Many people have big dreams, but only a few bold adventurers live them. Denis Belliveau and Francis O’Donnell took a wild idea – retrace Marco Polo’s entire 25,000-mile, land-and-sea route from Venice to China and back – and spent two incredible years of their lives making their dream a reality.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO, premiering on public television beginning November 2008 (check local listings), chronicles the journey of two ordinary guys – Belliveau, at the time a wedding photographer, and O’Donnell, an artist and former Marine – as they set out to follow Polo’s historic route. Equal parts travelogue, adventure story, history trek and buddy movie, the 90-minute film weaves footage from the duo’s often perilous voyage with Marco Polo’s descriptions and experiences. Richly enhanced with Belliveau’s award-winning photographs, the program details their highs and lows as they retrace Polo’s path, trying to see what he saw and feel what he must have felt.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO captures the pair as they survive a deadly firefight and befriend a warlord in Afghanistan, cross the forbidding Taklamakan Desert in a Silk Road camel caravan, endure continuous interrogations from authorities, and live among cultures ranging from the expert horsemen of Mongolia to the tattooed tribes of Indonesia.
“We made a pact,” says O’Donnell, “that, under any conditions, no matter what, we were only coming back to the United States two ways – either dead or successful.”
In the spirit of history’s great adventurers, the two make their way across the world’s largest land mass and back, securing – or, when necessary, forging – visas, surviving extreme temperatures, and talking their way out of jams brought on by Tajik soldiers, Chinese security officers, and an assortment of other bureaucrats, border guards and armed warriors.
“We made it the 13th century in our heads,” said Belliveau. “What was this like for Marco? How would it have been for him? We were going to try to make this whole journey like we were living in Marco Polo’s world.” Without the assistance of air travel, they made their way on foot, horseback, camelback, in jeeps, trucks, boats and trains.
But as fascinating as the world looked through Marco Polo’s eyes, is the world and the people Belliveau and O’Donnell saw through their own. “Travel is the enemy of bigotry,” says O’Donnell. “There’s a lot more good people on the planet than bad…Get out there, meet [people], they’re good,” adds Belliveau.
IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO is produced by Return to Venice LLC and WLIW21 in association with WNET.ORG. Executive Producers: Tom Casciato, Josh Nathan and Stephen Segaller; Producer: Emir Lewis; Writer: Tom Casciato; Senior Producer: Eva Anisko. For Return to Venice LLC: Producer/Directors: Denis Belliveau and Francis O’Donnell; Executive Producer: Lisa Taylor. The program is presented nationally by WLIW21 and distributed nationally by American Public Television.
Funding for IN THE FOOTSTEPS OF MARCO POLO is provided by The Starr Foundation and the Center for Cultural Interchange.
Wow, what an amazing trip! Can’t wait to see the film
great guys…I can t wait to see it…!!
Some people live and dream and some live their dream. What amazing spirit and courage; a fascinating and adventureous journey along a road of history repeating itself. Good going guys, can’t wait to watch the full film.
A great documentary about their journey. I wish my friend in Idaho could see it so hopefully it will show there soon. It was inspirational.
Can’t wait till Sunday to view the stamina and perseverance of these two explorers as they surmount every obstacle on their historic journey.
When the Polos travelled these routes there were two eastern Mongol empires so that it was relatively safe for them. For these two modern adventurers conditions were very different. Different groups in charge, including the Taliban and various governments that were likely to be suspicious of strangers, especially with wars taking place in their area. It’s amazing they survived! I look forward to seeing this production.
We will get two experiences for the price of one, though my thoughts mirror Daniel S.. It’s almost as though retracing the route today is more treacherous than in Marco’s days. I am still so very curious to see what Marco Polo experienced, learning the history of then and as an added bonus , seeing what is going on in the world there today! Thank you
cool movie. if tom casciato wrote it you know it will be great.that dude rocks!
Having made a similar trip overland from London to Kabul in 1972 I can certainly admire what these two did. In some ways it was much more dangerous when they did it in the 1990s.
But since we did it before the Russian war (and destruction of the “old Afghanistan”) we perhaps saw (and photographed) a country they didn’t. And oh yeah, my friend and I were also “two friends from Queens”. I’m certainly looking forward to seeing this film too.
That was spectacular!! A vicarious, thrilling, moving,magnificent film. I will watch it over and over as I felt as melancholy as you did when it ended. Hope you will pack your bags again in the near future. Thank you.
My husband and I encountered Denis and Francis at a caravansary in Turkey at an early stage of their journey. They were such charming adventurers and we envied them. For many years we wondered what had become of them and the footage from their epic journey. It was a great pleasure to see at last the outcome of their fabulous voyage. Three cheers, guys.
ABSOLUTELY stunned. Best thing seen on TV in at least 20 years. Comparible to live theatre performance of The Great White Hope with James Earl Jones (@ 1966-67).
Amazed…speechless…brilliant.
I just watched the film on Thirteen and thought it was great! Thank you to Denis and Francis for sharing their amazing journey with us. As a world traveler myself, I was struck by their focus and determination to complete this lengthy and historic trip in the face of many challenges and dangers and moved by what they learned about the similarities and kindnesses of people around the world. Keep on travelling!
Absolutely INSPIRING!! I can’t agree with you two more: In this world there’s more good people than bad. Get out there!! God bless you guys!
I was locked in. An everymans journey,I would never had contimplated,but am envious of nonetheless.”travel is the enemy of bigotry”.Love it.Thats is something I’ve always known.Denis,glad for you,that your fortune teller was right.
Wow. I just finished watching “In the Footsteps of Marco Polo” on PBS. What an amazing journey, what an amazing adventure. Thank you so much for allowing me (OK, all viewers!) to travel with you vicariously.
I remember voraciously pouring through the travels of Marco Polo (as well as Ibn Battuta) as a child and relishing the wonder of the world as they portrayed it. Travelogues have made my pulse race and mind wander ever since. These intrepid travelers had a great, if subtle and slow burning, influence on me. The world with its myriad peoples, cultures, foods, and languages continues to fascinate me. I have been fortunate to travel and experience much friendliness and warmth (and challenges and serendipities) along the way. Though not as adventurous as you two (!), I do wander off the beaten track now and again – lol. This influence eventually led to a career shift propelling me into the tourism industry where I work in tourism development and promotion. It has been a rough journey, but oh so worth it.
The eye-opening and life-altering power of travel was evident in your story. And the quote “Travel is the enemy of bigotry” is so, so true. What better way to nurture understanding?
Thank you guys again – for taking on this journey, for your perseverance, and for sharing it with others. So, what’s next? Whatever it is, I look forward it!
Wishing you both many more journeys to come,
Awesome journey guys, glad you made it back to share it with us. Keep the spirit Denis!!
Watching the film made me feel as if I
was in the belly of a whale.
Love the film!
Love the guys!
Although they’ve reduced every “adventure” I’ve had in life to the piddling wanderings of a toddler….
That was amazing!!
Denis- our granfather would be proud.
Awesome, Awesome,what a trip! As an armchair world traveler I followed every step of the trip with anticipation for what lay around the next bend. Just having the courage to leave the safety of the U.S behind and go where many had not gone for many years is a feat in itself.It was so great for you two to share that incredible adventure. many safe travels in the future.
I watched the film in my parents dank,cold
basement just to get the full effect.Boy was it
ever freezing.But just like these guys I made it,
and am even looking forward to a frigid return when the film replays.Pass the popcorn guys!
This film beats any drama film you would purchase by known actors. Suspence and adventure would defintly describe this film. Good Job… and Good
Luck on the next one.
Good work Fran and Denis!!! I loved every minute of it and was left wanting more at the end. As a fellow traveler my favorite part was the message at the end that there are more good people than bad and that everyone should travel to open their minds and foster understanding and compassion for our fellow man.
Very interesting film. Wondered if you guys might have come close to crossing paths w Osama Bin Laden during your travels?
Congratulations guys! It’s been a long time coming…
As Betsy and her husband did, friends of mine and I met Denis & Fran on their journey, just as they emerged from Afghanistan. Also envied their determination and stories of adventure, wondered what became of the photos/footage. We are all glad you didn’t give up – great website, great book, great movie. Happy Thanksgiving!
Fantastic work. Not sure if you two remember me, it has been close to 20 years. I am Linda’s brother you met in Beijing circa 1991. Look forward to seeing more of your work.
Cheers, -Chris
‘Living’ in the D.T.E.S. “Heart of the City” of “Canada’s Poorest Postal Code” for 12 Years has certainly been an ‘Adventure’ of it’s own, which ’should’ be air’d (but that would be Even MORE RiSkY than Surviving Passage through The Ayatollah’s Iran, however after seeing “In The Footsteps of Marco Polo” last night on PBS; my Desire to Travel as I once did from Winnipeg to Europe, Japan, Singapore, Malaysia and back to Moose Lake First Nations Reserve in N.Manitoba, Driving alone from Winnipeg to Dawson City, Yukon and all the way back DoWn to Skagway then by ferry to Prince Rupert to end up in this ‘hood’ has Rekindled my Love of Travelling. I hope make a similar Video Journey retracing Ghenghis Khan’s to The City of Lights via Tibet and Central Asia. You too are Incredible ! What a FANTASTIC JOURNEY ! Thanks for Sharing it. If anyone’s interested in forming a group to travel with me email me at jbfilmdirector@yahoo.ca It’s time to Move oN !
awesome!! Francis, you’re cute
You guys were great. I just saw the show and am impressed. Amazing. Inspiring. I like the closing remarks that could inspire others and not to buy into the hype of the USG…Semper Fi & God Bless the USA. Jim Blottman
It is very wonderful what you did. I am venetian and now I live New York City. I would like to meet you as soon as possible.
please contact me. Thank you for what you did!!!
Simply increably! Majnificant Photography.
Well done! As someone that believes travel is the best classroom, I learned a great deal by watching the production. I teach fifth grade geography in Harlem and will be doing a unit on Asia this spring. I will definitely use this as a great resource. It would be amazing to have you come speak to my class.
This was absolutely amazing. I just watched the the film on PBS and had the honor of sharing the experience with my younger sister. The film encourages all to travel, and to see the world.After accomplishing their goal Francis and Dennis come to find that people in general are good all over the world, I find that absolutely touching! Definitely looking forward to travelling to some if not all of the countries that they travelled. Great job guys!
We’ve set up a Myspace page for direct contacts and announcements of upcoming speaking events.
http://www.myspace.com/footstepsofmarcopolo
I just had to post another comment about the best thing ever to be seen on TV, movie, stage, what ever medium there exists. Never was I more transfixed. This film so well made, story telling at it’s best, it had me hypnotized from start to finish. Being that I once had a wanderlust bug in me, this film was like a high that I never would want to come down on.
Fantastic documentary! You guys are truly inspirational. It inspires everyone to open their minds and explore.
Besides the MySpace page, any chance you guys will open a Facebook page as well?
This show knocked my socks off. Still thinking about it.
Spellbinding film of an incredible odyssey. I’ve recommended it to many – I hope it is aired more.
I had no expectations as the film began – which is probably a good thing as they certainly would all have been blown away within the first few minutes!
This was an absolutely extraordinary adventure story laced with refreshing humanity and honesty.
It was history well worth repeating!
It was visual treat from first to last frame told by two completely engaging characters.
Among many touching personal moments in the film, the refusal to surrender the hat in Venice at the end of the journey was memorable and endearing!
Bravo and thank you both!
This film was absolutely true. I had the same experience, on my own, around the world, for 5 years, during the same time of 1992, 93, 94, and so on. watching this documentry, I felt more alive, than I have, in a long time. It’s true, there is so much beauty in the world, it’s scary to come home to america, but I’m still here, and I’m ready to go on another journey, because of seeing this docu. Yes, and it all is still in my heart, and I would sell everything also, to really go and really live again. Thank You
I recently saw the film and was blown away. Watching the two of you maneuver and travel through diverse cultures and incredible terrain, I felt my belief in humanity restored. Since I work at a small library where many of the patrons travel, support education and the environment and human rights’ issues, I would be curious to know if you’d like to visit and to speak about your adventure and achievement. It would be a great chance for families with children to meet real-life explorers who have been influenced by history and great people. Thank you.
Just saw the film. Fantastic and inspiring!
appreciation you, unperturbed location, added to favorites.
A perilous journey into far off exotic lands and into the hearts of two traveling buddies who soon realize that once the stereotypes are confronted, most folks are open, hospitable, and want what we do- to live, seek shelter, raise their children, follow their God and live in peace to some degree. Simple, yet very pwerful, inspiring stuff! Loved it!
Like many before me, I read the book first. And although not an avid book reader, I just couldn’t put it down. To say the book had an impact on me is an understatement, see the Amazon review here:
http://www.amazon.com/Footsteps-Marco-Polo-Companion-Television/dp/0742556832/
I’ve been searching for an air date for the documentary to be shown down here in South Florida. True to its heritage as a “intellectual wasteland,” reruns of Miami Vice can still be found locally, but they’ve elected not to offer a showing of this film?!
So I’ve been relegated to having to watch YouTube quality video on my Mac. Aargh. So I’ve decided to fly up to NYC to get a proper viewing of the film at the SoHo Apple store, Jan 28th, 6:30 PM. As a bonus, I get to meet the filmmakers. Wahoo!
And although I fully believe in the adage that a movie can never be as good as the book, a NYC viewing plus listening to the authors afterwards…priceless.
Watching these guys in many of their clips on the site, I think they should host an adventure travel show.
If not for the travel video, for the comedy!
Just Fascinating….! ! !
AMAZING. As a couple who search out unique travels, my husband and I got riveted watching the first five minutes and ended up missing the first two hours of our tenth anniversary party. We’re telling everyone about it. Unfortunately, it isn’t playing again on our PBS channel and I can’t find anywhere to purchase the film.
It is a remarkable film and an incredible accomplishment. But, as a Documentary Filmmaker, I am a bit bothered by the fact that they made something of an ego trip of it. Documentary films record events as they are, not as Vanity Press.
More time could have and should have been spent showing what they found and less time showing themselves posing like tourists in front of important sites.
Hi Stuart H.
The original 2 hour film that Denis and Fran cut with their editor was 85% Marco Polo and 15% of the two of them. It was felt by the producers from PBS that the personal aspects of the trip was the more interesting story and a lot of the historical material was cut, new interview footage was shot, and the show ended up 1/2 hour shorter on top of it.
There are plans in the works to release an extended version with much of the historical material returned.
I was captivated by your film. We immediately purchased the book which occupies the prime location on our coffee table. Great work!
I have been talking about this movie for 2 weeks. Loved it! Felt their passion and their pain. The facts about Marco Polo were truly proven and enjoyed. Thank you for making history enjoyable and worth a good conversation in the lunch room.
I’ve watched this film several times now and continue to be amazed and think about it a lot. Thanks to the travelers! I so appreciate your magnificent effort!
Awesome! Inspirational! So gutsy, fellas! I was flipping through the channels and ended up watching this doc instead of something that I worked on myself premiering at the same time.
Just washed the film. Fascinating journey to follow in the footsteps of the great traveler Marco Polo.
I read about this film, but cannot find a listing of when it’ll be on in our area. How do I find out when it’ll be shown on NHPTV?
You can either keep checking with the schedule listing on this website (updated every two weeks) or ask NHPTV themselves. Alternatively you can watch the entire film here online.
I watched it yesterday (or rather… today, at 3 am), and it was really awesome. I’d given up many things to be able to go on that trip, even if it didn’t seem too enjoyable at times.
Really, awesome video, awesome experience; great job!
Totally inspiring! These two guys are beyond brave and it is amazing there are still people on this planet with that kind of courage of conviction. Wish I had 1/2 of their energy and fearlessness! Where can I buy a CD of the show?
IMDB page up.
Discussions here http://www.imdb.com/title/tt1368099/board
This was such an inspirational documentary, and I daresay the most exciting adventure of our times. It made me want to pack up and go see the world! It also made me very thankful for where I live. I’m now reading the book and can’t seem to put it down. I’m going to recommend it to everyone I know!
Facebook discussion group
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49818989023
On February 19, 2009 Denis and Fran visited the Great Neck Camera Club and for nearly 2 hours we were treated to wonderful stories and stunning images collected on their journey.
We sincerely thank them for bringing their incredible achievement “up close and (very) personal”!
It is now a memory we will cherish for a very long time.
Great movie!
So when do you plan to cross the Alps on elephants?
Having just watched the film, I wanted to just say thanks to Denis and Francis for having the guts to take this magnificent journey!
I read an article in “Smithsonian” magazine not long ago about how many scholars are disputing the validity of what is contained in Marco Polo’s writings. It impressed me that these two gentlemen were careful to point out all of the things that they personally witnessed which corroborate Polo’s accounts. They have done a great service for all of us with a passion for history and the legacy left by those who have lived before us.
Again, thanks.
Very thrilling and exciting. However, I wish there was a show called “Marco Polo’s Timeline”.:):(:_ No offnese!!! And I am a Talmerine and I am the very best!
wow!! loved it!! been in some of these places.. how can i buy a dvd of this program?? got my travel wishes going even more!!tks. for making this trip!!gva.
It just so happened that I turned on the TV at 4 AM to find this program beginning as I nursed our 2 week-old son in the wee hours this morning. It was hugely educational and entertaining — here were two people with whom I could completely relate seeing and describing parts of the world that are completely unreachable to me in my current state of affairs (4 kids under 6 years old). I enjoyed the program so much that I recorded it and watched it again with my husband this afternoon. Bravo to Dennis and Francis for a journey completed and a job well done!
Dennis and Francis,
Thank you to you, the timeless travelers. I just finished viewing your documentary on public televison in the San Francisco Bay Area and was “glued” to the television. Your imagination to create this amazing journey and document it is for the public a gift of past, present and future history. I love history, reading the stories of different cultures and their beauties and you captured this is in a very authentic and sentitive manner, gracias. I am currently reading the bokk Gods Crucible and it describes the making of Europa during Muslim times and chronicles many of the same/similar empires, tribes, customs and political atmospheres. If I could offer a suggestion I think a children’s book on your travels that could educate all of us on the geography and beauty of many mniusunderstood and unknown countries and people. Best to both of you, Lola………
So great! I did a 14 month trek around South America in the seventies and so can relate to some of what you experienced. Thanks for making the movie. I cried when it was over.
Super excellent journey! Facebooked and Tweeted it tonight after watching, to share with others who can benefit.
Just watched this last night for the first time. How fantastic and humbling. I can’t imagine having the nerve and the guts to do this, amazing!!!
Just watched it last night – phenomenal, inspiring -loved Tibet- and you guys are hilarious.
As an artist and art educator I teach my kids about Marco’s travels and all the art he may have seen along the route. Thank you for keeping Marco “alive”
Saw most of it for the first time last night. I can’t wait to find out how they paid for it and made the connections. And what was their motivation. I guess I’ll be reading about Marco Polo’s journals myself.
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=49818989023
In the Footsteps of Marco Polo Facebook group
Great book too!
Francis I’m about to pour a foundation base for your sculpture and found something you may need. During the process of moving the other sculptures an 1 inch thick, 4 x 1 foot stone with four drilled holes was found. Please advise.
Bill Sponn
Happily, I discovered this movie early on a Sunday morning- better late than never! – and was fascinated by it. I teach second graders about the travels of Marco Polo, his discoveries and the impact of this journey on the world. I will be incorporating many of the anecdotes shared by these two modern day adventurers. Thank you so much for sharing your travels, your admirable spirits and profound insights into human nature.
Kudos to Francis and Denis! Their presentation at the Geographical Society in Philadelphia thrilled our audience of over 400 people. Their stunning images and engrossing narrative made retracing the route of Marco Polo a memorable event for all. Many people commented that it was one of the best programs we have ever presented. Thanks for joining us and for publishing the excellent book and television documentary!
Ted Burkett, President
Geographical Society of Philadelphia
Thank you gentlemen for bringing to life this expansive, yet little understood, part of the world. Your story is authentic and real, and connected our audience (two sold out presentations) to the power of following one’s passion. The Frontier community extends their appreciation and gratitude for spending time with us…on our 3rd anniversary.
Michael Gilroy, Owner
Frontier | Brunswick, Maine
Denis & Francis – The power of storytelling was brought full force in your film and presentation at Frontier. Your journey is of immense inspiration to all of us. Many, MANY thanks!
seldom is one so cordially invited to witness such an epic adventure! “in the footsteps…” is a beckoning to all to follow ones dreams and go boldly into the unknown regions of our precious, yet misunderstood, world! Thank you Denis and Francis for re-igniting a sense of purpose and direction!
just saw your program on pbs this evening. i lived in Asia ‘92 – ‘97 myself, so i relate to some of their experiences. i was living in Hong Kong during the period you passed through. i probably read or heard about it then – but since forgot. true, so many of the people so far away are so welcoming and friendly to American visitors. at first they may be suspicious of who they don’t know… but i suppose it is the same with us too, right? in the end – we find out that we are more the same than we are different… and there is something universal about a loving smile. thank you for an excellent account of your travels.
I just watched your video last night on PBS. ……………………………A.M.A.Z.I.N.G………………….I do not know what the right word is to describe you two…. CRAZY, ADVENTUROUS, BRAVE, STRONG…….my goodness…. I could not blink my eyes while I was watching the program. And I am glad that you finally got through Iran.
Brilliant. Everything about the story is captivating, well told and documented. We saw it at Frontier in Brunswick, Maine. You two are remarkable in numerous ways. Thank you for your incredible wit, honor, wisdom and passion. Wishing you all the best!
I just watched the program on PBS. What a trip! Hooray for you two travelers. This ending brought tears to my eyes knowing how you felt once it was over. What memories.
I just caught the program on channel 13 NYC.THANK YOU for broadening our horizons- vast dry plains, shaggy camels, jungles,and some of the highest mountains in the world!… and everywhere people who want to live and laugh and make contact on the human level- despite barriers we Americans can hardly imagine.
The program brought back so many memories of our family tradition. My mother, a single parent, brought me up travelling to interesting places each summer- she became a teacher so she’d have summer off. We went hiking,(Great Smoky Mtns and more) caving (Indiana and Kentucky) and drove from southern Ohio to Chigaco, Illinois to see the 1977 King Tut Exibition tour.(we got there at 2 or 3 AM ,parked,and dozed in the line outside the musuem!) It was worth it, too.
Travel is habit forming. In 2003,I flew to California and Mom and I drove to New York, from sea to shining sea via the Rockies, the Great Plains, the Black Hills, the Missippippi and Hudson Rivers,and Ontarario, Canada.
At Niagra Falls, where the Wisconsin Glacier that
carved the Falls (and ended in Brooklyn) began, I felt the pull of home. Weeks later,the sight of the Pallisades and the George Washington Bridge was a heartbreak and a welcome home all in one.
I will get the book and share the progam with Mom, as soon as she gets back- she is of course travelling! Heather- Brooklyn, NY
I loved the short version of your documentery! I really want to see the full version. You guys were really nice people. This was by far one of the coolest things I have ever seen!
Dear Denis and Francis,
Thank you so muck for coming to our Caedmon School! It was a great presentation and we all loved it! We appreciate that you came and that you showed us your journey. I was really amaized of how you brought the things that Marco Polo brought home from his journey.
from,
Jack from the Caedmon school
Dear Denis and Francis,
Thank you so much for coming to our Caedmon School! It was a great presentation and we all loved it! We appreciate that you came and that you showed us your journey. I was really amaized of how you brought the things that Marco Polo brought home from his journey.
from,
Jack from the Caedmon school
The presentation was awesome but the fact that they were there and on the film was even more awesome!!! It was so cool that they went on that big of adventure!!
Great book.Wonderful documentary.Thanks for sharing your journey. Happy Travels!
Seemeen
What a great documentary and the guys are even better in person. They visited my school in Yonkers NY and they were outstanding. If you have the opportunity make sure you meet them. Great Movie and captivating enough to keep 35 twelve and thriteen year olds riveted. They acted as though they were meeting Jay Z when they met Francis and and Denis. Thank You WLIW
My social studies teacher made us watch this video. I loved it! I myself would had retraced Marco Polo’s steps. I think when i’m older enough I will be another who will retracing Marco Polo’s steps. This documentary motioned to be like them. To travel all around the world. I got a social studies project on the documentary “In the Footsteps of Marco Polo”.
I have recently watched this documentary in class, and it was definetely a wonderful experience. I, by no doubt, could not ever even think about being able to do such a marvelous thing. Many obstacles were approached by the both of you. However, with courage, determination, and definetely much perseverence you passed through them all. A perfect example is when you had needed to go through the Taklimakan Desert. According to the documentary, the Takliman Desert rendered people to madness. The both of you may have avoided the treacherous desert. However, you decided to go in. Since you did, you HAD actually traveled “in the footsteps of Marco Polo”.
I stumbled across this film last night while channel surfing, and was immediately riveted. Now I must see the beginning that I missed. What an amazing adventure!
Just saw this on PBS – really excellent. Years ago I travelled all around Nepal, India, China, and Pakistan. Nothing like THIS awesome trip; but it was great to feel those days again! And they’re right – the people are decent wherever you go.
Cannot believe i haven;t seen this sooner ,saw the documentary late last night ,amazing ,inspiring,what a trip , thank you for sharing with us this amazing life experience.Documentary was well done.
When will this be released on dvd? I want to buy this. My university library wants to buy this too.
I’m a brethren from Queens and just watched your film and I’m utterly inspired! Congratulations…
What a fun and refreshing way to learn history!
I saw this for the first time last night on my local Idaho PBS station.
This morning I had my daughter watch it on my computer. It was just as great the second time around.
After it was over I tried to see if I could purchase it as my documenatry library would not be complete without it.
I was disappointed to find it is not on DVD so I contacted Denis and he assured me that it will be released for Christmas. I can’t wait! I feel like a kid again awaiting a present!
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