Not the scientific program. Not the space probe. It's the New Years' party I went to to kick off 2016. I found the tickets to this half art installation, half midnight party and was relieved that the others were down to try it out. This is the first time I've celebrated the new year with this kind of fanfare but it certainly set the bar high. I went with three other friends, one of whom we celebrated his birthday earlier in the evening at Las Palmas. Alex and I managed to get there ahead of Sam and Michelle to grab a table and set aside the surprise birthday cupcakes for later. It had been awhile since I helped with a surprise birthday party and it was immensely fun.

I must admit, I was a little concerned about the timing because I had two exams waiting that following week. However, I studied a little bit beforehand and had promised myself to take some time off from this incredibly hectic year. Fortunately for me, I was able to have my cake and eat it too by getting As on both exams! Which is not to say that this will become a habit but just that it made me look back on that night with even more fondness.

There were several DJs set around the venue and the artwork on the walls and images projected in the larger warehouse were a feast for the ears and eyes. Drinks were flowing and people dancing. The place was vibrant and the enthusiasm was contagious. I danced as much as I could although my feet felt like they had been amputated at the ankles. It should be obvious to most, but just to state it again, never never wear new high-heeled shoes on a night out. It just doesn't end well. My feet were smarting by the time we were walking back to our hotel room but I was fortunate enough to walk away from that night with just one blister.




We all slept in for the morning and ended up grabbing brunch at a cafe across the city. We all brought laptops/books to study so I spent a good portion of my time brushing up on the finer points of immunology and pediatrics. To go from dancing the night away to sipping coffee and reading about pediatric oncology was a jarring transition, but a necessary one. I'm looking forward to my inevitable move to the city in a few months. No more having to plan to catch the train back or lengthy car rides back to my apartment. At least, I hope so...?