Another memory stirred by this is also from our frequent visits to The Gambia where attitudes towards racial differences are very different from PC Great Britain.
I have another great friend in The Gambia, Lamin, and I am frequently in his company. When he is introducing me to people I haven't met before, he takes delight in throwing his arm around my neck and saying, "Have you met my brother?" When he gets a puzzled look, he says, "Yes, he's my real brother, the only difference is..... (dramatic pause).... I was born at night and he was born during the day!" Much laughter, arm-punching and High Fives.

I am never quite sure how to react to this but can anyone imagine such a thing happening in the UK?