PW_4_2019

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IPA Madrid Friendship week April 2019 David King , Surrey Branch

Caroline and I looked at the wonderful programme which Madrid IPA had arranged and decided to book it. Our expectations were surpassed by the hospitality arranged for us. We were joined by two other UK members: Brian Adamson and Vivien Mason, along with members from Eire, Australia, Canada, and Czech Republic. W e were met at Madrid airport by Jose Prieto, IPA Madrid secretary and his lovely wife Maleni. They took of Madrid. As the friendship week continued, we were taken to the wonderful towns of Avila, Toledo, Segovia, Real Monasterio at El Escorial, where the Kings and Queens of Spain are At the final evening dinner we were entertained by Flamenco dancers, which I tried to join, but did very badly.

us to the hotel and after refreshments, took us on a tour of Madrid and to a lovely town called Alcala de Henares, the birth place of Miguel de Cervantes, author of Don Quixote. The following day was a free day, so we met Brian from 9 region for a walk around Madrid. Brian speaks fluent Spanish as his wife is Spanish and helped us with the transport system. That evening was our official welcome, and opportunity to meet the other members. The next day we were met by our hosts and taken on a special tour of the Royal Palace and of the City Hall. We were taken to the very top of City Hall, which is usually reserved for dignitaries. The view was spectacular, with a bird’s eye view

The day before departing Jose and his wife took me, Caroline, Brain and Vivien to lunch at his house, which was a wonderful occasion and gesture. I have many friends from all over the world as a result of the IPA. It is not just the friendship tours the IPA offers, but also the opportunity to travel and see things not normally available on the normal tourist sites. There are also great opportunities for learning and experiencing policing in other countries.

buried. Then, finally to Santa Cruz del Valle De Los Caidos, where Franco is entombed. In the wonderful walled city of Avila, we were taken to the local police station and given a tour by the chief officer. We were also privileged to visit the National Police Academy, where we had a tour of their museum. The academy can train up to 1,000 officers at one time, we were all in awe of the complex.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 64 No.4, 2019