INTRODUCING THE MORGANS (IV), JOAN MORGAN

Hi, I'm Joan Morgan. I was born in Paraty, Ilha Grande and I am a forger.

 

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.

-What's your name?

-My name is Joan Morgan Carvalho-Silva. My parents call me João and The Morgans call me John.

-How do you spell your surname?

-C-A-R-V-A-L-H-O    S-I-L-V-A

-Are you a student? What are you studying?

-No, I'm not a student. I finished my vocational training a few years ago and now I work full-time.

-Are you working? What is your job?

-Yes, I am. I'm a forger. I create and repair metal objects such as gates, tools, decorative pieces, and custom-made ironwork.

-Do you like your job? Why?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy working with my hands and creating strong and beautiful objects from metal. Every project is different, so my work is always interesting.

-Where are you from?

-I'm from Paraty, a historic coastal town in Brazil, near Ilha Grande.

-How long have you lived there?

-I lived there all through my childhood and most of my adult life. It's a wonderful place, and I still spend a lot of time there whenever I can.

-Why are you studying English?

-I'm studying English because I would like to communicate with international customers and learn more about traditional metalworking techniques from other countries.

-How long have you been studying English?

-I have been studying English for two months with The Morgans. I didn't study it at school and now I practise it through books, videos, and conversations.

-Tell me about your town.

-Paraty is a beautiful colonial town on the Brazilian coast. It is famous for its historic centre, colourful buildings, beaches, and nearby islands. Many tourists visit it throughout the year.

-What music do you like?

-I enjoy Brazilian music, especially samba and bossa nova. I also like folk music because it reminds me of local traditions.

-Can you play any instrument?

-Yes, I can play the guitar a little. I often play with friends during local festivals and family gatherings.

-Tell me about your favourite place.

-My favourite place is Ilha Grande. I love its beaches, forests, and peaceful atmosphere. It's the perfect place to relax and enjoy nature.

-What do you like doing in your free time?

-In my free time, I enjoy fishing, hiking, spending time outdoors, and working on small metalcraft projects. I also like meeting friends and listening to live music.

-Do you practise any sport? Which?

-Yes, I do. I enjoy swimming and kayaking because I live near the coast. They help me stay fit and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

-What skills are important for a blacksmith?

-A forger needs patience, strength, and attention to detail. It's also important to be creative and understand how different metals behave when they are heated.

-What is the most challenging part of your job?

-The most challenging part is making complex designs by hand. It takes a lot of concentration and precision to achieve the desired result.

-What do you enjoy most about your work?

-I enjoy transforming a simple piece of metal into something useful or artistic. It's very satisfying to see the finished product.

-Would you like to teach your craft to younger people?

-Yes, definitely. Traditional forging is an important craft, and I would like to help preserve it for future generations.

-Do you think traditional crafts are still important today?

-Yes, I do. Traditional crafts connect us with our history and culture. They also produce unique, handmade products that many people appreciate.

-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 played Scattergories, a game in which I used to be the most original. I am a very creative person.

-Which is your favourite song?

Maria Bethânia is one of the greatest of all time and Adriana Calcanhotto one of the best nowadays, then 'Depois de ter você' with this duo.

Depois de ter você
Poetas para quê?
Os deuses, as dúvidas
Pra que amendoeiras pelas ruas?
Para que servem as ruas?

After having you
What are poets for?
The gods, the doubts
What are almond trees for in the streets?
What are streets for?

Adriana Calcanhotto