Tami in Nice, Thomas Fersen in Antibes

This weekend, there was a rather famous Finn visiting Nice, to promote his new book. None other than Juhani Tamminen, a.k.a Don Tami (well, that's the title of his new book anyway). Tami is one of the most famous sports personalities in Finland. Ex hockey player (one of the best of his generation), globe-trotting coach (he's coached the national teams of Switzerland and France, and his next project is apparently to coach South Korea of all countries!!??) and most entertaining and opinionated TV commentator.

So, as I said, Tami was here to promote his new book together with his mate Juha Rantasila, another hockey legend (the award for best defence-man in the Finnish league carries his name). Juha, who lives here in Nice, I've met a few times while attending the local team's games.

The other reason to check out this book signing session was to meet up with Aki & Henna (and little Emil, of course!). So off I went then, to Giuseppe & Pepino at Place Garibaldi (Mathilde went shopping meanwhile ;-). Anyways, it was a pretty interesting & entertaining talk these two gentlemen gave, an interesting mix of anecdotes involving some rather legendary Finnish hockey people, and genuine insight into what modern sport is all about. And what's important, there was also free food & drink ;) After the book signings, Mathilde joined us as we headed off to have coffee and cake at a nearby cafe. Great to catch up with Aki & Henna again, and to see little Emil growing up! Juhana, his girlfriend as well as their baby also came along, good to see them as well, it's been a while...

Whilst the other Finns headed off to watch the local hockey game, we sped off to Antibes for a concert. This time the star was Thomas Fersen, a rather original musician/poet or whatever you want to call him. It was a great concert - I have to say I was positively surprised! I do like his offbeat music, but can't call myself a fan exactly, but Mr. Fersen is a grest entertainer! Certainly we enjoyed it better than our last visit at this venue (when we saw a rather dreadful Romeo & Juliet adaptation). And of course - we ran into Aurelien and Julie, with whom we had a couple of drinks with!