The author is ecstatic about being awarded a European Research Council Starting Grant for a 5-year research project, expressing gratitude to God and colleagues. The project, FRICTIONS, focuses on how tourism impacts slavery and colonial heritage, aiming to shift societal narratives. The author plans to recruit 3 PhD candidates and a Postdoc to join the research team. Despite the challenges during the application process, the author encourages unsuccessful applicants and acknowledges their efforts. The post also hints at upcoming vacancies and promises more details about the project. The author concludes by congratulating other grant awardees and wishing good luck to those who were not successful.