Bulgaria Away - 6th June 2009

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07/05/2009, 2:13 PM
gspain

Quote:

Originally Posted by lopez

Also would like to thank the Bulgarian FA for not trying to rip us off (unlike the Cypriots of years gone by).

As in 2005 and 2006. also Wales 2007 - �35 for us in the corner - �15 for the Welsh on the halfway line.

There are rules about this but some countries just ignore them and appear to get away with it.
07/05/2009, 2:15 PM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT,New'09

;) Is there some kind of Initiation needed to be accepted as a so called "Porper Fan" ? :ball: Or if you cannot make every single away game does that mean your less of an Irish football fan or even 1/4 or 1/2 a fan ! ?:rolleyes:

well said, when was the last time any irish away support got bad press? Surely the more support the better, are some people saying that the 40k+ supporting ireland in the giants stadium were partly blow ins? and shouldn't of went because they probably hadn't been to many away games before that. Lets face it, pre 88 and 90 we struggled to fill dallymount most times, would ye prefer we went back to that? Just look at 'The Van' for a realistic example of your good time irish fans, and I say fair play, they were happy days, i'd love to see 40k in sofia just like in paris, and what an atmosphere that was, and that also involved a lot of non regular irish game attendees popping over the water for a bit of a break, and the craic, as well as the self anointed die hard followers on here privileged/lucky enough to be able attend most games.

Come on the boys...
07/05/2009, 2:44 PM
Newryrep

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polster

well said, when was the last time any irish away support got bad press? Surely the more support the better, are some people saying that the 40k+ supporting ireland in the giants stadium were partly blow ins? and shouldn't of went because they probably hadn't been to many away games before that. Lets face it, pre 88 and 90 we struggled to fill dallymount most times, would ye prefer we went back to that? Just look at 'The Van' for a realistic example of your good time irish fans, and I say fair play, they were happy days, i'd love to see 40k in sofia just like in paris, and what an atmosphere that was, and that also involved a lot of non regular irish game attendees popping over the water for a bit of a break, and the craic, as well as the self anointed die hard followers on here privileged/lucky enough to be able attend most games.

Come on the boys...

I think the point was directed at those 'fans' who attended aways games in recent years who didnt particularily give a monkeys about the football/team/result but were just there on a **** up with the lads. The number of games attended had nothing to do with it.
07/05/2009, 2:50 PM
jbyrne

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newryrep

I think the point was directed at those 'fans' who attended aways games in recent years who didnt particularily give a monkeys about the football/team/result but were just there on a **** up with the lads. The number of games attended had nothing to do with it.

and who were beginning to cause hassle for the locals like in paris '04
07/05/2009, 2:52 PM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newryrep

I think the point was directed at those 'fans' who attended aways games in recent years who didnt particularily give a monkeys about the football/team/result but were just there on a **** up with the lads. The number of games attended had nothing to do with it.

I got that, still don't see the harm in having good numbers of support away from home if it will at least add to the atmosphere, which will help the team, irrespective of whether they particularly are overly concerned by the outcome. And I think the whole idea of this might be overplayed anyway, why would many people who don't care about football at all follow ireland to obscure parts of the world, when they could easily get a cheap package deal somewhere else? Surely they just wouldn't bother with the football trip?

I think some fans like to place themselves on a pedestal as far as supporting the country goes. Fair play to the supporters that do make huge efforts, but lets not begrudge any Irish person (unless they cause trouble) from following and cheering on the team.
07/05/2009, 3:09 PM
Newryrep

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polster

I got that, still don't see the harm in having good numbers of support away from home if it will at least add to the atmosphere, which will help the team, irrespective of whether they particularly are overly concerned by the outcome. And I think the whole idea of this might be overplayed anyway, why would many people who don't care about football at all follow ireland to obscure parts of the world, when they could easily get a cheap package deal somewhere else? Surely they just wouldn't bother with the football trip?

I think some fans like to place themselves on a pedestal as far as supporting the country goes. Fair play to the supporters that do make huge efforts, but lets not begrudge any Irish person (unless they cause trouble) from following and cheering on the team.

Numbers dont make an atsmosphere otherwise Croke Park would be like a fortress:) With the advent of cheap flights the world particulary Europe isnt that big anymore and travelling has never been easier/cheaper. The problem is currently minor but tends to be more prevelent at the handy glamourous fixtures, Amsterdam/Paris/stuggart/even Mainz had the village idiot running onto the pitch. Good reputations are easliy lost
07/05/2009, 3:24 PM
JT,New'09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polster

I got that, still don't see the harm in having good numbers of support away from home if it will at least add to the atmosphere, which will help the team, irrespective of whether they particularly are overly concerned by the outcome. And I think the whole idea of this might be overplayed anyway, why would many people who don't care about football at all follow ireland to obscure parts of the world, when they could easily get a cheap package deal somewhere else? Surely they just wouldn't bother with the football trip?

I think some fans like to place themselves on a pedestal as far as supporting the country goes. Fair play to the supporters that do make huge efforts, but lets not begrudge any Irish person (unless they cause trouble) from following and cheering on the team.

:) Nice Reply !! Bottem line is were all going for the same reason to support the team with the hope to win , and add points to the board to qualify for the World Cup.
Im going for the reason stated above .......oh and for a break from this country and the depression of this bluddy recession, its a trip to look 4ward too , for the atmosphere , the build up , the match , and the crack , the weather, the beer and good clean fun :cool:.........
07/05/2009, 3:39 PM
NeilMcD

I think Lopez was not having a go at anybody who is even on this site because if you are on this site you are obviously showin an interest in football. There was a small element that was in Paris and Stuttgart that are not really there for the football and would not be shy about throwing a few digs etc. I think that is what lopez and Newryrep were alluding to.

Everybody has to start somewhere so its not an elitist thing at all.
07/05/2009, 3:39 PM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newryrep

Numbers dont make an atsmosphere otherwise Croke Park would be like a fortress:) With the advent of cheap flights the world particulary Europe isnt that big anymore and travelling has never been easier/cheaper. The problem is currently minor but tends to be more prevelent at the handy glamourous fixtures, Amsterdam/Paris/stuggart/even Mainz had the village idiot running onto the pitch. Good reputations are easliy lost

Come on, Amsterdam, Paris and Stuggart, I would say right up there with the greatest Irish atmospheres for an away game or any game. The Croke Park thing is a seperate issue, and I fully expect the atmosphere to be restored when we get back to paddy cullens chicken goujons and pints.

I'd love to see 10k+ in sofia if we could of, because you can be guaranteed it would add hugely to the atmosphere and help the boys.
07/05/2009, 3:41 PM
JT,New'09

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polster

Come on, Amsterdam, Paris and Stuggart, I would say right up there with the greatest Irish atmospheres for an away game or any game. The Croke Park thing is a seperate issue, and I fully expect the atmosphere to be restored when we get back to paddy cullens chicken goujons and pints.

I'd love to see 10k+ in sofia if we could of, because you can be guaranteed it would add hugely to the atmosphere and help the boys.

How many would you reckon from experience should make Sofia ?? :confused:
07/05/2009, 3:42 PM
NeilMcD

Lads if you want to know what the lads are alluding to. Look at Fraziers on a Sunday afternoon after an Old Firm game. Thats not an anti Celtic comment its an anti scumbag comment as there are loads of genuine Celtic fans before anyone jumps down my neck. Howerver there was an element on some trips that put it this way you would not want your daughter or sister to go go anywhere near.
07/05/2009, 3:42 PM
lionelhutz

Does anyone know if you have to order the Bulgarian currency from the bank or would they have it on the day??

Would our ATM cards work in Sofia?
07/05/2009, 3:45 PM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT,New'09

How many would you reckon from experience should make Sofia ?? :confused:

3-4k hopefully
07/05/2009, 3:48 PM
danonion

Anyone want to adopt a yank for this qualifier. Don't know any other supporters here with enough money to travel...
07/05/2009, 3:49 PM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionelhutz

Does anyone know if you have to order the Bulgarian currency from the bank or would they have it on the day??

Would our ATM cards work in Sofia?

I'm 99% sure our cards will work there, but best check with your bank. Also may be actually safer to have a few bulgarian notes on you, in case people watch the atm's or you need money in an emergency :)
07/05/2009, 4:02 PM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionelhutz

Does anyone know if you have to order the Bulgarian currency from the bank or would they have it on the day??

Would our ATM cards work in Sofia?

ATMs ok for getting out money, you will get better rate over there than in the banks here but not much good if like myself your landing around midnight.
What ever yez do dont change money at Sofia airport as its the worst exchange possible
07/05/2009, 4:03 PM
The Scientist

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polster

or you need money in an emergency :)

u wouldnt be suggesting ladies of the night would you? :D
07/05/2009, 4:05 PM
AidoM

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionelhutz

Does anyone know if you have to order the Bulgarian currency from the bank or would they have it on the day??

Would our ATM cards work in Sofia?

Just checked with some of the banks and they do not carry the Bulgarian Lev as a matter of course, you will need to ask your bank to order it and it may take about a week or ten days to get it in. The banks will charge comission.

I have been in touch with First Rate, who have the foreign exchange in the departures area of Dublin airport and they carry it. The rate they give is 1.83 lev = �1. The rate is fairly constant. They charge commission @ 2.25% up to a maximum of �12.70 (which is converting �600). If you keep your receipt they will change back notes on the return without charging commission.

I gave them the heads up that there would be a lot of fans heading through the airport in the days leading up to the match and that they should order a good bit in to have available.

I know there are banks in Sofia and that they will change it but I think that they may rip us off maybe not quite as bad as foreign exchange places or hotels. If you use your ATM card in Sofia you will be charged for using it to get a non euro currency as well as the comission for converting it.

I just think that it might be better to get it here before we go.
07/05/2009, 4:08 PM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Scientist

u wouldnt be suggesting ladies of the night would you? :D

God no, I'm sure they have swiping facilities anyway :)
07/05/2009, 5:19 PM
EastTerracer

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidoM

Just checked with some of the banks and they do not carry the Bulgarian Lev as a matter of course, you will need to ask your bank to order it and it may take about a week or ten days to get it in. The banks will charge comission.

I have been in touch with First Rate, who have the foreign exchange in the departures area of Dublin airport and they carry it. The rate they give is 1.83 lev = �1. The rate is fairly constant. They charge commission @ 2.25% up to a maximum of �12.70 (which is converting �600). If you keep your receipt they will change back notes on the return without charging commission.

I gave them the heads up that there would be a lot of fans heading through the airport in the days leading up to the match and that they should order a good bit in to have available.

I know there are banks in Sofia and that they will change it but I think that they may rip us off maybe not quite as bad as foreign exchange places or hotels. If you use your ATM card in Sofia you will be charged for using it to get a non euro currency as well as the comission for converting it.

I just think that it might be better to get it here before we go.

Most taxi drivers are more than happy to take Euro if you have it. The ATMs will work fine for cash withdrawals but I can't remember if there is an ATM at the airport.
07/05/2009, 5:21 PM
EastTerracer

Quote:

Originally Posted by danonion

Anyone want to adopt a yank for this qualifier. Don't know any other supporters here with enough money to travel...

How are you getting over Danonion? I'm flying from JFK on the Thursday night (via Zurich)
07/05/2009, 5:42 PM
Jicked

I'm sure it's already been dealt with before, but I haven't seen it anywhere....anyone know what cost of a pint/meal etc is in Sofia? Cant be that much if we're paying �3 a ticket!
07/05/2009, 6:09 PM
mypost

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidoM

I have been in touch with First Rate, who have the foreign exchange in the departures area of Dublin airport and they carry it. The rate they give is 1.83 lev = €1. The rate is fairly constant. They charge commission @ 2.25% up to a maximum of €12.70 (which is converting €600). If you keep your receipt they will change back notes on the return without charging commission.

I know there are banks in Sofia and that they will change it but I think that they may rip us off maybe not quite as bad as foreign exchange places or hotels. If you use your ATM card in Sofia you will be charged for using it to get a non euro currency as well as the comission for converting it.

I just think that it might be better to get it here before we go.

You won't need €600 for a few days in Sofia. Half that will cover everything.

I wouldn't fancy lining up in queues trying to read the Slavic alphabet in Sofia banks. :o As a general rule on travelling, I would change the cash before going over, use the bureau de change if necessary over there, and only use ATM's as an emergency measure.
07/05/2009, 6:11 PM
SouthAfrica2010

Yep already looked on all the Bulgarian Irish bar meuns and they charge a wopping 1 euro for a pint of local brew. So guess the local bars charge 50 cent or less for it. For foreign beers beers except to pay max 2 euros a pint.
07/05/2009, 6:29 PM
Moscow Mule

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidoM

Just checked with some of the banks and they do not carry the Bulgarian Lev as a matter of course, you will need to ask your bank to order it and it may take about a week or ten days to get it in. The banks will charge comission.

I have been in touch with First Rate, who have the foreign exchange in the departures area of Dublin airport and they carry it. The rate they give is 1.83 lev = �1. The rate is fairly constant. They charge commission @ 2.25% up to a maximum of �12.70 (which is converting �600). If you keep your receipt they will change back notes on the return without charging commission.

I gave them the heads up that there would be a lot of fans heading through the airport in the days leading up to the match and that they should order a good bit in to have available.

I know there are banks in Sofia and that they will change it but I think that they may rip us off maybe not quite as bad as foreign exchange places or hotels. If you use your ATM card in Sofia you will be charged for using it to get a non euro currency as well as the comission for converting it.

I just think that it might be better to get it here before we go.

Good man Aido. Are you cheaper than an ATM?
07/05/2009, 6:58 PM
SuperDave

make sure your atm card has a cirrus logo on the back of it, or something similar, otherwise it won't work over there. laser cards from the major banks should be fine.
07/05/2009, 7:03 PM
Newryrep

Quote:

Originally Posted by Polster

Come on, Amsterdam, Paris and Stuggart, I would say right up there with the greatest Irish atmospheres for an away game or any game. The Croke Park thing is a seperate issue, and I fully expect the atmosphere to be restored when we get back to paddy cullens chicken goujons and pints.

I'd love to see 10k+ in sofia if we could of, because you can be guaranteed it would add hugely to the atmosphere and help the boys.

Polster cant comment on the first two but there were enough reports on here from regular travellers about tossers who travelled who were too ****ed/doped up that they were barely aware of why they were there or where they were. Didnt see anything myself really untoward in Stuttgart just a couple of ****ed up fans ruining some street game played with empty bottles back near the square after the match and generally acting the *****.

At least one Irish fan with an english accent got abused, as she did in also in Prague and Bari by some ****ed up 'fans'. Safe to say if they are tossers in Newry/Dublin/Kerry etc they are going to be tossers in Bratislava, Prague Stuttgart etc.

Anyway heres to a great atsmosphere home and away what ever the numbers
07/05/2009, 7:24 PM
paul_oshea

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT,New'09

;) Is there some kind of Initiation needed to be accepted as a so called "Porper Fan" ? :ball: Or if you cannot make every single away game does that mean your less of an Irish football fan or even 1/4 or 1/2 a fan ! ?:rolleyes:

If you are female yes there is, and Neil can help out with that.
07/05/2009, 8:37 PM
cobra

Came across this firm on a Bulgarian forum who does transfers from Sofia airport. The OK taxis would probably be slightly cheaper but there a lot of dodgy ones there too. Thought I would put this up for yez as some of yez might prefer this option, going for it myself as arriving at midnight and want to get to city centre quick as possible(5km away from hotel he tells me:()
This is what he sent me:

Hi ,

We have availability, to confirm booking pls provide name for the pick up nameboard, number of passengers and number for contacts.

The hotel is zone 1 about 5 km from center of city and 3 km from stadium.

you can use our email and web adress:

office@bulgariatransport.com
www.bulgariatransport.com

I can provide special rates for the fans, pls inform the people to email me, (ALEX ) for the rates as follows:

1-4 people by car : zone1 - 8 eur; center zone - 12 eur; zone2 - 14 eur.
4-6 people by MINIVAN: zone1 - 12eur; center zone- 18eur; zone2 - 20eur.
6-8 people by MINIBUS: zone1 - 16eur; center zone- 20eur; zone2 - 23eur.

Look forward to your reply,

Many thanks,

Alex (cool)
08/05/2009, 2:59 AM
captkeen

Hi.Am travelling to bulgaris,where are most people going to meet up before the match.
08/05/2009, 7:52 AM
paul_oshea

Quote:

Originally Posted by captkeen

Hi.Am travelling to bulgaris,where are most people going to meet up before the match.

The pub.
08/05/2009, 8:09 AM
Newryrep

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra

Came across this firm on a Bulgarian forum who does transfers from Sofia airport. The OK taxis would probably be slightly cheaper but there a lot of dodgy ones there too. ......... your reply,

Many thanks,

Alex (cool)

I was reading Trip advisor and the problem with the dodgy taxis is that they look very similar to the legit ones bar one change of letter which in the Crylic??? alphabet isnt easy to spot. The legit ones have a booth/desk in the terminal where you agree a price and they allocate you a taxi

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...ead-Sofia.html
08/05/2009, 8:43 AM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newryrep

I was reading Trip advisor and the problem with the dodgy taxis is that they look very similar to the legit ones bar one change of letter which in the Crylic??? alphabet isnt easy to spot. The legit ones have a booth/desk in the terminal where you agree a price and they allocate you a taxi

http://www.tripadvisor.co.uk/ShowTop...ead-Sofia.html

Was there in Dec at Sofia airport and got one of the YELLOW OK taxis(the goodies) 10 lev(�5) to train station(20 mins in taxi), the dodgy OK taxis as far as I know are white(the baddies) and from what I have heard, they may have letter change but also have same phone number except have an extra digit. You will get quoted good prices outside by in your face taxi drivers(the uglies) but once you hop in them and get left to your destination, suddenly metre gets mentioned and your screwed.

Another thing in Bulgaria is some of the restuarants, menu for the tourists and a cheaper one for the locals, hard to compare prices between the 2 as the Crylic writing is totally different to ours.
08/05/2009, 12:19 PM
JT,New'09

Quote:

Originally Posted by paul_oshea

If you are female yes there is, and Neil can help out with that.

:) Cool this is me ill see you at the bar so !! :p

http://devilliers.files.wordpress.co.../hot_faith.jpg
08/05/2009, 1:49 PM
lionelhutz

Just checked the google map and the Radisson (where we're staying) is less than a km away from the stadium and just over a km away from Murphys Irish bar - go on ya good thing ya!!
08/05/2009, 2:49 PM
NeilMcD

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT,New'09

:) Cool this is me ill see you at the bar so !! :p

http://devilliers.files.wordpress.co.../hot_faith.jpg

Not really my type ha ha
08/05/2009, 2:55 PM
Paddser

Quote:

Originally Posted by lionelhutz

Just checked the google map and the Radisson (where we're staying) is less than a km away from the stadium and just over a km away from Murphys Irish bar - go on ya good thing ya!!

As far as I can recall there is an Oirish Bar called Flannagans in the Radisson Hotel.

More importantly, does anyone where the main square for a meet up is?
08/05/2009, 3:09 PM
paul_oshea

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT,New'09

Cool this is me ill see you at the bar so !!

http://devilliers.files.wordpress.co.../hot_faith.jpg

Do you like rabbit food?! ;)

This is Neil, ;)

http://thenastyboys.files.wordpress..../huggybear.jpg
08/05/2009, 3:17 PM
paul_oshea

Quote:

Originally Posted by JT,New'09

:) Nice Reply !! Bottem line is were all going for the same reason to support the team with the hope to win , and add points to the board to qualify for the World Cup.
Im going for the reason stated above .......oh and for a break from this country and the depression of this bluddy recession, its a trip to look 4ward too , for the atmosphere , the build up , the match , and the crack , the weather, the beer and good clean fun :cool:.........

...and the riding. well not for me obviously.
08/05/2009, 3:19 PM
paul_oshea

Quote:

Originally Posted by danonion

Anyone want to adopt a yank for this qualifier. Don't know any other supporters here with enough money to travel...

You can join our group danonion, so long as you are not one of these:

ah no you'll meet loads of lads and everyone is sound. I am the soundest but everyone else will still chat to ye.

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