Parallel Thinking

Tuesday November 19/13

Professor I of Epke expertise is back in town offering to introduce me to the world of ju ju, the dead and the power of earthly forces. His contact, a traditional healer in south Calabar will be waiting for us this weekend. Professor I regularly visits this seer for research and personal divination and has seemingly made a positive impression.

“It’ll be interesting to see how he responds to you.”

I think he’ll like my energy, I tell myself.

“He knows his stuff and likes hard liquor.”

 Should I bring him something?  Gin?

“No, pay him N400 and he’ll buy what he likes.” 

Western psychics claim to connect with the spirit world of those gone before us, so there’s a parallel here, no? 

Professor I has never consulted a Western psychic. He reserves comment.

“Just don’t tell the driver where we’re going. Okay? They get freaked.”

Ohhh kaaaAay, I nod, ear plastered to the phone.

Never mind the driver; THIS is going to be a freak’n wild personal adventure. Question is what burning question/s do I want answered?  Note to self:  make sure phone is fully powered to record visit. And o yeah, wear hair tied tight in a smooth pony with no lose strands left behind.

Saturday November 16, 2013

I’m caught in a downpour so fierce today it sweeps the flip flop right off my foot carries it in heavy currents across the road and into the ditch to wherever. I trek single shoe-d til my laundry folk pals give me a plastic bag to wrap my barefoot for the walk across the messy muddy laneway into the compound. Happy to advise: seriously soaked is cooling to skin.