I’ve entitled this article “100% Cymru” (100% Wales) in recognition of the countless Welsh fans I’ve met who have such varied backgrounds un yet are totally committed to Wales.
There are:
- Those born in Wales
- Those born outside of Wales
- Those who live in Wales
- Those who live outside of Wales
- Those who speak Welsh
- Those who don’t speak Welsh
- And those who are able to speak, understand and use a little bit of Welsh
But when brought together to support Wales home and away they are all…
100% Cymru!
The following photos in this article record the journey I made with fellow fans Tim Evans and Andrew Jamieson as we travelled through Prague, Helsinki and Tallinn following Wales.
Wednesday 6/10/21
For me most trips start with a cuppa – and this particular brew was enjoyed on the Great Western Railways train from Cardiff Central Station to London Paddington.
Thursday 7/10/21
After hooking up with Tim Evans for a night out in London, it was off to catch our plane to the Czech Republic on Thursday morning.
Dragon departures
Stansted Airport – or at least our flight – was filled with red, green and yellow … and a bit of Juventus black and white!
The Dragons have landed
Tim Evans and I arrive at our intended airport – a great start to any trip!
Once in Prague we met up with fellow Wales fan Andrew Jamieson from Overton near Wrexham
Our hotel welcomed us with a complimentary glass of prosecco on their rooftop terrace. There was also a welcome drink in our room! And … wait for it … downstairs a glass of prosecco was lined up for breakfast!!
As dusk surrenders to darkness – Prague gets lit up
On our first night in Prague we went out to dinner – nothing too fancy!
Above and below are images of the Municipal Restaurant (Restaurace Obecní dům) where we started our Czech night out.
After dinner we met with more friends, for more beers and created more busy bar staff!
Friday 8/10/21 100% Czech breakfast
Cerdded Rownd Y Dre (the Welsh for “Walking around the town”)
It’s almost impossible not to take great photos in Prague – especially when the weather smiles on you – here are just a few of the many taken.
100% Sparta Prague
In Prague you’re never far from a football fan, and there’s no doubting the loyalty of this driver!
Whilst out for an early morning run, Tim Evans discovers more Sparta Prague commitment.
100% Game Day: Czech Rep v Cymru
After a day in central Prague it was down to the serious business of the Czech Republic v Wales at the Sinobo Stadium
100% Czech quality food
One of the stadium restaurants offered some traditional foods …some not always associated with football.
100% Czech quality memorabilia
Now this is how to present your football history at a home stadium.
Many of the shirts and artefact on display were accompanied by details of how they fitted into the Czech football story. An example being this FC Basel shirt
Czech out this collection of shirts from the Czech soccer journey
100% Game On: A Yellow Wall prepares for battle
Final score: Czech Republic 2 Cymru 2
Attendance: 16,856
Saturday 9/10/21
Between the Welsh matches in Prague and Tallinn we managed to fit in a game in Helsinki!
100% Game Day: Finland v Ukraine
The Helsinki Olympic Stadium (Helsingin Olympiastadion) was located a mile or so from our hotel.
It was great to visit the Olympic Stadium which had been revamped. It provoked some discussions later on our trip about the stadia that had been lost to Welsh fans – rather than the grounds being redeveloped. Old stadium sites such as the Vetch Field (Swansea City), Ninian Park (Cardiff City) and Somerton Park (Newport County) are now consigned to the history books.
Despite a desperate save by the Ukraine ‘keeper, Finland follow up to score.
Although the hosts enjoyed a partisan support, they lost the game 2-1
Final score: Finland 1 Ukraine 2
Attendance: 29,485
Sunday 10/10/21 - Ferry Cross the Baltic
Below are the contrasting views we had from our hotel windows, firstly in Prague
…and then in Tallinn
Monday 11/10/21
100% Game Day: Estonia v Cymru
100% Welsh Ambassadors!
When Wales travel away, the vast majority of supporters who I speak with tell me how they see themselves as not just Welsh fans but representatives of their country.
Next stop the A. Le Coq Arena
Thanks to Estonia fan Rando who helped us understand much about the game in his home country
A little pre-match partying
Then inside the A. Le Coq Arena to watch the game
Final score: Estonia 0 Cymru 1
Attendance: 5,118
Midnight in Tallinn
With a 9.45 kick off time and a walk back into town, a couple of drinks quickly took us to around 3am without it seeming all that late.
It’s amazing how much better you sleep after an away win!
Tuesday 12/10/21
Wednesday 12/10/21
On the way back to Wales on the Great Western Railways train, I reflected on an 8 day journey through England, the Czech Republic, Finland and Estonia.
My two railway cuppas separated by a common language for football
Fantastic pictures, Tim! From the looks of it, Tallinn seems like a gem of a city. I am glad to see that Wales were supported well (as usual) and came back home with 4 points. Looking forward to joining you on a future trip.
Excellent photos and commentary on a trip this Welsh fan – not from Wales nor a speaker of Welsh – should have been on! Next time!