LETTERS TO IVANA FROM CALABAR

"Wednesday, June 9, 1982: It is 6 AM of what has been a veritable nightmare of a night. The intense heat and the confined space of my room provoked nausea, vomiting, and a terrible claustrophobia, so much so that my first desire was to rush out and book the first passage home. The intense psycho-physiologic sensory reaction to the noise, smells, and reaction to the heat and humidity had a sledge hammer effect. At 10 PM I did not think that I would ever get through the night! But finally, with the lights on, and following aspiration and exhaustion, I fell asleep. By Nigerian standards they have given me a luxurous room (!) and I am certain that in this country my arrangements would be considered most favourable. There is no question that I have been warmly received and very well greeted. I must make that clear. They have shown great respect and made much of my coming. The rank of Professor is respected, based on British tradition, in which there are few professors, and in which academic distinction is a reward itself. It is clear that they need me, and have already been asking me to stay four years."