Montenegro Away - 10th September 2008

[NeilMcD]

Interesting diary for anybody that likes to do a bit of travelling.

http://www.irishtimes.com/blogs/balkanbikers/

[Abi Normal]

Two questions -

1. Is there anyone on the flight Aer Lingus Dublin - Dubrovnik on Wednesday 10th September arriving approx 11:45 am?

2. Is anyone staying in Budva that needs transportation to Podgorica and back to Budva on the day of the game? We are running a bus.

Many thanks

GT :D

Myself plus 5 interested in the Budva to Podgorica bus.

[gspain]

For those at a loose end on Sept 9th (day before our game) Montenegro U21s play Bulgaria U21s at 4pm in Niksic. Niksic is 50 KMs north of Podgorica. This is in our group as well. Both countries are in a battle with us for the wooden spoon.

Italy U21s are in Croatia the same night and France U21s are in Bosnia but with venues tbd.

I may be giving away a good tip here if I don't get tickets myself but I would imagine this would be a good bet to pick up a ticket for the senior game the following night.

I'll be driving to Podgorica after the game and will know closer to the date if there is room in the car to give people a lift.

[stiofain]

For those at a loose end on Sept 9th (day before our game) Montenegro U21s play Bulgaria U21s at 4pm in Niksic. Niksic is 50 KMs north of Podgorica. This is in our group as well. Both countries are in a battle with us for the wooden spoon.

Italy U21s are in Croatia the same night and France U21s are in Bosnia but with venues tbd.

I may be giving away a good tip here if I don't get tickets myself but I would imagine this would be a good bet to pick up a ticket for the senior game the following night.

I'll be driving to Podgorica after the game and will know closer to the date if there is room in the car to give people a lift.

Fantastic, thanks for the tip. I'll definitely look into getting to one of those games (France game in Bosnia might fit better into my plans, depending on venue).

[NeilMcD]

http://www.hotelevropa.cg.yu/engleski/Prices.htm

So which bed are you going to go for Sligo. I think the last one will be perfect.

[Sligo Hornet]

http://www.hotelevropa.cg.yu/engleski/Prices.htm

So which bed are you going to go for Sligo. I think the last one will be perfect.

I think you'll find all of those "options" are actually in the SAME ROOM:eek:......they only have ONE

With the hoards of us all "Booked", it will be very interesting once the lights go out!:eek:

[Green Tribe]

Myself plus 5 interested in the Budva to Podgorica bus.

Abi Normal , is that 6 in your party? Cheers

[pineapple stu]

Greetings from Podgorica!

Can't make the game, but said I'd come out here for a few days anyway to see the place. Lovely and warm (34 today), but not a huge amount to do really. I'm sure visiting hoardes of Irish fans will find some way of passing the time though. :)

Few tips for yez when ye're travelling -

Arrival
If you're coming into Podgorica airport, I think the only way into town (bar walking) is a taxi. It's a set E15 (not sure if that increases per person).
DO NOT under any circumstances let the driver take you to your final destination if it's outside Podgorica!!! I was quoted E120 to go to Kotor on the coast; this was down to E50 by the time I got to the bus station, where I got a ticket for E7.
There's a bus from Podgorica to Tivat via Cetinje, Budva and Kotor every 30 to 60 minutes. It's about 75 minutes from Podgorica to Budva, and another 45 on to Kotor.

Driving
If you're driving -
Petrol is about the same price as here.
Montenegrins are insane drivers. Road signs, speed limits and seat belts are all suggestions rather than rules. Don't be surprised if a taxi pulls out from behind you into oncoming traffic and cuts into a gap you didn't think was there.
There are no motorways (for the same reason there's no motorways in the Faroes or San Marino - this is a seriously hilly country!) so for longer journeys, plan on an average speed of no more than 30mph. The scenery is superb, but the drop over the edge is even farther, so pay attention!!
Auto Stop - 069 858555. If you go from Podgorica to Budva, you'll know what that's about.

Beer
Important stuff now. Niksicko is the local. I don't drink beer much, but it tastes like beer usually tastes. I paid E1.30 for 330ml in Podgorica and E1.60 in Kotor. It's about E2 for 500ml, though that's not always available. Imported beer is hard-ish to find, and about E1 more expensive.

Towns
Podgorica is an absolute hole. Seriously. And I thought Bratislava was quirky. This place is a typical communist capital without an stylish Old Town really to speak of. Ladas, Yugos and Zastavas abound (as throughout the country in fairness), flats are everywhere and you'll probably come across a few horse and traps. The nicest thing I can say is that it's an absolute hole in the most interesting sense of the phrase.

The main bit is in the centre. The ground is at the end of Ul Slabode (one of the main roads in the town centre), which also has "St Patrick's Irish Pub" (closed for holidays at the moment, so I don't know what it's like) and a couple of decent places to eat. Note Podgorica is one of the few capitals in the world without a McDonalds! Near enough to the ground on Marka Miljanova are another OK drinking holes including Laterna and Calabria. They both have a kind of old-style Irish pub feel to them and are two streets over from Ul Slobode. They're technically cafes, but it's as near as you'll get to a pub. The ground is about a 20/25 minute walk from the bus station. Apart from that, there's not much doing really, which explains why I'm back in the hotel on the internet at a quarter to nine! In, match, out is my advice.

I'm currently in the Hotel Europa, which is a nice enough spot with everything you really want. It's about 100 yards from the bus and train station too, handily enough.

I stayed in Kotor from Saturday till this morning; it's a UNESCO heritage walled city at the end of the Bota Kotorska fjord. Very atmospheric (no cars allowed in, seriously narrow, windy streets) with a superb hike up to a fortress at the top of the cliff overlooking the whole bay (costs E2). There's no street names in the walled city, so wander in, get completely lost and soak up the atmosphere. Bar a Maritime Museum (if you 're into that sort of thing), there's not a huge amount to do. The place comes alive at night though (helped by this week being an international Kotorska Carnival week), but everyone's out in the streets drinking and chatting. Most caffe/bars have loud dance or Europop music if you're into that sort of thing; there's one place near St Tryphon's where some local singer plays guitar instead; it was the first place I found on Saturday, but I didn't find it again till yesterday evening! There's a serious buzz about the place, helped by the compactness of it all, and if you plan on getting to sleep before 1:30am (not likely I know, but anyway), it ain't going to happen. Definitely worth out for a day trip for the hike alone. No beaches though.

I passed through Budva on the way to and back from Kotor; looks a nice place, very Club Med-dy. Bikinis are the standard dress code, plenty of beaches, a big island out in the bay with trips out to it, water skiing and all sorts of water activities. Probably not as cultural or as Montenegrin as Kotor, but still a nice place.

Food
Pasta, pizza and seafood are the order of the day, which can get a bit repetitive. There's usually something else on offer though; try the "Montenegro steak" - an eight inch long, rectangular, flat steak of (I think) chicken, filled with ham and cheese. Very nice. There's ice cream stands all over the place for about the price of a beer.

Other stuff
You're going to find EuroPop and dance music pretty much everywhere; it's kind of like a walking Eurovision. I did come across a Serbian (I assume) band on the ENTER channel playing what was clearly an Irish reel though in concert. When they finished, they introduced (in Serbian) the next song to the crowd of a few hundred and then broke into The Irish Rover. Wierd stuff.

Currency is the euro. They don't have their own coins though; they "use" German coins (apparently, they used the Deutsche Mark beforehand; if this (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/1740493.stm) wasn't on the BBC website though, I'd dismiss it as a hoax :confused:).

Most people, especially in cafes and hotels, can speak fairly good English. A bit of Serbian is always nice though! Zdravo, pivo and hlava (hi, beer, thanks) should get you by.

Cyrillic letters are common on street signs in Podgorica; outside that, it's mainly Roman letters.

Generally, things are fairly cheap here. I picked up two bottles of wine and a carton of pineapple juice for E5.14 at the market this morning in Kotor. If you really want, you can pick up a photocopy of the the Irish Independent for E4.30 in Kotor too. Only if you're really bored though!

Overall, a nice country; scenery is superb, ground is nice, everything's cheap and there's no real sense of danger on the streets or anything like that. Enjoy!

[Green Tribe]

fair play pineapple stu, did hear that podgorica was communist style with not much in it, and quite small. Thanks, great report!

[NeilMcD]

Fair play, great report. I am staying in that hotel too as are a few of the people on this site as far as I know.

Thinking of heading out of Pod on the Thursday after the game and heading to Budva but might check out Kotor too. Great info too on the local buses. Fair play Stu.

[citizenerased]

what are the women like stu? would they be susceptible to a bit of an ear burn from a drunken irishman..?

[newrynyuk]

Excellent report, pineapple stu. Thanks.

How's the weather there? Worth packing shorts for September?

[Sligo Hornet]

Excellent report, pineapple stu. Thanks.

How's the weather there? Worth packing shorts for September?

Today looks very nice!:)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=1465

[Fr. Joe]

Well Done Stu, great account. Is there any sort of a square out in Podgorica for a gathering of fans or any such area that you think would be good for a mass gathering of singing and booze etc. :D

[gspain]

Thanks Stu. Great report.

[Abi Normal]

Abi Normal , is that 6 in your party? Cheers



Definate six

Thanks

[newrynyuk]

Today looks very nice!:)

http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml?world=1465


Jeez! Podgorica is gonna see an invasion of green-shirted lobsters...

[Greenforever]

what are the women like stu? would they be susceptible to a bit of an ear burn from a drunken irishman..?


Doesnt matter if they are or not they'll get it:D, just like a few Norwegian and Georgian women will over the next few weeks, lest we be accused of discrimination:D:D

[Green Tribe]

good man abi normal

[pineapple stu]

How's the weather there? Worth packing shorts for September?
Not having been in September, I don't know! It was 34 yesterday (my last day; back home now), but there was a nice thunderstorm on Sunday (which rolled really coolly in a dark mist along the fjord and in dark clouds over the mountain peaks, with lightning in amongst it :)); I'd imagine it'll be about 5-6 degrees cooler in September, but still nice.


Well Done Stu, great account. Is there any sort of a square out in Podgorica for a gathering of fans or any such area that you think would be good for a mass gathering of singing and booze etc. :D
There's the Central Square off Slobode, but there's no cafes backing on to it, so it'd be good for a bit of ball, but would be awkward for drink. But the cafes all have outdoor parts on the streets, which would be the best bet.

[paul_oshea]

Other stuff
You're going to find EuroPop and dance music pretty much everywhere; it's kind of like a walking Eurovision. I did come across a Serbian (I assume) band on the ENTER channel playing what was clearly an Irish reel though in concert. When they finished, they introduced (in Serbian) the next song to the crowd of a few hundred and then broke into The Irish Rover. Wierd stuff.


I think that band could be primordial or cruachan. both are quite big in the balkans but they are Irish.

Mod edit - no need to quote the whole post!

[MagicMulv]

Would anyone have a website of train timetables from Budva to Podgorica, I was considering staying in or around Podgorica but as there is no accomodation I think I will stay in Budva for the 2 days. I really need to know if I can get a train home back to Budva after the game. I think it is a seven o clock kick off Montenegro time. Any help much appreciated.

[NeilMcD]

I think the only way is by bus as there is no train station and as far as I know the buses leave every 30 to 60 minutes. If you read the thread you will also see that there is a bus organised by one of the members on this site.

[stiofain]

Would anyone have a website of train timetables from Budva to Podgorica, I was considering staying in or around Podgorica but as there is no accomodation I think I will stay in Budva for the 2 days. I really need to know if I can get a train home back to Budva after the game. I think it is a seven o clock kick off Montenegro time. Any help much appreciated.

I've organised a bus between Budva and Podgorica on matchday. Let me know if your interested!

[pineapple stu]

Would anyone have a website of train timetables from Budva to Podgorica, I was considering staying in or around Podgorica but as there is no accomodation I think I will stay in Budva for the 2 days. I really need to know if I can get a train home back to Budva after the game. I think it is a seven o clock kick off Montenegro time. Any help much appreciated.
No trains to Budva; only place there's a train to is Bar.

Last bus leaves around 9:30 to Budva, so you should make it after the game if you hurry, but it'll probably be a race against everyone else. Best ebt is to hope on one of the charter buses.

[MagicMulv]

Stiofain, I am heading on holidays for a couple of days but if I am staying in Budva which is highly likely at this stage then I would be interested in using the bus. How many spaces are left on the bus as I would need two spots, me and a friend. What time does the bus leave Budva on the Wednesday? Apologies for all the questions. I won't have internet access for the next couple of days but have to telk to me friend as I have yet to book accomodation but will post another message early next week with confirmation

[stiofain]

Stiofain, I am heading on holidays for a couple of days but if I am staying in Budva which is highly likely at this stage then I would be interested in using the bus. How many spaces are left on the bus as I would need two spots, me and a friend. What time does the bus leave Budva on the Wednesday? Apologies for all the questions. I won't have internet access for the next couple of days but have to telk to me friend as I have yet to book accomodation but will post another message early next week with confirmation

No bother pal, we've a fair few places left on the bus so you and your friend will have a seat if you need it.
We're looking at leaving Budva at about 11.30-ish, arriving in Podgorica at 1. Fairly early, but it gives everyone a bit of freetime to have a look around the city and soak up the atmosphere before the game. Coming back, we're hoping to leave about 11. Its working out at 15 Euro per person for the return.
Once you get your accomodation sorted, give us a shout if you'd like a seat!

[awaythelads]

Looking for travel advice.
3 of us will be travelling from Dubrovnik to Podgorica on the day of the game and travelling back to Dubrovnik the day after (i.e. going there Wed and coming back Thursday).
Any suggestions? From what I can work out, the bus is full there and wouldn't suit us on the way back.

[Greenforever]

Looking for travel advice.
3 of us will be travelling from Dubrovnik to Podgorica on the day of the game and travelling back to Dubrovnik the day after (i.e. going there Wed and coming back Thursday).
Any suggestions? From what I can work out, the bus is full there and wouldn't suit us on the way back.


Ask Neill for the contact details and you possibly can arange a smaller bus, 10- 14 pax and might get enough people here to fill it.

[gspain]

Looking for travel advice.
3 of us will be travelling from Dubrovnik to Podgorica on the day of the game and travelling back to Dubrovnik the day after (i.e. going there Wed and coming back Thursday).
Any suggestions? From what I can work out, the bus is full there and wouldn't suit us on the way back.

Sounds like you should rent a car.

We used Economy as they allow you take the car into Bosnia and Montenegro. Most rental companies don't. Probably best to buy some tricolour car flags too as Croatian cars may not go down well with the locals.

[mypost]

Would anyone have a website of train timetables from Budva to Podgorica, I was considering staying in or around Podgorica but as there is no accomodation I think I will stay in Budva for the 2 days. I really need to know if I can get a train home back to Budva after the game. I think it is a seven o clock kick off Montenegro time. Any help much appreciated.

The ko is 17:00 GMT, 19:00 local.

One other option not mentioned yet, is the possibility of staying in Belgrade, and getting the train in and out of Podgorica on matchday. There is a morning train in Belgrade to Podgorica that leaves you there before ko, and an overnight train out. It takes 8 hours, but staying in Belgrade is a more attractive option, for those struggling to get accommodation elsewhere.

[NeilMcD]

Just dont say you are from Den Haag.

[Saint Tom]

suprisingly quiet on the forum about this game. Wonder what type of crowd will travel. I think it will be very small. booked a hotel about five km from podgorica city centre, taxis are apparently 40c per km!

[awaythelads]

.... taxis are apparently 40c per km!

Maybe a taxi from Dubrovnik to Podgorica is an option. There should be 2 or 3 of us travelling on the morning of the Match and returning the following day.

[pineapple stu]

Don't think taxi fares are that cheap. And that's if you get a driver who uses the meter. If you ask for a taxi from Dubrovnik to Podgorica, you'll get quoted about E200, maybe down to E100 (I was quoted E120 from Podgorica to Kotor). I'd have a fall back plan if you're gonig to try that!

[Sligo Hornet]

suprisingly quiet on the forum about this game. Wonder what type of crowd will travel. I think it will be very small. booked a hotel about five km from podgorica city centre, taxis are apparently 40c per km!

I thought you had booked into the Hotel Europa like the rest of us?

[Saint Tom]

they had booked out apparently SH when I contacted them or unwilling to confirm availability. The hotel we are in seems grand and close enough to the town. paid about €30 each per night.

[AidoM]

Invoice for Monty tickets arrived this morning. :) No sign of invoice for Georgia match - may be holding back for a while.

[Saint Tom]

Mine too - no georgia also

[AidoM]

Mine too - no georgia also


Looks like we might be staying over in Prague for a few days Tom :( :D

[Green Tribe]

Reminder for anyone staying in Budva needing transport to the game in Podgorica, we are running a bus, still have some arse space left. Please PM me/email me, or leave a message here. Cheers.
GT

[Milesmayhem24]

Sounds like you should rent a car.

We used Economy as they allow you take the car into Bosnia and Montenegro. Most rental companies don't. Probably best to buy some tricolour car flags too as Croatian cars may not go down well with the locals.

Is there a charge for bringing the car across the border? Starting to look into renting one

[gspain]

Is there a charge for bringing the car across the border? Starting to look into renting one

There is some charge for Montenegro an annual one but your rental car may already have the sticker. It's pretty small anyway.

Most rental companies do not allow you to bring the car into Montenegro so please check. Best to put some tricolour carflags on too as Croatians wouldn't be too popular in Montenegro.

I may have paid extra to the car rental company but can't recall exactly. The rental was cheap anyway for 5 days particularly when split 3 ways.

[MariborKev]

Last minute urge to go to this game.

Any options left for getting there?

[Milesmayhem24]

There is some charge for Montenegro an annual one but your rental car may already have the sticker. It's pretty small anyway.

Most rental companies do not allow you to bring the car into Montenegro so please check. Best to put some tricolour carflags on too as Croatians wouldn't be too popular in Montenegro.

I may have paid extra to the car rental company but can't recall exactly. The rental was cheap anyway for 5 days particularly when split 3 ways.

Cheers for that. Looks like it is only about €5 a day or so.

[zenokelly]

Last minute urge to go to this game.

Any options left for getting there?

Dublin-Manchester with Ryanair
Manchester-Dubrovnik with Thompson Fly either Sunday or Monday and then best option to bus it to Pod on the day cos' there's no accomodation afaik :D
By the way when I checked the other day Ryanair had 0.00 flights to Manchester (obvioulsly without tax) but it only came to I think 11 quid so that's not a bad deal.:D

[Fr. Joe]

There'll be 8 of us on that Monday flight from Manchester :D

[Fearglas]

Hi all, I'm new on here, good site. I have been reading some of the great info posted. If thre is an answer for my question already posted, sorry. Had a good look but couldn't find one. Travelling is normally easy but this one is a bit tough. There are 3 of us landing in Dubrovnik on match day at 11:45. Just wanted to know there were any fans buses organised for around this time or if anyone knew of a minibus company that would do the run. We were gonna hire a car but only as a last resort. Any help very much appreciated. Cheers

[NeilMcD]

I am running a bus but it leaves at 10am, there are a couple of other guys I think taht are in the same position but not sure of there names.

[Fr. Joe]

Is 10am the official time so Neil? What about the arrangements for where to meet up etc will we name a pub for the Tuesday sometime in Dubrovnik or something along that line to trash out the details.