Summer holiday 2004
le Cap D´Agde − France


Thursday, 8th July

Good morning y´all. We got some fresh croissants from our resort shop and we have had a nice breakfast. And now we are on our way to the city of Agde. Today there is a market being held here, and we are going to have a browse. I return to the parking near the cinema were I parked the day before yesterday. It is quite a large one I remember, but in spite of its impressive size it is completely filled today. This is a promise that the market will be quite crowded. So we drive around through the traffic congested streets in search for a parking space. Finely, only just a little further away from the centre we find what we are looking for.

With the sun high above our heads we stroll through the streets towards the old centre of Agde where the market is being held. Like many of the other local markets, this one also attracts a lot of people from the region. This means local people as well as tourists. Because there are so many people in front of the market booths, it makes it somewhat difficult to see what is for sale.

We walk around for a while, shoulder to shoulder with the other spectators, browsing through the market booths. We come across booths with fresh vegetables and fruits, wines, clothes fabrics, etc.. After walking around for about three quarters of an hour we decide that we have seen it all. We return to the park for some leisure and drinks. The kids, who wanted to take a swim, did contribute to this decision. On our way back we stop at the large InterMarche in Agde for some groceries.

As last year I am impressed with the sheer size of the place and the volume and variety of goods offered. I especially look for products that I don´t see in the Netherlands, like the saltwater tank with living lobsters at the seafood department. Attention! Watch out for your fingers, these lobsters have massive unforgiving claws! The rest of the afternoon is spent at the resort. We sunbathe, sit and read or take a swim. That is it, nothing more!

Tonight there is a show for the children by the children. The kids make a playback performance on the music of their favourite artist(s). It keeps surprising me that children lack any inhabitations regarding a stage performance. They do it so well, and give it all they have. I myself would have been too embarrassed to do anything at all. The animation team has done an excellent job again by motivating the kids and organising the show. Lots of parents and children have gathered this evening and watch the show, applauding loudly for the young performers. At half time the animation team hands out refreshments. A welcome treat since the temperature is still high.

After the show has ended we go back to the apartment and have a drink before bedtime on the terrace.