France is undoubtedly the cleanest of countries you are likely to come across in your travels. On ONE day during two whole weeks, ONE plastic bag was found in the local wood. And this a wood near the seaside where some people picnic and many just stroll. The country's zest for cleanliness and neatness seemed epitomised when a neat little white van bearing in sky blue letters the information that this was France Telecom's cleansing service for public telephones stopped outside a group of glass and steel phone boxes. And out stepped a smart young man who, with whiter than white cloths, began to wash and shine the said booths with apparent enthusiasm.
ow, certainly, our own people must service our public telephones but now many of us have seen it done with such panache? While the French are so clean, they have their own way of doing things. Their attitude to the presence of dogs in restaurants seems odd to some other peoples. For instance, a group of Irish had for neighbour at the next table at dinnertime a boxer dog. He, of course, (no, it was a she) stayed out of sight until the meal served to her master and mistress was over. Then she was led outside, while a bowl containing uneaten dinner was served to her somewhere in the hotel garden.
cater a couple of travellers arrived for a stay of some days, bringing with them two huge dogs. They, too, stayed under the table in the dining room until dinner was over. Where or when they were fed did not become apparent. No one objected, of course. Many dogs are accustomed to sleeping in the car, when on holiday, but the more usual thing is that they share the bedroom of their masters and mistresses. It all seems natural - just like at home, when you come to think of it. The French can be very sensible. one big drawback. Although the seaside town is swept and cleansed from end to end, even out of season, the problem of dog dirt is the only hygienic matter left unsolved. There is a lovely walk along a path near the seaside, grass and trees on either side. Dogs exercised there feel free to deposit their doings along the grass verge and you must, step carefully. The only omission in a flawless example of urban tidiness.