Wild Papua New Guinea: Top 10 Dream Destinations of Explorers
My friend’s grandfather was a photo journalist with National Geographic and the footage he had of Papua New Guinea tribes was incredible. I knew when I planned my trip there I wanted not just to visit the cities, but to get in deep with a tribe and my friend’s...
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...
Persian Persepolis Road Trip Shiraz to Esfahan Iran
Persepolis was the ceremonial capital of the Achaemenid Empire (ca. 550–330 BC). It is situated 60 km northeast of the city of Shiraz in Fars Province, Iran. The earliest remains of Persepolis date back to 515 BC I shouldn’t be one to give advice on where to go or where not to go,...
From Mary to the Ancient City of Merv Turkmenistan
If you haven’t traveled to Turkmenistan, you’re not alone. I bet they really don’t see many visitors due to the challenges of getting approval to visit. You can read about it on the Lonely Planet guide to Turkmenistan or trust me, there is no such thing as independent travel. ...
Touring Iraq – Travel Adventures in Kurdistan
Everyone I know who have ever visited Iraq were there for military reasons. When I told a local in Iraq I was a tourist, they said… “Tourist?” What’s that? Tourism is really a foreign word, but no longer. The Kurdistan region of Iraq is open. Visa restrictions in Iraqi...
Technology Speaking Tour of Northern South America Kick off
I’m happy to announce the Sharing the Point Crew is headed out once again to connect with folks in under served parts of the world. We are headed to Northern South America. This “Tour” will take us across the islands of Trinidad and Tobago where we hope to connect...
The Quest Has Begun – To See Every Country in the World by Age 50
I started my global travel back in 2001 when I first visited Paris, France. I realized I could travel with my profession by getting good at what I do, and in speaking at conferences. Since that time I made a number of personal travel goals. It started with a...
Joel’s Travel Highlights 2012
In some ways, I have ultimately travelled less this year than in the last 3 years, but in other ways I really made it count when I was traveling… from visiting new countries to building new communities. This post is a cross post from my technical world and my...
Incredible India Series: The World Famous Temple of Rats
Our world is evolved enough people should NOT be dying of hunger any longer. End of story. I don’t think we should put up with it any more. If a handful of priests can keep alive 20,000 rats in the lap of luxury. We surely can apply some of...
Petra Jordan Prehistoric Nabataean Caravan-city and Wonder of the World (4 of 7)
The Treasury in Petra, Jordan When I left Microsoft in 2008, I was planning a major trip. It was my first trip to the middle east, I was to speak in Dubai and Istanbul. I reached out to my technical blog audience at the time and asked the question…...