mickey@cca.UUCP (Mickey Levine) (12/11/84)
I found the information on Europe quite interesting. I do have a question, though. This spring, my wife and I are taking advantage of the TWA package that gives you a Hertz car free for a week. We're picking up the car in Paris. My questions are; 1. They say you get a 'Ford Fiesta' class car. What else does this class include? 2. If this is not a great car, is it worth paying for an upgrade? 3. How long should it take to get from Paris to Amsterdam? Amsterdam to Frankfurt? Frankfurt to Zurich? (I do have a very detailed road atlas, but I want to get a feel (time-wise) just how long these distances are). I would also welcome advice on selecting hotels/motels/inns as we drive and any really nice stretchs of road to drive. Also what to avoid. Also any guides that really point out the scenic routes and roads to take (I have the FODOR's Europe and Europe on $25 a day and will try to get what's good from AAA. Thanks for your help. If anyone else is doing the same trip, let me know and we can share responses. Mickey Levine decvax!cca!mickey
bhs@siemens.UUCP (12/13/84)
Here's one for the line eater:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: The Ford Fiesta is in Hetz's class A in Europe, which in France includes some other cars like the Opel Corsa, and Volkswagen Polo, along with the Autobianchi A111 and various miniature french cars. I have driven several of the cars in that class, and can recommend the VW Polo as the best in the class. It is roomy and comfortable, and has an excellent suspension within the limits of it's size. The Ford Fiesta did not impress me that much, the suspension was definetly below par. The Autobianchi is probably the funnest car in the class to drive, but not for long distances. It is small and noisy, but it really is agile. In order of availability, I would recommend you take: 1) VW Polo, 2) Opel Corsa, 3) Ford Fiesta 4) any of the other French cars, along with the Fiat Panda, which, while extremely roomy and practical is underpowered ( 900 cc engine ). I would definetly consider an upgrade of class to the next class or so. European freeway speeds are higher than here, and you will feel more at ease in the larger car on the long drives you have planned. French freeway ( misnomer, it costs money) speed limit is 80 mph, Dutch is 60 mph, German is infinite, etc. A VW Golf, or Opel Kadett, or Ford Escort, or Peugeot 205 will be more stable at highway speed, and more relaxing. Mind you, the Polo has a top speed of 100 mph and can easily be cruised at 80, but you will feel crosswinds and uphills more acutely than in the larger car. Fuel consumption is not much higher for larger cars. On your trip, try fitting in Strassburg, which is along the border between France and Germany. Apart from one of the most fantastic gothic cathedrals of Europe, Strassburg also has an absolutely delightfyl old section, right around the cathedral. Next to it, you will find a picture book frame house, the Maison Kammerzell, which is also a famous restaurant. However, foray around the side streets on the side of cathedral diagonally opposite Maison Kammerzell, after a few yards you will find a whole group of restaurants housed in similar old houses. Strassburg is in the Alsace, which produces some fine white wines, and France's best beers (not neccessarily good compared to Bavarian beers. ) In Koelln, which you will probably pass, stnads another one of those immense gothic cathedrals. Next to it is a museum on the roman artifacts found in Germany, the Roemisch-Germanisches Museum. Next to that in turn, is a restaurant called Berni's Nudelbrett, which features, at very reasonable prices, some of the best italian cooking and steaks outside of Italy. Also, check out their list of Italian wines, all personally selected by the owner. Don't let the menu prices fool you, they include a salad, bread ( usually extra in Europe ) and ice cream for dessert. Franfurt's place to go in the evenings is Sachsenhausen, if it is available, try some apple wine. Between Koelln and Mainz, or any stretch in between, try driving the slow road along the Rhine, you will pass through some of Germany's most well known and famous scenery and wineyards. Oh, and while I am at it, you are committing a mortal sin if you miss out on the Musee du Jeu de Paume in Paris, the citie's collection of impressionist paintings. Small, but containing some of the world's most famous paintings ( some of which are out on loan to travelling exhibitions ), this museum should be seen before the Louvre, or in place of the Louvre if time presses. In Europe: no turn on right, in France red lights are often considered no more than a polite reminder in the evening, but will get you into trouble in Germany and other countries. DO NOT SPEED in Switzerland, avoid it in Germany, but France is less rigid. Wise saying from wise traveller ( not me ): when in Rome, do as the Romans. If you intend to stop in Munich, or have any other questions on customs or sights, do not hesitate to let me know either via E-Mail, the phone, or just by letter. I have lived in Munich for 10 years, and also in France, and have travelled extensively. Bernard H. Schwab Siemens RTL, 105 College Rd. East Princeton, NJ, 08540 work: (609) 734-6592 home: (609) 443-4794