényi designed the Volkswagen Beetle and is the father of passive safety in automobiles.
› The Budapest University of Technology and Economics is considered the oldest institute of technology in the world with a university rank and structure. Its legal predecessor was founded in 1782 by Emperor Joseph II.
› The Budapest Metro is the second-oldest underground metro system in the world, and its iconic Line 1 (dating from 1896) was declared a World Heritage Site in 2002.
› Tokaji, meaning "of Tokaj" or "from Tokaj" in Hungarian, is used to label wines from the wine region of Tokaj-Hegyalja in Hungary.
› Hungary revolutionized the sport in the 1950s, laying the tactical fundamentals of Total Football and dominating international football with the remarkable Golden Team, which included legends like Ferenc Puskás (top goal scorer of the 20th century, whom FIFA dedicated its newest award, the Puskás Award).
8
REPUBLIC OF LATVIA LATVIJAS REPUBLIKA
Latvian interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: RigaOfficial language: LatvianPopulation: 2 245 357Currency: Lats (LVL)Internet domain: lvCalling code: +371
› Bear in mind that Latvians pay close attention to hierarchy and status: if you need something, ask for it from the person assigning the task, not from the one executing.
› Latvians tend to be a bit reserved in personal communication. We may come across as silent in multi-cultural teams but do ask us for input and we will eagerly engage!
› Latvians like teamwork and socializing. If you are in Riga, make sure to ask people out for dinner or drink.
› Keep in mind that Latvia is a diverse society. Large ethnic groups of Russians, Ukrainians, Jews, etc. live there.
› Latvians like to complain. They mainly conduct corridor talks and would rarely talk to people who have real power to influence things.
› Don’t engage in long discussions. Latvians prefer to get down to business fast, therefore be brief and focused on the tasks and deadlines. It is expected to come up with specific results rather than a long explanation of why it is needed and how and when it should be done.
› Don’t expect too much socializing and small talk over the phone. When someone calls, it is with a specific question in mind and they expect to get the answer fast.
› Don’t initiate discussions about history. Especially World War II is a painful topic for many people.
› Don't be late for meetings (give a call if you are going to be late) and schedule them in advance. However, being late 5-10 minutes is more or less ok. You can expect to be excused.
› Oaks and Lindens are considered the national trees of Latvia. They are characteris-tic elements of the Latvian landscape.
› Latvia's national insect is the two-spot ladybird (Latvian: mārīte). It is familiar as a useful insect that protects plants from parasites. Although rather slow by nature, it can defend itself well . Due to its appearance and behavior it is widely known and liked throughout Latvia. The insect's Latvian name is a synonym for the ancient Latvian goddess Mara, who embodies the power of the earth.
› Latvia's population has been multiethnic for centuries, Latvians and Livonians, the indigenous peoples of Latvia, now form about 59.49% of the population.
› Traditional Latvian folklore, especially the dance of the folk songs date back well over a thousand years. More than 1.2 million texts and 30,000 melodies of folk songs have been identified.
› Ice hockey is the most popular sport. Latvia has many famous hockey stars like Artūrs Irbe, Kaspars Daugaviņš, Sandis Ozoliņš. The most famous Latvian ice hockey club is Dinamo Riga.
› Riga Castle was constructed for the Livonian Order of Knights in 1330. At present the Riga Castle is the official home of the President of Latvia.
› The capital of Latvia, Riga, is famous for some of the best Art Nouveau architectural specimens in Europe.
› In the 17th Century, Tobago, one of the two Caribbean islands comprising the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, was temporarily a colony of the Duchy of Courland, which is now a part of Latvia.
› Latvian Fridrich Cander was an inventor, who worked on the theory and design of jet engines and rockets.
› The Baltic States wanted to demonstrate their desire for freedom in 1989. The Esto-nians, Latvians and Lithuanians joined hands forming a long human chain stretching from Tallinn to Riga and down to Vilnius.
9CE Cultures@Work - Transition Training
REPUBLIC OF LITHUANIA LIETUVOS RESPUBLIKA
Lithuanian interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: VilniusOfficial language: LithuanianPopulation: 3 214 900Currency: Lithuanian litas (LTL)Internet domain: ltCalling code: +370
› Plan. Arrange meetings and their agenda in advance, confirm participation by phone or e-mail.
› Respect the deadlines. Planning process may be a little long and detailed, but once the planning is over, the project will move forward very quickly in line with agreed timings.
› Be straightforward in attitude, speech and behavior. We appreciate honesty and frankness. And you can also expect it from us.
› Perfect ice-breaker: talk basketball, which is considered Lithuania's 2nd religion.
› Knowing a name of a legendary Lithuanian basketball player will be appreciated.
› Don't be late. We expect you to be on time for meetings. Delay might imply that you don't respect others. Being late 3 minutes is also being late.
› Don't forget and deny your commitments and responsibilities. For us it is morally unacceptable to avoid duties or be unaware of what is required. We tend to be serious about work and business and we do not understand a "do nothing" attitude.
› Don't interrupt others while they speak. Wait patiently for them to finish.
› Don't smile unless you mean it. In Lithuania smiling a lot can be seen as insincere. "A smile without reason is a sign of stupidity".
› Don’t overlook a fact that Lithuanians are sensitive to foreigners mixing Baltic coun-tries and capitals. They are extremely proud to have a 1000-year history.
› In 2009, Vilnius was the European Capital of Culture and Lithuania celebrated the millennium of its name.
› The Lithuanian landscape has been smoothed by glaciers, the terrain features nu-merous lakes, and wetlands. A mixed forest zone covers nearly 33% of the country.
› According to one geographical computation method, Lithuania's capital, Vilnius, lies only a few kilometers south of the geographical centre of Europe.
› Structurally, there is a gradual but consistent shift towards a knowledge-based economy with special emphasis on biotechnology (industrial and diagnostic) –major biotechnology companies of the Baltic countries as well as laser equipment manu-facturers are concentrated in Lithuania.
› During Tsarist annexation of Lithuania, Lithuanian press ban was implemented, which led to a formation of the Knygnešiai (Book smugglers) movement.
› Basketball is the most popular sport in the country, which has both professional and amateur? leagues. The Lithuanian national basketball team has been quite success-ful in international basketball events, has been ranked fifth in FIBA standings and has won the impressive total of 9 medals in the EuroBasket, the World Championships and the Olympic Games.
› Pancakes are the traditional dish of Shrove Tuesday.
› Easter Granny (Velyku Senele) brings Easter eggs for children. Bunnies only help her to paint eggs.
› Telsiai is a town in Þemaitija (Lower Lithuania/Samogitia). Local people speak a Samogitian dialect, which isn't easy for the rest of fellow-countryman.
10
REPUBLIC OF POLAND RZECZPOSPOLITA POLSKA
Polish interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: WarsawOfficial language: PolishPopulation: 38 186 860Currency: Złoty (PLN)Internet domain: plCalling code: +48
› We have clear objectives and articulate them well. We can be very direct with you if we don’t like the way a conversation, negotiation or an e-mail string is going, and won’t hesitate to tell you what we think.
› We work well with those who are confident and don’t relate so much to overly-sensi-tive people.
› Be ready for a surprise. We sometimes don’t show what we have done ... until it’s done.
› Poles are not used to discussing their family and private lives in business or with people they don’t know very well.
› Do not set up a call on Friday afternoons. We like to start our weekends as of Friday early afternoon (from 16.00 hrs!).
› We highly appreciate attempts to speak Polish. Realize most of us cannot speak Russian☺.
› Over 40 R&D centers (companies such as: ABB, Delphi, GlaxoSmithKline, Google, Hewlett–Packard, IBM, Intel, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Motorola, Siemens and Samsung) and 4,500 researchers make Poland the biggest R&D hub in Central and Eastern Europe.
› Outstanding Polish mathematicians formed the Lwów School of Mathematics and Warsaw School of Mathematics.
› Poland is the leading producer in Europe of potatoes and rye and is one of the world's largest producers of sugar beets.
› The public postal service in Poland is operated by Poczta Polska (The Polish Post). It was created in 1558, by king Sigmund August. Many important events in the history of Poland involved postal service e.g. the 1939 heroic defense of the Polish Post Office in Gdańsk and the participation of the Polish Scouts' Postal Service in the Warsaw Uprising.
› The first university in Poland, Kraków-based Jagiellonian University, was estab-lished in 1364 by Casimir III the Great. It is the oldest university in Poland, the second oldest in Central Europe and one of the oldest universities in the world.
› Until recently Russian has been commonly learned as a second language and was replaced by English and German after 1989.
› Poland is the birthplace of many distinguished personalities, among which are: Mikołaj Kopernik, Fryderyk Chopin, Maria Skłodowska-Curie, Józef Piłsudski and Pope John Paul II.
› Many world famous Polish movie directors include Academy Awards winners: Roman Polański, Andrzej Wajda, Zbigniew Rybczyński, Janusz Kamiński, Krzysztof Kieślowski or Agnieszka Holland.
› History has not been kind to Poland's architectural monuments. Nonetheless, a number of ancient edifices endured until present times: castles, churches and stately buildings, often unique in the regional or European context.
11CE Cultures@Work - Transition Training
SLOVAK REPUBLIC SLOVENSKÁ REPUBLIKA
Slovak interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: BratislavaOfficial language: SlovakPopulation: 5 429 763Currency: Euro (EUR)Internet domain: skCalling code: +421
› Maintain an eye contact with your business partner, which indicates that you are seri-ous and trustworthy. If you avoid an eye contact, people may doubt your sincerity.
› Inquire in which language Slovaks prefer written business documents and be prepared to offer an interpreter for meetings. Although English is the predominant business language today and most Slovaks understand it, be prepared to provide information in Slovak.
› Maintain a shoulder length’s distance when speaking to Slovaks. Touching each other is uncommon and even considered unacceptable in formal situations.
› Don’t be late for meetings or fail to meet deadlines. Slovaks take time seriously. Respecting it indicates genuineness and politeness.
› Don’t forget to bring a small gift if invited to your business partner’s home.
› Don’t grant any privileges to people in the company just because they are your friends or family. Collectivist culture and protectionism are still quite widespread in Slovakia. Nevertheless, it is perceived as unethical and is frowned upon.
› Velvet Divorce is the dissolution of Czechoslovakia, which took effect on 1 January 1993.
› The Slovak landscape is noted primarily for its mountainous nature, with the Carpathian Mountains extending across most of the northern half of the country.
› Some Slovaks have made notable technical contributions. Jozef Murgaš contributed to development of wireless telegraphy; Štefan Banič (1870-1941) invented the first actively used parachute, patenting it in 1913.
› The best known Slovak hero is Juraj Jánošík (the Slovak equivalent of Robin Hood), a famous globetrotter and explorer.
› Tennis champion Martina Hingis (born in 1980), former World #1 and winner of five Grand Slam singles titles and nine Grand Slam women's doubles titles, was born in Slovakia.
› Wine is enjoyed throughout Slovakia. Slovak wine comes predominantly from the southern areas along the Danube and its tributaries. The northern half of the country is too cold and mountainous to grow grapevines. Traditionally, white wine has been more popular than red or rosé (except in some regions), and sweet wine more popular than dry. In recent years, though, tastes seem to be changing.
› The most famous American of Slovak descent is probably pop artist Andy Warhol (1928-1987), whose parents immigrated from Miková in north-eastern Slovakia.
› Slovak women marry the youngest (average 24 years old) within the European Union, along with Lithuanian and Polish.
› One of the most colorful characters in Slovak history is Móric Beňovský (1746-1786), a nobleman who during his relatively short life managed to be an adventurer, globetrotter, explorer, colonizer, writer, chess player, a French colonel, Polish military commander, and an Austrian soldier. Above all, he managed to get himself elected as King of Madagascar by the natives in 1776. His memoirs were a bestseller at the turn of 18th and 19th centuries. His life was a source of inspiration for many writers, poets, and composers.
12
REPUBLIC OF SLOVENIA REPUBLIKA SLOVENIJA
Slovenian interesting facts DO’s
DON’Ts
KEY FACTSCapital: LjubljanaOfficial language: SlovenePopulation: 2 048 951Currency: Euro (EUR)Internet domain: siCalling code: +386
› Expect us to be a bit reserved at first, it's in our nature. When we warm up, we tend to be very friendly.
› Understand that Slovenians are very proud of their small, yet very versatile country. Our nature is our most precious heritage: seaside, mountains, lakes...
› Understand that we tend to be mostly indirect.
› We do expect others to praise us when praise is due, but we don’t like blowing our own horn.
› Expect some chit-chat before getting down to business. It's important not to rush it, because it's part of relationship building.
› Try to learn a few basic Slovenian words to impress those around you!
› Don’t mix us up with Slovakia; these are two different countries with very similar names and flags.
› Don’t consider Slovenia as part of "Eastern Europe." We relate more to the West due to our contemporary culture and economics.
› Don’t act as ‘Slovenia is not important’. We are extremely sensitive about that.
› Don’t be boastful about accomplishments. Be modest.
› Don’t initiate business discussions during a meal. We like to keep business and personal stuff separate.
› Don’t interrupt. We like to think of ourselves as very polite, so we expect the same from you, too.
› The oldest known musical instrument in the world is a flute discovered in Divje Babe cave near Cerkno, dating from the glacial age when the area was inhabited by Neanderthals.
› Over half of the country is covered by forests, which makes Slovenia the third most forested country in Europe (after Finland and Sweden).
› Protected areas of Slovenia include national parks, regional parks, and nature parks, the largest of which being Triglav National Park. There are 286 “Natura 2000” designated protected areas, which comprise 36% of the country's land area, the larg-est percentage among European Union states.
› Slovenia offers tourists a wide variety of landscapes in a small space: Alpine in the northwest, Mediterranean in the southwest, Pannonian in the northeast and Dinaric in the southeast.
› Slovenia is home to as many as 260 waterfalls, out of which Boka is the highest one.
› Gambling tourism: Slovenia is the country with the highest percentage of casinos per 1,000 inhabitants in the European Union. Perla in Nova Gorica is the largest casino in the region.
› Slovenia is ranked among top European countries regarding the knowledge of for-eign languages: 92% of the population between the age of 25 and 64 spoke at least one foreign language and around 72% of them spoke at least two foreign languages.
› Soups are a relatively recent invention in Slovenian cuisine, but there are over 100 of them.
› A variety of sports are played in Slovenia on professional level, with top international successes in handball, basketball, volleyball, association football, ice hockey, rowing, swimming, tennis, boxing and athletics.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS Thanks to all of the individuals who contributed to creating this booklet. This includes:
DESIGN & CONTENT › Justyna Lewandowska (C@W Trainer, Warsaw: Poland)
› Jacek Wasilewski (C@W CEEMEA Owner, Warsaw: Poland)
› Livia Greeman (C@W Trainer, Bratislava, Slovakia)
› Several individuals in the CE MDOs who provided their perspectives on do’s and don’t’s.
CULTURES@WORK TEAM: › Iva Baronova (C@W Trainer, Prague, Czech Republic)
› Błażej Dobromilski (C@W Trainer, Warsaw: Poland)
› Livia Greeman (C@W Trainer, Bratislava, Slovakia)
› Justyna Lewandowska (C@W Trainer, Warsaw: Poland)
› Jacek Wasilewski (C@W CEEMEA Owner, Warsaw: Poland)
Note: While this document reflects findings from lots of research and interviews, it does contain generalizations that may NOT apply to all cases.
