# data[].attributes.body
Marco traveled the land mostly by camel. There was not much other form of transportation and camel was the most logical means of traveling; especially because it could hold his belongings while traveling long journeys through terrain and desert.

# data[].attributes.body
Marco could just travel without the worry of rules or visas. Mongols were ruling China then and the security of travel was not particularly strict. Marco could just cross boarders and land without the worry of government rules or passes to get in the way.

# data[].attributes.body
The men were stuck in the country in a war zone without visas. A viscous war was going on in the time of their travel which was a dangerous place to be around, but they couldn't leave because they didn't have the correct visas that were difficult to get a hold of. They had to worry about where they could pass and how they were going to get over the next boarder; especially without dying.

# data[].attributes.body
Gained superior access to travel and get through places with permission from a leader. Marco got a plaque pass from the emperor that granted his access into wherever he wanted and Denis and Francis got access granted by a respected leader that had family ties throughout where they were trying to travel. There were specific places that these passes helped them grant access to.

# data[].attributes.body
Had trouble traveling because Iran is closed off to Americans. Because of conflict that had come up over the years, Americans weren't really allowed in Iran at this time, which made it difficult for Denis and Francis. However, they eventually got in and were one of the first Americans to gain access to Iran in decades.

# data[].attributes.body
Traveled in the same footsteps through the Valley of Assassins. There was a valley that was one of the only paths to get through to where they needed to get, so they both traveled in the same valley that was deadly because of the assassins that would kill there. It was a dangerous journey but they crossed the valley in pretty much the same footsteps.

# data[].attributes.body
Many died in his group and barely survived to continue travel. They struggled when they were attacked and many men in Marco Polo's group died and most who lived barely made it out alive. The life expectancy on the journey was so much lower in Marco Polo's time.

# data[].attributes.body
Got comfortable with the locals and had a cigarette with the people who ambushed them. The local people were very hospitable toward them and they got comfortable and acquainted with them. After the confusion of the ambush, they shared a cigar with the people who had pointed guns to their head, even though it was terrifying. Nobody in their group died and they made it out somewhat safe.

# data[].attributes.body
Ambushed by Hazaras and both witnessed people die. The Hazaras were a military group in Balkh that were not very safe and both travelers were ambushed by this group and had "guns" pointed at their heads. They all feared for their life and were in danger. They had all witnessed bloodshed and someone dying along this part of the journey; Marco Polo in his own group and Denis and Francis through the war.

# data[].attributes.body
Was a busy trade industrial area. When traveling it was long and said he "hears spirits." At the bay, Marco had said that the port was an industrial trade port where people were bustling in and out with goods and money. Traveling through the desert was long and how, so much so that Marco recalls that he "hears spirits" along the bland journey.

# data[].attributes.body
Traveled by bus and horses. Said "kind of loose your mind." Unlike Marco Polo, Denis and Francis traveled sometimes by bus and more by horse. Camels were a factor in their travels but horses were a big part of their journey. Denis and Francis also made a comment where in the desert you "kind of loose your mind." Because of the length and blandness of the desert, the men's minds started playing tricks on them.

# data[].attributes.body
Prepared for next big, long walk while riding camels in the forbidding cold desert. In Kashgar, both travelers had a lot of preparing to do for their big walk across the Taklimakan Desert where it was forbiddingly cold. They had to prepare the right clothing, food, and whatever aid they needed along the journey.

# data[].attributes.body
Mongols still ruled in China who's military relied on bow and arrow. In this time, the Mongols were still very powerful and controlling which meant they ruled and lot of land and this part of China was one of them. Their military showed strength and their main action of attack included bow and arrow which is now not as common.

# data[].attributes.body
Lived and made acquaintance with the local people. Local people took the foreigners in and showed them a part of their lifestyle. They took care of them and provided them with their necessities while building a relationship.

# data[].attributes.body
Locals lived in circle tent houses that were movable. Locals were of Mongols families and watched them slaughter sheep the same way with similar sights and sounds. The locals that both travelers came across on their journey lived in tent houses that were movable to were they needed to be most. The locals that lived in these houses were of Mongol descent and live similar to how they lived back with Marco Polo. The sights and sounds were all similar and even the way they slaughtered and ate sheep was the same.

# data[].attributes.body
The land was virtually unknown at the time and said there were wise philosophers and physicians. Not all land was discovered and controlled by a power which was happening here. Not many knew about some areas and Dongguan was one of them. Many wise philosophers and physicians were said to live in this area and showed a great presence in the area.

# data[].attributes.body
Had their first real shower on the trip here and the streets were so packed. Near Dongguan was a bustling city with many hotels and motels that Denis and Francis were able to clean up and shower in. Where they had been traveling earlier was not completely modern and did not have these luxuries. The streets were busy with hundreds of people roaming and buying from the markets.

# data[].attributes.body
Getting here was a big accomplishment of the journey. Locals wear silk all the time. They both had said that getting to Dongguan was a big accomplishment and that it was one of the more advanced cities among those they had traveled to which was comforting. The locals that lived there had a big possession of silk and it was very common for most people to wear it. The production was very big in silk so many used it a lot.

# data[].attributes.body
The long distance and time traveled by the Americans around the world showed the very different groups of people who were still willing to take in outsiders and care for them. The local people of different countries that they traveled to took them into their homes and showed the Americans how they lived. They cared for them, kept them fed, and gave a little insight to their lifestyle. This hospitality in so many different places just shows how people are still kind in the world and care for others. Selfishness was not a factor in the people's actions, which is present in people around the world in all times. Marco Polo even had people who were willing to sacrifice something for him as well. The hospitality doesn't stop in those small areas of the countries though; it continues throughout the world and right into America. The hospitality shown by these people can be found among many around you, even if it's not completely apparent.

# data[].attributes.body
because of the beautiful buildings and landscape. The detailed mosaics and architecture are not seen throughout the world in today's date. The arches, different structure of walls, and color included in the buildings have a very appealing aspect that would draw me to Persia to take in the view.