Georgia Wever of the US-based FFALB (Friends & Family of the Abraham Lincoln Brigade) writes…
The 80th anniversary of the International Brigades is being celebrated all over Europe, indeed the world, in books, journals, articles,and events. The most important commemoration will be in Spain, of course, with our Amigos, AABI, KFSR, ACER and others. It will be a trip to remember.
That is why we have made a last minute effort for FFALB to be represented in Spain. We are grateful for the assistance from Global Exchange in making this happen.
Here is the proposal:
23 October through 30 October
Benicassim - Albacete - Madrid
We have 3 or 4 star hotel arrangements as follows:
Two nights at Hotel Intur Orange in Benicassim with breakfast
Two nights at Hotel Europa in Albacete with breakfast
Three nights at Hotel Moderno in Madrid with breakfast
The plan includes motor coach or van transportation for the group and airport transfer back to the Madrid airport at the end. The cost is US$1,175 for 7 nights and 8 days if we have at least 12 people. The rate is for double occupancy; US$300 additional for singles.
Please reply to Lise Vogel lvogel@mindspring.com immediately if you are interested, because we do not have the required 12 people yet. If 12 people respond with high interest and a willingness to send a deposit, we must proceed quickly. This offer is extended to friends of FFALB as well.
These hotels agreed to hold our reservations for the next week only. If you are interested, you will be asked to make a deposit next week.
We think this arrangement will work for people who are coming from Paris by air or train, people who fly directly to Madrid, or people who intend to arrive in Spain earlier and join us. This tour starts with a coach pick-up in Valencia airport with transport to hotel in Benicassim.
For your information, the AABI itinerary is as follows:
October 23: Arrival in Benicassim. Night in Benicassim.
October 24: Event in Benicassim (unveiling a monument likely). Unveiling plaque in IB hospital (now Hotel Voramar). Visit to cemetery. Film screening. Visit to villas where Brigaders recovered. Night in Benicassim.
October 25: Departure from Benicassim to Albacete. Event in Albacete (unveiling of a plaque is being discussed). Night in Albacete.
October 26: Event in Albacete-UCLM / Madrigueras? (to be decided). Night in Albacete.
October 27: Departure from Albacete to Madrid. Night in Madrid.
October 28: Visit to Jarama/Guadalajara (to be decided). Night in Madrid.
October 29: Unveiling of monument in Vicálvaro to the International Brigades. Night in Madrid.
October 30: Departure from Madrid.
Please contact Lise Vogel if interested lvogel@mindspring.com
On 9 September Kerstin Hommel of the Berlin-based KFSR, wrote to say…
We will be currently 18 people in Paris, 22 in Benicàssim, 20 in Albacete and 35 in Madrid.
We have already booked flights and rooms.
The ACER group from France, with the group from Denmark, almost fill a bus of 55 people. Because we are about 20 people we want to ask you if anyone wants join a bus with us?
The bus will go from Valencia airport (where we will arrive on 23 October at 12 noon) to Benicàssim; from Benicàssim to Albacete; from Albacete to Madrid. We can also use the bus in Albacete for the excursion to Madrigueras. The proposal of the bus company is to charge nearly 1,400 €.
If anyone is interested in bus sharing, please write to me: hommelberlin@aol.com
Posted on 23 August 2016; updated on 9 Septmeber 2016.