The Mobile Merde Man

I was out buying my baguettes one morning and noticed a man riding around on his motorbike with a big vacum cleaner on it? I watched him suck up all the dog pooh from the footpath!!! He works for Anglet Council and he is the Mobile Merde Man (it's stored in a big box on the back of his motorbike - I wonder what they do with it when they get it back to the depot????).

We have been here almost three weeks in Anglet (Biarritz) on the Spanish border in SW France on the Atlantic coast, with Miles trying to get in as much surfing as possible, with mixed results. This is Hydrangia capital of the world, I reckon (popular flower in the 70s). They are everywhere and grown with pride (see pics). We have a fantastic apartment we rented for 3 weeks from Madame and Monsieur Boulle (as in the game petanque or French bowls). It looks straight out over the ocean with panaramic views. It's great at sunset at about 10pm with a glass of Bordeaux!! So much for not drinking everyday of the trip. We overlook a trendy little Basque bar out front so it makes for good people watching each evening.

Surfing here has been fun as the French are very polite in the water.When you paddle out in the morning you have to Bonjour just about everyone. Forgot to bring your cossie? No problem. Just drop your pantalons and swim naked in front of 50 people at the main beach!! (Some old dude did this the other day in front of everyone). Au revoir for now.