LONDON, ENGLAND
London, England, a vibrant ecofriendly city of arts and entertainment, and truly one of the world’s most important global cities. Highlighted by a rich history, full of culture and iconic buildings and palaces, but also home to GAARD, the Global Agency for Animals Response and Defense.
British philanthropist and founder Julien Walter Moncrieff first introduces us to who they are, and what they do at a stunning Christmas gala in The Pavilion at the Tower of London. As visitors here, you could easily spend hours poring over the historic information, even how it has once been everything from a prison to a zoo.
Exploring London is a magical journey through so many vast and varying boroughs and neighborhoods that it will be impossible to become uninterested. Whether it is the bustling Soho, posh Notting Hill, or ever-changing Stratford, each village-like atmosphere will bring you a different sense of longing.
“The City” is a shopper’s paradise and a fashion destination with answers to everything you are looking for, from flea markets and vintage, to retail and luxury. Spending the day in Shoreditch will cure all those cravings. Are we hungry yet? Good, because let’s just stay here for the multiple theme-style bars/pubs in this thriving neighborhood. At the end of a long day, refueling will be necessary because the nightlife scene in Shoreditch is where we want to be.
Of course if you’re looking for a more relaxing or quirky dinner, head into the cultural borough of Camden where world-renowned cuisine is available, along with some amazing street food options.
Westminster is the political hub with Houses of Parliament and the legendary Big Ben standing proudly at the base of Westminster Bridge. What could be more symbolic and scream London, than a photograph with a shiny red double-decker bus in front of the monumental clock tower. Just down the street is the famed Westminster Abbey, stop by and maybe we can just wander into a wedding ceremony, royalty is a possibility.
Staying in the heart of the noble city, the London Eye will be out next stop. The ever-expanding tales from the new-age monument grow with excitement each year. Originally constructed for the millennium year celebration, it is still the focal point of every New Year’s Eve fireworks display. A relaxing half-hour circular tour allows for some fascinating sights and beautiful panoramic experiences of the city from over 400-feet in the air. Although, if you want to go even higher, check out the observation deck on the 72-story skyscraper, The Shard.
Nearby is the London Aquarium, and public plaza Trafalgar Square which hosts annual celebrations and was the site of gatherings, protests and the historical Bloody Sunday. The National Gallery is also located at this gateway and the mix of Tate Museum, Science Museum, British Museum and National History Museum should be on everybody’s list. Another gateway for the city is Piccadilly Circus. Instantly recognizable with the bright flashing lights and huge electronic screens, this is the sister version of Times Square, but remember, “this is Lon-don baby!”
Plan your days accordingly to the fluctuating weather and enjoy it with the least amount of worry. A London Travel Card will definitely make using the public transportation much easier. Riding one of the nation’s iconic buses is an experience you must have, and London Underground, the “tube”, looks complex, but is simple. Some of the busiest stops like King’s Cross, Paddington or Waterloo Station all have millions of visitors per year, so the layout is quick and easy. Looking for a more picturesque way to travel across the urban sprawl? They’ve got that covered for you as well. River Cruises on the Thames are an option, but also there is the Emirates Air Line. A cable car that crosses part of the city offering some great photo opportunities, maybe even some selfies!
Finally, no expedition to London could be complete without strolling through Green Park to see Buckingham Palace. Time it right, and you could experience the changing of the guard, then follow them while they march between sites. The greenspaces abound with Hampstead Heath, Kensington Gardens and the spacious Hyde Park all available for relaxing picnics, walks or just to stop and rest. Look up and wave though and you might just see Julien in a window, his home is one of the penthouses overlooking the Hyde Park.
YEREVAN, ARMENIA
When the President elect of the Republic of Armenia requests the help of GAARD, team leader Ashlan Barlow jumps at the opportunity to assist the landlocked country. Yerevan is the capitol and largest city in Armenia which has undergone major transformations and infrastructure developments since the early 2000’s.
I’m sure the first question will be, is it safe? Absolutely. Once under Soviet rule, the country of Armenia received independence in 1991, and is now a booming hotspot for tourism. Luxury hotels, modern restaurants, nightclubs and casinos are entwined with nostalgic jazz cafés and tea houses. Navigation could still be tough with rough roads, and non-Armenian or Russian speakers might struggle, but the friendly faces always make it work out.
Walking around on your own, or in a guided journey of the city is certainly a highlight of the “Pink City”. The nickname comes from the color of the stones that are used to construct the city center, Kentron. Through your tour, you’re going to learn about the city’s complex, ancient history and rich, resilient culture.
Kentron is where you will find the Opera House, Blue Mosque, and the famous Cascade Complex. A giant staircase connecting the city to the Monument neighborhood. Yes, I said giant! 8 levels of stairs that will have you begging for an escalator, but once you make it the top, a breathtaking sight of the city awaits. Once you fall in love, you will, be sure to come back at night and do it all over again because it’s worth it ten times over.
Republic Square, or Hraparak as locals call it is a large plaza with the National Gallery, Government House and History Museum within its grasps, but the musical fountains bring the majority of spectators, and can be watched for hours. Again, the night show will be the second time you spend coming back here without a doubt.
Kond is another of the oldest quarters filled with thick clay stone walls and narrow winding streets that allow you disappear into the ancient world. Although, if you’re looking for family fun, be sure to visit Yerevan Water World. 10 different swimming pools and 12 waterslides can cap any summer day, and in the winter months, pools turn into skating rinks. Too much fun and sun? Dip into Aquatek next door and relax at the hotel and spa.
Day trips off the beaten path and away from the capitol city will further introduce you to the medieval and ancient heritage that’s everywhere in the country. Lori Province, Aragatsotn, and Noravank Regions open to an endless reign of monasteries including Tatev Monastery which has the world’s longest ropeway. The Armenian Stonehenge, Karahunj, is a place to be visited, but of course another a great way to see the countryside in these mountainous regions is from above. Paragliding is becoming extremely popular for tourists and adrenalin junkies alike.
While visiting you have to eat, or, if you need another reason to add Yerevan to your must visit list, it’s certainly is going to be the food. Armenian cuisine is delicious, savory and fresh with flavor and spices. Yerevan is full of restaurants and street cafés because the locals love their coffee, and they know how to do it right.
VIENNA, AUSTRIA
Escaping back to the solace of her home in Vienna, Austria, Ashlan Barlow has a unique introduction to Tristan’s brother Ethan. Vienna, Wein, truly is a city of elegance and grandeur. Prosperous and full of cultural innovations, you could discover it for a month and still not see everything that the city has to offer.
The first decision that will need to be made, is when to visit the “City of Dreams”. Choosing the summer months allows you experience glimmering palaces, blossoming gardens and cozy wine taverns to their heightened beauty, but a choice of early winter opens up the Viennese charms of Christmas.
We find Ashlan somberly strolling through Wurstelprater, or The Prater. A large public park that has a little bit of something for everybody. Old-fashioned amusement park rides and games, sports fields, a miniature steam railroad (Liliputbahn), and even a dinosaur park. With this carnival-like atmosphere, there is certain to be food. Tent vendors are a tasty option, but if you’re looking for something quieter and more private, you can book a pod on the Wiener Riesenrad. The Riesenrad is a giant Ferris wheel and focal point in The Prater, but transforms into a romantic dinner option in the evenings.
Musical heritage and fabled collections of art surround the city in the various districts, but many can be walked to as we follow Ringstraße, a 5km boulevard connecting the city together. Burgtheater, Urania Observatory, and famed Vienna State Opera House highlight more than a dozen landmarks that are constructed in the dashing Gothic, Renaissance, Baroque or Rococo styles. On this stretch you can also spend a day exploring Wiener Rathaus, Vienna City Hall, and the large plaza which is always bustling with activity. While trying to escape their hunters, Ashlan and Ethan mix into the Rathausplatz crowds celebrating the Christmas festival and Vienna Ice World with ice skating rink. Depending on your time of year to visit, the large square is also home to New Year’s Eve and video game, bicycle, gourmet food or film festivals as well, so be sure to stop by and partake.
As our adventure continues, we have to discover all the hidden charisma that those glimmering palaces hold. Day and night trips both have their visual delights. The Hofburg is still the official seat for the Austrian President, but the various buildings could occupy you for days as they reflect so many historical periods. The Imperial Apartments, Silver Collection, Imperial Chapel, Hofburg Treasury and Sisi Museum are certainly starting points, but do not forget to take your time around Schönbrun Palace and Gardens. Designated a World Heritage Site, it has beauty beyond compare, highlight the Gloriette for scenic photos as well. Of course there is something for the kids too, the Children’s Museum has fun activities plus the opportunity to dress up like a prince or princess!
Getting around the various districts in Vienna can be made simple with the ease of the tram service which can take you to the sights that are distant. Stephensplatz, home to St. Stephen’s Cathedral is a symbol of Vienna, and if you feel like scooting up the 343 steps to the Tower Room, you’ll be rewarded with an impressive panoramic view across the city’s horizon.
Another great place for scenic views is Danube Tower. The tallest standing structure has a high speed elevator ride to the observation floor, and again, we have another great spot to take time for snack or full meal at one of either the café or dining restaurant. Across the park from here, you might as well visit the United Nations. Simply the international center consisting of office buildings, but the courtyards do have some pavilions, and the area is quite picturesque.
The family fun adventures continue at the National History Museum with another Dinosaur Hall, actual meteorites on display, and a full domed planetarium. The Vienna Zoo is one of the oldest in the world, has over 700 inhabitants, and an amazing little café, the Imperial Breakfast Pavilion. Be sure to double check their website for the animal feeding times as well. Around the corner is Haus des Meeres (a public aquarium), and The Butterfly House (Schmetterlinghaus) is back at the heart of Vienna in the Innere Stadt, the “Old Town” district.
Regardless of much time you have to visit Vienna, enjoy it, there is many reasons to keep going back. Personally one of my favorite cities, I certainly can see why Ashlan and Tristan called it home. Don’t forget about the Viennese cakes and pastries!
DAR es SALAAM, TANZANIA
When Tristan Collins receives a call from one of his men, the GAARD team leader rushes to Dar es Salaam to meet with his unit as they continue to hunt those responsible for running poaching operations across Africa.
The one time fishing village on the coast of the Indian Ocean, Dar es Salaam, Dar to the locals, is now a thriving tropical metropolis that has grown economically into Tanzania’s commercial hub with a bustling harbor that is East Africa’s second largest port.
Also known as “Haven of Peace”, the tourism industry has begun to boom in Dar with a consistently beautiful temperatures and gleaming rays daily from a penetrating sun. Oyster Bay is where we’ll find the famed Coco Beach north of the main city on Msasani Peninsula. There will be plenty of luxury hotels with affordable prices to keep us close to the attractive beaches, restaurants, concerts and street food options. Slipway Mall is close and home to upscale shopping needs.
Of course the other must visit shopping area is back in the center of the city. Kariakoo Market is a sprawling tapestry of colors, music and people. Tristan heads there to meet with Sa’ad amidst the organized chaos. Extended over numerous blocks, this shopping district has everything you might ever be looking for, but also be sure to do so with care. A local guide is suggested, and foreigners should venture sensibly during the day.
St. Joseph’s Cathedral is a Roman Catholic Church to see, but to learn about the history and cultures of the Tanzanian people, let’s take the time to visit the National Museum of Tanzania which incorporates the National Museum and House of Culture and the Village Museum. The beautiful Botanical Gardens is also right near our stop.
Birders will love the guided walking tours available as our feathered friends here are some of the finest colored that birdwatchers will see, but also the water bugs will adore the wildlife under the surface. Day trips to the surrounding islands and coral reefs will certainly keep the mood relaxed. Mbudya and Bongoyo islands off the north and south peninsulas are the summits of white sandy beaches and turquoise blue waters for snorkeling, swimming and sun bathing.
If you are more adventurous and have a free weekend, an absolute must do is approximately five hours further north, Udzungwa Mountains National Park has great hiking trails and some of the most picturesque landscapes found across Africa.
Towering high above Dar es Salaam in the administrative district of Kurasini are the PSPF Towers. The twin masts are based out of commercial realty, but also home condominiums and shopping gallery. Tristan performs two death defying aerial acrobatics while attempting to break into the Port Authority and then his escape from an assault high above the city.
BEIJING, CHINA
After our first introduction to Ashlan’s brother Harrison, we find him and his team working in Beijing, China. Hot on the trails of black market ivory sales, Barlow and Mary Jane de Visser are determined to cease operations in a small store in the shopping district of Dongcheng which is within walking distance to Tiananmen Square.
Tiananmen Square will certainly be on your list of places to visit in Beijing. The symbol of Communist China was designed to hold a million people, but will forever be remembered for the historical student demonstrations in 1989 with hopes of social reform changes. You can still feel goosebumps standing in the square while closing your eyes to relive the life-changing significance.
A quick walk north will find you at the Imperial Palace, also known as the Forbidden City. The structures from the ancient days still stand strong. Originally constructed in the 13th century, but then reopened as a museum in 1925. We are now allowed to walk these hallowed grounds, when in the past it was never accessible by ordinary citizens. The ghosts of emperors past fill the labyrinth of halls, corridors and pergolas, but as you dive deeper into your journey, you might even discover an area that is still unexplored to this day. Highlights of the revered attraction include the Meridian Gate, Hall of Preserving Harmony, Palace of Heavenly Purity, and the Golden River Bridges. After all the walking, a rest in Beihai Park down the street will be needed.
South of Tiananmen Square brings us to the Temple of Heaven, Tiantán, which incorporates some of Beijing’s most sacred buildings. Truly a divine sight to behold, plus another great place to rest and enjoy the locals in the surrounding gardens. Before leaving though, we have to visit the Echo Wall, I dare you to be quiet enough to not receive a reverberating call.
Beijing is the capitol city in the Republic of China, and one of the most populous in the world. The megacity is the political center of the country, but also one of the oldest, processing the richest of histories. Beijing Capital Museum is a leading art museum chock-full of cultural artifacts, scripts and writings. The Beijing Ancient Observatory may even teach you about some long lost stars that you never knew existed, while the Beijing Zoo is home to over 15,000 different species from all over the world, it does not get the highest of praise from visitors, and is one GAARD pays close attention on.
Through these more modern feats, it still bring us to visit some of the most important landmarks, imposing structures and “heavenly” gateways into our past. As we journey just outside of the city, we find the picture perfect setting of the Summer Palace. A sprawling countryside of rolling hills, temples, bridges and gardens. Hours will disappear as you enjoy the ambience, and maybe even the “Long Corridor” itself with thousands of paintings, but if the kids need a break (okay, or you), take a ride on the dragon themed crafts that patrol the rivers.
It might be our last stop, but definitely could be your first. The Great Wall of China, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. It is a short day trip from the city and has two possible entry points for astonishing places to see, Badaling Pass and Mutianyu. The total length is over 13,000 miles, but we don’t have to cover the whole thing as a short cable car ride ascends us to the elevated vantage points where we can explore the features, towers and parapets of the magical landmark that is draped across the Jundu Mountain range.
NICOSIA, CYPRUS
Ethan Collins and his elite team of U.S. Rangers are positioned outside of the American Embassy on the island country of Cyprus preparing to assault the hostage takers, but we’ll get to explore the sun-drenched landscapes and Mediterranean culture much more thoroughly.
The Greek and Turkish nation is split into six different districts with Nicosia being housed as the capital, but to truly enjoy the country we have to travel around and visit them all. Don’t fret though, the roadways in Cyprus are excellent and from the central city we are never more than a couple hours away.
Our host city is our starting point, a good central locale that on the outside seems more businesslike than that of a vacation hotspot, but it does have some charms. Cyprus Museum, Byzantine Museum and Selimiye Mosque are a great beginning. Ledra Street has cultural significance and is now the shopping hub, but one of our biggest highlights of Nicosia is the food. A wonderful pallet combination of Greek and Turkish available dishes keep us coming back to our home base.
To the southwest we find the second largest city of Limassol. The perfect combination of the old world meeting the modern age as destinations like Cyprus Medieval Museum at Limassol Castle, and Prokymea Sculpture Park are interlaced with the contemporary features of shopping, hotels and restaurants.
The most westerly district is Paphos, an archeologist’s dream come true. With the entire city being named a World Heritage Site, the Tomb of Kings is a highlight. From the sea caves near Coral Bay to the Avakas Gorge, photographic hiking opportunities abound as we delve into the chiseled crevices on the coast. The Baths of Aphrodite are straight from Greek mythology, and the views are too. Traveling a little further north we find the secluded Lara Beach. Relatively unscathed by tourism, this limestone shoreline is a perfect end to the day while watching the sun set. Do keep an eye out for the wildlife though, this is turtle-hatching country.
Perfectly positioned between these three cities is the Troödos Mountain Range which is scattered with timeworn churches full of artistic appeal. The small village of Omodos is nestled in the rolling hills, and in the winter months, the peaks are even home to skiers.
Back at our base camp, we heading north towards the old cobble-stoned town of Kyrenia. The Old Harbor was once a major port of Cyprus, but now the calm waters have been reinvented and remodeled for modern restaurants and cafés to align them. St. Hilarion Castle overlooks the Mediterranean Sea with views all along the Anatolian Coast, but be wary as you explore the fabled grounds that inspired the story of Sleeping Beauty. Local legends and myth speak of fairies and tales and mystic creatures that once occupied the deteriorating towers and crumbling walls.
Each of our day trips and adventures is full of fun and history, but we are also here in Cyprus to relax, take in the unending rays of sunshine and enjoy the endless beaches. Everywhere we go that is possible, as the coastal cities are all covered by them. The most popular one with tourists is Nissi Beach in the resort town of Ayia Napa. The southeastern district of Famagusta is home to the party capital. Crystal clear waters are the backdrop for the city that doesn’t sleep. The nightlife here is where you want to go to dance the night away, and in the summer months, a central plaza, Circus Square is even turned into an outdoor venue that is simply, fire!
