European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 13, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Travel Europe 1992 Central Europe touring the traditional heart of old Europe by Norm Zeigler travel outdoor writer for Many americans the place to Start getting acquainted with Europe is the Western and Central Region the Quot heart Quot of the continent. With the majority of . Service members still stationed in Germany this is the area most easily accessible to the most people. For those new to Europe a Good Way to begin is by getting a Quick look at some of the must see attractions Paris Copenhagen Munich the Rhine Valley Amsterdam Brussels. After this initial exposure Many Are ready to leave behind the tourist crowds and search out the lesser known destinations. The countries of the european heartland have certain characteristics in common with each other and also with the United states a at last count there were seven Mcdonald s in Paris. But the similarities do not obscure the tremendous diversity which after All is the most fascinating aspect of travel anywhere. France a for Many people France is Paris with its world class Art and architecture its urbane hedonistic worldview and its cosmopolitan ambience. But there is much More to Caesar s Gaul than the City of Light. France is a Complex country with the w largest land area in Western Europe. Despite its Stock image of homogeneity a the berated Frenchman sitting in a cafe a it is really a multicultural land. Alsace in the East has a germanic heritage and has changed nationality numerous times Over the centuries. Brittany on the West coast is ethnically linked to the celts the ancient britons. The Western pyrenees Are Basque country. And some of the major cities As Well As the South have significant populations of North africans a vestige of France s colonial heritage. This ethnic diversity has enriched nearly All aspects of French life. If the French Are especially renowned for one thing it is their lifestyle. The germans have an expression for gracious living that translates Quot living like god in  perhaps More than any other nationality the French have elevated eating to an Art. It is about As easy to find a bad restaurant in France As it is to find an inferior Beer in Germany in Paris the algerian restaurants Are favourites with natives and visitors alike Alsace s carefully nurtured White wines Are a key ingredient in Many of the Region s excellent Chicken dishes. And the seafood in Brittany rivals new England. Though its capital is Europe s most popular tourist City much of France is pastoral Countryside. The Public transportation network is Good based around an extensive and largely modern rail network. The High Speed Tiv was Europe s first super fast train. Roads and highways Are also generally Good. One exasperating Factor for Drivers is the expensive tolls on the superhighways. The alternative is to endure the Snail s Pace and tractor and cart hazards of secondary roads. In addition to the ubiquitous hotels and pensions in All categories France is clotted with youth hostels and campgrounds. Guides Are available from tourist offices or youth Hostel organizations. In recent years motels a such As the formula 1 Chain a have sprouted up along some highways and near major tourist destinations. Shop hours Are More flexible than in neighbouring Germany with some weekend openings. Mondays feature reduced hours and Many closing in Small towns. Germany Austria Switzerland a the predominantly German speaking countries Nave Many cultural and ethnic ties but remain distinct National entities. Though Austria seems to become More Germani Zed each year the Independent minded Swiss seem reluctant to give up their traditional Alpine fortress concept reunited Germany is an economic colossus exercising Ever More political Power. The old Federal Republic was a shrinking Violet in comparison. Today countries throughout Europe Cater More and More to an increasingly prosperous and travel minded German populace. Schnitzel is almost As easy to find at Playa Del Ingles in Spain s Canary islands As it is in Frankfurt. The germans have been both hailed and denounced for their efficiency and sense of order. As in the old cliche the trains do usually run on time. Public transportation is both reliable and readily available. In the West the big cities have modern Safe subway and Streetcar networks. The East lags behind in this sector As Well As in Overall tourist infrastructure. The German Highway network is the Pride of Mercedes and Bow though More and More often these Days it resembles the world s longest parking lot keep to the right except to pass when driving on the autobahn which still have no Speed limit remember to yield to the right at intersections on non priority roads. Cities Are clean and generally Safe. Again the East lags behind. Since reunification there have been numerous cases of right Wing thugs attacking foreigners. By Law most stores and shops in Germany must dose by 6 30 . And 2 . On saturdays. Thursdays the closing hours Are extended to 8 . They Are also extended on the first saturday of every month and four saturdays before Christmas. Stores in train stations and airports Are also permitted to stay open longer. In All three countries except Eastern Germany tourist accommodations Are plentiful. In addition to hotels and pensions there Are Many bed and breakfast places. They Are marked by signs announcing Zimmer Frei room available. Youth hostels Are also plentiful. Service charges Are included in restaurant Bills but it is customary to leave a Small additional tip for the waitress or waiter. Round up to the next Mark franc or 10 schillings. Neuse Hanstein in Germany is perhaps the world s most famous Castle _ a amps gut Sci settler Holland is much More than windmills. Despite their reputation As hard workers the germans do know How to party. From tiny villages to the biggest cities local festivals Are a Way of life. These fests May celebrate a local tradition a product a famous personage or a season of the year. The most famous is of course Munich s oktoberfest. There Are Many other Beer fests wine fests and grape Blossom fests there is even a sausage fest and an onion lest. Many Are annual events s4s Dave for. Marksburg Castle above the Rhine. And tourist offices can usually provide information and dates Well in Advance with italian German romansch Aro French speaking sections Switzerland s 2 partial microcosm of the continent. A shared spirit of fierce Independence has held the Swiss federation together for a years and still governs much of the people s thinking. Switzerland has not joined the dec and requires even peace passing through to Purchase a 30-f a 20 travel Europe May 13, 1992