Giochi di Archimede

Yesterday (that is, a few months ago) I went to Perugia to do the Giochi di Archimede, which are like the Bocconi Giochi Matematici, except the questions aren't annoyingly ambiguous and they include actual mathematical concepts, removing the luck aspect and making them a lot more mathematical. The plan was that my physics teacher, Scorsipa, would drive from Perugia where he lives to Todi, meet me at the train station at 7:00, and accompany me by train (for reasons of liability in the event of a crash) to and from Perugia, after which he would drive back home. I was the only minor going, and thus the only person in need of accompaniment. When my darling mother heard this, she immediately called Scorsipa to tell him not to be ridiculous and that I was perfectly capable of getting to and from Perugia by train, so he then called the principal to see if he could meet me at Perugia Sant'Anna instead. The answer was yes, so this was the plan we followed. Here are some notes on my trip:

• While waiting at the Ponte Rio station, I saw another train going the other direction. Not unusual, except that it was in Busitalia livery. After a brief conversation with the driver, I ascertained that Umbria Mobilità had been bought at the end of December by-Guess who!-Busitalia.
• I HATE Busitalia for several reasons that I do not want to have to type up, and you won't want to have to read.
• Once on my train, I immediately struck up a conversation with the driver, Alessio, and the conductor, Paolo.
• Alessio has been on the line for years. He joined the FCU after he decided that he wanted a quieter life than that which his previous job, driving the Frecciarossa (the fastest trains in Italy), provided.
• Apparently the Frecciarossa is the most BORING thing ever to drive. You set the speed control to 300 km/h and then just sit there. You have the line all to yourself, and the LCD monitor alerts you if and when there's a signal ahead. You are the only one in the cab, so there's no one to talk to, and you can drive just as well with the windshield blinds closed as open.
• Alessio really doesn't care WHO pays him, as long as he's paid. He has kept so little track of his owners that he placed the foundation of Umbria Mobilità as two years ago.
• Paulo came with Busitalia.
• I showed my 1930's Swiss-made Ferrovie dello Stato pocket watch to them, and they both liked it, but I think Paolo had more appreciation of it.

That's it for now!

Jeremy