Journalled on Thursday, 11th of May 2023 | Copacabana, Rio de Janeiro: 24 degrees, cool, sunny, and slightly overcast.
It is Thursday and the fifth day of living in Flamengo with my daughter and my ex-wife; everything is good so far; nobody has died!!!
The shower is broken, and Junior, the odd-job man, promised to come today to begin the work.
As promised, he arrived at midday, broke the wall, replaced the elbow joint, and was already applying the first layer of cement to secure everything firmly. What impressed me even more was that he was clean and tidy, not sloppy.
In Brazil, we often see contractors complete the work they were contracted to do, but in the process, they create other issues that need addressing or leave a mess that isn’t their responsibility anymore.
One thing we learn from modern production techniques is the importance of organisation and cleanliness.
The production lines of modern-day car factories are so clean that you could eat off the floor if you wished. When I worked in boat manufacturing, I often visited boatyards or manufacturing facilities, depending on the project.
If the yard was untidy, dirty, or disorganised, with equipment or items broken or neglected, it clearly signalled mismanagement and poor quality control, with the management and workforce appearing slovenly, relaxed, and sloppy.
I suspected Junior was from northeastern Brazil, and when I asked, he confirmed he was from São Luís, Maranhão. A legion of people from the northeast of Brazil has migrated to the main capitals, such as São Paulo and Rio, looking for work and a new life.
I am sure most of Rio and São Paulo were and still are being built by tradesmen from the northeast.
There is also a parallel society/culture in Rio and São Paulo of Northeasterners who hold semi-skilled jobs such as cooks, drivers, nannies, housekeepers, porters, etc., and whose primary role is to support the middle and upper classes in Brazil’s principal cities.
I deeply respect these people for what they represent: extremely hardworking people who understand responsibility, discipline, and the importance of their word. They also know how to value and preserve their culture and roots, which I find endearing and admirable.
When I lived in Rocha, I was surrounded and embraced by people from the northeast of Brazil, and they willingly accepted me into their culture even though I was an alien to them.
I, a gringo, carrying a terribly heavy and not very beautiful accent, who wears a Panama hat, how much more eccentric can you get than that, and yet, never once was I ridiculed, threatened or made to feel bad in any way.
I was always welcomed with open arms to their events, with laughter, smiles, and piss-taking. They, for me, are the untold heroes of Brazil!!!
Junior finished his work and told me he would return to complete the installation tomorrow without fail.
So, it would be one more day of cold showers for us. So far, it hasn’t been that bad; it’s bearable. I have a place to work; I am giving classes, and I am productive.
Later that day, I paid my internet hosting service for my domains/sites to begin the next stage of my life. This change is significant, but I am handling it. Life is pushing me in this direction, and I cannot and should not fight against it.
I must go with the flow and see where it takes me. Things are happening, and some are happening very quickly; I cannot fail. I must go with it and not stop. Stopping or hesitating can kill the momentum.
I am in bed by 10 p.m., which is too late for me, but what can I do? I am still building the best of me!
Thank you.
Thanks for reading my blog. Check out my other posts and share your thoughts in the comments.
Richard
