A sequence of functions $f = (f_i)$ ($-\infty < i < \infty$) on a surface $S$ is said to be equi-areal (or sometimes, equi-Poisson) if it satisfies the relations $$ df_{i-1}\wedge df_i = df_i\wedge df_{i+1}\ (\not=0) $$ for all $i$. In other words, the successive pairs $(f_i,f_{i+1})$ are local coordinates on $S$ that induce the same area form on $S$, independent of $i$.

One says that $f$ is $n$-periodic if $f_i = f_{i+n}$ for all $i$. The $n$-periodic equi-areal sequences for low values of $n$ turn out to have close connections with interesting problems in both dynamical systems and in the theory of cluster algebras.

In this talk, I will explain what is known about the classification (up to a natural notion of equivalence) of such sequences and their surprising relationships with differential geometry, cluster algebras, and the theory of overdetermined differential equations.

I will review some of the background of integrable systems and explain how
Chuu-Lian and I started to work together. This will be part mathematics
and part how we began working together.