It is the moment to say Goodbye to 2016. I have no words, but I will do my best.
2016 has been the Year. Among all my dreams or life goals, the Ph. D. was one of the big ones. For sure it was the most important until now, and the most complicated. It brought so many changes to my life, and also to me. I've been looking back since I finished it and I am still not able to describe all of them. It could look like the end of that path, but it was just the beginning. I signed my postdoc contract a couple of weeks before defending my thesis. It was intense, although I realized it after it passed.
Jack Kerouac confused me so much. I was reading On the road and The Dharma Bums during those months between defending my thesis and leaving Sevilla. It was the end of something, I do not know what. My dream evolved from Ph. D. to postdoctoral positions that allow me to continue my career as the mathematician I want to be. At the same time, I was signing a contract for two years in Toronto. I felt overwhelmed by the situation, confused and sad at the same time. My trip to Sri Lanka was impossible, and I just wanted to fly and discover the world. Was the postdoc a good idea? I can tell you now that it was the best idea. But then, it was complicated, and Jack did not help me at all with the road trips and philosophical bullshit.
Saying goodbye to Sevilla wasn't easy neither. But I packed my material life again and I went road to Madrid. The car was completely full of boxes and I sang for the five road hours. I needed that trip as much as being alone for a while. I keep with me one of the best memories I have. The day of my defense, I invited for dinner to my blood family, my best friends from Madrid and my family from Sevilla. It was amazing and one of the best nights of the year.
Summer started having Medellín (Colombia) as my home for two weeks. It was my first time in South America, and I cannot be happier about it. It was an incredible experience and I keep too many things from it. I have to add that it was the best summer school I have been so far. Moreover, I found the peace I was looking for in such an unexpected way.
My Canadian adventure started the day before I was flying to Vancouver when I got my work permit approved on time. Vancouver was different. I had been already in Toronto and Montreal, and they look so different. As always, FPSAC conference was really good. It is amazing to meet everyone there year after year. The city and some experiences left me a bitter taste, though. Losing someone from your life is always complicated to assimilate.
Toronto. I feel grateful for everything has happened to me during last 6 months. I have experimented a lot of "first times" that I love so much. I can resume it easily. I am happy there. I could describe a lot of moments, but I cannot track all of them. So, I will keep these words: I am happy.
Thank you 2016 for such an amazing year. Hello 2017, I will only say "I want to be as happy as I am right now".
Lau
