European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - May 13, 1992, Darmstadt, Hesse                                Travel Europe 1992 a amps Michael Abrams the Castle of St. George overlooks Portugal s capital Lisbon. Potato ome lets mushrooms garnished with garlic. Some spaniards think so much of these munchies that they will spend the whole evening standing at the bar nibbling away and dispense with the evening meal entirely. While this is one Way to fill up it can be expensive. Most of the individual dishes May be inexpensive often less than $2but making a meal out of them can result in a hefty Tab. In Spain it in t unusual for patrons to linger Over evening meals until around Midnight. They Are in no hurry because the disco scene does t Start kicking in until after 1 ., but then it often Rolls on until 5 or 6  With a bit of planning a dancer can emerge into the morning Long after the Shock of Dawn s Early  Portugal is one of the poorest countries in Europe. That is both Good news and bad news for visitors. The bad news is that Many of its cities and tourist sights Are badly in need of a face lift. Lisbon its capital is reportedly becoming increasingly shabby and there Are fewer and fewer signs of the great wealth gathered in the heyday of the portuguese explorers. Many roads Are either in bad repair or too narrow to handle the increased traffic. Fortunately Many main roads a most of which Are just two lanes a have wide shoulders that Are generously used by slow moving vehicles to allow faster vehicles to pass. Many of the secondary roads in the Algarme Portugal s Holiday land Are in such bad repair it is hard to believe that they Are in Western Europe. But the Good news is that life in Portugal is still relatively inexpensive for tourists As Well As residents. Hotel accommodations fresh seafood Good red wine and handmade pottery Are All available at bargain prices. And despite overbuilding in some areas the beaches of the Algarme Portugal s Southern coast Are still Beautiful and less crowded than those in Spain. Those wishing for nothing More than to lie in the Sun should be Able to find a secret shelter from the wind and crowds among the dramatic Rock formations rising from the Sandy beaches. One of the Best things about the Algarme is its informality. Small restaurants serve fresh shellfish and grilled sardines the National dish in unpretentious wooden and Metal shelters. Many hotels feature apartments with kitchens and Small Sas Jim do Rtiz pm the Spires of the Citadel stand out starkly against the sky in Zaragoza Spain. A add to the pleasant experience. Visiting Many parts of Turkey is like stepping Back in time. Its old farming techniques and crafts traditions such As carpet making and weaving remain a Way of life. However major cities and tourist centers carry a More Western atmosphere. The five times a Day prayer Call is one of the few reminders that Turkey is an islamic country with a High percentage of Muslim followers. Do not be misled however. Turkey is not a land of Sun and fun All year Long. Winters in some areas can be As Bleak As in any other part of Europe. Warmest Winters Are along the Mediterranean. Spring normally brings rain mingled with sunny Days. Summers Are Tough with temperatures reaching up to 113 degrees. Turkey is one of the few countries today where americans can still get their Money s Worth on those Power shopping sprees. Food and lodging Are also inexpensive. There Are bargains everywhere including the popular turkish rugs Gold Copper and brass. In big cities solicitors and shopkeepers seem to speak any language that might bring them business. Don t hesitate in bargaining especially in open Market areas. Shopkeepers expect it. Driving usually is a Nightmare dealing with Drivers who make their own lanes disregard traffic signals constantly Flash their lights and blow their horns and generally seem to have Little concept of driving rules. Visitors May prefer to travel by taxi which Are cheap any time by Western standards and especially so during the Day. Trains buses and boats Are also available and there is a state run airline that operates flights Between All major cities in Turkey. Making cities near military installations your Home base when travelling is a Good idea since tourist offices Are familiar with americans often planning trips to accommodate them at reasonable costs. And most billeting facilities will readily hand out a map and list of reasonably priced hotels. A a r amp. Sas Kan a forgo Crete has Miles of White Sand beaches. Markets providing the necessary supplies Are everywhere making it not Only convenient but also Ideal for those who want to prepare some of their meals. And the locals go about their business in an unhurried manner that leaves them plenty of time to observe and Greet passing tourists. The Algarme has Long been popular with British Holiday makers so Don t be surprised by the Many signs in stores restaurants and Public buildings in  Over the last few years Turkey has become an aggressive competitor in the tourism Industry. Many visitors who once favored the Creek islands Are now being drawn to the turkish Mediterranean shores. Turkey s allure is a combination of its Long and illustrious history natural Beauty and its people. Its Many Scenic ruins Are a history Buff s dream. The attractive Countryside and beaches Are havens for boaters and swimmers. And the interesting food a including kebabs of beef or Lamb the National dish a and hospitality a it is common for merchants to offer visitors refreshments without an obligation to buy Greece As temperatures Rise in Greece so do prices. Consider visiting Greece during the shoulder seasons of Spring and Early fall May 13, 1992 travel Europe 27