First, warmest thanks for economic support from the Honor Frost Foundation through the British Academy/Leverhulme Research Grants Scheme and the National Research Foundation in South Africa, UID Grant Number 129962.
My deepest gratitude goes to Mariano Aznar-Gomez, Craig Forrest, Martijn Manders and Chris Underwood. You are my academic lighthouses, always guiding me in the right direction. I cherish every conversation we share.
I have had the privilege to meet and learn from extraordinary professionals in this field: Marc-André Bernier, James Delgado, Bill Jeffery, Robert McCurry and Andrew Viduka. Thank you, because each moment spent with you is filled with knowledge, adventure, and admiration.
I am forever thankful to Rose Boswell for her unwavering trust in my work and her continuous support.
To Carlota Pérez-Reverte and Verónica Walker-Vadillo, thank you for the academic friendship that has blossomed into a cherished bond beyond academia.
Thank you, Miguel Dios and Javier Cervantes, for the smiles, skill and physical challenge you bring to me. For the soundtrack and everyday activity that never fails to bring happiness into my life.
A special acknowledgment to Maria Borja, whose resilience has inspired me to persevere no matter the challenges. You are my true warrior. To Lara Tejada, my steadfast anchor through thick and thin. I am wholeheartedly behind you as you embark on your most precious project, born alongside the journey of this book. Only and always with you, ótaminn. Profound thanks to Alejandra Escribano, my rock in the everyday hustle, for infinite wonderful years of parallel lives. I am who I am because of you.
Pilar Quirante and Juanma Martínez: your support extends beyond visuals to include food, celebrations, and sanity during these months. You, along with your little angels, have become family to me, and hold a special place in my heart.
Finally, boundless and infinite gratitude to my core support system—Manuel Pérez, Angelines Álvaro, Francisco Pérez, Josep Teixidó, and the little fairies Kailani and Shanah. Only with your wings, I can fly.