GIVE US RESPECT

PAUL O'CONNELL says Ireland's World Cup will be a success if they earn respect from the home fans.

If you drink in a salon expect to pay more for what your get. This could possibly include a table set-up fee, over priced drinks, often if the hostess sits with you there may be a fee as well. Remember also that tatemae talk (gomasuri or sweet talk) is the standard in these places and anything promised that is not a legal business service is to be considered as talk only. The hostesses job is to make you feel good right now and not to carry through later on any promises made remember there are no friends on duty. This is clearly understood by all Japanese patrons. If you drink at a salon you need to understand this.These are fairly common in drinking neighborhoods, and is totally different from the snack. The only women customers found in salons are generally hostesses from other similar establishments who are friends with one of the hostesses or the mamasan. You can expect them to behave like an employee, as well. Hostesses in a salon are much "friendlier" than in the snack bar. Generally they will sit next to you and behave as though they are your girlfriend. They may hold you hand, put there arms around your, feed you your drinks often faster than you'd like, as well as other intimate gestures that make you feel good."The players are all of a very high standard and it's a tough place to go on tour.The remianing few of these are located Kin Village, Okinawa City, Kitamae, Kadena town and a few in Futenma town. The number of these types of clubs or bars a fading fast and is no where near the number that there was in the 80's and early 90's.There are only about two dozen of these clubs left here. Nearly all of the hostesses speak English and are recruited from the Philippines as cultural entertainers, models, and dancers. Contrary to popular belief the individual hostess doesn't determine what she may say and do, and the level of truth you can expect from her should be judged with care.Though it is mostly just gift shops for the mainland tourists who come to Okinawa, there are still a few nightclubs and a Fillipino bars left for the hard core party animals.Hengshan Road: At night, this shopping street converts into the largest bar street in Shanghai with nightspots lining both sides of the road for kilometers. One of the more picturesque and scenic areas of the city, Hengshan road is home to the cities most famous bars, cafes, restaurants and tea houses and boasts a wide selection of each. (Key venues: Sasha's, O'Malley's, Beni House, Zapata's, Bourbon Street, Hello Bar, Narcissus)These are the most fun and are generally the cheapest. These are also frequented by the younger age groups like college students.Let's clearly define the different types of bars that exist and place them into various classes. Legally bars are categorized to determine the types of services available, the hours it can be open, what hostess are supposed to do, and the like.Some nightclubs have hostesses that will sit with the customers. It is safe to say that most are not involved with providing any form of companionship for the patron.IzakiyasThe cabaret is not as common as the others. This is a class of bar that is usually clearly identifiable even if you do not speak or read Japanese. There are NO women customers in a cabaret. There is a trend in main land Japan nowadays providing these types of clubs for women customers only. There are a couple in Naha that cater to women only and the men are hostess. The entrance typically has a guy there to greet customers accompanied by the ever present "Irasshai , irasshai" ( welcome, welcome) bantering. Most have signs showing prices as much as 30,000 yen . This is the set fee to pay to enter and all of your drinks are free for a limited period that is anywhere from 30 minutes to 2 hours. This is also called Nomi hodai (all you can drink). There are places that are Nomi hodai that provide a little less seedy atmosphere than most cabarets.Xintiandi: Shanghai's trendy Xintiandi area is located within walking distance of the Huangpi Road (S) Metro station and contains a bevy of upscale bars, restaurants and international boutiques. This area buzzes after dark and is where Shanghai's hip and wealthy go to sip on cocktails on terraced patios, lounges, and cafes. (Key Venues: Ark Live House, KABB, Soho Pub)The game will be played on the 10th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, and former Ireland boss Eddie O'Sullivan is the opposition coach.Okinawa City is probably the most Americanized town in Okinawa because it is right next to Kade-na Air Base. On weekend evenings, many young Americans spend their leisure time at discos or places that offer live music in Okinawa City, and on those nights the streets of the city are peopled with pedestrians of many nationalities.Members Clubs and Bottle ClubsFor those who managed to stay responsible the night before and managed to drag themselves out of bed to sample a little daytime Shanghai, reward yourself with a little shopping on either Nanjing Road or Huihai Road to gear up for a ritzy Saturday night. If Friday night was all about crass then Saturday should be all about class at some of Shanghai's finest upscale drinking and dining establishments. After lunch at Element Fresh head off for an afternoon at a massage and spa facility to rejuvenate after last night's debauchery. Women should head to Dragonfly and men should head off to the Alexander Club for some much needed physical rehabilitation. Head back to your hotel to get changed and dressed up for a sophisticated night on the town. Have dinner and cocktails at Jade on 36 at the Shangri-La Building. Although the restaurant is on the pricey side (between RMB 400-900), it is well worth it for the gorgeous view and atmosphere and the food which is prepared with the utmost sophistication and refinement. Try the Sea-bass Rivera, accompanied by a basil sauce and cherry tomatoes. After dinner, head back to Puxi and stop in at the Glamour bar to lounge on the sofas and sample their extensive drink list. Glamour Bar, spinning jazz and designed with a 1930s sort of aesthetic, is a great place for conversation in an Old Shanghai setting. After an hour or two here, head to the main event, Bar Rouge, and visit the most talked about bar in Shanghai. Whether you are dazzled by the fire tricks of the bar staff, the chic clientele or the outrageous prices, a night at Bar Rouge is an unforgettable way to spend a Saturday night. If you've been there and done that, and are looking for a Bar Rouge type substitute, try Barbarossa or the new Attica Club. Depending on your budget, if you followed the earlier suggestions you should be cleaned out. However, never-say-die partiers who tire of the main event and are looking for a little fresh ground to tackle the early hours of the morning try Bonbon club, or Park 97. Both venues go all night and are guaranteed to be slamming on Saturday night.

"Obviously Eddie has a great knowledge of us as players, plus this will be one of the first times they have had a prolonged period in camp together, so they will be in good shape."

Author: CIARANO RAGHALLAIGH