Oh yes, Teribus, I wouldn't ever want to insult people or cause offence by dressing inappropriately for an occasion. It's just that I don't exactly like being 'trussed up'. (The Toplessness was at a time when it was pretty general on Med beaches, which were crammed with half-naked Germans and Scandinavians.)

The thing about scanty clothing in the Tropics is that it attracts swarms of lusty local men who assume one is up for a bit of hanky panky. Gambia in particular seemed to be a destination for amorous British ladies looking for a bit of 'African entertainment'. These men can get a bit persistent, which one should expect if one goes about advertising one's charms like that!

I also adore African materials. There's a site online called Middlesex Textiles, which sells hundreds of W African cotton lengths. I generally buy about eight to take over to my in-laws. It's a pleasure for me to indulge in these garments when I'm there, the colours are so vibrant and very artistic.