The rhythm of the tide: oyster cultivation in Northeastern Pará, Brazil.

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Writing this article was a great pleasure as it has co-authors with whom I have had long standing collaborations. This article is the first that analyzes the chain as a whole, that is, is analyzing all oyster crops. As a professional, I have accompanied the oyster cultivation in the State of Pará for ten years and I can say with some expertise that within this universe the rhythm is another one. Far different from that we live on land. From the cultivation to the plate, there is a long path taken... The tide establishes the work time and then it is no use to hurry, since nothing can be done except wait for the waters to pace things. The waiting moments are long... And during the work break, the lives which are found there weave friendships among lanterns and pillows. The dawns are fulfilled with chats and the smoke from rolled cigarettes is shared by calloused hands. From sun to sun, the cultivation requires from the worker a lot of dedication. The work is hard and tiring, and there is no truce from the sun. The contact of seawater with the tanned skin does not refresh. It is like a flame that burns them... Through this time, I have learned that to venture out and study this world, it was not enough observing them by far... It was necessary to get involved by the routines and work time. It was necessary to go there and live those routines meeting people, sharing habitations, sharing food.

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