Clam digging in Ile Tudy

Today was an exceptionally beautiful day,lots of sun and just a tiny little breeze.  It's the first great day we've had here although there hasn't been much rain,still lots of grey weather and wind.  The wind is more or less a constant fixture here since we're so close to the ocean.  The part of Bretagne (Brittany) where we are is called le Pays Bigoudin, it encompasses a tiny area of Finistere Sud.  The houses are typical of the area. Slate peaked roofs, white on the ouside, palm trees grow here but they're not too abundant.  It's quite lush and green because of the heavy rainfall and generally mild year round.  A long time ago women wore a very traditional costume with the high lace hat.  Click on the pictures below to enlarge and it will show you how elaborate the costumes were.  There are pictures of row of Bigoudennes working in the fish factories all dressed in identical costumes, startling images and a testament to how devoted to their traditions they were.  There are only 10 Bigoudennes left,the old traditions are dying just like everywhere else.


We are staying in a town called Guilvinec which is the biggest fishing port for what is known as peche artisanale, fishing which doesn't involve huge boats but much smaller vessels which go out for crab, blue lobster, shrimps and all types of other fish.  Regardless of the scale on which it is done there is still a concern due to global warming of the oceans and the air temperature.  Some species of fish are harder to catch, blue lobsters are not as plentiful as they once were furthermore there is competition from the British Isles for cheaper lobster.  It's the same problem plaguing countries everywhere, either try to buy local and pay more money or buy cheaper and buy from elsewhere.  Welcome to our globalized world which was theoretically supposed to make things better.

This is a typical house of the Finistere Sud

Driving to Ile Tudy is very picturesque.  There were many people who had had the same idea.  It's a full moon and the tide is very low allowing for great clam digging.  The three and a half of us (HAHA_)  got to work, boots absolutely necessary or barefoot is another option  Either way you're going to get wet.  We got a fair bit of clams, not the huge ones that you can bake on the half shell but good size ones nevertheless along with other clams called "coques" which sounds like a pretty juicy word in English.  Back home soak them thoroughly to get rid of all the sand and tomorrow huge clam chowder for our efforts.  Bon appetit.