Tristan's baptism

People sometimes say it’s hard to get to know people well in the South of France. Sandra and Stephane have certainly proven the opposite to us; they have certainly helped us integrate into life in Cagnes-sur-Mer. I was very touched by their invitation to their son Tristan’s baptism on this weekend. Naturally, I gracefully accepted (Mathilde was unable to attend, as she was visiting her dad in Angers).

Proceedings kicked off at the church in downtown Cagnes. After the religious part of the ceremony, Sandra, Stephane and the godparents also had to sign the books – this is after all France (no need to go to the town hall for this part though, as is the case for weddings). As always in France, a good meal followed. Sandra and Stephane had booked a very nice place near Nice for the occasion, in the Var valley off the road leading to the Mercantour national park. A mate of Stephane’s, Merlin, kindly gave me a lift (seemed daft for both of us to take our cars, and he really insisted on driving).

After a very decent aperitif indeed (with both local Nicois and more classic French munchies on offer), it was time to attack the menu. As always in France during these kinds of occasions, the food was great. Things kicked off with some very nice raviolis indeed (I even had a couple of extra helpings), followed by a great steak. In addition to the generous desert, Sandra and Stephane had concocted a real piece of art as a bit of an extra, by fixing some Provencal macaroons on a cone – very presentable and tasty at the same time. One can safely say I walked away with my appetite very much sated… ;-). Good thing Merlin drove me back home to St-Veran as well, since I think I had one or two glasses of wine too many to get behind the steering wheel ;-)

It was really great to meet Sandra’s and Stephane’s families as well. It was quite a mix of nationalities actually, since Sandra is half-Italian and half-Portuguese, and Stephane also has Italian roots (like a lot of people do in this part of France). I do suppose I was conceived as a bit exotic, though ;-)

All in all, a very nice, “authentic local experience”. Thanks again, Sandra and Stephane, if you ever read this!