My Shack Construction in Vidigal: Floor Supports

As construction proceeded, more charitable souls came. You know what they say: If you build it, they will come.

Meet Gerson, the one who isn’t white and isn’t me.

Gerson is one of the most impressive people that I have met in Vidigal. Actually, ever. He, with no apparent personal benefit, donated the use of his tools, flatbed, time, and know-how to the valiant cause of helping a gringo build a cabana. This man is more charitable than Bill Gates.

In one intense day, Gerson and I drive an hour to Jacarepagua, a cheap place to buy materials, and return with all the wood I need. I buy him lunch (it’s the least I can do) and then he helps me install all of the floorboard supports, using his tools.

Look at Gerson working. Hes a very exact, do things right guy… he builds 5 story houses.

Favela trick 3 – after making these slits we will cut them out

so that the horizontal supports can fit into the slits and get extra support (favela trick #4)

A monkey appears on the construction site and raises spirits (favela trick #5)

We (Gerson) use mason’s line to ensure that all boards are level.

Pure manhood.

The day is done and Gerson goes home, and Wilson returns after a week of absence. Look at these fancy “French arms” we installed for the to-be-porch, which extends past the main posts.