Aleksi's baptism

Our dear friend Mikko and Marianne had a little boy, Aleksi, a while back (don’t ask me when exactly – to me little kids look the same between the ages of 0 – 7 years!). We were very happy to accept the invitation for his baptism, up in the hinterlands of Nice at l’Abadie.

The church was a typically Cote d’Azur Baroque affair. After the service, quite traditional in nature, we made our way back to Marianne’s parents, for the important part of the proceedings (the food and the drink of course!).

They have a rather magnificent little villa, overlooking Nice, literally next doors to Marianne’s and Mikko’s also very impressive digs (many I time we have had dinner at their place – and many a time have I enjoyed that most Finnish of pleasures – the Sauna – with Mikko there).

As we rather expected, we were treated to an amazing feast. I don’t know which traiteur they were using - but if I ever organize a big party like this these guys would definitely be high on the list of candidates (if I can afford it, that is!).

Everything, from the amuse-bouches, to the macarons, to the desert cakes, was absolutely delicious. And of course there was the delicious cake made by Marianne’s grannie to enjoy as well. To wash down all this delicious food, there was of course plenty of rose, champagne, beer, and so forth. But what impressed me the most in that department was the 6 litre bottle of rose passed around!

I spent quite a while chatting to Mikko’s parents – them being pretty much the only non-French at the party (apart from a Serbian lady, I believe?). Very pleasant people indeed. All in all, it’s fair to say we had a great time, then!