From Nigeria to Cracking Walnuts

In the late 1970's, a young ecologist and his outgoing French wife move from London to the University of Calabar in steamy southern Nigeria. Follow this young couple as they discover a world that was completely unknown to them at a time when there were no phones, let alone the internet, to call home.

From an unusual PhD final, 'tee'-time with a cobra, to termite hills and miniskirts, their many unforeseen adventures are at times fun, others sad and even dangerous but always entertaining. Malcolm's sens of humour and storytelling will see you enthralled in the couple's shared experiences, as he weaves together their life in Nigeria accompanied by amusing adventures in France and the UK.

This is the first in a series of memoirs that follows the enchanting couple as they build a life together across many countries, gaining experience and finally emerging from the adventures of their early life together to share a finale that is driven by the cracking of walnuts!

Chapter 1 NOSTALGIA AIN'T WHAT IT USED TO BE

Chapter 2 IN NIGERIA, ANYTHING IS POSSIBLE

Chapter 3 WELCOME TO CALABAR

Chapter 4 WATCH OUT FOR THE TERMITES

Chapter 5 MAMMY-WAGON MARRIAGE

Chapter 6 OUT OF THE DITCH BUT NOT OUT OF THE WOODS

Chapter 7 CROCODILES IN THE GARDEN

Chapter 8 THREE'S COMPANY

Chapter 9 ENVIRON DE RIX (ADOLPHE APPIAN)

Chapter 10 CHAMPAGNE OR METHODE CHAMPENOISE?

Chapter 11 RAINSTORMS AND BANANA LEAVES

Chapter 12 THE PRIESTS FIX OUR ROOF

Chapter 13 EPILOGUE CRACKING WALNUTS