Postcard from Yerevan: Times are changing but car choices remain unchanged

On their way to the stadium today – the 15-minute walk advisable over a 30-minute cab drudge – supporters will pass through two flea markets, one being the famous Vernissage market.

WALK DONT TAKE TAXI: Republic of Ireland supporters and members of the Derryhirk Republic Of Ireland Soccer Supporters Club, Armagh, from left, Dessie McCann, David Tennyson, Dwyer French and Martin Campbell at Republic Square in Yerevan. Pic: Stephen McCarthy/Sportsfile

As the Yerevan streets were choked by midday traffic, our taxi driver pointed to the nearby relic of a car in admiration.

“30 years old and still driving,” he says. “Build well to last.”