European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - July 12, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Swans congregate near the multiple Arches of the 14th Century Charles Bridge. Offered Exchange rates that far exceed the official rate. It s hard to pass up but you Are Likely to end up with a wad of useless Bills a often currency no longer in circulation. Most of those dealing in illegal Exchange Are Clever professionals. Don t think you can outsmart them. Driving a a do it yourself drive trip is relatively easy. During a weekend visit in mid june we followed the advice of a Friend who has made several trips from West Germany to Prague. To avoid a Long wait at the Border get there Early in the Day he recommended. We spent the night in Germany near the Border and arrived at the crossing at about 8 30 . There were just a few cars ahead of us. After about a 20-minute wait we were on the other Side. Now that the vacation season is in full swing traffic May be heavier and the Waits longer. Be prepared to slow Down once you Cross the Border. The roads Aren t bad but they Are no Competition for the German autobahn. The main arteries Are popular truck routes and passing May require plenty of patience. Visiting motorists can tank up Only by using coupons purchased with hard currency. These Are available at the Border at Banks and at some hotels in the country As Well As at offices of Cedon the National czech tourist Agency both in and out of the country. Adar the German automobile t Lub plans to Start Selling the coupons soon. If you Are limiting your visit to Prague a full tank of Gas purchased before crossing the Border from Germany should get you in and out of the country. Driving in Prague even with a Good map is not recommended. Asking for directions is frustrating a. A few people May speak some German but very few speak any English. U s Best to get to your general destination Park the car and rely on streetcars and taxis. Public transportation is excellent a just 4 cents per ride. Taxis while cheap Aren t always easy Ter find. Look for taxi stands or go to a Large hotel. Within the City of can get by on foot As All of the major attractions Are within walking distance. Accommodations a unless you already have a hotel reservation you might find yourself staying outside of the Center of town. Now that Czechoslovakia has opened its doors the tourists Are streaming in and Prague does t have enough hotels to accommodate them All. A recent attempt to Book a hotel room in Prague a week before planning to visit almost convinced us to stay Home. The Only accommodations available a German tourist agent reported were rooms at the hotel forum a modern High Rise hotel on the Edge of town at about $250 per person per night. We went anyway and fortunately found rooms in a private Home. Such accommodations Are available through prag tour located in the Center of town on the Square of the Republic and Cost from 200 to 300 crowns per night about $8 to $12 for a double room. Accommodations in a private Home must be booked for a minimum of three nights. Hotel rooms for one night or More can also be booked through the Agency. Rates vary starting at 270 crowns $10.80 for a single and 470 crowns about $18.80 for a double. The office is open weekdays from 8 . To 930 ., saturdays from 8 . To 8 ., and sundays from 8 . To 3  Advance booking in writing is available but must be arranged at least three months in Advance write to prag tour Square of the Republic Prague 1, Czechoslovakia even with the big demand these Days a prag tour spokeswoman said Quot usually we have accommodations Quot for those who walk in and need a room. However it is advisable to arrive at the office Early in the Day. Food a czechoslovak cuisine heavy and germanic has never been considered among the world s finest. The Beer a to however is said to be the world s Best. It is indeed wonderful and at about 20 cents for a Large Stein of draft reason enough for Beer lovers to continued on Page 0 spectators watch a group of musicians near a memorial to Freedom martyrs at the National museum. July 12, 1990 stripes Magazine 9