Whilst studying in Europe in 2010, I visited the Department of Social and Cultural Anthropology at Albert-Ludwigs University in Freiburg to meet with the Head of Department Prof. Judith Schlehe to discuss my exploration of contemporary Mongolian society and culture. She made some wonderful suggestions that continue to stimulate new perspectives in my own writing to this day. I will forever be grateful to not only her but to so many others who have taken the time to help me along my way. I lived in Freiburg (Germany) for a month – such a vibrant university town! 14 April 2010. Photograph: C.Pleteshner