Whilst studying in Europe I visited the Institute of Social and Cultural Anthropology at Albert-Ludwigs University and met with the Head of Department to chat about my exploration of Mongolian society and culture. She made some wonderful suggestions that continue to stimulate new perspectives even now. I will forever be grateful not only to her but to so many others who have helped me along my way. I lived in Freiburg (Germany) for a month. It’s such an exciting and vibrant university town! 14 April 2010. Photograph: C.Pleteshner