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Adaptation is key
Denis and Francis wouldn't have survived on this trip if they didn't know how to adapt and conform to these different societies.

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Sumatra. It just seems so culturally diverse from our own and I would just like to know what it's like to live there. Also, the tattoos look cool and I want one.

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SIMILARITIES
-Had to walk, no vehicles, camels or any other transportation
-Every sense was "awakened"
MARCO POLO
-No shelter
-Had to work with what provisions he had brought with him
DENIS AND FRANCIS
-Went in November, was very cold
-They would feel Polo's presence

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SIMILARITIES
-Hospitable
-Kind people
MARCO POLO
-When Polo was in Iran, it was a large country with 8 different kingdoms
-It was also fairly easy to get into
DENIS AND FRANCIS
-Their hotel room was air-conditioned
-They were the first Americans allowed into Iran since 1979

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SIMILARITIES
-Got ready to go into Taklimakan Desert in Kashgar
-Mostly Uyghurs in Kashgar
MARCO POLO
-Believed that spirits would pull you off your path in the desert and make you get lost
-While Polo was there, Kashgar had one of the very first tradings markets
DENIS AND FRANCIS
-Saw names of whoever was living in that house on the front door while in the desert

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Marco Polo was one of the most traveled persons to ever live. He went all across Asia back to his hometown of Venice, Italy. Polo lived in China for 17 years, but while he was there, he was thrown in jail. In jail, he met someone who could write so Polo had him write down all of the encounters he had going through Asia. This was turned into the book that inspired so many to travel the world, like Christopher Columbus.

Denis Belliveau and Francis O'Donnell were also inspired by Marco Polo's book. They traveled from Venice to China and back, sticking as close to Polo's original path as possible. They also did as much of this adventure on foot, to try to keep the feeling of being in the 13th century.

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SIMILARITIES
-Both Polo and the Americans stayed in caravanserai (roadside inn where travelers could stay)
MARCO POLO
-During Polo's trip to Ayas, it was a very popular port city. It had a lot of goods come in off the water and many come in by land.
DENIS AND FRANCIS
-When they were in Ayas, there was really nothing there. Not many people, not many ships, not even many buildings

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SIMILARITIES
-Didn't go alone. Polo went with his father and uncle while Denis and Francis traveled together
-The same blue-tiled domes that Polo saw were still there for D and F to see
MARCO POLO
-Polo went when there were a lot of foreigners there for trade
-Didn't spend much time here
DENIS AND FRANCIS
-They were some of the very few foreigners there
-Stuck for almost 3 weeks because they couldn't get into Afghanistan

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SIMILARITIES
-Had special access
-Given protection
-Dangerous in both times
MARCO POLO
-Polo's special access was a golden tablet and a princess he was delivering
-That golden tablet said that Polo got housing and any horses he would need
DENIS AND FRANCIS
-They weren't given anything special until they talked to the most powerful man in the country
-They were offered a helicopter ride through the most dangerous parts of the country but turned it down
-Instead, they took guards, armed jeeps, weapons, and lodging