Since when are mathematicians modest?
I'm going to number theory conference in Paris in July. This conference has had a couple surprises. Back a year and a half ago, when I heard they were going to have this conference (I know two of the organizers), I imagined it would be a modest little conference of about 40-60 participants, mostly people I knew. And then I watched the list of participants grow... and grow... and grow. They finally had to close registration when they reached almost 170 and by then the list included a ton of really famous names (Alon, Freiman, Gowers, Green, Nathanson, Solymosi, Sos, Szemeredi, etc). So, I was happily surprised that this conference was going to be a bigger affair than I had anticipated.
The second big surprise came this morning. I got an email from the organizers asking for a headcount for the conference banquet. It's free for participants and 35€ for guests and includes a three course meal and wine throughout. The dinner will be at the Louvre. Yes, the fucking Louvre. I can't believe I'm going to be eating there! Since Christian's not going to Paris with me (believe me, I've made him feel guilty with this news) I feel like I should spread the opportunity and invite someone to be my escort to the Louvre. Now who should I ask?
The second big surprise came this morning. I got an email from the organizers asking for a headcount for the conference banquet. It's free for participants and 35€ for guests and includes a three course meal and wine throughout. The dinner will be at the Louvre. Yes, the fucking Louvre. I can't believe I'm going to be eating there! Since Christian's not going to Paris with me (believe me, I've made him feel guilty with this news) I feel like I should spread the opportunity and invite someone to be my escort to the Louvre. Now who should I ask?