Flea Markets and Surf

This morning I was sent off down to the reception to ask the lady (yes, the rude one) if there were any markets around. So I barged into the reception, as cheerfully as I could, and with the biggest grin I could muster, asked for the information. For a moment I was beguiled into believeing that she'd changed, as she pointed out that there is a market every day in Cap Ferret, and also in a place I can't spell up the peninsula. Thinking my luck had changed, I promptly asked if there were other attractions, such as educational places about animals - "NO! There is the beach." In actual fact, if you look on the notice board, there are at least two such attractions, such as the Ornithological Park, and the Bordeaux Zoo. Although the zoo looks quite good (Lions and Tigers and Bears, Oh My!), it's quite a trek, so we will probably not go there. I'm taken with the idea of the Bird Sanctuary, but I'm not sure the rest of them are too keen. However, there is Aqualand! This is, as you can guess from the name, a watery theme park. It looks pretty good, but as I pointed out to Zoe as we trooped across to the beach, why on earth would we want to pay for a water-based theme park when we have the sea only meters from our tent? I know the children are keen, but Zoe and I are being typical mums!

After my not entirely futile trip to the reception, Lottie and I drove into Cap Ferret for the market, with Zoe and Christoph and the girls. Lizzy didn't want to come, so Emma stayed in the camping with her. Lottie and I had a lovely time, finding much to look at, and desire! We contented ourselves with a couple of inexpensive handbags, which are funky and colourful. This was more our sort of thing, after the expense that was Arcachon. We also found a very nice Paella to take home for our lunch. I was delighted to find, hidden in one of my moules, a small crab, with her clutch of eggs still intact. I didn't eat her, although, of course she was cooked!

And then back across the dunes to the beach this afternoon, to brave once more the atlantic surf. I don't know if the sea is stronger today, or I'm weaker, but I didn't go out as far as I had last time. It's strange - I'm quite a strong swimmer, but find yourself tumbled by a wave, miss the next one, and tumble again, and you're suddenly quite humbled by the strength of the sea.