European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 11, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                The rolling polish Countryside of wheat Fields is punctuated with horse drawn carts and plows. National geographic society touring Poland natural Beauty and City sight by Michael Lindemann associated Pressa a persuading bunkers Hal people enjoy watching bosons and some of Europe  Birds is not easy anywhere. In Poland it s practically impossible. Maciej Zimowski a 24tyear-old who is setting up Poland s first wildlife tour service wanted to Soli one of Poland s Best kept secrets but no polish Bank would give him the $5,000 he needed to do it. The secrets include the Bial Wieza Forest the remains of the vast primeval Forest which on e covered most of Northern Europe and the Bie Brza. Marshes the biggest Inland waterway in Europe both offering a glimpse of the Rich wildlife for. Which Poland has Long been  s company Bird service located in Bialystok near the soviet Border has How been saved by Klaus Hermann a Young German consultant working at the privatization ministry in Warsaw. Hermann got so hooked on the idea that he offered to put up his own capital to make the venture work. Now the Bird service schedules Canoe trips through the Marshlands and the unspoiled River ways of northeastern Poland As Well As specializing in tailor made trips for Bird watching enthusiasts. Zimowski s problems crystallize the difficulties of tourism in Poland under the former communist system few entrepreneurs Ever dreamt of providing special to tourist services. But the economic stagnation visited on  Countryside by the old system has ironically preserved a natural Beauty and vitality which is often hard to find in Western Europe. The country houses and palaces which dotted the Plains of Central Poland have been combined with another of Poland s age old traditions horsemanship. We Klong Tours of the landed seats of the. Mazow Sze area around Warsaw borne to Poland s flamboyant aristocracy Are organized by a Warsaw based company starbright. Riders visit the Birthplace of Chopin Poland s greatest composer anti the remains of an untold. Fortune in country houses,.some still being carefully. Restored,.As they wind their Way through country lanes and tree lined avenues. Besides the rolling polish Countryside of wheat Fields punctuated with horse drawn carts and ploughs there Are. Poland s More familiar sights which have Long a a drawn tourists. A a a a a a. A a a a. Krakow he old Royal capital of Poland and the Only major City not destroyed during world War his a must for tourists. Warwel Castle the collegium maius v. A heart of the 14th Century University a and the town Square trumpeter who has been sounding the hours since the tatar invasions of1241 Are some of Poland s most priceless treasures. A. Ironically the courtyards and Back streets of. Krakow s old town a recognized by Enesco As a world heritage have retained much of the Renaissance atmosphere which Over eager restoration has destroyed in so Many other european cities. Gdansk Cradle of the Solidarity Trade Union boasts a Beautiful old town which testifies to its history As one of Europe s richest maritime cities. The polish state tourist Agency Orbis a which itself May be going private soon a offers a variety of packaged Tours that include Krakow Gdansk and other historic centers. Trips can be booked through most larger travel agencies in Europe. Just East of Gdansk across the Vistula Estuary lies Mazuria the Quot land of a thousand  rolling Hills and Pine forests interspersed with myriad lakes have Long made this the favorite Holiday destination for poles. A. A. A. As private Enterprise once again becomes a acceptable much is being done to improve facilities a for tourists. A ,. Travelling the More Remote polish Side roads to discover the Countryside was sometimes difficult. Because Gas stations were hard to find and often closed a Quot. A a a a a. ,. Small country hotels and boarding houses  difficult to come by. Now Gas stations Are More frequent and even Lead a free is available at Many stations nationwide. Boarding Krakow is the Only major polish City not destroyed during world War ii. Rooms can be found in Many villages and most larger towns have a Central Register with details. Camping also is easy and simply involves asking permission locally. A. Official currency Exchange is no longer obligatory. Dollars and All major european currencies Are Best changed at shops or offices with a Kan foreign. It is not illegal to change on the Street but beware of being cheated. A a a \ All the major car rental agencies a Hertz Avis and budget among others a have offices in the principal cities although it is recommended that arrangements be made before arriving in Poland. Tourists wanting to see More of Eastern Europe can now also rent a car in Warsaw an drop it off in any one of the other capitals. A Btry service can be contacted by writing to us. Wysznski ego 4b-84, p05-888 Uia Ystok Poland or calling 885-21136. Be sure to add the country code it calling from outside Poland. A a 4 stripes Magazine april11f1991