"Yesterday" and since

Over the past ten days summer arrived in Dax! Weather-wise it has been here a long time with the canicule, but with tourism! "That's rich!" you might say, coming from Greyrocks, but our complex has become very busy - with a lot of single women, and as we progress (slowly) around the town centre in the afternoon we see family groups clearly on holiday.

6000 or so turned out as extras for the Pier Hotel filming.

The up-side is that there are plenty of events.  On Sunday we ventured to the 8-screen multiplex for a VO performance  of "Yesterday". Not as cheap as our special deals in Montpellier, but accessible with the "fauteuil roulant", and not exactly crowded: there were seven of us! This was a very welcome break from day-to-day reality, and whilst not exactly highbrow (Richard Curtis screenplay) it is clever, skillfully executed to Danny Boyle standards and great fun! For Greyrocks a serious additional quality was the location work in Bob's old stomping ground of Gorleston, and parts of Suffolk. Click here for footage on how the location was selected and exploited.

Regular opportunities for evening diversions began in earnest as Ruth left hospital after the op. In many bars and restaurants there were table covers advertising the 33 free performances of live music that would be taking place all around town. Our first such was on a Monday in a bar well known now to Bob and near our accommodation. We got there early having already eaten but very willing to buy from the bar. We were, however,  encumbered by the wheelchair plus, so took up a position at the nearby fountain as the band set up. A few other folk had brought their own camping chairs. The band was
Lucky Pepper and the Santa Fellas. playing real 50s-style rock n roll, and they were very good! In time couples turned up to jive in the closed street, and some were brilliant - especially given their evident maturity! We, however, were rooted to our viewing spot, which suffered an invasion by a group of sour-faced single late middle-aged women intent on a seat where they wouldn't have to buy anything! We have discovered that Dax is a popular destination for that tribe!!

Dancing in the street -
50s style in more ways than one!

But hey! A few days ago we were out in town in the sun and came upon another session in the series. We were in fact drinking in the next door establishment, but would have had a front row position, but this was very early and we couldn't stay. The sound check was impressive! They were Bone Tee and the Slughunters, and we would be pleased to see a full set!

In terms of traditional culture our little quartier of 3 Pigeons was en fete last weekend with road closures and events under the market canopy. In particular on the Saturday evening there was a big feast at long tables followed by dancing to a keyboards/accordion duo. This dancing was equally enthusiastic but less to our taste, and our onlooking was brief!

And on the subject of "not to our taste" the town has started preparations for the big annual event: The Feria, which - however you try to whitewash it - is the ritual taunting and slaughter of bulls - Basque style!

Following yesterday's hospital visit we can now say that we will be safely out of Dax by the time that happens!

For reportage on the remaining two weeks that we are here come back to the blog!