Tianmen Mountain is the Gateway to Heaven or Portal to Heaven. There are 99 turns and 999 steps that lead to the Portal.
Prambanan Indonesian Historical Javanese Temples
Indonesia has been my favorite country for many years. This trip started with my son saying if he could go anywhere in the world he wanted to go to Singapore. I had been planning that if and when I got back to Indonesia I wanted to see the incredible great temples of Java… the temple…
Year in Review 2018 – Joel Oleson Adventure Traveler Fun Photos
At the beginning of 2018, I started working at Blizzard Entertainment and visited a couple of offices in Europe as well and now two of my oldest sons started college. Great accomplishments for which I’m very pleased. As a result of supporting 2 in college, I’ve had to get good at cashing in airline miles. …
African Road trip – Bissau Guinea Bissau to Dakar Senegal
I was looking for a quick African adventure, and I was not disappointed. Bissau delivered on the feel of being on the edge of civilization. When we landed we went straight to a hotel and we asked them what time the bus was going to leave. Online I’d heard it was sometime around 7, but…
Roadtripping West Africa: Lagos Nigeria to Accra Ghana
I had a blast on Two recent road trips in West Africa. Immersive experiences in cities not use to tourists. The world’s past and future are tied up in these budding African cities. Nigeria and Ghana are going to be so important not just to Africa, but to the world. They represent where the developing…
Where did life begin? Traveling to Ethiopia’s Omo Valley – Early Man
My passion for understanding the past through early man caves, paleontology, archeology, encounters with ancient tribes with connections to the past and life origins and what matters most… these strike directly at the heart of what I find meaningful in travel. Indiana Jones wasn’t just looking for gold statues… he was looking for answers. If…
Serengeti Tracking the Migration: Wildebeest Worlds Largest Migration in the World!
When I told my guide I wanted to see the the wildebeest migration he told me I’d see so many wildebeest I’d cry. I was up for the challenge. This wasn’t my first African Safari, so I knew I wasn’t going to be satisfied with a herd of a few hundred wildebeest. The family I…
Natural Wonders of the World: Underground River of Puerta Princessa
Philippines is hidding a real gem. In fact, scratch that, they are hiding some of the most amazing islands for vacation in the world. I’ve been to the main island a couple of times, but it was this intentional visit to go see the 7 natural wonders of the world that brought me to the…
Mass Dance Pyongyang North Korea Travel
It wasn’t until I was in Chernobyl that I met my first traveler that had visited North Korea. I’d later meet a traveler in Mongolia. It always felt impossible until this older lady said she it was amazing adventure. I’m a time traveler, so I get a kick out of visiting the 60s. There are…
Exploring Madagascar Land of Lemurs and Baobabs
I long for places in this world that have experiences that will blow my mind. Madagascar achieved mind blown status and challenged me on some levels as a traveler. I’m so glad I decided to do it right and spend the time it takes to travel a large country with much to offer. Some how…