In the Footsteps of Marco Polo FULL SPECIAL | PBS America

[@arturkowalski5809]

Omg. I met these two madmen in Ulan Baator in 1994 and for a couple of weeks we travelled together. I was 20 years old at the time, crossing Eurasia overland. Absolutely insane trip. Frank and Dennis were so much fun! Made a hell of an impression on me. PBS describes them above as "two ordinary guys". Well, they were anything but ordinary. Btw, that's me @55:49, on top of a truck that we hitchhiked with as we were going west, towards Charchorin (Karakorum). A little bird accompanied us for hours, singing to us. Can't belive I'm seeing this now, almost 30 years later. Guys, if you're reading this, thank you for your company on that strange and wonderful journey!

[@zerofox7347]

That’s crazy. Did you know at the time they were making a documentary or did you think they were just videotaping their trip?

[@Jo-Anne.Clarke]

✌🏻I see you!

[@fridakahlua6674]

Oh thats you? hahahahhah wowzer!

[@molliem8192]

My father was in the Armed Forces in Canada immigrated from England after the war. So I grew up in the Cold War. Move ahead years and my daughter after graduating high school and going to university asked if she could finish her studies off in China. I was reluctant. She went. She told me that people in China were just like us. The people she home stayed with asked all the same questions about us as we were asking about them. She said the only way to know people is to open your mind and go travel. People all around the world are just like us. So I took up her cause and I’ve travelled ever since. It’s true the more you travel and learn about the people and live with the people not just taking tours the more you appreciate how we really are all alike. I thank my daughter to this day for opening my eyes.

[@charleskristiansson1296]

Authentic, daring, unorthodox, dangerous, fascinating - Francis and Dennis made the most unique journey literally revisiting antiquity in every sense 1993/4.

[@Sirnkissako]

Made a similar journey in 1965, however without money and camera. Almost died. Have traveled ever since. Now living for 48 years in Japan and been almost 50 times to China since 1983. So I understand very well what they went through.

[@emiliayonekokumata7167]

What an INSANE and courageous adventure! 😮Congrats! You made it! My father came to Brazil as a teenage Japanese immigrant, and succeeded in here in search for a better living. I remember in my childhood, he used to mention quite often about Marco Polo. Certainly, Marco was his inspiration for long- distance journeys. When I lived in Japan in the mid-90s I took interest for the Silk Rode, a time we didn't have much access to information. Later, I could read on the National Geographic magazine about an amazing traveling tracking on Polo's route heading China and back to Venice. Now, just in 2024 I found this documentary. What a lifetime experience! Thanks a lot for sharing with us!

[@christophlieding734]

Danke from Germany. Really touching story and great guys. More good people then bad ones and try to live and enjoy the moment. Open your heart and let it shine.

[@carlsmith8815]

What a gem. Marco Polo was one of my early icons and in 1970 l went East from Europe to India overland and back by sea. . I remember Afghanistan as particularly medieval and awe inspiring...I am happy to have stumbled on this. I echo the sentiment .The world is great place, but you have to smell and feel it. The media is no substitute for being there alone.

[@cruisepaige]

WoW!!! That must have been quite a trip! Yes, I agree about travel. I’ve been to 6 of 7 continents.

[@Dan16673]

Wow 4realz?

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I'm not Marco polo but I have been to 5 continents, except central Asia 😅 it's not how many countries I stepped foot into, but some places are so special that I have to visit more than once, for example, Turkey 4 times, Morocco twice etc. Some countries don't put a stamp on my passport but just a piece of paper like Macau, Hong Kong. My only regret is that the pandemic postponed my visit to Israel, but I did made it to Egypt and Jordan in 2021

[@Dan16673]

@@___beyondhorizon4664 jordan and egypt are amazing

[@christiandiemond9595]

The adventure of a lifetime..or perhaps two. What a life.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

This was 1990's Chinese was slowly open to the world. Ewin McGregor did a motorcycle trip around the world in the 2000. From London to Eastern Europe, to Russia , Mongolia, thru Siberia and flew to Alaska, and ended up in NYC. This journey is called LONG WAY ROUND. His second journey was from north Africa to south Africa, that journey was called LONG WAY DOWN, also on his Bike. The latest one was LONG WAY UP, from the last city in south America to LA. It was on Apple tv but I haven't seen it because I don't have a TV since 2009😅 I too,😢 am a world traveler, I don't need a TV 😅

[@tomshields3599]

Right on. Especially applaud the sentiment & advice at the end. This world truly is populated with MANY more good people than malicious. It’s time we all realize that & make it our superpower.

[@Andy_Babb]

But so, sooo many dumb people 🙄

[@vcom2327]

An incredible journey! I was in several of the same places in China in 1983. This was before individual travellers were allowed in (I aquired a fake visa in Hong Kong). It was rare that I saw another foreigner. I traveled alone, with no knowledge of Chinese, and no guide book (none existed). Rarely did I meet a Chinese who could speak English. My reception in Beijing was similar. "No" and "foreign devil" were the first Chinese words I learned too! I was an object of curiosity, as few had ever seen a foreigner. I remember 30 Chinese faces pushed against the windows of the restaurant, watching me eat, for 1 hour. I left China via the Trans-Siberian train to Berlin, crossing Mongolia and Russia. Quite an adventure!!

[@headcreeps2138]

Insane journey by these 2. I've set out on a worldwide solo journey since 2021. Stories like these keep that inspiration alive for me. ✨

[@jaydravich7015]

I loved this video. I had just finished reading Marco Polo's book and found this video because I couldn't figure out where he was traveling. But I never expected such a magnificent travelog. I was literally crying (I'm 78 and I don't cry so easily) at the end. These two guys are an incredible inspiration.

[@rosescrio5303]

Amazing and well done, you Guys. l love History. Marco Polo was one courageous man.

[@katyu16]

I have read Marco Polo's travels since high school and would never have imagined that anyone would travel in his footsteps even in the 1990's. THANK YOU.

[@arthurdent2817]

Great doco what an amazing adventure must’ve been so weird going home to America & normal life after that.

[@fridakahlua6674]

i cant get enough of this documentary. I wish it was around the world.

[@johnthorpe1349]

Truely Amazing Great Doc 😜 what a way of life 🇨🇦 Migwech from Toronto ❤️🇨🇦

[@susannalewis903]

Loved this! Beautiful story, adventurous experiences, wonderful photography of peoples and places from all over the East. You feel as if you are traveling and adventuring with the two guys! I was a former peace corps volunteer in Iran in the 60's. This brings back so many memories!!

[@lynnbeck6877]

What a remarkable & dangerous journey ! Glad they traveled in the 90's before the world went nuts. No chance of successfully completing that trip now ......

[@DeboraDavies]

Amazing video! Amazing Journey! Amazing 2 human beings that will never forget how amazing their lives was! For the rest of their lives they will be so proud of this journey! ❤❤❤❤

[@HeiderosesPhotograph]

What an incredible journey. This was my dream in 1991 to travel in the footsteps of Marco Polo right after I read the book about it. 1990 I traveled in the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh with a friend and it was a more pleasant journey than yours. You are so brave. Thanks for this gorgeous video.

[@liziuhh]

I first saw this documentary around the time it got uploaded here, and I have to say, this is my favorite documentary of all time. Their story is incredible. I would love to meet them.

[@markroth9827]

Wow. What an incredible story. Thank you.

[@sketchingsketch9163]

Thank you for that beautiful and inspirational story! I would love to experience the same kind of grandeur of your travels in Asia. I went around Europe and Turkey earlier this year, even got in Ukraine just before it being unjustly terrorized. I am setting myself up for my birth continent in the future and hope for the best - An asian from Toronto.

[@raymondc6249]

Waoow...Sooooooooooooo good, loved every second of this, and the quotes at the end were just pitch perfect.. Thank You

[@makhetefall8003]

YOU MADE ME CRY. i WANTED TO GO WITH YOU GUYS.

[@josephwatts314]

Sitting here in a Louisiana Ice Storm (rare) W/out F/Wood & minimal heat ! It's uncomfortable , but never so inspired ! Thank you , KZbin & 1/2 case of wine! I will remember your journey for the rest of my life! You have given me the fortitude to see the beauty of it all ! " I have learned" ! 🦘💙

[@remlya]

Wonderful. Wish they had explained how they managed to power their camera the whole time and what they did with all the tapes. Can’t imagine keeping everything they recorded with them in case it was destroyed.

[@cruisepaige]

Oh gosh I’m crying at the will at the end.

[@stephenyang2844]

Thanks for PBS putting up these videos, the world will be abetter place when people understand foreign places. O'Donnell and Belliveau did a good job showing their experiences. Chines said 'walk ten thousand miles, learn more than reading ten thousand books', life is richer.

[@BarbaraWillis-wi4pq]

I LOVED EVERY MOMENT OF YOUR ROUTE OF MARCO POLO. I am a World Traveler myself. I've wanted to travel to the Stands myself but have been reluctant because of their ideas of Women. I just never felt this would be a safe trip. I have spent time in Turkey, and you are so right about how great the People are. My next trip will for sure be to Mongolia and the Steps with the Nomads. By the way, my Daughter has lived in Hong Kong the last 6 years on a teaching job. I will be watching for your next great Adventure. I can become an addiction.

[@hmj1116]

Bravo gentlemen you are inspiring I have been to some of those places you two went to got photos of all our traveling we loved to travel nowadays at old age we just watch others do it !

[@sjferguson]

How wonderful! What an amazing journey and my goodness the memories. Thank you for making this available for viewing. Really wonderful story.

[@abhishekdarji]

Love the stories of Marco Polo, what a legend . .

[@patriciasmith9936]

I thoroughly enjoyed this voyage. As an elder, I am virtually traveling and your trip was incredible. I had just started a bio of Marco and then I found your adventure. So glad you posted it

[@vinayakghadge6869]

I was reading Medieval History of India, got to know about Marco Polo.I was surprised at how can the same person be at Indonesia,India,China and alot of surrounding areas,and on top of that, at that time. Searched the Wikipedia for any documentary on him, and got yours. Watching this video, now I am more amazed at how and why people were passing those mountainous regions for wars, where even travelling is so much tedious. Thanks for this masterpiece.

[@lilihammond2570]

"Travel is the enemy of bigotry". Francis O'Donnell

[@MANFREDW1000]

Great movie documentary, for an old traveller to see, those are real feelings and adventures.

[@cestmoi1262]

There is so much more going on behind the scenes that we are not shown (my suspicion). How do you finance it, how do you "happen" to know people in high places, are there other tour members involved behind the camera, other people making arrangements ? I think it would be interesting to see what it takes to make an adventure like this happen.

[@danielsauerbrey]

Fantastic journey, can’t believe the difficulty in places, reminds me how grateful I am in the US for the most part for freedoms 🙏🏽🌞

[@rosemaryparker2567]

Watching to see your journey its great. Also dennis is so cute will watch just cause of him,right ladies

[@johnnysechrist6313]

AMAZING😃

[@suziperret468]

Two thumbs up! Bravo!

[@kbs5150]

Not about Marco Polo. It's about 2 guys. How brave they were

[@vijayagita3158]

Very honest and compelling to watch, thank you.

[@athenadiakos805]

Brilliant ,, I'm sure you could make 20 more doccies with all the stories/footage you collected - I would watch them all

[@2gulfalco]

they are so awesome!

[@huaxingtong9180]

Great expedition, nice documentary.Cheers from Brasil🇧🇷

[@jimbt9889]

I love this channel

[@tadrod2323]

congratulations guys,amazing

[@gardengeek3041]

I've done only a fraction of the type of travel shown here, but totally empathize with the travails and rewards encountered. The greatest unknown, and worst source of stress is dealing with bureaucracy in totalitarian regimes. It's gets worse if you can't read the rules or speak the language. Even worse if that country is in the midst of political turmoil within, or there is animosity with neighboring countries. Somehow the bureaucracy remains intact where there is turmoil. It even becomes more rigid. However, for every time one hits a log jam, ( such as being stuck in one place far too long) it is usually balanced out by some amazing, unexpected act of courtesy that hastens you to your goal ... and may even put you ahead of schedule.

[@timothybamford9424]

great travelogue 👍👍👍

[@johncope8368]

Thank you! Outstanding.

[@nathanielmadera3702]

love them adventurist

[@JT-dd1to]

Amazing! I enjoyed this video and learned a lot. Thank you

[@ravslayer2656]

Good on you guys awsome effort when you got back to Italy did you go to Croatia 🇭🇷 where his house still is and where he is from

[@domusterra3261]

He is not from Croatia, that's just a lie of croatian locals on Korcula

[@marcuscollins7018]

What a cool adventure!! Hats off. Respect

[@candausc]

Funny how they said if they see a car, they'll pretend its not there @ 8:49 yet... They were seen riding in one 💀lol @ 10:46

[@Lauradtp75]

Fantastic journey and video!!!!!👍😊

[@beregu]

Amazing story and courage.

[@budojitsu1]

Absolutely amazing

[@alcalc61]

This was inspiring 👑

[@denveradultgymnastic]

Great video @PBSamerica

[@manuelarmenta5972]

God bless brothers,keep it up as best & be safe. P.S.¡ Great Job !

[@rogueironman]

Wow, what a great adventure.

[@___beyondhorizon4664]

I was almost stuck in Neweiba Egypt on September 28 & 29,2021. My 30 days Visa was expiring, i could not buy a ferry ticket to Aqaba Jordan, fir 2 days, all sold out. I show them my visa with tears 😭 that i must continue on to Jordan and my flight in Amman. I stayed outside the ferry ticket office for 10 hours and eventually they sold me a ticket, i paid all my remaining Egyption pound so quickly before any changes!!! 😢

[@karinavandamme804]

I am sure that you realized that at the time you were in Tajikistan, our motherland, the S.U. had broken apart and the whole system was literally fallen apart. Therefore it saddens me to hear those comments, in such a mocking negative manner. I would say that the tension of war and uncertainty got the better of you and also the underlying, drilled in anti-Soviet rhetoric surfaced at the same time. Thank you for showing your beautiful video.

[@needlepark212]

11:00 already broke their rule by traveling by car.

[@BENDISGamesCom]

Wow !

[@franciscorodriguez2457]

I watched it years ago I enjoyed very much I read the Marco polo book

[@fnhc2023]

….luv it! No regrets. Have their book from,library lecture by Francis. Hope y’all are great and memories abound

[@karenralph1785]

Wow ❤❤❤

[@diongood8556]

Has this been digitally remastered? It looks better than I remember.

[@beregu]

54:47 Mongols are milk eating people. Spot on… 😂

[@staciehahn9175]

That would have been so scary to travel across all those countries… But, if I had to do it, I go with a US Marine, too!

[@tarasisan]

Incredible journey

[@fuferito]

These guys should re-trace their _own_ steps now, thirty years later and remark on how much things have changed in this relatively short time.

[@CoolKandahary1]

Nice film, loved the afghan scenes.

[@1974hurt]

Love it

[@johnthorpe1349]

That's crazy dude looks like the same guy that did Anthony Bourdain tattoo that's wild 🤪💯 Migwech 🇨🇦

[@susansmiles2630]

Thank you!

[@johnnychannel7824]

I want to trade all of my possessions that I could travel like two lovely guys, but my possessions are valued at under $1000.

[@mariatorres5563]

So with you guys possessions worth only 1000 dollars, with that amount of money you might be able to get to the next state over thats it...🤣🤣🤣

[@amudham06]

😂😂😂🤷🏻‍♀️

[@Obtuscates]

@@mariatorres5563 yet you can’t afford humility. Sad.

[@bradcalkins1428]

Lovely???

[@starduck8014]

Fantastic X Love this channel

[@rabotnickaklasa]

Great documentary, now guys follow Ibn Batuta way, much more places and countries.

[@marcvezper4497]

Dankon kaj gratulojn el Brazilo.🇧🇷

[@gordonfrickers5592]

Almost incredible, sincere congratulations. Artist to artists, my adventures seem to me very minor compared with your achievement.

[@zerofox7347]

1:23:24 is that a brass rattle?

[@natureaddict6600]

Bravo

[@spankyswank9174]

Very nice.i want to trace the Vikings like that.

[@antwindaugdaug5346]

[@abdirauf7948]

Don't forget ibn batuta the greatest traveler ever in the early 13th

[@chris.asi_romeo]

I wanna do the same. A great adventure

[@jamesfarris7657]

I wish they would reunite and do a sequel; it would be wonderful , and maybe I would tag along too

[@prettypurple7175]

BAMBINO MARCO POLO/////

[@elenivargis126]

Ah, the early 90s...when the world was still sorta innocent...good times :)

[@empirei8513]

Great video on Marco, but in my opinion Ibn Batuta was even greater

[@rickphoenix5638]

What an adventure to tell the grandchildren. Made me want to get off my rear-end and grab a Starbucks

[@SMF314]

LOL!😄

[@geraldusaf3704]

While visiting Persia Marco Polo says "...and other corns." Can someone tell me this is a bad translation? Because corn came from the Americas much later...it's bugging me!

[@TaniaGarciaduenas-z4s]

Armenia asia persia y Afganistán Ruta sulla seda fino arrivare a Mongolia t cina (1083)