12 1 19 20 / 4 1 25 / 15 6 / 13 1 20 8 !

The curtain is beginning to close on our excursion through Budapest and Number Theory. And speaking of curtains, you must hear about the exciting event a group of Oles attended last night…The Hungarian State Opera. It was stunning! The architecture was exquisite, the decor ornate, the actors superb, and the music inspiring. Last night's performance was the final showing of Die Fledermaus (The Bat) by Johann Strauss. Several attendees were awed by the pit orchestra and Sonja - our resident ballerina -  was quite impressed by the ballet dancers. Overall the story was quite entertaining, comedic, and much enjoyed by all our attendees. 

We began our final Monday and final math-day much the same as usual: with an amazing breakfast in the hotel and a few math questions (they are never ending!). Many of us will sorely miss the delightful breakfast spread when we return to Stav Hall in just under two weeks. The myriad of fruit options at breakfast has been truly amazing! This Monday greeted our group of number theorists with sunshine, a high of 58°F, and a promise of an exciting final math lesson to wrap up the month. It was a bittersweet bus ride to the school; although we will be back tomorrow for our Hungarian culture presentations and on Thursday for the final exam, it was our last time entering those hallowed halls for pursuit of new number theory knowledge led by our fearless leader Adam “the Chalk” Berliner.

Today, the focus of class was a valuable application of number theory: encoding messages, such as credit card numbers, by using encrypted functions to translate the code. We started simple with Caesar ciphers but quickly progressed to linear encryptions and RSA (that’s the stuff the NSA code breakers work with) (we definitely can do what they do). 

All that encrypting made us hungry, so we ventured out into the blissfully warm weather to find lunch. Our program has been doing very well with the budget, so this morning Adam handed out some extra pocket money so we can really treat ourselves these last few days. Much of our group went kebabbing, looking for one more meal of delicious pitas filled with meat, veggies, and french fries. Other Oles followed their sandwiches with some goated salted caramel and orange marmalade chocolate tarts. 

Finally it was time for the last math class! This one focused on Pythagorean triples, also known as the integer solutions to the famous equation a^2+b^2=c^2. Because any right triangle simply MUST have integer side lengths! We learned a method to calculate any Pythagorean triple, but nothing will ever truly top the classic 3,4,5. After finishing the last example problem, our class gave Adam a round of applause and some gave a standing ovation for the truly wonderful job he has done imparting the beauty and technical details of Number Theory. He really has inspired many of us to continue our math journeys! Even though some of us are not planning to take more math classes, math transcends the classroom experience. 

After class we dispersed to different corners of the city. A small group went to the Great Market Hall for some souvenirs to bring back for family and friends. No spoilers, but it might be wise to look up some recipes that use paprika! We also stopped for some delicious Hungarian minyon, little cakes filled with layers of cream and coated in frosting. We particularly enjoyed the coffee flavored ones, which also helped fuel an afternoon homework session. Other highlights of the market included breathtaking hand-embroidered table cloths and one booth that had three chocolate fountains. 

Others sent out to find the best cakes in Budapest at Ruszwurm Confectioner’s on the Buda side of the city. Paired with some delicious hot tea, this was the perfect way to celebrate the end of our last class and enjoy the scenery on such a warm and sunny day. The greatest hits of the cake tasting included the classic Ruszwurm Cream Cake and a delightful Mandula torta.

Tonight Kathy came in clutch, inviting anyone to join her and Adam for dinner at a popular Italian restaurant and securing a reservation. 19 of our classmates accompanied our group leaders for a meal at Millenium Da Pippo. Our group fit into one gigantic table on the second floor of the restaurant and we all ate together like one big family! We also played a few rounds of telephone. The service, cuisine, and conversation were delightful. 

After dinner we trekked down to the second floor for some late night office hours. That’s another thing I’m sure we’ll miss back at St. Olaf, office hours late at night when we’ve actually had a chance to try the homework and articulate our questions. Fueled by Hungarian and Slovakian snacks, we worked hard on our penultimate and ultimate problem sets of the term. 

It was also finally time to try our Slovakian coca-cola - KOFOLA!!!! It was quite different from American coca-cola. Many noted a strong orange taste accompanied by undertones of various herbs and spices. 

Tonight we will sleep well preparing for our final days in Budapest. Tomorrow is mainly a free day so check back in to see what everyone does. I bet it will include some math (I mean, we do have to study for a final), some miniature statutes, and perhaps a thermal bath? Who knows? 

It is with great sadness that room 753 bids a goodnight to our readers. Viszontlatasra! Thanks for sticking with us throughout this busy month! Check back in tomorrow for a few last adventures from a few of our other classmates!

Title in words: Last day of math!