Police World Edition 1 2014

Article A Look Lisbon David and Yvonne McGregor, from Tayside branch, organised a short break to Lisbon and stayed at the IPA house. This article looks at what they found.

Highly Recommended! Donna Powell, a keen traveller also enjoyed a long weekend in the IPA house at Lisbon. To find out more visit: www.ipa-uk.org/News/lisbon-ipa- house-highly-recommended

The IPA house in Lisbon

T en members from various 1 Region minute walk to the IPA house in Lisbon. The McGregors’ review stated, “The house is an excellent base for exploring Lisbon. The accommodation was adequate and the 35 Euros per room per night charge represented great value for money, particularly in a capital city. We found that the cost of food and drink to be considerably less than at home.” After depositing their cases and a quick freshen up the group made their way to the city centre. With the mist rising from the river the group enjoyed the sights before stopping for refreshments in the afternoon sunshine. Restaurants and cafes offering typical Portuguese cuisine are only a 2 minute walk from the IPA house. Utilising the Metro and the brilliant Portuguese rail system the group journeyed to Cascias, a beach resort, north of Lisbon, with narrow cobbled streets. An open top bus tour of the north of city allowed the group to view the many architectural landmarks and learn about the history of Lisbon - such as the stunning April 25 Bridge. The highlight of the trip was an evening river cruise on the Vista de Tago river. The 75 Euro cost included a five course meal and beverages. The next day saw the majority of the group travel on Tram 28 - an antique vehicle, up the steep climb to Castela de St Jorge. The McGregors’ said, “A very interesting branches arrived at the Metro station Colegio Militar/Luz, which was only a 10

The Cristo-Rei statue

adventure. Stunning views over the roof tops were a sight we will all remember for some time to come. ” That day’s sightseeing concluded with the group continuing the open top bus tour to the south part of the city where they enjoyed a fantastic view of the Vasco da Gama bridge from a cable car. Another tour took the group to view the towering Cristo-Rei statue which

At the riverside

The group summed up their stay saying, “Overall everyone found this to be a most enjoyable, although tiring, trip which was excellent value for money. Would we do it again? We have already had requests from other members to name the date, so the answer would have to be Yes!”

dominates the skyline on the opposite side of the river Tago. The statue is a replica of the statue of Christ in Rio de Janeiro. Spectacular views of Lisbon were enjoyed from this vantage point. The last day was reserved for ‘do your own thing day’. Some members returned to the city centre while others enjoyed a guided tour of the Estadio da Luz, Benfica Football Stadium which is also very close to the IPA house.

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POLICE WORLD Vol 59 No. 1, 2014