A Stranger From Lagos by Cyprian Ekwensi

Umu-ogbo

A typical (local dance) from the region of Lagos

Linger

to remain or stay on in a place longer than is usual or expected, as if from reluctance to leave:

Embarrassed

to cause confusion and shame to; make uncomfortably self-conscious; disconcert; abash:

elderly woman

an older lady, generally over 60 years of age.

transparent

having the property of transmitting rays of light through its substance so that bodies situated beyond or behind can be distinctly seen.

Pitiable

evoking or deserving pity; lamentable:

fiance'

a man engaged to be married.

Niger

The main river of western Africa

agony

extreme and generally prolonged pain; intense physical or mental suffering.

fables

a short tale to teach a moral lesson, often with animals or inanimate objects as characters;

Onitsha

a city and a river port on the eastern part of the niger

Veranda

a large, open porch, usually roofed and partly enclosed, as by a railing, often extending across the front and sides of a house; gallery.

instincts

a natural or innate impulse, inclination, or tendency.

conquest

to defeat in any contest or conflict; be victorious over:

resentment

the feeling of displeasure or indignation at some act, remark, person, etc., regarded as causing injury or insult.

hula-hoop

a brand name for a tubular plastic hoop, about 4 feet (1.2 meters) in diameter, for rotating about the body by swinging the hips, used for physical exercise or in children's play: introduced in the 1950s.

mechanics

a person who repairs and maintains machinery, motors, etc.:

sensation

the operation or function of the senses; perception or awareness of stimuli through the senses