Q & A
Learning German in Zurich
Q. I will be in Zurich in the first half of 1999 and would like to learn German there. Where can I take German lessons in or near the city? -- Maryann Schultz, New York, N.Y.
A. Since Switzerland has three official languages -- German, French and Italian -- it is a great place to improve one's fluency. So much so that each year, Switzerland Tourism, 608 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10020, (212) 757-5944, publishes the booklet 'Language Courses in Switzerland.' While the courses it lists are aimed at teen-agers, there are at least a few schools in Zurich that serve adults.
The best known is probably Berlitz Language Schools, which has two branches in Zurich, including one at 7 Seefeldstrasse, 8008 Zurich, (41-1) 261-6807, fax (41-1) 261-9304. Sabina Graf, the assistant manager there, said the courses are open-ended and offered from two to five times a week. Price depends on the number of students: about $13 a lesson for classes of five to eight students, to about $35 for classes of two students.
You can sign up for classes before leaving the United States. For details, contact Lorenzo Diaz at the Berlitz office at 40 West 51st Street, New York, N.Y. 10020; (212) 765-1001, extension 638.
Another choice might be Klub schule Migros Zurich, Oerlikon Center, 305 Hofwiesenstrasse, 8050 Zurich; (41-1) 311-5088, fax (41-1) 311-5030. This school offers an intensive approach -- four hours a day for a month -- with sessions starting every month. It offers courses at 12 levels of fluency. The cost is about $510 a month. English-speaking students should ask for Jacqueline Assaintrangir.
A third option is the Alpha Sprachstudio, 10 Stadelhoferstrasse, 8024 Zurich; (41-1) 252-4994, fax (41-1) 262-3706. This school has been around since 1975 and offers courses on 12 levels, from twice a week to a half-day daily. Intensive courses start each month. Prices range from about $515 to $605 a month for daily lessons, or $25 a night.  Visiting the Canaries
Q. I would like to go to the Canary Islands with a friend in February. Are there package deals? And are there tours to learn about the original inhabitants of the islands? -- Halli Moskowitz, New York, N.Y.
A. While the Canary Islands are part of Spain and have long been a popular vacation destination, especially for Europeans, they are only about 70 miles off the coast of Africa and more than 600 miles from the Iberian Peninsula. The seven major islands of the Canaries -- essentially the peaks of an undersea mountain range that in ancient times were thought to be the remains of Atlantis -- have been described as having a climate that is perpetual springtime, with highs mostly in the 70's and the 80's. You can be comfortable at the beaches at any time, sometimes while gazing at snow-covered mountain peaks.
There are no direct flights to the Canary Islands from the United States, according to the Tourist Office of Spain, so the easiest and most common way to visit the islands is by chartered tour. Two New York tour operators, Canary Island Tours and Spain Tours and Beyond, offer identical packages to Tenerife, the largest island, and say they can put together individualized or standard side trips to other islands for an extra charge.
The tours from New York to Tenerife are on Air Europa via Madrid, and offer choices of 12 hotels, from three- to five-star establishments, in the resort areas on the south side of the island or on the north coast in Puerto de la Cruz. The fares, $759 to $1,649 in February, include hotel for five nights, daily buffet breakfast, transfers, casino entry and a night's stay in Madrid returning.
Culturally, the islands owe much to both Europe and Africa, with the influences of Hispanic, Portuguese, French, Italian and Berber immigrants. But before these people arrived, the Guanches -- tall, blond cave dwellers of unknown origin -- led a Stone Age existence, leaving behind cave paintings on the islands of La Palma and El Hierro, and embalmed bodies. On Gran Canaria Island, experts have reconstructed a Guanche city, Mundo Aborigen, using life-size figures.
It is in the Ayaguares National Park about three and a half miles from from Playa del Ingles Beach. It is open daily 9 A.M. to 6 P.M. Admission is about $14.50, $4.35 for children 13 and younger. Group tours in English are available except Monday and Tuesday by calling (34-928) 17-22-95.
If you want to go directly to Gran Canaria, you will have to book an individual trip. Spain Tours and Beyond says air fares in February to Gran Canaria via Madrid on Iberia Airlines are about $760 to $810, and three- and four-star hotels range from $60 to $100 a night, based on double occupancy.
Spain Tours and Beyond, is at 261 West 70th Street, New York, N.Y. 10023; (212) 595-2400, fax (212) 580-8935. Canary Islands Holidays, part of Spanish Heritage Tours, is at 116-47 Queens Boulevard, Forest Hills, N.Y. 11375; (888) 767-8822, fax (718) 793-4278.
For general information, contact the Tourist Office of Spain, 666 Fifth Avenue, New York, N.Y. 10103; (212) 265-8822, fax (212) 265-8864.
Washington Millennium
Q. Six couples would like to celebrate the millennium in Washington. Can you provide information on events there on and just before Jan. 1, 2000. -- George N. Havens, Bratenahl, Ohio
A. Hard as it may be to believe, there are a lot of promises coming out of Washington but few concrete plans for that weekend, now 432 days away.
There should certainly be a number of events, since 2000 is not only the end of the millennium but also the 200th anniversary of the White House, the Capitol, the Library of Congress and of Washington itself as the nation's capital. But a spokeswoman for the Washington Convention and Visitors Association says it doesn't expect to start getting details from businesses or government until at least December. The association has a Web site, www.washington. org/, that can help in planning a visit, and offers tourism information at (202) 789-7069.
Another place to check is the White House Millennium Council, which will coordinate many activities. Sue Vogelsinger, the council's spokeswoman, said galas, parades and family events (including fireworks) on the Mall are planned. The council's Web site, www.2000.whitehouse.gov, is supposed to list events as they are announced. You can also call the council at (202) 456-2000.
RAY CORMIER