Georgia - 2nd September 2017 - General Thread

kevincronin2000 wrote: Was looking at making a bit of a holiday out of this trip has anyone been to the costal resort of Batumi? Also what's the story with border crossing into Russia if one was to spend a few days in Sochi

Batumi is a strange oul place. Along the coast, you've got the big casinos and hotels, lovely promenade, nice beach, water/light shows, etc. Walk 200m inland and it gets pretty rundown pretty quickly. The main bus 'station' and the square it's on are dreadful looking. Roads and footpaths are covered in potholes and the like.
In saying that, we'd a great time there. It's touristy enough, though most of the tourists are Turkish and Iranian. The weather at that time of year will be warm, and it'd be a nice spot for a few days relaxation.
Also, dirt cheap outside the casinos. We were paying about 35c a pint, meals were about €2-3.

A wee tip, if you're flying via Istanbul, it's cheaper to book a flight to Artvin/Hopa, than to Batumi. Artvïn/Hopa is priced as a domestic flight, which lands at Batumi followed by a bus back across the border. But instead, just walk through to the Georgian immigration desk. Can save you a decent amount, but don't check in a bag.

For Sochi, you'll need a Russian visa, which is a bit of a pain.

Where is everyone staying? 

Our Georgian friend Vepkhistqaosani (who I thought was TJ in disguise) has kindly sent me this link from Georgian TV. It's a report on the Ireland and Wales games. Now we won't understand a word of course but there's some clips of Irish fans who we may know.

In particular the father and son at 1.07 would get some kick out of it I'm sure if anyone knows them.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8HQUZlQAoQ0

If we take wales and austria at home depending on wales v serbia how close to qualification would this match be ?

lassassinblanc wrote: manchesterbhoy wrote: If we take wales and austria at home depending on wales v serbia how close to qualification would this match be ? There would be 9 points left to play for with 3 games left (if we were to win) Can't see us being 10 points clear at that stage tbh

6 really as we aren't going to lose at home to Moldova the groups is far from done but we can dream

A win at home v Serbia which won't be easy could see a major party in Dublin on the Monday night but when do we do things easily

manchesterbhoy wrote: lassassinblanc wrote: manchesterbhoy wrote: If we take wales and austria at home depending on wales v serbia how close to qualification would this match be ? There would be 9 points left to play for with 3 games left (if we were to win) Can't see us being 10 points clear at that stage tbh 6 really as we aren't going to lose at home to Moldova the groups is far from done but we can dream A win at home v Serbia which won't be easy could see a major party in Dublin on the Monday night but when do we do things easily

Gave me a fright there. The Serbia game is on Tuesday not Monday. We'd have been in trouble as we don't get back from Georgia until Tuesday afternoon!

manchesterbhoy wrote: Paulie wrote: manchesterbhoy wrote: lassassinblanc wrote: manchesterbhoy wrote: If we take wales and austria at home depending on wales v serbia how close to qualification would this match be ? There would be 9 points left to play for with 3 games left (if we were to win) Can't see us being 10 points clear at that stage tbh 6 really as we aren't going to lose at home to Moldova the groups is far from done but we can dream A win at home v Serbia which won't be easy could see a major party in Dublin on the Monday night but when do we do things easily Gave me a fright there. The Serbia game is on Tuesday not Monday. We'd have been in trouble as we don't get back from Georgia until Tuesday afternoon! Sorry blame the shams I was with at the weekend telling me it was Monday even better it's the Tuesday

Photos from Vienna http://www.denisvahey.com/blog-

Edited by Denis Vahey - 07 Dec 2016 at 9:45am

manulike wrote: I only just realised that you have a perfect record v Georgia (played 8 won 8). Considering they are our bogey team (played 4, lost 3 drew 1) ... Chapeau!