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.
December 4th, 2008
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The film is amazing. Not only is it visually stunning and emotionally moving, but its funny as well! It is truely inspiring to see what is possible when we follow our dreams!
Hello Denis,
Just saw the program you and Francis did, In the footsteps of Marco Polo. Very cool and I concur with you that after having traveled to Istanbul on my own journey of food discovery and cooking with the locals there, that Turkey is a very friendly country. But your extreme adventure was really inspiring,I commend both of you and Francis for really inspiring me as just a couch watcher that felt like I would love to do what you both did! While in Turkey I met a documentary film maker Paxton Winters who went by camel along the silk route, Silk Road á la Turka.
Thanks for a journey that not many could muster the courage to endeavor to follow…most of all thanks to Marco Polo for helping you both realize your dream.
Jeremy
This documentary is incredible, it is difficult to imagine 2 young men with more pluck, determination and good fortune. What is most inspiring is they didn’t distribute it commercially, it is available free on PBS and this website! I will see it again for the beauty and the thrill and highly recommend it.
On May the 5 th 2007 , I had the good fortune to view the debut screening of a film with the very same title “In the footsteps of Marco Polo ” , at the Metropolitan Museum of art ! To my Great surprise your Wonderful film is about the very same men ! The focus of the two pieces seems to be very different . The PBS film is beautifully told , funny , sad , full of grit and tension , and I really felt I got to know these two brave , kind souls ! Thanks , I’ll watch it over and over and tell everyone I know to do the same but where and how can I view this other version ? Which seemed to document the work and findings of the Explorers in the field ! It was so rich with Marco Polo History , chock full of information and insight , not found in the PBS film , that it should be the ” Must Film ” for all students ! of history , culture , art and life !
Wow , Wow , Wow is all I can say ! I’ve lived my life by the conventional norms of society , but not anymore , life is to short & now that the kids are grown , there are things I need to do before I Die , like in that movie ” The bucket list ” but I was afraid to follow my Dreams until now ! THANKS Denis and Francis
Besides the journey itself, our greatest reward so far has been all the wonderful comments like the one posted above. Thank you everyone, we are truly touched and humbled by all your kind words.
To answer Ellen’s question, we will soon post on this website, parts of our original film which premiered at the Met and plan on releasing it in its entirety sometime in the near future. We have decided to call that film, “The Legacy of Marco Polo.”
LOVED THIS PROGRAM! Your documentary was fascinating. The two of you had the invaluable characteristic of all explorers – you’re either incredibly brave & hardy or crazy. The latter probably applies if you don’t survive your adventure.
I’m writing because, at the end of the program, there was a quick glimpse of your art shown. Is there any other place or website where your work can be seen in greater volume and at a more leisurely pace? {I’m not a collector, just an interested viewer.} Was I correct in my sense that I was seeing some influence of Tibet and India in the coloration and figures you were depicting in those paintings?
Dear Denis & Francis,job well done. Your trip was more than an adventure. You left home,family and friends.You crossed borders,you encountered new cultures,spoke strange languages,met different peoples.And all this has changed you,along with the people you met.There is something sacred about your journey.You discovered the immensity and vastness of God in this world,and this has left you in awe and wonder.Your journey has not ended,continue giving testimony of the one family of humankind. Blessings, Uncle Paul
Hello Francis and Denis!
You boys have not only opened a window enlightening us more to our understanding of Marco Polo and his adventures, but you allowed us to go with you to retrace them! And what a trip it was! …the people, the scenery, the cultures, the customs! What I admire most, then, is the determination to bring to closure this vision you both shared from inception, simply — following in Marco Polo’s footsteps. But it became more than that. It’s an adventure story from his point of view back then, to be sure, but transported to the realities you had to endure in our modern and uncertain times, as well. Ironic, that he and you got the adventure story of a lifetime — and no matter what the dangers were, then and now, you all lived to tell the tale and document the adventure! And that, Francis and Denis, is more than inspiring! It’s monumental!
That was terrific! I just watched the program on thirteen.org, and I will see it again when it is broadcast this week. I cannot believe the pluck and determination exhibited as they persevered through this arduous journey. These guys were totally unstoppable! It is inspiring to learn of such fortitude. Also, I really enjoyed the insight into the remote foreign cultures.
I look forward to seeing the “Legacy” movie. Thank you for doing this. We are glad you succeeded.
OMG! i just watched it three times in a row! so inspiring! i am a photographer and i’ve been dying to make a similar journey. you’ve open my eyes and heart. really amazing!! CONGRATS to the both of you!
Great documentary, a testament to the peoples and cultures on the silk road. Foriegners traveling and discovering the world. But why 14 years to bring the film to the public? Is this journey more akin to a Great Game visitation of the 18th and 19th century? I saw extraordinary men with sponsorship from Sikorsky with a good cover. Recommend The Great Game and Foriegn Devils on the Silk Road by Peter Hopkirk.
Just saw your show. It was touching and inspiring. One of the most raw honest sincere pieces of journalism I have seen. Thank you for putting a refreshing perspective on humankind. Great to see something that transcends the confines of the US media. Seeing the names on the doors of the houses in Mongolia gave me goosebumps. Was this shown in 1994??? My sister traveled the world with her husband for two years in the 80’s. What you showed echoed their experience. Nice to see it had not changed that much in 10+ years. All the best. You guys rock.
Hans
I saw the show on PBS last night. Belliveau and O’Donnell are incredibly brave and creative to have made this trek. Thank you so much for bringing your adventure into the public’s eye. The part in Afghanistan was most interesting and scary to me. As a very young person, I traveled abroad for a year in the 1970s, including 2 months in Afghanistan. From the filmmakers’ work, it looks like nothing has changed except that in the 1990s everyone is heavily armed. In my own travels into Turkey, Iran, Afghanistan, and India, I always found warm, welcoming people in the most unexpected places. Belliveau and O’Donnell’s documentary brought to light fascinating details about places and people that I’ve never seen before in quite this way. I will watch this again and share it with my friends. Thank you, and let’s hope for peace.
The film is amazing. I have been showing it to my 9th grade students after we have just studied a unit on Marco Polo and China. The students and myself have really enjoyed the film. I hope the film inspires them to travel and see the world. They also really love it because the film makers are local NYers like my students.
Has anyone taped this show?
Would love to show it and share it with my peers.
Please respond to cibik@sbcglobal.net
Just finished watching the Ch. 13 taping. Inspiration to see the world is hardly the word. It is a visceral pull and push to experience all this world can give. Congratulations to you both. What determintion, strength , good common sense, and best of all to end by saying there are more good people in this world than bad. Can’t wait to show this to my 8 year old grandson.
Condolences on your father’s demise while you were gone; he knows what you were doing and applauded you.
What next?
Gentlemen, I’d be less than candid if I didn’t tell you I envy you. My hat is off to you both. Dennis, have you painted the skyline of Mongolia, I’d be interested. Success to both in your future endeavors. I’m waiting.
Thank you. We’ve shared this with our children, and intend to share many more adventures, direct or by proxy. Thank you for your sharing too.
What’s astounding is the amount of footage taken while walking casually around armed militia and religious fighters. How the heck did these two guys capture s-o-o much video of people, armed to the teeth?
I come back to this site often to view a segment or clip. What is it about their journey that’s so mesmerizing to the rest of us? I couldn’t put down their book, and now I can’t stop viewing these clips…
I just came across this on public television last night and was so intrigued, I couldn’t take my eyes off the screen. My best friend and I travel pretty extensively internationally and understand how much it takes to have a really good travel partner (especially as women!). I cannot even begin to imagine the bond that they two of you have after that journey. At the end, when you were returning to Venice, I don’t know how you held back the tears. All of the struggles, excitement, apprehensions, awakenings, adventures, and the dream coming to an end… Pretty emotional. I know my limits as a traveler, and I could NEVER have weathered that journey, but hats off to you both. Amazing perseverance and quest for the truth. And at the end, when you said ‘It’s easy to hate someone you’ve never met; travel is the enemy of bigotry.’ So, so true. People are overall good. Great journey, great video, great message!
I just saw your remarkable journey on-line which was so moving and courageous! There is a spirit of perseverance that touches my soul to meet adventurers like yourself – I feel a kindred spirit for you both. Happy New Year and thanks for the wonderful inspiration!
Thank you! My family and I watched this over new years day. This is how history should be taught. America, where individuals are permitted and do great things! What you did was great; sharing it, truly a gift! thank you!
I saw the PBS documentary on your adventure following in Marco Polo’s footsteps and I just wanted to say thank you for reminding me that “you” gotta believe in something and put your all into it. I’m a Science teacher and was feeling frustrated about this year’s bunch of kids who are very low in motivation and effort. Being on winter holiday gave me a lot of time to think, negatively, and was ready to just give up. But after seeing the documentary, I remembered why I became a teacher in the first place. I have a renewed sense of purpose, thanks to your accomplishment. Thank you.
This was the most amazing television I have seen in a long time. Thank you Denis and Francis for taking this trip, documenting it so well, for your bravery and honesty and open hearts and minds. I love this documentary and can’t wait to see and purchase The Legacy. You were definitely meant to complete this journey. I found your travels to be inspirational on so many levels. Please let us know immediately when the new film is ready and how we can see more of Francis’ paintings.
OMG, I watched this last night, you guys were CRAZY, but that had to be the best documentary on the region ever. It was really great to see some of the stuff that no one really ever gets to like that, absolutely amazing stuff.
This was a truely inspiring documentary- many thanks !!!!!!!!!!!!
I watched the film and sent myself an email later to remind myself: You owe these guys a drink at some point.
Maybe soup dumplings again at Joe’s Shanghai. (misattributed in the NYT article i think). I love that joint.
What a tremendous gift to those of us who do not get to travel as much as we’d like! Magnificant! Thank you for researching, planning and making such a wonderful journey! I’m ordering a few copies of the book to share with friends and family and I know everyone will love it as much as I did! Thank you!
Hi Denis and Francis, I recently traveled to Delhi, India for the first time. I was on my own and it was the first time I visited a third world country. Growing up in the USA, I was ready to go home after the first day. As difficult as it was for me to cope, I’m sure I only have a small sense of what you both endured in your two years of travel. I am humbled and amazed at your story. I can only imagine what it was like for Marco Polo. I am so happy I traveled to India and stuck it out. I think society would be much better off if we could all travel in the footsteps of other cultures.
We just had the show on t.v. tonight. This was a perfect connective theme for some of the many amazing places that are too easily overlooked as points on a map, even by those who care deeply for their maps. The story of this journey makes the heart both laugh and sigh, and wakes up the traveller’s abiding yearning to return to those places that, however briefly, were “home”.
Denis and Fran, congratulations to both of you! Mullin told me that this was finally being released and Denis, the first image that came to my mind was of the stern-faced man standing in a square, white doves perched along his arms. I’m sure you get that a lot… The book has been transporting me away each evening for the past week and boy, it’s really extrodinary. I’m glad I was able to find the program online and am enjoying it immensely as well, but wanted to take a moment to say congratulations to you both. And even more than that, thank you. You should be very proud of all you’ve accomplished.
Thoroughly enjoyed this true adventure, especially their adventures in the areas beyond Afghanistan
Hi Denis & Francis, The Most Excellent Adventure! Wow… I was riveted to the screen, wondering how you can navigate through the cultural differences and mistrust of foreigners. I still can’t believe your fortune and good Karma. We all should have such conviction to chase our dreams. I was in Beijing during 1996. I had the same feelings that you expressed, a need to be home. Thank you so much for sharing your story. It will be with me for a long time.
By the way, if you like a cultural difference, take a look at Burning Man. I have been going there for the last 7 years and find the people; the art and the experience can’t be match anywhere else in the world.
WoW!awsome adventure the first time i watched this
was on opb and just found it again.So whats next?
I hope you both have another adventure soon thanks
for the inspiration guys
Gabe
I felt so happy after I watched this movie! Thx PBS, Denis, and Francis!
It’s time to discuss “who discovered america?”
I’ll chop the firewood…
great work guys
great work
Just saw this last night on PBS–incredible and inspiring. I zoomed through third-world countries in the 80’s, but what you did was beyond belief. Gutsy, visionary, and wow! Thanks so much for sharing the journey. Am looking forward to checking out the book.
It is 4am on March 15, 2009.Just finished watching your awesome travels in this great ‘In the Footsteps of Marco Polo’..I missed the beginning but was glued to the tv as I watched.
As a child, I had seen a documentary of Marco Polo and for some reason was glued to the screen then also. Congratulations to the both of you on a truly amazing film. I was hoping to find either of you on Facebook but no. Again, what an awesome travel!!!
I felt so alive watching your documentary, I felt like I was with you through your journey and could feel and sense the things that you sensed and experienced! I feel like although I will never visit these exotic lands that I have already been there! Utterly amazing, thank you Denis and Fran!
This is a great resource for our world history class. Inspiring, informative, and entertaining as well – what a wonderful documentary and book! I love the message at the end about getting out in the world and meeting people before you judge them. Thank you so much for making this available online!
This film is so amazing
Your my Hero’s!! Your journey has truly affected me!!!.It is so frustrating, as a lone woman traveler- not in her 20’s- there are so many experiences and places that just aren’t open to me,but after watching this, I have re-committed myself to my trip to Laos and beyond,Mongolia has been on my list forever!! hell if you guy’s can follow Marco Polo,I can get off the beaten trail,I’m so sick of being told- you can’t do that or go there, Thank You oh great ones.!!!
I am agape at these guys, indeed these freaking guys.
God only knows the late night jabbering I have done with friends for adventures never fully realized, or comparitively on a minute scale. And part of the levels of attraction of this stunning beauty is these two guys, as Americans I think we can feel so proud that these two east coast guys were our emissaries in Marco Polo’s footsteps. And they did it. Beyond astounding. I would say brass balls material, and totally likable guys. And the show’s final beautiful message is though obviously every individual is different, the universal truths of common threads connecting all humanity are the same everywhere, I mean, Mothers love their kids with the same passion everywhere, people want to love and be loved, the best stuff like that. Man these guys done good.
Awe inspiring. I spent two years as a Peace Corps volunteer in Kyrgyzstan (1999-2001). I was really interested in your trek through Central Asia, but was also drawn into the rest of the program. I noticed some Kyrgyz carpets in the Uigher area of China and recognized “Raxmat” for thank you. I’ve always wanted to visit that region as well as Mongolia. Thanks for giving me a taste.
They came to my school! for their 2 hour interview go to justgoodscience.org!
The film and sparse commentary makes me want more knowledge and awareness of the places they went. One of the best things I have seen.
You guys have an amazing adventurous spirit – I loved the movie and the photographs and your journeys have awakened my wanderlust within.
I’m definately going to buy this on DVD so that whenever I need the inspiration/motivation to take a difficult path, or do something in life that seems too overwhelming to accomplish; It will be there to watch again. To say that this was an epic adventure is an understatement. These guys pulled off the impossible. They did something that had not been done for 700 years and will likely never be done again by anyone. Religion/Philosophy speaks of the 7 steps to transcendence (long before Maslow) and these guys achieved what I believe to be the highest level attainable by humans (#6 – Self Actualization). They realized their dreams. This once again prooves why public television is the best programming on television and an American institution that we can never loose.
Amazing film, I’m going to share this movie with all my friends.
Denis and Francis are an inspiration to modern day explorers and lovers of history and geography of all ages. I am a teacher and have been teaching the Silk Road and Marco Polo to third grade children for over seven years. A colleague of mine, who also teaches Marco Polo, invited me and my class to listen to Denis and Francis recount their adventures and share with us a slide show of the vibrant photos of the trip. Denis and Francis grabbed the attention of the adults and the students in the room immediately as they recounted unique and surprising aspects of the journey. As they reflected on the two year long epic travel, Denis and Francis inspired the children (and adults) to hold fast to their dreams and to believe that one can do anything with will and hard work. The children were enraptured with the tales and freely asked questions of these two awe-inspiring men. Denis and Francis seemed overjoyed to share with these curious children their stories. A highlight of the experience was when the guys revealed an artifact from Kashgar, China (a city my students study in great depth) — a handsomely decorated wooden saddle. After the guys left, the children wanted to watch more of the clips again (thank you, WLIW21 website). I know that these brave and pioneering men left an indelible mark on the children they spoke to this week. I highly recommend watching the clips, buying the DVD and reading the book. Thank you, Denis and Francis. You are amazing. I cannot wait to hear about your next travels!
I just shared this with all my friends. Absolutely loved it. No words!
This is by far THE BEST, most inspring, most interesting and most honest film ever made!!
It is so refreshing to see that some people are so determined to follow their dreams and the most inspiring part is that their dream is NOT the American dream of materialism: large house with double garage.
Way to go! You guys are real amazing, and real example for everyone.
They should make this film madatory in every school of America!!
GOOD JOB! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
I happen to have seen that film and think about it every day…
I saw this shortly before I myself came to live in China, and this documentary truly moved me. My favorite part was the Central Asian segment, just incredibly beautiful land with such a richness of history and culture that rarely and sadly isn’t viewed as such in popular media at the moment. I admire Denis and Francis’ perseverance and sense of adventure, a beautiful doc!
This movie was amazing! It’s a great way to get a taste of the many cultures in the Middle East and Asia. The documentary is informative and interesting.
This film was absolutely incredible. The story and journey were both remarkable and admirable, and never ceased to amaze me. Denis and Francis are two truly incredible people, and their film should be seen by everyone; their book should be widely read and appreciated. I am still in awe of the cultural feat they have accomplished. They are the definition of “global citizens.”
I was absolutely awed the first time I viewed the documentary, and was ecstatic to have the privilege of sitting down with Denis and Francis in my high school Global Seminar class this past week. Not only were Denis and Francis’ experiences on their journey fascinating, but their urgence for my classmates and me to achieve our dreams was inspiring. Thank you!
After being stunned by this wonderful movie, I was lucky enouch to have Denis and Francis visit my school. We enjoyed a small setting discussion, and I was struck by how humble and relatable Denis and Francis are. They really are two regular guys with big hearts (and a great sense of humor!) who dared to dream the impossible dream.
Dennis and Francis- your presentation at Bronxville High School on Wednesday was in the words of my students “the best presentation ever!” You truly inspired all my students to learn more about other cultures, the history of Marco Polo and the silk road. Your passion, perseverance and love of history moved each and every student. Thank you for a truly extraordinary experience.
And how could a school arrange for a presentation? Could you two lecture and discuss your adventure dress in period costume?
Dick
After watching this incredible documentary and listening to Denis and Francis make a compelling presentation at my school, it truly encouraged me to further my knowledge on marco polo and the silk road. After watching all the macabre scenes in the documentary, I realized for the first time how auspicious me and my peers are. In the near future I plan on donating to organizations which benefit those in need similar to the people in the documentary. Thank you for such a fascinating presentation at my school!
Hi you came to my school Dalton your vidios are amazing i wish i was that brave if you want you can email me the anser to this question what enspiered you to do that
Francis & Denis,
There’s a rumor going around that you guys actually rented a private jet and did this trip in two weeks . . . any truth to that? Seriously, what you accomplished is truly amazing. I’m glad we got to know each other at the Explorers Club in NYC and I look forward to seeing you both again soon. My heartfelt congratulations on finally seeing your dreams realized!
Dave
I discovered your wonderful book at our library. While halfway through, I was so enthralled with your adventures, I decided to learn more about the book online–and to my utter amazement found this site with the full documentary video. Now I’m reading each chapter in the book–and then watching the matching segment of the video online. WOW! I’m telling all my friends to do the same. Thank you for sharing your amazing adventure with all of us who stay safely at home but like to dream of such a trip.
so quality, educational tv from pubcasters now means that if i hear coldplay over the reel, i’m supposed to be thankful that i’m not watching 18 over the hill doo-wop singers die on stage? i’m still figuring out what public tv is supposed to be post everything, but i’m pretty sure this doesn’t pass.
Am reading the book now, and it’s fabulous. I missed the broadcast of the film on tv & am checking it out on line. Would sure love to see a dvd available to purchase. Any hope of that in the near future? Thanks.:)
Beautiful and stunning. Inspirational.
I just watched the last hour, and I’m stunned. A year after your remarkable journey my wife, two daughters and I spent a year traveling around the world in an adventure dedicated to Marco Polo (among others). What you two did is historic, epic, and admirable. And your final realization that the world is filled with really good people, and a few bad, is so right on target. Thank you for doing the amazing. Thank you for helping make our world more connected, just as Marco did.
I stumbled upon the documentary last night and couldn’t pull myself away from it. Absoutly amazing show and photos. I will put your book on my to read list this year for sure. Thanks!:)
I saw your program tonight. Truly wonderful documentary that brings the audience to you and feels what you (and Marco Polo) felt.
I watched your program last night and was so impressed. You brought to me memories of: NYC with your personalities and attitude, Venice with all it’s serealism. Marco Polo’s travels were always a favorite work, the journey I always dreamt about taking.
Thank You
A trully remarkable film! A reminder of our universal shared loves and needs. Thanks to two wonderful men who followed a dream–and who take us along!
Denis, Francis,
Amazing journey, story, film!
Any plans on a 20th anniversary update in a few years? It would be interesting to see what changes has occurred since your original journey.
Dennis,stumbled across this feature after returning from a college algebra class. This is the the most amazing journey that you have documented and lived. I am trying to find a DVD of this program for a birthday gift. Is this program available on DVD for purchase. Spoke to my vocal public broadcasting channel, google search and I am now coming to the source. Thank you both for showing us the world!
Great film, great guys with a high spirit. A true adventure. I have done parts of Marco Polo travels myself, including parts of Turky, Iran, Afganistan and India.
Just arrived from Venice. Again. Wish you the best.
Eivind from Oslo, Norway.
My husband and I sat before the tv mesmerized. I want to see it again and again and share it with everyone worthy of appreciating it. Thank you.
After watching this, I feel like you guys are my lifelong friends. Wonderful adventure story by two terrfic guys…thank you!!
An amazing experience to watch. Thank you.
And a pleasure to meet both of you on Friday at Dobbs Ferry HS
The story is amazing. Your video enthralling. It was magical to watch. So were the students, and they asked some great questions. The photography was beautiful. I am honored to have had the chance to meet you. Not often people step so outside their comfort zones. Thank you both.
Hi!! Last night I was flipping through the channels tossing and turning in bed and stumbled across this documentary- me being a traveler and travel being the true love of my life I was glued to the television- I actually got goosebumps and felt like i was in the tv the whole time- it was AWESOME!!!! Its so refreshing to see people go out and LIVE and see the world as we should- your courage and relentlessness makes me even more eager to pursue my passions in life. I solute you both! My favortie quote was after the journey was over, I beleive Francis says “Travel is the enemy of Bigotry”!!- SO TRUE!!!! I cant wait to see more of the world one step at a time…..
These dudes are my heroes. Truly inspiring, felt like I was traveling right along with them (and the spirit of Marco Polo)… Fantastic work.
I came across this documentary by chance one night as I was watching t.v. and I loved it! It’s a beautiful piece of work that is inspiring and personal at the same time. The stories of their experiences along their journey coupled with the beautiful imagery was exciting and inspirational. I’m in awe of the passion and courage of Denis and Francis. I’ve watched it everytime it’s on t.v. and it’s like I’m watching it for the first time all over again. I would love to see The Legacy, and purchase both on dvd!
I teach 7th grade in Portland Oregon. We just did our “worksheet” about Marco Polo…then I found your video.12 year olds are hard to impress. they sit through Avatar and go “so what” but your video gripped them. IT made me envious. Jeeze you guys are my heros. Can I purchase your video. Schools all over the country should want it. I want one. Will in Portland
I stumbled across the program as I was wandering around the internet and I am still not certain how I found it. I loved the program and would be happy to learn how I can access more travel programs presented on a computerized or internet format.
Gene Worscheck
Hey Francis,
I have been looking for you since we lost contact in 1984. Fond memories of travelling in Italy, camping out on the Isle of Elba and having a personal tour of NY/NJ on new years eve. I look forward to viewing the doco and Reading your book. Regards, Simon from Adelaide, Australia.
The film will pull you into a magical journey of two extraordinary individuals whose in depth research, photography and at times amusing commentary will conjure up the desire in all of us to expand our horizons. The book is equally stunning, kudos to the both of you for making this incredible voyage and sharing it with us.
This is an outstanding program…finally an adventure documented by artists instead of pedantic scholastic types… Artists always make the best explorers IMHO as they capture the essential unseen elements, the best aspects of humanity.
I found this to be honest, unpretentious and truly spirited and I pray that we see more and of more of these types of open-hearted adventures….the best part of the whole thing, and a point which our beloved explorers stress in the end…that “most human beings are good”. This is a truth which our world really needs to embrace now…. Thank you for taking us on an incredible journey !
One word Jealous
You know it’s good when you have to stop it 2/3 of the way through because class is ending, and one of the kids begs, “Nooooo… don’t stop it! Can’t we skip next hour???”
Francis or Denis have either one you read the book “After You, Marco Polo” by Jean Bowie Shor? it is a great book about this couples journey chasing Marco Polo. As far as I can tell it was only published once in 1955. I think anyone who is a fan of Marco Polo would enjoy this book.
Hello Nicholas , & Yes indeed , we’ve both read it many time’s over the years – I believe your right anyone who Loves stories of travel , the silkroad & Marco Polo would enjoy their book which chronicles their failed but valiant attempt to retrace Marco Polo’s Journey . In fact it was their account along with the failed accounts of other expeditions that was to be part of what inspired us to retrace Polo’s entire route in time for the 700 Anniversary of Polo’s Return to Venice , which of course was 1995 !
I’ll tell ya something funny that we’ve found over the years , Marco is so revered as a symbol of east / west cultural communication & cooperation
that almost any visitor to Asia / China claims to have traveled in his footsteps & I guess in some way , we all have ! Thanks Marco !!!
Thank you for allowing us to see this fabulous expedition! I have enjoyed showing parts of it to my 7th grade history class as a companion to our study of Marco Polo and the Mongols.
I just showed this to my classes…got to watch it 5 times in the last two days. Fantastic job-I’d love a copy when it comes out on DVD! At a crossroads of a sort myslef right now-wish I could do something like this
This is absolutely amazing and inspiring. It is amazing to see the diversity of culture in the world. I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to travel two years and come to the realization that this journey through the silk road is achievable. Thank you so much for making this video, and shining a new light on the people of different cultures.
I just saw this last night on PBS. I was inspired by Denis & Francis and their epic journey. I was touched and inspired.
It was an incredible journey and a they have a wonderful way of communicating the experience.
I admire Denis skills as a photographer & videographer as well. In country that rough, you can’t count on being able to charge up the batteries all the time!
Thank you both, Denis and Francis, and your sponsors for your wonderful project.
(p.s. It was so good I blogged it today at my bettertrip blog!)
WOW this take me back to when i was 7 year old and the only book i wood check out was marco polo i love the color of the book i did not understand back in the day but now i do you only have one life to live so why not live it right all i can say is W.O.W thank you for your journey
I just Loved , Loved this program , When will it be shown again in the NY area ? Also I’ve heard through the grapevine that there is a part two or a follow up show about Marco Polo or that these guy’s were going to do some other journey’s ? Is that true ? I think
that it would be a great idea and a big hit for PBS ! Denis and Francis are so real and geniune ,it’s a real joy to travel with and learn from them !
I am absolutely amazed at how inspired I was by this documentary. “I will sell all of my worldly possessions for travel”. That little sentence means so much to me. I have recently returned from my first trip to Europe and my travel buddies would not stop raving about these two crazy guys from Queens and their amazing journey. My pal sent me the link and I watched the documentary three times in the first two days. I have been talking about “breaking out of the matrix” for a while and watching Dennis and Francis take that to the next level is amazing. There is so much to see in this world, but they also helped me realize to appreciate what you have in your own backyard. I have been a walking commercial for these guys since I discovered their journey. I will be searching the site continuously for any speaking engagements in the New York area. Again guys Thank-you.
Great, inspiring, and emotional documentary. I enjoyed watching it very very much!
Dear Friends, of ” In the footsteps of Marco Polo ” I can no longer be reached at the old Email address of ( francis@returntovenice.com)
So for now please feel free to contact me at franc.is.marcopolo@gmail.com Thanx & Remember what I always say “There’s more to Explore ” Francis O’Donnell
I just saw your documentry on pbs. I was so moved how both of you traveled the same way as Marco Polo did. I Have always wanted to travel and visit different cultures. Though I have been to Egypt and back to my own county Pakistan, I would love to take my family on a journey like yours. I would like say THANK YOU! for showing the world there are wonderful and kind people in this world. I can not say in words what your film has done for me about this beautiful world full of different cultures and what we need to learn. Thank you Again. Shafiqur Rahman
Wow you guys are amazing this just touched my heart. I hope you guys stay blessed
My daughter saw this film on PBS ,but when I called the station it was not on schedule to be shown again. I tried watching it on line,but most of film was unavailable. What I saw was very interesting. Would love to know if there will be a DVD made. Thanks
What an absolute gift! We had the pleasure to meet Francis at a festival in Houston and were able to talk with him prior to viewing the movie and reading the book. My husband, two children, and I were spellbound by their magnificient journey and beautiful message. Thank you.
[...] This was the 90s, and their trek took them into a variety of dangers, including a firefight in Afghanistan. They survived through a combination of luck, skill and careful preparation. Because they willingly entered dangerous areas and found a way to survive, they are a special source of inspiration for me. You can watch the documentary of their journey here. [...]
Did you see Crusades?
From Francis O’Donnell , Dear Friends – of ” In the footsteps ….. ” GOOD NEWS ! Denis and & thank you for all your support and kind words on this site over the past three years ! During this time we have recieved literally hundreds of requests for a DVD version of the flim for sale ! This means that there are thousands of you out there that will be happy to know that finally as of Jan. 2112 it will officially hit the market ! ! !…. but I understand you can do some preordering ? Don’t tell anyone but In reality I’m just as glad if you watch it here for free ! it’s just FYI , Lov ya & Happy Thanksgiving !
Truly inspirational video. Makes me wanna travel all over the world now.
I recently saw your amazing documentary on my local PBS station – I really have no words to express how inspiring this film is ! I am a Marco Polo Buff and had just purchsed ” The Travels of Marco Polo ” edited by Morris Rossabi , it is a beautfully illustrated book , but I was really disapointed as it really held no insight or passion about the subject matter , there are hundreds of books about Marco Polo , some good , some not so good , so after seeing ” In the footsteps ” I ran out a brought the companion book , and let me say it is a true gem , it took me on a journey back in time and I felt as I was with Denis and Francis as they traveled through Marco Polo’s world and in his footsteps ! Denis and Franics are the real deal ! Where are you guys going next ? and can I come along ?
What an amazing gift this documentary is to anyone who takes the time to view it . Denis and Francis embody all the attributes of true old world explorers with their bravery and resoursefulness , while embracing the best of modern ideals , insatiable curiosity & an open minded approach to the world and the peoples in it . ” In the footsteps ” is a breath of fresh air ,in the waste land of TV , and its ultimate message is something we could all learn from ! Travel is the enemy of bigotry !
One of THE best videos ever! I have watched it many times and never tire of it. The bravery and sense of adventure you demonstrate just takes my breath away. Thanks so much for this adventure. When I watch it, I feel like I am there….
I saw this amazing journey about a year ago. Amazing. Since then, I’ve been telling so many friends and co-workers about it. Tonight, my 11 year old niece (Chloe) asked me, “Have you ever heard of “In The Footsteps of Macro Polo”? My jaw dropped. Then she told me that Denis was at her school (San Mateo, CA) today. WHAT!? She couldn’t stop talking about it. What a small world and how lucky that Denis paid them a visit! Thank you Denis! She really enjoyed your time there and the video of your journey.
Wow, really impressing. I am starting to think about doing somethin like that, you are really inspiring. I reckon a programme “on the footsteps of great travelers” could be a good idea.
Greetings from Poland!