European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 12, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Story and photos by Leah Larkin features editor 1 it s a bargain. For Many that s reason enough to plan a trip to Czechoslovakia s capital. But in addition to the $1 lunches 50-cent taxi rides 30-cent museum visits and accommodations in private Homes for As Little As $8 per night Prague offers visitors a wealth of sights and experiences. The changing world scene has brought big changes to Czechoslovakia which overthrew 22 years of communist Rule last nov. 19. Its capital is bustling. There seem to be As Many cars with foreign License plates As there Are autos with czech tags. Stands Selling jewelry pottery and prints of the City Are set up on the Charles Bridge where artists do on the spot portraits and musicians entertain the constant Parade of people. There s hardly an empty seat to be found in the Beer Halls cafes and restaurants and ice Cream vendors can t fill the Cones fast enough to keep up with the Long lines of customers. Outdoor cafes Are especially inviting and popular. Even though the atmosphere in Prague was never somber and oppressive As in Many East bloc capitals there is a joyous difference these Days. Sure reminders of the Stern socialist past. Remain such As the outlines of red stars on buildings and architectural treasures a some in crumbling disrepair a blackened with layers of soot reflecting the years of neglect under a system that could t afford the luxury of  of the service personnel in hotels and restaurants Are still Gruff and rude no doubt graduates of the soviet school of discipline who Haven t yet grasped that it s of to smile and be pleasant. Some of the women who guard the entrances to the Public toilets and dispense one piece of toilet paper to those who pay 1 Crown about 4 cents for the privilege of using the facilities Are downright Nasty. It can be difficult to find restaurants a at least ones that Are not full. Taxis Are also at a Premium. These annoyances As Well other inefficiencies and inconsistencies in the changing country should not deter you from a visit however. There is far More positive than negative. For one thing americans Are no longer required to have a visa to enter Czechoslovakia nor to change a specific amount of Money per Day while in the country. Both of these requirements were dropped june 1. Must see attractions in Prague include the old town Square with the City s landmark an astronomical clock built in 1490 on the old town Hall the jewish Quarter with its ancient cemetery where some 12,000 tombstones Are crowded together several layers deep Wenceslas Square the main thoroughfare of the City with shops hotels and restaurants and the statue lined Charles Bridge. The Prague Castle a Complex of courtyards and buildings on a Hill overlooking the City is yet another attraction. Following is More information to help you with your trip Money a a czech currency can be purchased Only in Czechoslovakia. Previously tourists were required to Exchange a specific amount each Day at a commercial rate that is considerably less than the tourist rate. This is no longer necessary. Tourists can Exchange Money at Banks As Well As at some hotels and receive the tourist rate currently about 25 Koruna crowns for $1, there is a booming Black Market these Days. Beware you will frequently be approached and ten Church in Prague s old town Square. 8 stripes Magazine july 12, 1990