GOBABIS, NAMIBIA
After her harrowing tales from The Ivory Betrayal, Ashlan Barlow is supposed to be on holidays, relaxing and recuperating. Instead she, along with Lydia Parsons, Brandon Garza and Ethan Collins are in Namibia, where they look to put an end to a canned lion hunting operation.
The town of Gobabis is their base of operations, but you will want to use Windhoek as the entry and exit point. Easily accessible, but the city tends to be a better place for a pit stop and resupplying station than one to spend great amounts of time.
Gobabis is in the center of the Omaheke Region, between Windhoek and the Botswana border. Originally named as “Home of Elephants”, the town has become cattle country and a farming district. Biking and hiking adventures can await, plus the day trip to Harnas Wildlife Foundation, a sanctuary for injured and orphaned animals. You’ll see lions, cheetahs, leopards, wild dogs, antelopes, various birds and so many more in a safe natural habitat.
Traveling across Namibia is where the true adventure begins though, so let’s be prepared and do some homework before choosing the journey. When renting a vehicle, having a form of 4×4 is mandatory. The roads are easy to navigate in the desert, but certain areas can get a little dicey, plus you’ll want some ground clearance. We’re gonna pack extra clothes, food and definitely water (it’s safe to drink, but scarce) as we explore the spectacular landscapes.
Mostly an arid region, with multiple deserts, Namibia will have sights that are impossible to forget. Burnt oranges, and blood reds for mountains, rolling dunes, savannahs and canyons. Then mix in fresh greens, deep blues and sparkling whites from the dramatic, but sometimes violent coastlines.
Across the country there are some ghost towns, but also wonderful little German styled niches. Lüderitz in the southwest and Swakopmund in the west are both coastal towns that thrive on the heritage with the latter becoming a beacon in the extreme sports industry. Sandboarding, power-kiting and the exhilarating skydiving are a break from the barren plains around the highways, and since we’re taking a rest, the German cuisine and beer options are certainly a welcoming delight.
As we return to exploring the sights, stops in Fish River Canyon, Sossusvlei, and the once poacher ravaged Caprivi Strip are all must-sees. In the northern region, Etosha National Park is a popular place to see Africa’s Big 5, but so many other wildlife options are featured as well.
Namibia is an African nation that takes conservation extremely seriously. It is even written in the country’s constitution, so follow their traditions and customs. Adhering to pro-environmental actions need to be obeyed, not solely out of respect and laws, but also it will be mandatory for parts of the journey. Keep away from plastics in all your travel essentials.
A little more preparation is required when traveling in, through, across Namibia and the southern half of Africa, but the people are always friendly, the sights will be epic, and you will experience an expedition that cannot be matched. As we also see with Ashlan and Ethan’s current mission, finding out all the facts about the wildlife park that you are visiting is essential. Most are trustworthy and do genuinely want to help combat the illegal trade and hunting industry, but some only pretend, and are in fact the opposite to what they claim to be.
ST. PETERSBURG, RUSSIA
Alexei Mishanovic returns home to Russia for the first time in many years. He plans on spending time with his ailing mother in St. Petersburg, but a former commander wants to see him for another reason. An old partner of his is in possession of damaging information about their government, and they will stop at nothing to retrieve it before the truth is revealed.
St. Petersburg is known for extravagant palaces, theaters and museums, but truth be told, is one of the most picturesque cities in the world, and extremely tourist friendly. The second largest city in Russia, and until 1991, the city was called Leningrad, it is viewed upon as the cultural capital of the Federation.
Seeing everything that Peter has to offer might be an impossible feat unless we move there, but the first stop is going to be Winter Palace. Once home to Russian emperors and tsars, it now houses possibly the greatest museum in the world. With over 3 million international items, plus an unrivalled art collection, the sprawling six building (Menshikov Palace, Hermitage Theater, Great, New and Small Museums) expanse has multiple days of content possibilities. The Admiralty is across the way, but equally included in this massive coverage. Spreading this out over our trip will be a necessity.
At the core of this region we find Palace Square off the east wing. Similar to Red Square of Moscow, the plaza has historical significance, and is now a public gathering space for festivals, concerts and markets. The inspiring architecture that blankets St. Petersburg reaches a climax in this central square.
Heading out one of the grand arched entranceways, we can find Nevsky Prospekt. Alexei walks the main shopping district before heading to his meeting at a club that thrives in the prospering Russian nightlife. The main avenue in the city features cathedrals, theaters and statue laden buildings lining the entire 2.5 mile way.
Continuing to explore the city heaving with baroque style palaces, classical sculptures, and imperial gardens, we cannot forget to visit the grandiose cathedrals that tower over it. The Church of the Savior of the Spilled Blood will highlight all tourist maps, but visiting St. Isaac’s Cathedral to see its golden dome, and then climbing over 250 steps for the panoramic views below is truly another sight to behold, while the inner sanctity of the National Library of Russia offers another peaceful pit stop.
If you’re hearing shots fired, it must be noon as the historical Peter and Paul Fortress let them off daily. Located on the small Zayachy Island, the golden spire can be seen from across the city as it towers above. Visiting here is a little island, so does that mean beaches? Indeed it does. There is a nice one to spend some time at in the summer months.
Whew! Another full days of journeying means it’s time to relax. The Russian Bath Houses are definitely what we need to take off the edge. Steam rooms or steam baths are equally calming and need to be booked beforehand. After this cultural experience, Banya, keep the day low key with a good dinner followed by a night at the world renowned Mariinsky Theater. Even if the performance isn’t your thing, the building itself will be worth visiting. Besides, ending a traditional day couldn’t be more Russian than doing it with a shot or two of Vodka, and then seeing the majestic Mariinsky Ballet.
As in many European cities, a great way to tour St. Petersburg and see it from a different vantage point is on the river cruises. There are many canals and arched bridges to pass under, and many options from relaxing river boat, to speed boat and even pedal or kayak yourself.
Sleep in one day because we’re gonna have a late night. Seeing the opening of the Neva River drawbridges is a must see experience. During the hours of 1a.m. and 5a.m., many of the bridges connecting the island districts are opened to allow for the bustling container ship business to pass through. Just make sure you’re on the right of the bridge or else getting back will be extremely costly and time consuming. Going over isn’t the best of alternatives, Alexei could attest to that for you.
HELSINKI, FINLAND
Escaping to Helsinki, Finland is something that we all should want to do, but maybe not for the same reasons that Alexei does. The one thing that you will find about your journey through the capital city is how relaxing it truly is. Visually appealing colors and simple to navigate from sight to sight. Walking or biking Helsinki is very manageable, but the ease of the public tram system reduces that need, and covers the ground between even faster.
Colorful buildings and rooftops range from the style of Neoclassical to Art Nouveau to very modern, and are entwined by the numerous parks scattered throughout the spacious city. Sibelius Monument and park is a tourist favorite, as is Esplanade, the “Espa”, a huge greenspace in the center of the city that is constantly brimming with activity. Live music, theater and performers are always found for the viewing pleasure of the locals passing by, picnicking, or just people watching.
Visiting the different districts of the city will be key to planning our enjoyable visit. The Design District encompasses some of the loveliest neighborhoods, and is certainly the main stop for a warm summer day. From the local shops and cafés to the trendier designer ones in Punavouri or on Aleksanterinkatu, the shopping can all be found here. The Kamppi Shopping Center is also not too far for the general consumer, and once were shopped out, let’s head south.
Sauna is a Finnish word, and they know how to do them right. Most hotels have, and even some rooms have private ones, but the best experience has to be at Löyly Sauna. Loosen up the muscles with a relaxing spot, then head down for a dip into the Baltic Sea before one last finishing trip to warm up.
After our perfect break, back to exploring, and visiting the many gold and copper domed churches and cathedrals. Uspenski Cathedral fills that requirement and Temppeliaukio Church brings a unique look, as the “Rock” church. Senate Square is the oldest section where Helsinki Cathedral and the Government Palace can be found.
Time to have some fun, help a good cause, and see a popular feature of the city’s skyline. A little further east past Helsinki Olympic Stadium is Linnanmäki. A non-profit amusement park designed to raise money for child welfare. Featuring eight different roller coasters, plus spinning rides, tower rides and a Ferris wheel, then add in the games, arcades, food stands and Sea Life aquarium, it equals one full entertaining day.
As much as you’ll love the transparency of the city, day trips away will bring even more scenic opportunities and a chance to see into the cultural heritage the island country has to offer. Garden towns and seaside villages of Hanko, Tapiola, and Hämeenlinna are a few you’ll want to highlight. Suomenlinna seems remote on a map, but is relatively easy to get to, so don’t miss this stop. A twenty minute ferry ride and you’ll be on the fortified island fortress of Sveaborg. Walking trails, and a nature parkland are comforting, but you can make another full day here with the local museum, a submarine to tour, restaurants and a brewery to refuel.
The National Museum of Finland is back in the center if the city and the Finnish National Gallery is located on the main artery Mannerheiminite. The gallery is home to Kiasma, the museum of contemporary art, The Anteneum, which is the National Museum of Art, and the Sinebrychoff Museum.
A shining beacon in the Baltic country is Korkeasaari Zoo. Consistently rated as one of the world’s best zoos, not only for experience, but for care of animals, and for choosing conservation and biodiversity first. It is renowned for their exceptional breeding programs of endangered species, and world class staff that run the wildlife hospital.
Finally we can’t leave without rummaging through Market Square. Kauppatori is where all the tourist trinkets and food options can be found seafood being highly sought after. Finding the flavors of Finland and the flowers to brighten your day are everywhere in this outdoor market located on the main harbor front. The landing spot for all the cruise ships, sightseeing tours and dinner cruises, it was the first place Alexei headed to blend in with the crowds. 
LA PAZ, BOLIVIA
Most of Protecting the Pride takes place in the South American country of Bolivia. The sister cities of La Paz and El Alto are home to the La Sagrada el Menaje. A major cartel that the President of the United States has targeted in his war on drugs.
Using GAARD as a cover for a BlackOps team, Bernd Obergauer and Mary Jane de Visser lead the Americans in their hunt for the sinister cartel leader La Parca, but find themselves as the captured prey instead.
La Paz is nestled between the density of the Amazon rainforests and the peaks of the Andes Mountains. An urban jungle of its own, the city offers a little bit of something for everyone. A wild carnival of colors and intense music, mixed with lively people, street vendors and markets, and the diesel spewing engines that weave throughout.
The first thing you will notice and have to prepare for, is the possibility of altitude sickness. The boisterous city sits at over 3600 meters above sea level, and can drain the energy from you instantly. Take caution, but have comfort in the fact that it is quickly overcome.
Now that we’re feeling better, the adventure begins. Exploring the city will bring confusion on the winding turns where cobblestone meets concrete and then gravel, all in the same stretch. It is worth it though as the colonial born cathedrals and churches like San Francisco Cathedral are optimal for pictures. Casa de Murillo, Museo de Metales, and Coca Museum also brim history about the country and South American cultures.
Visiting the heart of the city and Plaza Murillo will definitely be on the agenda. We see GAARD face a major showdown here with the cartel and revolutionary forces, but it is also the political hub of the country with Palacio Quemada, the Presidential Palace and Parliament across from Murillo Square.
Sports enthusiasts will fall in love with the options that La Paz has to offer. From rock climbing, ATVing, and hiking the many spiky trails, they also have a one of a kind golf course and biking roads. The 18-hole greenway is unique as it is the highest elevated one in the world, and bikes need to take care on Yungas Road, the famed Death Road trail, it has that name for a reason. This is an honest and fair warning.
Depending on the time of year, a local futbol match or the National team might be playing at Hernando Siles Stadium, a beautiful patch of green amidst the urban sprawl.
Stepping away from the active lifestyle, the shopping markets have everything you may ever be looking for, and are a controlled, organized chaos. The Witches Market is exactly as it sounds. Potions, artifacts, talisman, and medicinal plants and powders for any symptom can be found in these stands run by yatiri and cholitas. Calle Sagarnaga is the shopping heart. Stores, restaurants and hotels fill the modernized option, but the most famous market can be found in El Alto. 16 de Julio is crammed, compact and extends for miles. Keep in mind though, it is only open on Sundays and Thursdays.
After either of these “extreme” activities, we’ll need to rest and grab some food. Afternoon tea is a must as dinner is not customarily held until at least 8 o’clock at night. It’s worth the wait though. Traditional dishes of silpancho, empanadas or fresh salteñas are delicious, and then chase it down with a mocochinchi, a cold peach cider. Now we might as well go see something completely out of the ordinary. Cholita wrestling, set up in the same style as famous wrestling promotions, the popularity and performances grow each year. Fun fact is that with all the work done, it originally started as a women’s empowerment movement, and became loved by everyone.
Day or multi-day trips are a great way to get away from the city for a while. There are some smaller wine country stops, but the Incan hiking trails in the Andes Mountains can bring you to views like you would never expect. Takesi Trail, El Choro, and Palca Canyon with the Valley of the Souls (Valle de Animas) are perfect examples. Illimani is the peak that you can see from across the city. The largest mountain of the range has some strenuous trails as well.
Want to hover above it all? Mi Teleferico Cable Car is cheap and an absolute must see and do during your visit. An ever expanding system of 7 different tram lines in the sky can deliver you high above La Paz, El Alto and all the way up to Illimani. Amazing panoramic views of the cities and the valley below are the icing on the cake that might make you not want to leave.
WASHINGTON D.C., U.S.A.
Washington D.C., the heart of democracy in America, but also the birthplace of shadowed meetings, deep throats, and where an individual’s definition of politics becomes based solely on how many votes they get. President James Denton sets in motion a mission that he believes will help the American people, but ends up battling not only for his political agenda, but also with his own inner conscious as well.
If you have not been to the American capital yet, then it truly needs to be your next holiday venture. Spring and autumn are great times to visit, and summer can be desperately hot, but don’t worry, everywhere has air conditioning, and how can you turn down the celebration of Independence Day on the National Mall.
The National Mall is essentially where we will be spending most of our time in and around. The natural greenbelt stretches almost 2 miles from the Capitol Building to the Lincoln Memorial. Officially a natural park, The Mall is the metropolitan center of D.C., and is a symbolic setting for museums, memorials and government buildings along the way. Also used for concerts, gatherings, festivals and pop-up markets during the seasonal months.
In the heart of the dignified park is the Washington Monument. Iconic on its own, the 555-foot tall Masonic obelisk is surrounded by 50 flags at its base and the memorials honoring the veterans of World War II, Vietnam, and the Korean War. If you aren’t bothered by heights, the elevator will take you all the way to the top observation deck for a view across the nation that is hard to forget.
From the memorials, we pass by the Washington Monument Reflecting Pool on our way to possibly the most beloved statue or cenotaph in the world, the Lincoln Memorial. Sitting atop the fifty-eight step march, is the 19-foor tall marble statue of the 16th President of the United States. Inside the sanctified chamber you can find two of his historical speeches inscribed, and when standing back on the steps facing the Pool, you can almost hear Martin Luther King Jr’s, “I have a dream” address.
Lining the National Mall, and even more scattered across Washington are the famous expeditions of the Smithsonian Institute. 19 museums and galleries, plus the National Zoo will cover all the history and entertainment you will need for an entire trip. The National Air & Space Museum, National Museum of Natural History, National Gallery of Art, National Museum of American History, and National Museum of African American History and Culture are some of the most visited, but ALL of them have free admittance. There is truly no better way to see history come to life.
Walking D.C. is the best option as most places are central, but the subway is fast and efficient and there is even another fun way to get travel. Segway Tours are quick, relaxing, and if done by a quirky guide, a wonderful experience. Here is another city that must be done a second time at night. The monuments and memorials are powerfully lit up when the sun sets, allowing for even more magical photo opportunities. Twilight tours at dusk and midnight tours later in the evening are guided, but let’s also keep an eye out for those shadowy figures meeting and plotting their own personal political agendas.
There is so much to see in Washington that you’ll probably have to come back at least one more time, but no visit could ever be fully complete without seeing the White House. Tours inside are available, but you do have to request and book them months in advance. The Secret Service does need to vet the guests after all. Even without entry though, patrolling the grounds, and seeing the illustrious building, North and South Lawns, and of course The Ellipse will bring a patriotic feeling upon you.
Stay relatively central, in one of the surrounding neighborhoods of the District of Colombia, or over the Potomac River in Virginia and you’ll be able to find stunning hotels ranging from budget to luxury. One last travel tip is to look at flights in and out of Baltimore’s International Airport and take the train into D.C., it’s sometimes easier than the much busier Reagan or Dulles airports.
VALLETTA, MALTA
Sierra-Eight team members Jerome Dustinson and Patrick Callaghan have been assigned to security detail outside of the American Embassy in Attard on the island Republic of Malta. After another attack on a second U.S. consulate was successful, the rebuilding begins, but what starts out as a simple punishment assignment, quickly turns into an event with international consequences.
Attard is one of many towns that make up three island archipelago of Malta in the center of the Mediterranean Sea. Valletta, the capital city is an elegant fortress and the perfect spot to use as a home base as we explore the beaches and architectural history of the island nation. Depending on how long you are visiting should factor into where to stay and how to get around. Hotels will certainly be an easy option, but with a little more preparation, a very affordable apartment rental is certainly a good decision. You get to delve into the culture, and experience local foods instead of simply restaurant or takeout. If we’re sticking to main destinations and clocks, the bus service of Malta will be the desired choice and covers almost every corner coast-to-coast, but again a compact car rental provides more freedoms for exploration.
Heading west from Valletta, we find the quiet, medieval hilltop town of Mdina, where you’ll feel like you have jumped right into the pages of a fairy tale. After a quick stop, the ramparts of the neighboring township of Rabat sitting at its base will allow for more photo opportunities.
Continuing northwest will be where we’ll spend most of our journey with so much to see and experience. Golden Bay might be the first of the beaches visited on Malta, but it certainly won’t be the last. Soft sands and safe waters greet us for a fine day of relaxation before moving up to the next stop on the road.
Mellieha, a peaceful seaside town in the northwest beckons with its alluring design, easy-going atmosphere of Mellieha Beach, and if you’re looking for some family fun, Popeye Village. It is as stated, a one-time movie set turned tourist park made famous by the lovable sailor. Toot! Toot!
The western most port of the busy center is where we’ll be able to grab a ferry to the island of Gozo. Quiet towns, pristine beaches and architectural remains are flush across the Neolithic isle. Ramla Bay will be where the beach-goers head immediately, but if we need a break from the sun, and need to get back to adventure, the hiking trails are just the thing. The fortress town of Victoria has the Cittadella, home to the impressive Cathedral of the Assumption, but visiting the ruins of Ġgantija Temples will be a must see for everybody.
Before officially returning to the Malta mainland, the third of the island trio to form the Republic awaits us. Sitting between Gozo and Malta is Comino, a former isolation hospital and prison, but now uninhabited, and a current nature reserve and bird sanctuary. Cominotto Beach has great swimming and diving prospects plus the famed Blue Lagoon resides here, possibly nature’s perfect pool of crystal waters.
As we head back along the northern coastline, we can find some beautiful views from endless temples and ruins. More beaches and diving with warm waters, stunning marine life, and sunken underwater treasures of shipwrecks past and airplane skeletons from World War II. Malta National Aquarium is located in St. Paul’s Bay and the Mediterraneo Marine Park is a theme attraction in the village of Baħar iċ-Ċagħaq.
Back at our base city of Valletta, we can spend much time exploring the walled city with the sights of the Opera House, Parliament Building and the eye-catching Valletta City Gate. Coursing through the limestone streets brings us to Grand Master’s Palace and St. John’s Co-Cathedral. Don’t worry if you get lost, you won’t be the only one as Malta receives more visitors every year than residents, so you both might be searching for the same aid.
If we’re planning this trip in advance, take time to book a reservation at Hal Saflieni Hypogoen. The 5,000 year old ancient underground burial chamber has been preserved, but only available to ten people per hour to maintain its conservation. The town of Vittoriosa, Birgu locally, has the restored Fort St. Angelo which was once home to the Knights of Malta. Across the island we can also find Tarxien, Hagar Qim and Mnajdra Temples plus so many other architectural wonders that have been named as World Heritage Sites.
Vising Malta can be done at any time that you feel like you need an escape from the realities of the urban lifestyle. Surrounded by deep blue seas, scorching sunshine and palm tree greens, the weather is perfect year round. The traditional Maltese music is soothing, food passionate and drinks are always cold.