If you ever wanted to visit some of the places featured in the books I write, here’s your chance! (note: the Travel Guide itself is not available for sale)
LONELY GALAXY TRAVEL GUIDE
The ultimate space tourism handbook for Earth citizens
CERES
Introducing Ceres:
Note: While the name is pronounced the same, Ceres is not to be confused with the dwarf planet that lies between the orbits of Mars and Jupiter.
The frontier world Ceres is a Trade Federation designated nature preserve with stunning scenery and a temperate, humid climate reminiscent of Kauai, Hawaii during the winter months. The year-round fine weather makes it an ideal spot for outdoor activities and camping. The forests consist of extremely tall trees (500 feet or more) with fronds that lace together to form a canopy. If you like the color green, you’re in luck. This leafy crown tints the sunlight, lending an emerald hue to an already lush landscape.
Just as eye-catching is the coastline of powdery sand beaches that will remind many travelers of remote atolls in Polynesia.
But the main draw to Ceres as an interstellar travel destination is not its scenery. Space tourists with the means to travel so far from Earth will be treated to one of the strangest diversions in the known galaxy—giant snails.
Caution: The Lonely Galaxy Travel Guide does not use the word “giant” lightly. These are no basketball size sea snails. Adults can reach the size of small houses, forty feet or more.
(Alert: Mollusk rodeos using adolescent snails have since become illegal. Beware steep fines for ignoring the law)
The best time to catch a glimpse of the famous snails is after dusk when they travel from the forest to the shoreline to feed on marine plant life. (You’ll be relieved to know the giant snails of Ceres are 100% vegetarian). Depending on how much of an adrenaline junkie you are, you can try joining the ranks of other thrill-seekers who leap from the trees onto the backs of the snails and ride the the creatures to their feeding area, a journey that takes hours. The views from their great height offer the space cowboy and cowgirl an unforgettable experience.
Nighttime beaches on Ceres are sure to delight.
Want to visit Ceres? Read THE STAR KING today!
Next Destination:
BARÉSH
Travel Alert: The Department of Earth System and Frontier Security (DESFS) advises against nonessential travel to Barésh. Check with your applicable national Earth government for the most up-to-date information.
Introducing Barésh: Take a Brazilian favela, cross it with a coal mining town and the tawdry glitz of Vegas, add a generous layer of Beijing smog and you’ll know what to expect on the dwarf planet Barésh. Once on the surface you will encounter a teeming mass of humanity sealed inside a poorly ventilated terrarium. If Barésh is your introduction to galactic tourism, prepare yourself (and be sure to stock up on antibiotics before you go). The colony isn’t a hostile place but its manic energy, punishing pollution, lack of police presence, public transport, or basic sanitation (or much of any infrastructure at all) makes it a challenge for visitors. With Barésh home to one of the galaxy’s trillidium mines, it comes as no surprise that the entire colony of drudges, miners, sex-trade workers, gangsters, pirates, and stray animals revolves around the industry.
Don’t be mistaken, there are some positives to be had in a visit here: The heart of Old City contains some of the oldest surviving structures in the galaxy. Explore a little more and you’ll uncover an energetic (albeit sketchy) club scene, home to more virtual reality arcades per capita than downtown Seoul, where you can spend an evening grooving to thump, the colony’s unique techno-dance music, and sampling local ale. (Steer clear of the beverage swank if your brain is an organ you value.) While out on the town be sure to do as the Baréshtis do by betting on a bajha match in one of the many fight clubs featuring street-gladiators duking it out in a slum-dog version of the popular sport. Just keep your wallet close, a face mask handy, and stick to bottled water.
Want to visit Barésh? Read The Champion of Barésh today!
