 In late 1964 he began to suffer from problems with his sight , which he attributed to the close analysis of artwork entailed by his job . He consulted eye specialist Patrick Trevor @-@ Roper , who diagnosed a latent squint and recommended that Chatwin take a six @-@ month break from his work at Sotheby 's . Trevor @-@ Roper had been involved in the design of an eye hospital in Addis Ababa , and suggested Chatwin visit east Africa . In February 1965 , Chatwin left for Sudan . It was on this trip that Chatwin first encountered a nomadic tribe ; their way of life intrigued him . " My nomadic guide , " he wrote , " carried a sword , a purse and a pot of scented goat 's grease for anointing his hair . He made me feel overburdened and inadequate ... " Chatwin would remain fascinated by nomads for the rest of his life . 
