«Indian pepper 2»

We were the first people crossing the seas in a permanent, methodical and intense exploration of the African coast and Asian coast.

When other peoples began crossing the ocean the Portuguese richness was over, it finished.

But one thing was, will be always amazing: how a nation with so little amount of people could hold the great territories how: Brazil, Angola, Mozambique, Archipelago of Cabo Verde , Guinea-Bissau, Goa, Damão, Diu, Timor-Dili and Macau?

We fought the English, French and Dutch peoples because they wanted Brazil.

Notwithstanding the competition, the concurrence at the richness abroad Europe the Portuguese never lost the overseas territories! And we were, we are a little population!!

We only lost Rhodesia. The English and Portuguese peoples they wanted this territory.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pink_Map

But Rhodesia was a house without household. The Portuguese had fortresses in the Coast. They weren’t in inland territory. And the British Ultimatum killed our King when he give up this territory. Our king and his family they were murdered in Lisbon. Our King didn’t let anyone to die. Died He and His family!! Died the Royal Family!

Was taught to me we must be proud of ourselves and of our people. And would be very strange in our minds if we weren’t! It was taught to me would be very unhealthy! And we must also love the other peoples.

So, many years ago, I was in my farm when my aunt felt she was old and very ill.

With the end of Second World War my aunt cared for an Austrian child when was begged to Portugal this humanitarian care for children.

Very ill, my aunt brought at her house this child, now a stout man. He came of Austria to see her the last time.

And he came to my farm. He speaks Portuguese very well and when he talked of his country I began talking about Portugal. And I said this:

«Henio» (his name) I am very proud of my people/s, so proud that I will say to you this:

Think how all Europe colonized North America and Iberia (Portugal and Spain) caught all South America. And Iberia (Portugal and Spain) has so little population…»

I said this with devotion, enthusiasm, and perhaps,  emphasis!

And I saw his blue eyes to penetrate, to pierce, with sympathy, my green ones!

Today I suppose he was thinking in my acting in the big factory of «Monsieur Gerard» (near my farm) because I was in a division with ammonia and this stuff did strange things in the people working there. I will say I don’t shake with my hands…My hands never shake… Never.

So, I am a healthy man.

And I suppose «Henio» was just thinking in this!!

 (without revision)