European Stars and Stripes (Newspaper) - June 7, 2007, Darmstadt, Hesse                                June stars and stripes Page 23 photos by Ben and stripes a Sunrise provides a backdrop for a Small memorial in Romanias coastal town of the country is 87 percent orthodox Romania straddles old and new ways by Bryan Mitchell stars and stripes Sun splashed fourstar greek colonial ruins and rows of Al night pothole Ridden nauseating breakfast buffets and Busy intersections without traffic the Spanish Costa Del sol it is but Romanias Black sea Beach towns do offer a Chance to catch some relatively inexpensive Sun and sea while also exploring the often contradictory Subtle ties that distinguish this former Eastern bloc Romanias a country pounding its collective Chest after joining its far wealthier Western neighbors in the european Union earlier this year while simultaneously struggling to overcome its often justified reputation As a Haven for graft and Allaround dodgy but As the burgeoning Low Cost air line Industry eyes this country of 22 million As a hot spot for budget travel ers in search of an overseas the collection of Beach towns is sure to be filling up and you have to pack a Strong sense of personal safety and justified Skepi cism before embarking on a journey to this sunny but still somewhat suspect but that May just be half the More than just a strip on a narrow stretch of land set snugly Between the Black sea and Lake Siu Thiol adjacent to the City of Constan the resort of Mamaia Bills itself As the Pearl of the romanian in a country where the majority of residents live in utilitarian soviet style Concrete apartment the rows of modern and even Art Deco inspired hotels stand out like a Pearl necklace set against a Mountain of the town has almost no year round and instead has focused on generating a Buzz for tourism Prima Rily on the International scene As the average romanian makes roughly a year and is More Likely to travel abroad for work than to take a Domestic Seaside Vaca Romania have an upper class that flocks to the beaches in the warmer Between Midway and mid september the town boasts a climate roughly similar to the French Riviera and can accommodate up to visitors in 64 most come for the but some Migrate in for the which is remarkable by romanian there Are dozens upon dozens of night discotheques and including More than one watering Hole where patrons can Down the ice cold local brew Ursus to a thumping techno beat on the Cool night Sand of the for those with Chil Dren in there Are also plenty of play grounds and other Little people Type activities to ensure that boredom is kept at but be the roads that Lead from Constanta and other nearby local towns Are to be driven with the highest level of potholes Large enough to Swallow a bicycle appear without and some of the cites busiest intersections Are negotiated without the Aid of traffic without the possibility of a red its every Motorist for and that nothing to take ruins and rooms Magalia is known throughout this Region As a resort destination Replete with thoroughbred High Rise oceanfront hotels and enough Sandy beaches for a nations Worth of sunbathe the town is South of be tween the there is a string of Beach towns with names inspired by roman gods Venus see Page 24 town conversation wearing clothes reminiscent of Days congregate in constants Central Park for or a game of