THE CONQUERORS

AUGUST 28, 2019 – One has to be careful about generalizations. If based on unrepresentative data points, generalizations can lead to inaccurate extrapolations. Generalizing about a whole culture or nationality is particularly perilous.

However, I’ve now read enough about the Portuguese and spent sufficient time among some to conclude confidently that they are a plucky lot.

Take for example, yesterday evening’s scene in my family’s driveway. My son’s Portuguese in-laws were on hand for the second half of their two-week sojourn in these parts. What caught the attention of my son’s father-in-law, Antonio, and cousin-in-law, Fernando, was my grandfather’s ’65 Buick Special sitting off to the side, out of commission. When I explained off-handedly that the battery was deader ’an . . . well, a dead battery . . .  and that some time ago I’d tried unsuccessfully to charge it, our Portuguese guests took it as a personal challenge; as if the car were a caravel bound for India in July 1497.

I had to run an errand, which took me off premises for an hour.  Upon my return, the old Buick was roaring full steam.  The hood was raised, and each of the visiting Portuguese mechanics was leaning over the grill.  While Antonio re-installed the air-filter, Fernando inspected other parts of the engine as it hummed contentedly.  With English (Fernando) and a combination of hand-gestures and sound effects (Antonio), the conquerors explained the simple operation they had conducted to resuscitate the long-dormant car.

If for me, a bona fide non-gearhead, the car was an albatross, it was for the Portuguese, a beautiful vessel worthy of awe and admiration.  Together, the Portuguese had conquered—and with ease: neither had greased a finger.  While they exchanged happy reactions to the old American car, the old American car sang with delight knowing that a couple of guys from Cortiços had understood exactly what was needed.

A short while later, guests and hosts were gathered round the dining room table, wolfing down a bunch of pizzas.  In the course of conversation about auto mechanics, I wanted to show the two mechanics a book in which was featured an early tractor-trailer invented by my grandfather fresh out of college.  I couldn’t easily locate the book, but what I found instead was a book by Roger Crowley called, The Conquerors—about the Portuguese discoverers of the late 15^th and early 16^th centuries.

The book had been loaned to me over 18 months before by my good friend Matt.  I thought our Portuguese guests would find it interesting—especially in light of how they had nicknamed me “Vasco da Gama” after our sailing adventures over the previous week.

No sooner had I placed the book in front of the two conquerors of American auto mechanics, when my friend Matt called!  Ironically, Matt had called about a sailing session planned for today. Matt and the conquerors alike were impressed by the coincidence.

And I was reminded of the pluck of the Portuguese, ages ago around the world and today in the heart of North America.

© 2019 Eric Nilsson