I once built a canoe for a man, for which we used terrific amounts of wood.

The gentleman asked us if we could build a boat with a very particular shape. I said that it shouldn't be all that difficult. We were told to take great troubles and work patiently, and he would provide enough wood, even if

some of the planks were cut wrong. It was, however, very important that we build the boat according to his ideas. The first boat body looked quite bad really, but it began to look better and better over time. It looked so good in fact that many of them still sail around today.

That was in 1966, and the shavings are still flying today.

I am now 72 years old and shall, God willing, become 73 in June, and I hope to live longer yet.

Told by Elias Silva Nacimento in Novo Gurupa at Rio Arrapiúns, on 19th September 2000.