POST

Going home

Thirteen years ago, I left Mexico to study a Ph.D. in the U.S. In the meantime, apart from doing that, I got married, we moved to Switzerland, and we formed a beautiful family. I have learned so many things, I have changed in so many ways. In the words of my advisor, during one of our very early email exchanges, before I went to Purdue:

It isn't so much a leaving as a beginning of something else.  When you return, as you will, it will be with a more wordly viewpoint.  That is both a loss and a gain.

Now, after all these years, it's time to go home.

At the end of October, we will be moving back to Mexico, to live in the beautiful colonial city of Queretaro. I will take a very interesting job offer, which I will tell you about at the proper time.

Going back to Mexico is something Susana and I always said we wanted to do eventually, and this seems like the perfect opportunity to actually do it. The girls are still young, we are going back with a solid job offer, and to live in a very nice city. We are truly excited to go back. Still, it's not without some mixed feelings. We have been out of our home country for so long, that I think it's inevitable there will be some reverse culture shock. Switzerland is a beautiful, nice and safe country, which has given us a lot, and I very much like my job here. Still, I jump from joy every time I think we will be back in our home country, every time I realize there won't be any more harsh winters, every time I think I'll be able to eat Mexican food anytime I want, and so many other things I miss. Going back just feels so good!

The next step, of course, is to execute the plan. We are already waist-deep in preparations, planning, searching, and so many other things. It's an exciting time. Stay tuned.