On January 16, 2021, I left Austin. After exactly one year, I will start a new career in Amsterdam on January 17, 2022. I am sometimes amazed by life’s coincidences, such as this one.
I didn’t get a chance to properly say goodbye to my Austin friends during the pandemic. No parties, no coffee chats, no hugs. As I am moving forward and embarking on new adventures in my life, it’s important to look back and contemplate the old days living in Austin. 1,623 days, to be precise.
Here is a postcard-like viz of the past, but addressed to the future.
Each dot represents one day that I called Austin home. One thousand six hundred and twenty-three days piece together the word AUSTIN. If someday is special, I highlighted them with burnt orange 🤘. When you hover over it, you will find a brief description and maybe a picture.
You might be wondering what I’ve been up to in the last year.
Well, I did a gap year.
I stayed in my hometown Changsha. First, I was quarantined in Shanghai for 21 days. Then, on the Chinese Lunar New Year, I returned home. After nine years of studying and working hundreds of miles away from home, it’s recharging to spend a year with family and friends. I am fortunate to have this long break to reflect on my life, my career, and my relationships. I was first scared because I had no income and had no idea where to go, but I now appreciate the many opportunities I had to learn and explore new things. In the end, it all became clear. Thank you to my family and friends for their unwavering support and love! 🥰
I developed a viz similar to the AUSTIN one for these 322 days living in Changsha.
Should auld acquaintance be forgot and auld lang syne!
I believe we will meet in person again at some point in the future. In Amsterdam, I’m also looking forward to making new acquaintances.
Until then, good morning, good afternoon, good evening, and good night! My friends!
We’ll be friends forever, just you wait and see.
A. A. Milne
Qichun Dai 