European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - November 8, 1990, Darmstadt, Hesse                                At Marken if i my i to y a Goat feeds on grass in a wet Meadow along a tranquil Backwater in Marken. Dutch beat on the Ijssel Meer Marken Amsterdam Netherlands by Rob Staggenborg staff writer a plump cat struts slowly along the wharf eyeing a stray fish that has fallen from the innkeepers Pouch. The Man peeks Back As the cat pounces on the cold fish devouring it whole. The shrill whistle of an incoming boat cuts through the thick dutch air. The sound dissipates As it approaches the Harbor. The boats in the Harbor swing Back and Forth in a brisk Breeze. These Are the sights sounds and smells of Marken the Netherlands an unassuming fishing Village that is one of the country s lesser known treasures. Amsterdam draws the tourists with its Coffee houses Bawdy red Light District and metropolitan Aura. Rotterdam and the Hague offer a distinct cosmopolitan culture Complete with fast food shops overpriced souvenir huts and lots of Street action. Marken sits unobtrusively on a Small barely noticeable Peninsula. Once an Island it was connected to the Mainland by a two mile causeway in the mid 60s. Prior to that the Only Way to get to the town was by boat. Over water transportation is still available at a Small fee from the neighbouring Village of Monnickendam. The Village of Marken also thrives on tourism with its inexpensive wooden shoe factories Fine restaurants and Beautiful Harbor awaiting visitors. Many of Marken s inhabitants still dress in traditional costume which adds a flair to the town. The Village itself is closed to motor traffic. Visitors must Park outside the town in a Small parking lot. Prices vary but a charge of about 5 dutch guilders $2.95 can be expected. Cross a Small walking Bridge and you la find the town s wooden shoe factory. The shopkeepers dress in More contemporary garb but the Shoemaker complements his faded Levis and sweatshirt with a pair of wooden clogs. Quot actually they re very comfortable Quot said John Hodkoski one of the shop s clog makers. Quot you Wear Woolen socks underneath. Since they re so Loose fitting they allow your feet to breath. They look a Little different but they re sturdy and not so bad  the Peninsula Marken sits on juts out into the Ijssel Meer. The Harbor is lined with fishing boats a Large and Small a which is a Good conversation topic if you Are travelling with Young children. The shops tend to be a mite pricey but if you Are one to appreciate Good service and a warm atmosphere the extra Guilder or two is Worth it. Another attraction of Marken for americans is the natives Mastery of the English language. Conversation is possible unlike other non English speaking tourist areas around the world. But what sets Marken apart from other tourist areas in the Netherlands is its Small town Charm. Along the Harbor souvenir shops line the wharf but there is More to the town than just an authentic pair of clogs. There is the local Baker preparing his wares in the window. His Friendly wave is believable,.As if he s willing to Tell you anything you be Ever wanted to know Abs Holland but never got around to asking. I there Are the local restaurants where a warm sol and Friendly service await you at every table. The i Propri tresses of the Small shops Are available for and on which delftware dish is better and what life in is really about. You Don t find that much in Amsterdam. To get to Marken follow autobahn 3 out of Cermel to the dutch Border. Follow the signs marked Quot Amsterdam Quot about a 190-Kilometer Jaunt. Go throw Amsterdam and follow the signs to Vole dam. Just Oil Vole dam there Are Blue direction signs for Marken parking lot is located just outside the town s Entrance autumn is an Ideal time to visit Marken. The town Trees Light up with vibrant seasonal hues. Dress warn for the blustery winds off the sea can get frosty. A Staci a must for parents with Young children. I for More information on Marken and other dutch treats in the Netherlands Contact the local tourist off known As the vow. Local Community Sato offices Ai also a Good place to Start when planning a trip to Mai since the town is so Small it May be better to seek accommodations in either Amsterdam or Vole dam of Only hotel in Marken fills quickly Hodkoski said. Civilians need a valid passport when driving to he military travellers need either a passport or valid Milit id card and leave orders. For More information on Marken Call the marked tourist office at 0031-29-95-1998. For More inform on Vole dam Call the Vole dam tourist office at of 29-93-63747. 12 stripes Magazine november 8,1990