Tanti Auguri to Dr. Lara Mastino!

Last August, our cousin Lara from Rome visited us for two weeks.  We had a wonderful time and she and Rudy collaborated on our Carbonara Special.  She graduated from medical school yesterday and our daughter Ersilia was in attendance and gives us a look inside an Italian graduation.  

"Each graduate presents their thesis in an auditorium with their professors, family and friends in attendance. They have a seven minute speech memorized with accompanying slides. After the presentations are finished, professors have the chance to ask the graduate questions about their thesis. After all the presentations, the graduates are called up to received their diplomas. The graduates exit the auditorium, greeted with confetti and champagne bottles popping as they enter the courtyard for pictures. As tradition, the graduates wear the laureate wreath around their head. 

The graduates either go into the city (Rome) as a group and celebrate, or relax at home before a celebration dinner in the evening. A celebration dinner is attended by family and close friends, and composed of multiple courses - starting at 8 pm and going until midnight. Gifts and parties favors are exchanged. It was a wonderful time"

Tanti Auguri (best wishes) to Dr. Lara Mastino!