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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
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
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
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.
At the final evening dinner we were entertained
by Flamenco dancers, which I tried to join, but did
very badly.
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.
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Article
POLICE WORLD
Vol 64 No.4, 2019