Bathrobes in Torekov and Bed wear in Bodrum.

A couple of years ago, Tesco stores in Britain issued a decree stating that improperly dressed customers wouldn't be allowed into their stores. They'd better not open a branch in Torekov, where a dressing gown is the default outfit for a trip to the supermarket or a wander around town. I was initially shocked and had a giggle on seeing my first toweling clad gentleman in the check-out queue at the Ica supermarket. By the third day I was used to bathrobes on bicycles and bare ankles in the bakers.

 

I wondered if the whole of Sweden was like this.  It took me three weeks to open a guide book to the area and learn that Torekov is an exclusive resort, where houses are extremely difficult to get your hands on and the residents of this posh little town like to distinguish themselves from the visitors by wearing bathrobes.

 

When I first moved to Bodrum, the back streets were full of old chaps wearing pyjama bottoms on their way to the baker or the tea house.  I thought they were just lazy and couldn't be bothered to get dressed, but maybe they were affirming themselves as residents of this fine town, not to be confused with the over-dressed tourists. From a couple of thousand kms away, I'm trying to recall seeing anyone in the streets in pyjamas recently and I don't think they are still around, but if they are, I will look on them in a completely new light when I return.