European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 22, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Travel Europe eur Alpass and a spontaneous itinerary. However limited the budget is or specialized a person s interests Are Europe has something for every traveler. In just one aspect of travel a accommodations a. Choices Range from a Mountain hut in the Alps to a five Star hotel in Venice Italy or a Sailboat in the Aegean. The variety of Countryside is As huge and varied As the continent. Switzerland is Mountain Meadows and Snow capped peaks. Castle topped Bluffs and vineyards Are characteristic of Germany s Rhine Valley. The Netherlands is canals and dikes bordered by windmills and Fields ablaze with Flowers. Greece s islands Are a dazzling world of Pristine beaches and azure Waters. Wherever you Are from in the United states you will Likely find someplace in Europe that reminds you of Home. The frisian islands of the Netherlands and North Germany Are reminiscent of North Carolina s outer Banks. Parts of the Spanish pyrenees resemble Idaho s sawtooth mountains. The rolling Hills and farms of Germany s Odenwald could be in Southern Vermont. But for All the places that look familiar there Are Many More that Are exotic and distinctive. There is no other place in the world like Venice. Or Rome. Or Paris. In Scotland you can search for the Hump backed monster in mysterious Loch Ness. Switzerland s matterhorn is recognized around the world Germany s walled City of Rothenburg is a living time capsule of a medieval european Community. In the last decade Many americans have altered their vacation style. Traditional sightseeing trips have increasingly Given Way to holidays that include More Active pursuits. Europe offers excellent chances for combining travel and sightseeing with outdoor recreation and fitness sports. Some of the Best ski resorts Are Only a Short hop from world class cities such As Innsbruck and Salzburg in Austria and Munich in Germany. A hiking Trail or Trout Stream May wind past a fairy tale Castle. A Campground could be near a historic Battle site. Service members returning to Europe after a stateside assignment will note one huge change since their last tour of duty on this Side of the Atlantic. There is no More Iron curtain. The Warsaw pact has been disbanded and most of the barbed wire and Chain link fences Are gone. But though the physical and political barriers have All but disappeared travel in the former East bloc is still not comparable to the West the main reason is the Lack of a tourist infrastructure. In Czechoslovakia Poland and the former East Germany there is a woeful shortage of hotel rooms tourist information offices Highway rest stops and other services. If you travel East on your own be prepared for an adventure not necessarily a Carefree vacation. This year a number of special observances will be held throughout Europe. A Vienna and Salzburg Are marking the. 200th anniversary of Mozart s death with exhibits musical performances and special events. A y a a Dublin Ireland is the european cultural capital for 1991. A Switzerland is celebrating its 700th anniversary As a nation with a multitude of local and National events. A during the second week in october Genoa Italy will Honor Christopher this year Mozart s Birthplace of Salzburg Austria is marking the 200th anniversary of the composer s death. A amps Michael alar am a amps Gus Schuettner thrill seekers race for their lives during the running of the hulls in Pamplona Spain. Windmill fare the most enduring Symbol the fiesta of san Fermin is one of Europe s biggest celebrations of the Netherlands. Columbus with a citywide Celebration. A in addition there Are  celebrations. In May Fatima Portugal holds its pilgrimage Celebration. The Paris airshow takes the spotlight in mid Dune. Dubrovnik Yugoslavia holds its summer festival from mid july to the end of August. Bulls charge through the streets of Pamplona Spain during the fiesta san Fermin the second  july. The. Edinburgh Scotland International festival is the High Point in Scotland the last two weeks in August. In late september and Early october Munich s  the biggest event on the continent. In december Christmas markets highlight the scene in Many cities throughout Germany and Austria. These Are just a few of the attractions that will make you want to get out and explore Europe this season. Don t miss it. Sailboats line the Harbor in Colli Oure France near the Spanish Border. A amps Gus Schuetzler May 22, 1991 stars and stripes travel Europe 3