PW_04_2017

Article

Look Down to Watch the Baseball Look down to watch the baseball was one of the stunning views from a recent trip to Canada when Sara and I ventured up the CN Tower in Toronto. A side from being able to see inside the Rogers Stadium where the Toronto Blue Jays play we were able to take in the magnificent views of the City and Lake Ontario which included taking time We both like to be self-sufficient on our trips but thought it would be an idea to take in any recommendations that the local IPA could offer.

out to have a couple of beers in the bar/restaurant whilst admiring the views albeit I must admit my eyes were focused some of the time on the Champions League football games that were on the television. The beers enabled me to take some photographs through the glass bottom viewing platforms and use the lift which similarly had a glass bottom. Our day in Toronto had started off early by having breakfast with Sheila Richardson who works at Toronto Police HQ. Sheila kindly had arranged a tour of the Police Museum which is within their Police HQ. This was followed by a brief walking tour of the city with another IPA member Chris Barratt together with a little boating trip with the local marine unit.

Subsequently I had numerous email conversations with Canadian members which were very helpful with regard to our planning and had we not asked the question would probably not known about what we do now. This is only one of the many benefits that being a member of the IPA can provide to you and your family so if you are planning a trip abroad make sure you send off your IPA travel forms. If you don’t ask you don’t get as they say. From Toronto we headed over to see the sights of Niagara Falls spending a couple of nights in a hotel with a fantastic view of the Horseshoe Falls.

In Niagara we met up with a local IPA member Walter Bosak who kindly gave us his expert advice and a superb tour (Walter is now retired and acts as a guide on bus tours). After getting wet on the ‘Hornblower’ boat trip to the Falls we ventured off to follow the Niagara River taking in the sights together with a visit to sample some local wines, ice cream followed by a chocolate factory. All very good for your diet I was told. After saying farewell to Walter who had entertained us all day we spent our last night in Niagara but taking in some of the night time views. However before leaving the next day for the airport we decided to go on the ‘tour behind the falls’. I had been lucky enough to do this many years ago but for Sara it was a unique experience to get so close to the power of the water. Well recommended if you get the chance. From Niagara Falls it was a brief shopping stop off, followed by the airport to fly home and then repack to attend upcoming World Congress in Bulgaria. Canada and Alaska are beautiful places to visit with stunning views wherever you go and look. I can assure you our Canadian IPA friends will do all they can to help you in planning your trip. Yours in Friendship, Mick Luke Proud to be President of Section UK

Whilst on board Chris, I believe, managed to recruit the two crew members to the world of IPA. His flow was slightly interrupted by a speeding boat to which we duly gave chase and a warning issued. After our spectacular cruise around the islands Chris took us to the CN Tower where we said our goodbyes as after the Tower visit we strolled into Rogers Stadium to watch the Blue Jays play Baltimore Orioles in the evening game. It came down to the very last innings where the Blue Jays managed to secure a victory (3-2) from the jaws of defeat. Happy with the victory we finished it off by having a few more drinks and in all spent a wonderful three days in Toronto. As part of our planning for the trip which took Sara and I first to Vancouver, Alaska, Vancouver again, Whistler and then Toronto (which is only a quick four and half hour internal flight but at least it is on the way home) I sent off the IPA travel forms.

POLICE WORLD Vol 62 No. 4, 2017

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