My visit to Damascus in 09 with my Russian colleagues to the university there, was one of my most memorable trips ever taken - Damascus is a beautiful city and the people are wonderful people - I met and made many friends during my time there - some who have died in this terrible war both as civilians and fighting in the armed forces - my heart thoughts and prayers go out to the people of Syria and I hope that someday I will be able to return and maybe help in rebuilding this great country that will not be dictated to