INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (III), ELSA MORGAN

Hi, I'm Elsa Morgan. I was born in Sintra, Portugal and I am a clockmaker.

A few months ago, I discovered that the famous Welsh pirate Henry Morgan was an ancestor of mine and that I had brothers and sisters to meet. Thanks to The Grandma, an Andorran grandmother, who made every effort to locate us, today I know them all and to celebrate this meeting we decided to spend two months together travelling and reviewing our level of English because we have all decided to retire to Kingston, Jamaica, to enjoy the Morgan fortune, and English is its official language.

-Good morning and thanks to attend us.

 

-Good morning. It's an honour.

-What's your full name?

-My name is Elsa Morgan Alfonso de Aguiar.

-How do you spell your second surname?

-A-L-F-O-N-S-O   D-E   A-G-U-I-A-R

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I completed my training in clockmaking several years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a clockmaker. I design, assemble, repair, and maintain clocks.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I love my job because it requires precision, patience, and creativity. I enjoy working with small mechanical parts and bringing clocks back to life.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Sintra, Portugal.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived in Sintra for most of my childhood and early adult life. Although I travel occasionally for work, I still consider Sintra my home.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because many clockmaking companies and customers come from different countries. English helps me communicate with clients and learn about new developments in the industry.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I've been studying English for two months. I started with The Morgans and I continue to improve it through work and travel.

-Tell me about your town.

-Sintra is a beautiful town near Lisbon. It is famous for its castles, palaces, and green hills. Many tourists visit it because it looks like something from a fairy tale.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy listening to classical music and jazz while I work because they help me concentrate. In my free time, I also like Portuguese folk music.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar a little. I'm not a professional musician, but I enjoy playing for friends and family.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is the Pena Palace in Sintra. I love its colourful architecture and the incredible views of the surrounding countryside.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy hiking, reading historical novels, visiting museums, and learning about traditional crafts. I also like spending time with my family.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy hiking and swimming. They help me stay active and relax after long hours of detailed work.

-What skills are important for a clockmaker?

-I think patience, attention to detail, and good hand-eye coordination are essential. A clockmaker must be very careful because even a tiny mistake can affect the movement of a clock.

-What is the most interesting part of your job?

-The most interesting part is repairing old mechanical clock. Each clock has its own history, and it's very satisfying when it starts working perfectly again.

-Would you like to create your own clock brand one day?

-Yes, I would. It has always been my dream to design clocks that combine traditional craftsmanship with modern technology.

-Why do people still buy mechanical clocks today?

-I think people appreciate the craftsmanship and the history behind them. A mechanical clock is not only a tool but also a piece of art.

-How is a normal day with The Morgans?

-We haven't got similar days. Every day is different and this is something very important because it offers to you the possibility of living fantastic experiences every day and you can enjoy them with all your heart because you know that next day you're going to put the score to zero and we're going to start again. It's a non-stopping life.

-Which is your best memory with The Morgans?

-It's difficult to choose only one. I remember when we travelled back in time with my TARDIS to meet Claire Randall, an English former World War II military nurse in Scotland who, in 1945, finds herself transported back in time to 1743. It was an incredible experience.

-Which is your favourite song?

-I have a lot of songs, but I'm Portuguese. I love fados. All of them talk about life, saudade (longing). I would say any song from Mísia, but I will say 'Memória' by Rosalía and Carminho, because it talks about the passage of time and memories, something related to my job.

Será que tu me conheces
Que o tempo passa e não esqueces
Quem eu fui e sou em fim
Oh meu doce Coração
Diz-me se sabes ou não
Ainda te lembras de mim?

Do you know me?
Time passes and you don't forget
Who I was and am in the end
Oh my sweet heart
Tell me if you know or not
Do you still remember me?

 

Rosalía & Carminho