<!--
	Title: Ticket to Ride
	Subtitle: Steps Along Infocom's "Journey"
	Author: Roe Adams
	Source: Computer Gaming World, 9(9)
	Date: September 1989
	Transcription by Steve Derby
-->

*"The first step of a journey is always the longest one."*
**—old Chinese proverb, probably attributed to Confucius.**

In this case, your first step is briskly walking to your
nearest computer store and ordering this exceptional
game. After that, your steps become much shorter as you
carefully tread through the many byways
of this game.

Frequent "Save Game"s are definitely in order here (suggested number 20+).
When you get to the end game, you will send money in to the magazine to renew
your subscription for just this one hint alone!

Astrix Tours offers a rare treat for the jaded traveler. Instead of having to decide
whether to go to the mountains or the seashore this year, go to both! Astrix
Tours has booked you into the sleepy mountain town of Lavos as your first stop
on the Journey. Be sure to stock up on provisions and examine the AAA guides
(Astrix's Aerie Asylum) to be found inside Webba's store. Free drinks are available
in the local Tavern where the friendly natives will beguile you with fierce stares
and cold shoulders . . . of meat. The disreputable louse-infested fellow in the
corner is your native guide. No expense has been spared (literally none!) to find
such an experienced man who is willing to sacrifice his life to lead you had such a
perilous trip. Why the last four trips he led never had any complaints. Of course,
they still haven't been heard from, either. Without his guidance, the party is surely
doomed to perish. With his help, you still have an excellent chance of messing up,
but at least it wouldn't be his fault!

*"You take the high road and I'll take the low and you'll be at Astrix's before
me."* **—popular song of the mountain people.**

<img class="float-left-narrow" src="/public/img/articles/cgw-ticket-to-ride-journey/journey-1.png" alt="Silhouette of a lighthouse">

Don't feed the roving bands of bandits. Be sure to Scout around
wherever possible in your travels. If your eyes get smoke-filled,
remember that "Truthfulness is next to Godliness". Our
tour goes through the mineral rich streambeds which are quite dangerous in
the Spring when snow is melting high in the mountains. Be sure to visit the bathing
beauties around the pool and collect some of the quaint native handicrafts.
The culmination of our first day's travel is dinner with your Tour Director, the
famous Astrix himself. Despite all appearances to the contrary, he is IN. The
party needs to learn how to see what is already in front of them.

Day two delves into the home of the friendly Dwarfs. The view from the towers
is spectacular, while the subterranean vaults hold many surprises for the unwary.
Through the gate, a brisk stroll will enable the party to meet some of the
local fauna and talking flora. Late afternoon tea is scheduled at the elf village, although
the temperature may be a little toasty. Back to Astrix's for another fine
dinner and spellbinding tale of high adventure.

You must get up early for the Northern route, but take heart because the forest
is fun-filled, indeed!

If you know how to get around the natives, you can have a spiritual experience
that you can tell your friends about for years. A visit to the mine digging will be
most illuminating. Be sure to ask the old miner for tips on prospecting. Don't
scare him as he is a recluse and very shy. Be very careful to stay to the main areas
or it will be the death of you.

<img class="float-right-narrow" src="/public/img/articles/cgw-ticket-to-ride-journey/journey-2.png" alt="Silhouette of palm trees">

After lunch, the Southern route winds through the woods. This is a good time
for individual sidetrips. Many interesting places await the cautious traveler. At the
old mill, learn to operate ancient equipment. The tattered manual reads, "Now
you see it, now you don't!". The dilapidated castle is reputed to be
haunted. The ghost's jokes are said to be earthy. Do be careful in the woods as this is a bad
time for allergies. A must stop is a local tribal village where the dinner
cuisine is four star. Join Astrix for an after dinner nightcap and hear his tall yarns
about the traveling anvil salesman.

Day four brings the seashore. Your party will travel to the quaint seaside
town of Zan. Along the way inclement weather may speed your travel. Zan is
famous for its Curio Shop and Tavern. The Tavern is a very rowdy place, so try
to be heard but not seen. The Zan Inn actually achieved an unheard of 3 stars,
but the inspector was rumored to be currently vacationing on the Misty Isle. Do
take care while in Zan not to run afoul of the local authorities. The Zan jail is supposed
to be escapeproof. The tour party has a choice of ships available to suit any
mood, so visit the wharf area and meet the different Captains. Each Captain has
something quite different to offer the discerning traveler. Costs are commensurate
with services!

Ah, the joys of relaxing on the high seas. Feel the zephyr winds wafting
through your hair. Enjoy the gentle rock ing of the waves. A truly memorable experience!
All too soon you will arrive at the Misty Isle where you will face one of
the greatest challenges of your life.

Only Astrix Tours can offer such diversity of travel vistas. Sign up now for a trip
that you will always be glad you had taken. Discounts are given for large
groups and special musing are available for repeat clients so that they can learn
to maximize their adventuring. Remember, Astrix Soars!

<img style="display: block; margin: auto; max-width: 80%;" src="/public/img/articles/cgw-ticket-to-ride-journey/journey-3.png" alt="Silhouette of mountains">
