PRAGUE, CZECHIA
Prague, the enchanting European capital city teeming with bohemian allure and real life fairy-tale features begins as the backdrop for The Prague Reprisal. Rachel Stackwell, linguist professor from the University of Wisconsin reluctantly returns to where a terrorist attack tore the love of her life away from her.
We find Prague, the City of 1000 Spires, to be a magnificent stop. A cultural center, and magical city of bridges, cathedrals and golden tipped towers boasting an immense world of history, music, art and architecture. We’re certainly going to need our comfortable walking shoes as it’s the easiest and best way to get around the cobblestoned city.
Prague cannot be done in a couple days, at least not properly. Divided into districts, Prague 1 is considered the heart. While each possesses its own historical significance, we will follow Rachel’s rediscovery of the city she both loves and hates.
Wenceslas Square, technically a boulevard spanning closer to a mile the highlight of “New Town” is an architectural treasure and tourist favorite. Highlighted by the National Museum and the Statue of Saint Wenceslas, the thoroughfare is lined with some of the best shopping and dining experiences in all of Europe. The main artery hosts many tourist stops, shops and distractions, but be sure to venture down one of the smaller alleys to find some amazing eateries.
Reaching the base of the boulevard, the traffic thins into a pedestrian heavy formula with many cobblestone tributaries. The narrow streets bring a romantic charm to the atmosphere while diving deeper towards Old Town. Gothic, Baroque, Art Nouveau, and Renaissance styled buildings take over the landscape while we weave the pathways that seem to run in aimless directions. You will definitely need a map if it’s your first time visiting Prague, as it is easy to get lost amongst the labyrinth of alleyways.
Old Town Square is the historic center of Prague. Here we will discover a new world that you may just want to stay. Rachel never quite made it to the top of Old Town Hall Tower, but you will certainly want to ascend the many stairs (too many, haha), and take in the views that cover the landscapes of the cultural city. Don’t worry, there is also an elevator!
Across the vast plaza, you will find more fine dining, cafés, and the unmistakable Church of Our Lady before Týn, or Týn Church. The two twin spires are a sight on their own before you venture inside. Winding around the many streets here, you will also be able to discover Clementinum and the National Library, Municipal House, the National Gallery of Prague and the National Theatre. Of course, a visit here would not be complete without seeing the Astronomical Clock and experiencing the twelve apostles performing their mechanical promenade at the top of each hour.
Visiting Prague in late November or December will make you pack an extra layer of clothing or two, but being there to experience the Christmas Markets in Old Town Square, Wenceslas Square, or any of the other dozen beautiful stops, is definitely worth the trade-off. Just grab a hot chocolate and a fresh, warm Trdelník. Yum!
Passing through the gothic gates, we find Karluv Most, Charles Bridge. Rachel’s most harrowing and enduring visit of her life. Charles Bridge will certainly be the latter for you. Picturesque and panoramic views will highlight your memories forever as Prague Castle, Petrin Hill and the Vltava River surround each photo opportunity while discovering the Saints. 30 renowned statues line the overpass, each with their own story or legend of romance, intrigue or superstition. Some are history, some are folklore, and some are completely made up by tour guides to both amaze and bewilder us as tourists.
Crossing over the Vltava River, we find ourselves in Malá Strana, Lesser Town. The name simply refers to it being the smaller town, or at the base of Prague Castle because the historic neighborhood is equally as stunning. Some of Prague’s best pubs (and there are numerous across the city), are situated in this district, so be sure to experience some of Europe’s top shelf beer.
Spending an entire day at Pražský hrad, Prague Castle may not be enough. The vast fortress is the largest castle complex in the world and has plenty to see and do. From walking tours to changing of the guards, we get the opportunity to explore the Royal Garden, Vladislav Hall and the main gallery of the Old Royal Palace. St. Vitus Cathedral is also a must see once on the grounds, but do also check for into any featured cultural events taking place at the time of your visit like lectures, workshops, or concerts.
Finally, be prepared to take your time and enjoy the ambiance. Change over your dollars or Euros into the local Czech Koruna to make everything simpler. The resident culture is calm and laidback with friendly atmosphere. Stop for that local coffee, beer and meals though, as we will undoubtedly need to go back out at night and see all the same sights again, as the lights of the night are truly an amazing sight to behold. 
MADISON, USA
As a professor, Rachel Stackwell has settled into the quaint college town of Madsion, Wisconsin. Without the mainstay hustle and bustle of a large expansive city, Madison has a charming small town USA feel, but with some of the best cafés, restaurants, pubs and breweries to compete with any city in the world. First stop is the Madison Eats food tour to taste test the town!
We’ll definitely be looking to stay within walking distance of the pedestrian mall encompassing State Street since this is where the vast array of these wonderful ethnic restaurants are located, plus at the end of the street is the picturesque Wisconsin State Capitol. A calming tour of the grounds can also lead to the observation deck so we can catch a glimpse around the town and the boisterous colors.
Depending on when we visit Madison, we’ll experience the lush greens of summer, or the reds, oranges and yellows in the fall months, but regardless, there will be things to do and see. The summer brings out concerts in the square and plenty of rooftop concerts. A very walkable and bikable town with plenty of nature preserves and main hiking expeditions for the adventurous. The Arboretum is a beautiful extension of the University and has over seventeen miles of trails through prairies, woodlands, wetlands and savannahs. Students use it for research, but we can explore the various grounds on footpaths, boardwalks and hiking trails. Bring your sturdy shoes!
Rachel takes us on one of her runs through the many parks and greenspaces across Madison before remembering the visit of the President of the United States at Camp Randall Stadium. Home of her University of Wisconsin’s Badgers, it is also where Derian Haynes first comforts the national leader. Whether you’re a football fan or not, taking an afternoon during their season is a must just to experience the atmosphere between the third and fourth quarters. Jump Around could be the most electric feeling for fans in all of college sports.
There is a small town feel to Madison so festivals and specialty holiday days are in abundance, but also we can find one of the country’s oldest Farmer’s Markets sitting near downtown. A little Madison treasure is the amazing and unique shopping found here. Chocolate lovers from around the world will also simply not want to miss visiting Gail Ambrosius Chocolatier.
As we continue experiencing the sights, we can’t miss Olbrich Botanical Gardens with plenty of ground to cover, an indoor tropical conservatory and Thai Pavilion, the only one in all of the United States. Henry Vilas Zoo is admission free, wonderful for families and has a big cat exhibit and tropical rainforest aviary as well as behind the scenes tours.
Baseball has a rich history here with many professional players spending time at the Duck Pond, home of the Madison Mallards of the Northwoods collegiate league. The Madison Museum of Contemporary Art is an enjoyable stop, as is the University of Wisconsin’s Chazen Museum of Art or Geology Museum. Since we’re back on campus though, we’re going to make one final stop and trek to Memorial Union or its own dairy store and grab some of the famous Babcock Ice Cream.
NEW YORK CITY, USA
After her escape from Wisconsin, Rachel once again becomes her legend Sophia Warner. Traveling to New York City, she returns to a residential church which is also a CIA sanctuary for personal supplies.
New York, the city that truly never sleeps is a sprawling metropolis that has so much to and do that you could visit a hundred times, and still explore and discover something new each and every visit. Home to the biggest museums, dazzling lights, panoramic views from the tallest buildings, and if you believe the locals, the best pizza in the world.
Diving into our expedition, we have to begin with one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, the Statue of Liberty on Liberty Island. A must see with every visit, but especially for first timers to Nu Yorḵ. With a quick ferry back to Battery Park, The Battery, we’ll stay in lower Manhattan and spend some time in the open park setting of the haunting yet beautiful National 9/11 Memorial and Museum.
Heading north, Rachel is chased through Clinton into the new development at the Hudson Yards on the West Side of Manhattan. Hell’s Kitchen still has a gritty reputation, but you really cannot get any more New York than here. Towering skylines, hectic traffic, and savory smells and aromas that will make you crave any or all of the multiethnic passions filling the air.
The Hudson Yards is home to two of the newest vantage points in The Big Apple. The Edge is a lofty observation deck, and The Vessel is undeniably unique to look at, but with 154 interconnecting flights of stairs and landings, the soaring spiral staircase brings opportunities to see the city at many different levels.
Speaking of incredible views, every visit to New York must include escalating to tops of many of the highlighting skyscrapers and their own observation decks. The Empire State Building is legendary, but don’t miss out on Top of the Rock near Rockefeller Center or One World Observatory which sets you over one hundred stories above the megalopolis at One World Trade Center on West Street.
We did mention visiting some of the biggest museums and certainly The Met, Metropolitan Museum of Art fills that void, while closer to Rachel’s adventure is the Intrepid Sea, Air and Space Museum. Located on the illustrious aircraft carrier, this institution presents an interactive journey through American aviation with numerous airplanes, fighter jets and helicopters, plus the actual space shuttle Enterprise.
New York City is a vast and wonderful experience that could go on forever, but unfortunately our stopover cannot. Walking tours or bike rentals can be found in whichever neighborhood we see and horse carriage rides as renowned in Central Park, but please plan the time to see the spectacle of Broadway, the glamorous boutiques in SoHo, or the beauty of the tumultuary at Grand Central Terminal.
Stepping outside the bustle of the city finds scenery and splendid that could only be found on the East Coast of the United States, but with New York City as a backdrop, we fantasize about bright flashing lights and throngs of people as far as the eye can see, so we must finish in the middle of it all, the enchanting electricity of Times Square.
THE MALDIVES
A vacation hotspot for many lovers and honeymooners, but the Republic of the Maldives should be seen as so much more. The island nation is idyllic. Beautiful sugary white sand beaches reaching as far as the eye can see, mixed with golden rays of n ever present sun reflecting off clear emerald and blue waters. A paradise in the Indian Ocean.
The Maldives is a an archipelago of more than 1200 coral islands and lagoons encompassed by reefs, and saturated with a new resort on many of them. Cullen Verger is the billionaire hotel mogul who owns one of these islands home to a luxurious resort, while protecting himself from even more.
When we visit, we will get the opportunity to explore much more than Rachel and Derian were able to do, as we’ll get to discover many more of the individual islands throughout the region while enthralling ourselves into the local cultures and traditional cuisine. The food, music and dance performances are mesmerizing and heavily influenced by Sri Lankan, Indonesian, Malaysian, African, and Middle Eastern ethnicities.
Malé is the capital city, but at just over two square miles in size, is one that we can tour by foot and do so in a little over a day or two. Although small in size, that stature of sights that we can find is still abundant. Between the National Museum, Tsunami Monument and National Art Gallery, we can discover some of the country’s historic past.
Old Friday Mosque and Grand Friday Mosque are sights to see, but as we visit Malé, remember to be respectful. An Islamic nation dating back to the 12th century, we do have to respect their values and dress conservatively and mind our surroundings. Visitors are welcomed and enjoyed, but there are still some areas that might be slightly unhospitable.
When Derian arrives into Velana International Airport, he is met by a representative from his resort, and then taken by speedboat to its private island. This is very typical for all stays, but we may be shuffled off to our deluxe resort by ferry, speedboat, or seaplane. Enjoy, it’s all part of the wonderful experience.
Whether it’s planning excursions from your hotel, or renting a private boat, delving into our adventurous side and discovering some of the other islands is definitely necessary. Birders and nature lovers will enjoy the 75 island ring of Baa Atoll, and surfers will be in paradise at Cokes Surf Break on Thulusdhoo. Isdhoo Island is uninhabited, but home to notable Buddhist ruins, and Fulidhoo Island has some of the world’s best snorkeling and diving.
Relaxing on the beaches as lovers, planning a guys/girls trip, or even a family escape is all covered in the Maldives. There is so much to do that tranquility might not be your main desire. Don’t forget to double the time of year you stay because missing the magical light show from the bioluminescent plankton would be sinful.
The Maldives is truly a spectacular holiday to lessen the stresses. Snorkeling, scuba diving, swimming, and exploration all capped off by unforgettable sunsets disappearing into an endless horizon. Don’t forget your sunscreen!
ISTANBUL, TURKEY
Istanbul, Turkey, one of the richest historical cities in the world, and the only one two border two continents. It does even have a European side to the city and an Asian side, but together they form a truly magical city. Planning our trip must be done accordingly as five to seven days just might not be enough to see and experience all of the spectacles Istanbul has to offer.
Rachel heads to the charming city to search for connections to the men that followed her home, but she does even find some time to visit some of the sites. A gorgeous city with dramatic architecture and vibrant structures assorting from mosques, palaces, churches and basilicas. One of the most notable is visited by Rachel as she attempts to get lost in the crowds. The Blue Mosque. Famous for its colorful blue tiles covering the interior of the building, the mosque is free to enter and enjoy, but also be sure to follow the rules!
Between the Blue Mosque and Topkapi Palace Museum is Hagia Sophia. A cathedral built in 537 AD, turned museum and recently to a mosque, it still has the dazzling mosaics that you would expect from a Wonder of the World. Bridging Christian and Islamic religion and elements together, the memories here must be seen with your own eyes.
Traveling around Istanbul can be easy if you plan. Buses and taxi cabs are available everywhere, but don’t forget about the waterways. Istanbul has some of the best water tours and ferry boat systems that you could ever wish to experience. Eminonu Square is a chaotic harbor front sitting on the Golden Horn of the Bosporus, but a formidable meeting place where all forms of transport intersect.
From here though, we must walk across the Galata Bridge before heading to the top of Galata Tower for the best views across Istanbul. The walkway will have plenty of restaurants to lure you in as the local food and drink is heavenly. The Turkish people are charming, friendly and generously spirited loving life folks, but take their foods seriously. Plenty of options from all over the world, but you must at least try the national drink once, Rakı.
Istanbul Archeological Museum, Chora Mueum, Dolmabahçe Palace, and Beylerbeyi Palace are simply fantastic, but if you are looking for more family time, Istanbul has that to offer as well. Vialand is a theme park with amusement rides. Kidzania gives children the opportunity to experience different careers while Legoland is fun, and Miniatürk allows the family to tour a miniature version of Turkey.
Shopping bazaars are a great embodiment of the people. Rachel meets up with her contact Hakan Köseman in the Kadıköy Market, but the Grand Bazaar is the gem of the city. A covered marketplace with thousands of shops, amazing people and vendors, all integrated with an explosive kaleidoscope of bright and flashy colors. Another fascinating sight that simply needs to be experienced. Still, be wary, it is also a labyrinth of hallways which may keep you shopping for hours.
Before we leave Istanbul though, we cannot do so without visiting one of the world renowned Bath Houses. Relaxation is the only word to describe the feeling you can have after enjoying a brief stop to soothe your weary muscles and senses.
WASHINGTON D.C., USA
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. Derian Haynes, a reporter for the Washington Post finds himself battling these very forces for the story of his career as he takes on the President of the United States and the men who would protect him at all costs.
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.