Bulgaria Away - 6th June 2009

Printable View

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page

08/05/2009, 3:26 PM
lopez

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:

I'd say going for the football firstly makes you a proper fan. Not how many games - money - you've been to this year. or in your life, which might be half that of mine. See the complaints about Bratislava for an idea of what I'm talking about.

As for these people not going to far flung places unless they don't support Ireland, well they, er, don't. Macedonia in 1999 was poorly attended for such a crucial game, as was the play off in Bursa (which I didn't attend). OK, money's tight, but that was the final game. If money's tight, I'd go to that game.

Don't think there was 40K going to Georgia either. No, they just pop up in the orbit of the cheap flight, cheap beer and cheap women, in which Bratislava, Prague and Tallin are perfect. If you include drugs, then add Amsterdam. And oh if there is a football game that I can keep awake for, well that's something to tell the mates back home about aswell. And as Neil states, visiting a football site is definitely not for them.
08/05/2009, 3:27 PM
mypost

The match needs have been accommodated:

http://www.railwaymarket.eu/7160/Bul...o+launched.htm

The Metro looks very limited. Is there a Metro stop at the Central Rail Station?
08/05/2009, 3:45 PM
paul_oshea

This is what a proper fan looks like:

http://www.virginmedia.com/sport/gal...fan.php?ssid=7
08/05/2009, 8:44 PM
horney

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.

I am wondering what you will need �600 for aido mmmmmm. i wonder
08/05/2009, 8:47 PM
horney

buy the way just booked two of us with ebookers for �840 down as a weekend break only place that has'nt copped on and ripped off people
08/05/2009, 11:18 PM
Greenforever

Quote:

Originally Posted by horney

buy the way just booked two of us with ebookers for �840 down as a weekend break only place that has'nt copped on and ripped off people

Well at �840 I reckon you've been ripped off

Dublin London �30 return

London Sofia �90 return

3 nights raddison�180

Total �300 in 4 star hotel

Match ticket �5
08/05/2009, 11:30 PM
mypost

Quote:

Originally Posted by horney

buy the way just booked two of us with ebookers for �840 down as a weekend break only place that has'nt copped on and ripped off people

That's more than the packages. :confused:

E-bookers is a crap website anyway, and prices should be viewed as a guide only.
08/05/2009, 11:54 PM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by mypost

E-bookers is a crap website anyway, and prices should be viewed as a guide only.

Totally agree, every time I look up flights on that site, its a case of :eek::eek:
But still some people recommend this site(e-bookers) on different forums:rolleyes:
09/05/2009, 12:12 PM
gufct

Anyonw got spare accomodation or willing to share a room .Booking Flights right now but dont want to be paying single room charge.
10/05/2009, 8:29 AM
gufct

Got flights Shannon/Gatwick/Sofia for �228 from Thursday till monday well pleased,Havent booked a hotel yet as i reckon if i get someone to share will get a good hotel B&B for �40
10/05/2009, 10:35 AM
Superhoops

Quote:

Originally Posted by gufct

Got flights Shannon/Gatwick/Sofia for �228 from Thursday till monday well pleased,Havent booked a hotel yet as i reckon if i get someone to share will get a good hotel B&B for �40

Try here. A choice of hotels with B&B rooms �40 to �45 per night
10/05/2009, 11:56 AM
The Bit O'Red

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greenforever

Well at �840 I reckon you've been ripped off

Dublin London �30 return

London Sofia �90 return

3 nights raddison�180

Total �300 in 4 star hotel

Match ticket �5

Which airlines did you get those flights with Greenforever?
10/05/2009, 12:11 PM
gufct

Quote:

Originally Posted by Superhoops

Try here. A choice of hotels with B&B rooms €40 to €45 per night

booked the Hotel Niky http://www.hotel-niky.com/aboutus_en.html booked a suite for €80 b&b looking for someone to share it now pm here or ring 0872930738.
10/05/2009, 9:35 PM
Babysis

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newryrep

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'.

Cheers Newry:). Just on this point, I am now doing this trip on my own, so I want to put myself somewhere central and amongst half decent fans, so where are people staying in sofia? :)
10/05/2009, 9:40 PM
mypost

For places to stay, I'd recommend staying near to Metro stations, in order to be able to get around. There's only about 10-odd stations, but it's the best way of getting around.
10/05/2009, 10:16 PM
gufct

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babysis

Cheers Newry:). Just on this point, I am now doing this trip on my own, so I want to put myself somewhere central and amongst half decent fans, so where are people staying in sofia? :)

staying in the niky hotel very central. You flying wed or thurs from shannon.
11/05/2009, 7:25 AM
Sligo Hornet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Babysis

Cheers Newry:). Just on this point, I am now doing this trip on my own, so I want to put myself somewhere central and amongst half decent fans, so where are people staying in sofia? :)

You won't be on your own Babysis......Watford crew housed in Hotel Les Fleurs, right in centre!......only down side, Newryrep also in same Hotel:(

http://www.lesfleurshotel.com/
11/05/2009, 8:25 AM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by gufct

booked the Hotel Niky http://www.hotel-niky.com/aboutus_en.html booked a suite for �80 b&b looking for someone to share it now pm here or ring 0872930738.

Ye jammy git, you must have got a cancellation, that joint is booked up since November, was the 1 hotel highly recommended to me , supose to be in great location. Might try them again, see do I have any luck
11/05/2009, 12:48 PM
JT,New'09

:mad: roll on next 3 weeks I need a break !
11/05/2009, 1:36 PM
finbarrk

Quote:

Originally Posted by gufct

booked the Hotel Niky http://www.hotel-niky.com/aboutus_en.html booked a suite for �80 b&b looking for someone to share it now pm here or ring 0872930738.

Are you male or female?
11/05/2009, 2:38 PM
Claret Murph

Yer gufct is male :ball::ball:::ball:
11/05/2009, 2:47 PM
gufct

Male most definitely.
11/05/2009, 3:44 PM
AidoM

Quote:

Originally Posted by finbarrk

Are you male or female?

Does it matter once it's Irish :confused: :D
11/05/2009, 4:24 PM
McCarthys Sofia

Tips for Sofia

Some tips that ye lads may find useful upon arrival in Sofia.

When ye get to the airport only use ok taxis from outside the terminal, they are the regulated taxis and the number on the side of the taxi reads 9732121.
There are copy taxis of these as well so make sure this number is on the side of the door. The journey to the centre should cost no more than 12 leva which is 6 euros. Also bus leaves from the terminal number 284 or 84 depending on the terminal you land in and this is 1 euro to the centre.

Vitosha bvd is the main street and there are lots of bars off this street and parks with smaller bars which have good prices 1 euro per pint.

there is a strip club on vitosha bvd, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES go in there, u will get ripped. It has happened to many visitors here and there is no getting out of it once they ask you to pay x amount. So avoid this.

Accom wise for cheaper look for rental apartments, if you google short term rental sofia you will find these and all these apartment are in the centre. They work out about 30 euros a head and are very good quality.
Hostels are ok here as well and are about 12 euros per night inc breakfast.

The stadium is about a 20 minute walk from the centre and is centrally located.

Keep away from the roma community at all costs and watch your wallets as they are expert pick pockets.

There are many clubs in sofia all are all fine normally but do not mess with the security. They are all martial experts mostly and have no porblem proving that to you.

Once you follow these general rules you will have no problems and will have a very cheap weekend.

Restaurants are cheap and you can get a meal for 6 euros roughly depending on what you order.

It is a very safe city on the streets and generally you will never see fights.

Always carry id with you because if the police stop you they will want to see id and it is law here for foreigners to carry id and incurs a fine or a night in the clink if you do not have this.

Stick with these tips and you will have no problem.
11/05/2009, 5:48 PM
AidoM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

Some tips that ye lads may find useful upon arrival in Sofia.

When ye get to the airport only use ok taxis from outside the terminal, they are the regulated taxis and the number on the side of the taxi reads 9732121.
There are copy taxis of these as well so make sure this number is on the side of the door. The journey to the centre should cost no more than 12 leva which is 6 euros. Also bus leaves from the terminal number 284 or 84 depending on the terminal you land in and this is 1 euro to the centre.

Vitosha bvd is the main street and there are lots of bars off this street and parks with smaller bars which have good prices 1 euro per pint.

there is a strip club on vitosha bvd, UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES go in there, u will get ripped. It has happened to many visitors here and there is no getting out of it once they ask you to pay x amount. So avoid this.

Accom wise for cheaper look for rental apartments, if you google short term rental sofia you will find these and all these apartment are in the centre. They work out about 30 euros a head and are very good quality.
Hostels are ok here as well and are about 12 euros per night inc breakfast.

The stadium is about a 20 minute walk from the centre and is centrally located.

Keep away from the roma community at all costs and watch your wallets as they are expert pick pockets.

There are many clubs in sofia all are all fine normally but do not mess with the security. They are all martial experts mostly and have no porblem proving that to you.

Once you follow these general rules you will have no problems and will have a very cheap weekend.

Restaurants are cheap and you can get a meal for 6 euros roughly depending on what you order.

It is a very safe city on the streets and generally you will never see fights.

Always carry id with you because if the police stop you they will want to see id and it is law here for foreigners to carry id and incurs a fine or a night in the clink if you do not have this.

Stick with these tips and you will have no problem.

Thanks very much for all this info McCarthy. It's really a great steer for all us lads going there in just over 3 weeks time.

I note that you're an Irish pub there and we hope that your prices won't be "jacked up" for our visit. This is a huge reason why Irish fans get majorly pi$$ed off on away trips and results in the fans staying away from Irish pubs. The Porter House in Mainz bucked this trend last September and benefitted hugely from it; hopefully you will do the same ;). If you do this you will have a large amount of fans around and should make sure that you have plenty of booze in for the few days around the match. Hope it doesn't work out like in Basel in 2003 where the manager of the Irish Bar was "allegedly" sacked for the bar running out of booze :eek:
Are you near a square in the city or do you know where there is one as Irish fans like squares to meet up in before games?
12/05/2009, 5:43 AM
McCarthys Sofia

Our prices will stay the same, pints start at 1 euro 5 cents for local beer on tap.

We are just around the corner from les Fleurs hotel on vitosha bvd up one flight of stairs on alabin street around the corner from mc donalds, we only opened 6 months ago.

There is a main park where people normally meet and its called NDK just at the top of vitosha bvd facing the vitosha mountain.

I have noticed a few posts for people wanting to change money, wait until you get to Sofia. There is a beareau de change half way down vitosha bvd just one street up from pizza palace restaurant across from a kebab place and they will give you a rate better than any bank and charge no commission. dont ask me how they do it but we use them all the time and they are fair and will not rip you off. Their rate is normally 1.9 odd.

If anyone needs any more info bounce stuff off me, been here for 4 years and it pi**es me off to see people get ripped off when they get here. Does not happen al lthe time but its good to keep on the alert.

Another tip for anyone who wants something different is to try the shooting ranges... great buzz and not that expensive, for 25 euros you can try a range of weapons.

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidoM

Thanks very much for all this info McCarthy. It's really a great steer for all us lads going there in just over 3 weeks time.

I note that you're an Irish pub there and we hope that your prices won't be "jacked up" for our visit. This is a huge reason why Irish fans get majorly pi$$ed off on away trips and results in the fans staying away from Irish pubs. The Porter House in Mainz bucked this trend last September and benefitted hugely from it; hopefully you will do the same ;). If you do this you will have a large amount of fans around and should make sure that you have plenty of booze in for the few days around the match. Hope it doesn't work out like in Basel in 2003 where the manager of the Irish Bar was "allegedly" sacked for the bar running out of booze :eek:
Are you near a square in the city or do you know where there is one as Irish fans like squares to meet up in before games?
12/05/2009, 9:50 AM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

We are just around the corner from les Fleurs hotel on vitosha bvd up one flight of stairs on alabin street around the corner from mc donalds, we only opened 6 months ago.
.

Have just changed hotels this morning, we got a room in Hotel Niky, see its only a few 100 yards from your joint, our original hotel, the Rotasar is too far from centre, so changed. I see the national art gallery for foreign art is on Alabin street too, happy days:p
Found a map of Sofia here, some amount of park around the stadium itself, it looks like a good meeting spot for day of game
12/05/2009, 10:00 AM
Sligo Hornet

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

Our prices will stay the same, pints start at 1 euro 5 cents for local beer on tap.

We are just around the corner from les Fleurs hotel on vitosha bvd up one flight of stairs on alabin street around the corner from mc donalds, we only opened 6 months ago.

There is a main park where people normally meet and its called NDK just at the top of vitosha bvd facing the vitosha mountain.

I have noticed a few posts for people wanting to change money, wait until you get to Sofia. There is a beareau de change half way down vitosha bvd just one street up from pizza palace restaurant across from a kebab place and they will give you a rate better than any bank and charge no commission. dont ask me how they do it but we use them all the time and they are fair and will not rip you off. Their rate is normally 1.9 odd.

If anyone needs any more info bounce stuff off me, been here for 4 years and it pi**es me off to see people get ripped off when they get here. Does not happen al lthe time but its good to keep on the alert.

Another tip for anyone who wants something different is to try the shooting ranges... great buzz and not that expensive, for 25 euros you can try a range of weapons.

That's the Hotel I'm in.....happy days!!:)

Very useful ino there....thanks.....particularly about the Bureau de Change and the good price of pints in your Pub!!:)
12/05/2009, 10:13 AM
gufct

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra

Have just changed hotels this morning, we got a room in Hotel Niky, see its only a few 100 yards from your joint, our original hotel, the Rotasar is too far from centre, so changed. I see the national art gallery for foreign art is on Alabin street too, happy days:p
Found a map of Sofia here, some amount of park around the stadium itself, it looks like a good meeting spot for day of game

When are you flying in cobra im in on the Easyjet flight Thursday about 11.40am. I still have a spare bed going in my suite just �40 B&B and as Cobra says the Niky is as central as you can get.

McCarthy whats the advice with bouncers in Bars,Clubs & other establishments as Bratislava was a total disaster with the Bouncers being glorified Thugs itching to hit someone.
12/05/2009, 10:15 AM
Newryrep

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

Some tips that ye lads may find useful upon arrival in Sofia.

When........

......these tips and you will have no problem.

Great info, since i dont get in to late fri and saturday is matchday can you recommend something to do/somewhere to go on the Sunday so I can see a bit of Sofia .Likely to be suffering from a slight hangover, and the Mrs isnt a morning person , river cruise or something ?
12/05/2009, 10:37 AM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by cobra

Found a map of Sofia here, some amount of park around the stadium itself, it looks like a good meeting spot for day of game

Who's bringing the ball?
12/05/2009, 10:41 AM
Sligo Hornet

Quote:

Originally Posted by Newryrep

Great info, since i dont get in to late fri and saturday is matchday can you recommend something to do/somewhere to go on the Sunday so I can see a bit of Sofia .Likely to be suffering from a slight hangover, and the Mrs isnt a morning person , river cruise or something ?

This would be ideal for you and Mrs Newryrep........guaranteed to clear the hangover!;)

http://www.eclipseleisure.co.uk/stag...n-Bungee-Jump/
12/05/2009, 10:46 AM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by gufct

When are you flying in cobra im in on the Easyjet flight Thursday about 11.40am. I still have a spare bed going in my suite just �40 B&B and as Cobra says the Niky is as central as you can get.

Not landing in Sofia til 2350 Friday night:( with wizz air, straight to McCarthys then as its so close.

How much the Savoy whiskey(A " gullamo" one:D) in McCarthys?, not a beer man unfortunately.
12/05/2009, 10:51 AM
Polster

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

If anyone needs any more info bounce stuff off me

Cheers for the info, is there a general closing time for the bars there or are we good to go as long as we are standing?
12/05/2009, 10:54 AM
paul_oshea

Polster going by the last bulgaria game then all pubs will be closed by 8.30 :D
12/05/2009, 10:56 AM
AidoM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

Our prices will stay the same, pints start at 1 euro 5 cents for local beer on tap.

We are just around the corner from les Fleurs hotel on vitosha bvd up one flight of stairs on alabin street around the corner from mc donalds, we only opened 6 months ago.

There is a main park where people normally meet and its called NDK just at the top of vitosha bvd facing the vitosha mountain.

I have noticed a few posts for people wanting to change money, wait until you get to Sofia. There is a beareau de change half way down vitosha bvd just one street up from pizza palace restaurant across from a kebab place and they will give you a rate better than any bank and charge no commission. dont ask me how they do it but we use them all the time and they are fair and will not rip you off. Their rate is normally 1.9 odd.

If anyone needs any more info bounce stuff off me, been here for 4 years and it pi**es me off to see people get ripped off when they get here. Does not happen al lthe time but its good to keep on the alert.

Another tip for anyone who wants something different is to try the shooting ranges... great buzz and not that expensive, for 25 euros you can try a range of weapons.

This is very good info Mc'Cs and really appreciated. Good news about the price of the local brew and your prices for Heino and Murphys (not my brand) in your menu seem ok.

I've had a look at the NDK park and it looks good but it would be even better if there were pubs around it - are there? Is there a square near your place where we could congregate and have access to pubs etc during Saturday.

Good news on the money front as well. Our crew not arriving in to Sofia until 22.15 on Thursday so we will probably need some local stake money as the bureau is unlikely to be opened when we get in to the centre of the city.

A few other questions:

1. How long does it take to get from the airport to the city centre
2. Is there/will there be transport on the Saturday from the city to the stadium
3. Will a copy passport be OK for ID purposes
12/05/2009, 10:58 AM
AidoM

Quote:

Originally Posted by McCarthys Sofia

.....................

Another tip for anyone who wants something different is to try the shooting ranges... great buzz and not that expensive, for 25 euros you can try a range of weapons.

Sligo fancy going for an accident :eek: :D
12/05/2009, 11:03 AM
Sligo Hornet

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidoM

Sligo fancy going for an accident :eek: :D

Only if it's "Shoot the Flag (Bearer)":D
12/05/2009, 11:14 AM
cobra

Quote:

Originally Posted by AidoM

2. Is there/will there be transport on the Saturday from the city to the stadiums

Stadium looks as though its easy enough walking distance from city centre.
On McCarthys pub website, where it shows the location of the pub, there is a road to the right of the pub named "graft ignatiev str". Stadium looks to be at the end of that road, not too far
12/05/2009, 11:21 AM
Paddser

Cheers for the info McCarthy...

Few quick questions:

1) We dont arrive into Sofia until 2.50am on Thurs night/Fri morn. Will there be plenty of taxis running from the airport at that time? Will your bar be open?

2) How has the weather been/expected to be? :cool:

3) Is it easy enough to find your way around the city centre? ie Signs we can read!

Show 40 post(s) from this thread on one page