La Chasse

Today I went hunting for the second time since I've been here. I went with Benoit towards Dunkirk where we met Isabelle's family and family-friends to go walking through paddocks and shoot hares, pheasants, pigeons and some other birds. It's just like you've seen on documentaries or movies set in France or England. Today there was only one score - a big male pheasant - beautiful bird. Last time we were luckier with 2 hares and 2 pheasants.
There are a complicated set of laws associated with it (including seasons etc). Basically people can buy the right to hunt on a farmer's property and that's what Isabelle's parents have done.
It's one of a few cultural experiences I've had since being here that you can only have staying with a family. Last night I ate the regional speciality - mussels and chips. Delicious. I've also had fresh oysters from Brittany (first time), and rabbit at Benoit's parent's place (for the first time in years). It seems to be that if ever you're visiting others or others are visiting you for a meal you need to anticipate 2 more courses that you actually expect (no matter how many you expect) and to be totally stuffed at the end. There is always (at least) mains, cheese and dessert (in that order).
I'm now feeling very comfortable and settled with Isabelle and Benoit. I know almost all their family (Isabelle has two siblings and Benoit is an only child) and am enjoying being here more and more as time goes on. This also seems to relate to how much French I'm speaking and understanding...