European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - October 3, 1991, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Suggested tour Here is a recommended itinerary of the Basque country for those who have never been there Start with a two Day stay in san Sebastian. From there head Down the coastal Highway a-8, to Bilbao but do not spend More than a few hours there. Head out from Bilbao on Highway a-68 South which roughly follows the Southern Edge of the Region along the Ebro River. Get off a-68 at log oho about an hour from Bilbao. Drive North and East on Highway n-111, which traverses the Navarre lowlands. From log oho it is an easy 1 i hour drive to Pamplona. Take a couple of Days to explore Pamplona then head North to the High pyrenees. Spend two Days in Burguete or Roncesvalles. From there you can explore the surrounding Region including the monastery of Roncesvalles the a Izcoa Salazar and Roncal valleys and the iraqi Forest. Keep in mind that unleaded fuel is widely available in the Urban areas but not in the hinterland. Fill up in Pamplona before heading North into the mountains. For More information Contact of Cinas de Turisco Athalle Duque de Ahumada 3, 31002 Pamplona Spain or Call 948-220741 or Comerio y Turisco Del Goberno de Navarra at Calle Arrieta 11 -5, 31002 Pamplona Spain or Call 948-228578. Both Telephone numbers Are for Calls made from within Spain if calling from outside the country be sure to add the proper country code. A Norm Zeigler continued from Page 3 be downright resentful of intruders. Driving North from Southern Navarre to Pamplona stars and stripes photographer Dave Didio and i blundered into the fiesta of san Martin in Irurzun. We stopped to follow the Brief procession which snaked Down from the Church to the Little town Square. A Small group of residents had gathered near a couple of stands Selling wine and trinkets. We were the Only outsiders. When Didio began shooting pictures of the musicians and the dancing figures in giant costumes Stern faced men in Bolinas began gesturing for him to Stop. Finally one came after him with a Broom. At the other extreme is Pamplona s annual fiesta of san Fermin famed for its running of the bulls and Long a huge tourist attraction. During the july week of festivities carousing and bullfights some 200,000 visitors More than double the City s population. Throughout their history the basques have enjoyed various degrees of autonomy. The High Point was the Basque kingdom of Navarre which existed from the 10th to the 16th centuries. During the Spanish civil War they were also granted Semi Independence by the Republican government. This came to an abrupt end with the Victory of Gen. Francisco Francois fascist forces and the subsequent brutal suppression of the Basque language and culture. But the basques still have not accepted incorporation into Spain and the Region has a very Active Independence movement. In recent years a terrorist group the Eta has carried out a Campaign of bombings and assassinations in Pursuit of Independence. Pro Independence Graffiti is smeared across Bridges buildings and billboards throughout the Region. The terrorism threat presents few problems for travellers but it does Call for a measure of caution. In general it is a Good idea to avoid government buildings and Guardia civil Headquarters where Young men in flak jackets stand guard with wary watchful eyes. A Shepherd wanders along path above Roncesvalles. Above children play handball against a Church Wall in the town of aria. At right a wooden Bridge suspended Over the iraqi River near arive. A amps photos by Dave Didio houses bleached White by the Sun and shutters paint in bold reds greens or blues Are typical of Basque country buildings