Graduation

We had to leave early this morning with our friends to drive to Graz for their son’s, Thomas, graduation in Master of Science (mechanical engineering) - something to do with fuel cells. I didn’t understand the title and the presenter stumbled over the title, anyway. The ceremony was held in a lovely old building with lots of pomp and ceremony. The graduates don’t wear caps or gowns unless they have completed a doctorate. A noted Graz Technical University alumni is Nikola Tesler.
We were invited to lunch with the family along with 4 of his friends who surprised him at the ceremony. I had attempted a graduation cake which turned out pretty rough as it was made at the last minute with little research. I think Thomas was pretty chuffed by it and expertly cut the cake bit into 10 even slices. Afterwards we caught a tram into the city centre to look at an impressive nativity themed ice sculpture. Fortunately, the temperature is still under zero - I am assuming the whole thing will melt if it warms up as is forecast for the end of the week. We had to warm up with a hot chocolate and rum before heading back home. On the way back to Eibiswald we called into a winery to pick up my favourite Austrian red wine to take back home. In the evening we had a Glühwein at the inn where our friend works. We went last year to this outdoor Christmas fairy - it is still impressive and a far cry from the summer garden with its gleaming swimming pool. The first 3 extras show the garden. The next extra shows my rather crude mortar board cake and the ice sculpture the last two. Too many blip opportunities today.