European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 19, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Epp Heidelberg s old student hangout by Chuck Roberts staff writer German students with tight starched collars scowl from their picture Frame at the visitors who have dared to sit at their table. A Hundred years or so ago the German students had marked this wooden table As theirs. They carved their names on its surface and Hung their favorite Street sign from the ceiling above it. But on this night japanese College students from Tokyo and Kyoto share the ancient table in the Zum Sepp l in Heidelberg West Germany with a couple from Michigan. They break repeatedly into uproarious laughter As they talk with the americans. Quot you Are very Beautiful Quot says one of the students unexpectedly bringing an embarrassed but pleased Blush to the woman s face. She and her husband Are in Heidelberg on a Spur of the moment vacation because of a special plane fare one they simply could t turn Down. Such meetings Are common in the famous student hangout at 213 Haup Strasse Between the Neckar River and the Heidelberg Castle says the owner Ulta Malleier. Quot Many kind and Friendly people from All Over the world come Here. They Are All friends Here in the Zum Sepp l. People who come Here always want to come  the building was erected As a Home in 1634. It was converted into a restaurant about 100 years ago and became a regular meeting place for students from the University of Heidelberg. The tradition continues on this night Small White signs on four tables Reserve them for student clubs. When the students graduate they hang a group photograph on the Wall above their table and often place an unusual Street sign or advertisement nearby on the Wall or ceiling. Quot nothing has changed Here a Malleier says. Quot All Heidelberg has changed but not the Zum Sepp l. It s the same As it was 100 years  Well almost the same. A 1979 Alabama License plate hangs on the Wall. An inscription japanese students strike up a conversation with John and Nancy Sanders of Michigan. Carved into a chair a Quot Susan Lee by. 86. Usa Quot a also offers evidence of Subtle changes and the influence of tourism. And a Hundred years ago the Zum Sepp l probably would not have had a waitress from Bombay India working her Way through College. This is her first night on the Job but Gayatri Puranik already has become a fan of her place of employment. Quot i really like Here Quot says Puranik who will study German English and italian for four years and Hopes to land a Job As a translator or interpreter with the United nations. Quot i especially like the Way the germans relate to the tourists and the Way the tourists relate to the  pains Are taken to make sure everyone feels at Home at the Zum Sepp l. Sounds from around the world Are heard from the ancient piano that stands near the Entrance to the lower level. If the Sheet music is not available for a song requested by a guest Malleier will ask someone in the group to play it. She will record it on tape and have one of her pianists learn it by ear. On this night sounds were heard from Billy Joel the beatles Simon and Garfunkel and movies like the sting and love Story. Pleasing to sight sound and taste a that s the Zum Sepp l. Staff writer Chuck Roberts and photographer Jim Derheim Are fascinated by the sort of places that won t be found in most european guidebooks and they will share their discoveries regularly in this Magazine. Readers suggestions Are Welcome. Write to stars and stripes Magazine editor Apo 09211. Apri 19, 1990 stripes Magazine