European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - April 23, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                A amps photos by Michael Abrams pergamum s great Temple of Trajan is being restored to its original  exquisitely carved chunk of Marble and a fallen column lie near the Temple of  Relief of a Bull headed creature and a Bird rests amid the ancient rubble. A Row of partial columns Marks the gallery of the Temple of Athena. A amp travel Erst tips scattered along Turkey s Aegean coast Are greek islands Holiday Homes resorts and two of the Best known classical Sites in Asia minor pergamum and Ephesus. The largest City on the coast is Izmir Home to about 2 million people. Both pergamum and Ephesus can be reached easily from this modern City. A wide selection of hotels and restaurants makes Izmir a convenient base from which to visit the Sites. Driving in Turkey is a unique experience but if you Are Brave enough to do so pergamum is about a 75-minute drive North of Izmir. Once you be left the main Road it s a smooth ride past Olive tree Orchards along a Flat Well surfaced Road. Facilities for tourists Are limited in Bergama apart from a few restaurants along the main Street. The trip to Bergama could easily be a full Day s excursion. In addition to the ancient ruins of the acropolis and the carpet shops in town there Are also the ask legion and a museum to visit. The acropolis ruins and the ask legion Are located on two separate Sites. The ask legion a medical Center in roman times was named for asclepius the god of Healing. It dates Back to the fourth Century . Inscriptions unearthed during excavations describe methods of treatment All based on natural sources. Since Winters Are Rainy and can become quite Chilly it s probably Best to visit pergamum Between May and september. But these months can be hot with temperatures averaging near 90 degrees and sometimes exceeding 100 degrees. Because there is plenty of Uphill downhill movement on the acropolis carrying water is a Good idea. Americans stationed at or visiting . Facilities in Izmir can sign up for Tours to Sites around the town with the local tourist office or with morale welfare and recreation facilities. Izmir travel agents go to pergamum nearly every weekend and mar runs occasional trips there. Either Way Cost is about $20. A Jimi Jones april 23, 1992 stripes Magazine 5