On my first first visit to Moscow in 1993. Talking with local merchants about what it was like to live in Russian after the collapse of the Soviet system. They were happy to have a chance to meet new people such as myself and make business selling Russia fur hats which I really needed in Moscow in the winter time.

Training mission in Austria at the International Peace Institute 1999. Taking a tea break after working on how to deal with hostage negotiation provided for OSCE staff, for members working with the United Mission in Kosovo. Both my colleagues had worked in Africa with conflict resolution efforts and truth commissions and provided me an in-depth understanding of issues of war and peace.