Red White Theme

Our new couch has given a grand look to the living room and unknowingly we have a red-white themed decor making the space more elegant.

Me and Praveen were just thinking how everything in the room matched perfectly with the color theme (including our degree certificates!!). The adornment looks magnificent in the traditional Christmas colors for the upcoming festival!

Feeling achieved

We have hung both our degree certificates in the living room to catch their sight each time we pass by! As soon as we spot them, we sense a feeling of achievement and pride. Our hearts are full and we are extremely delighted to have received this title to add one more feather in our cap!

Geelong

We took a short visit from the Eastern beach to the Western beach and Queenscliff in Geelong post the graduation ceremony. The beach was beautiful as always! We spend our evening at the spectacular waterfront view of the Eastern beach.

The semicircular arrangement is a dock basically. The enclosed region has been developed with an intention of a safe beach play area where everyone can enjoy swimming!

Winds were at their utmost speed and the chilly weather was of no good to enjoy the deck. Maybe we should plan a visit only after we check the weather forecast!

Officially graduated!!

Finally after two years of studies, restless nights spend to complete the assignments and cramming for the examinations its time for graduation! It was a very strange feeling the first day we entered the university unsure and uncertain about almost everything in life and now we have successfully completed our degrees. We have bore the fruits of relentless hardwork and effort and as the day dawned today, we were over-joyous to attend our most awaited graduation ceremony!

The ceremony was at the Waterfront campus of Deakin University in Geelong. We started at 8am, picked Anusha and Vishwesh on our way who were super excited to attend it! Upon reaching the campus, we had to register at the front desk and we were then directed to the robing rooms for draping our graduation gowns. The draping session was very well organised with professional tailors selecting the best fit gown for each of us and pinning it up to perfection. The outfit gave altogether a different look which made us feel we have already been conferred our degree!

We had sometime in hand for a quick photo shoot with friends before the ceremony began. It was great to see family and friends of all prospective graduates join them on this day to celebrate their achievement. Everyone was deeply engrossed in taking pictures to mark this event as a milestone.

We entered the auditorium at 11am and were briefed on the ceremony proceedings. By 12 noon all were seated and the ceremony began by felicitating and conferring the Doctrate of Philosophy candidates with their certificates. This was followed by the masters and bachelors degree graduates. It was truly a special moment to be on stage and receive the certificate from the Chancellor of the University! I fall short of words to express the feelings to ascribe that wonderful moment!

Post the ceremony, we were served with light refreshments. It was fun to catch up with friends and to know what they plan to do ahead. 

The big day ended with lots of chit-chat and a graduation dinner treat at the Italian restaurant, Mrs. Pamras!

Krispy Kreme Doughnuts

Taking advantage of the city visit today morning, we picked a variety of doughnuts from the krispy kreme doughnuts main outlet located in the heart of the city. 

The Santa one looked soo cute and was specially made for Christmas celebrations. All the flavours are Praveens' favourite and he never misses a chance to grab them on his way!

Meeting Cockatoos!

On our way back from the Warrandyte State Park yesterday evening, we saw a company of Cockatoos! 

The Cockatoo belongs to the parrot family and are known for their friendly nature (I had heard much about this although couldnt really go close to them!). These birds are found almost all over Australia especially in the parks that have dense vegetation. Though we couldnt complete the entire trail at the Warrandyte park, a short walk along the calm flowing Yarra river was much refreshing and cooling for the hot day.

Coconut Ladoo

Dish of the day prepared by Praveen:

Just as they look tempting, they melted in the mouth. Our house was full of pleasant coconut-ghee roast aroma. Absolutely a rich, sweet dessert-snack!