European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - August 23, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse We an american group gathers for a photograph at the end of the first Ivy vol Smarch in East Germany. A Story and photographs by Chuck Roberts staff writer i breathed a sigh of Relief when our tour bus t rushed the East German Border and we were Back in West Germany. Like hundreds of other americans i travelled to Grafina Annestedt last weekend to participate in the first in sponsored vol Smarch in East Germany. It was t the East German people or the surroundings that i was so eager to leave behind. 1 he Day was Cool and Windy but the atmosphere was warmed by Friendly locals who waved to our bus and stuck from their windows to wish us a Good Day As we walked by. The Small country Village that hosted the vol Smarch was marked by a distinct Lack of luxuries but the houses and Countryside were neat clean and Well tended. My Only complaint about the remnants of communism was in regard to the rough roads that turned our bus trip into a roller coaster ride that resembled a commercial for Monroe Shock absorbers. After our bus left West Germany passing through an abandoned Border crossing communism reared its ugly head time and time again As the bus bounced up and Down across the Patchwork Highway in the East. 1 but the remainder of the trip was smooth and uneventful which was a Complete contrast to the bureaucratic hassles that Siggi Wagner remembered from his last visit to East Zermay in 1981, the whole atmosphere Hung on you like a rain oud Quot said Wagner a native of Griesheim West Germany who an in official s Cane hangs from a signpost along the vol Smarch Trail outside Grafina Annestedt. Stripes Ina Juine August 23, 19<t0 my
