In Reply to: clothes question posted by whenwecan on Sunday, 30. December 2007 at 10:00 Bali Time:
When we were in Laos last year I was talking to a European women about my age who was complaining how unfriendly the Laos people were. She said they would "look through her' and not try to speak with her. On the other hand we found them incredibly friendly, always wanting to try out their English, help us understand the Laos way of life and generally go out of their way to help us. While this other women seemed a very nice person, she persisted in wearing little shorts and singlet tops on a very large, very mature body. I also have a large, mature body and felt most comfortable (and cool) in long skirt and long sleeve cotton top, similar to the local (including european)people. The Laos people just didn't seem to feel comfortable with her and their way of dealing with it was to maybe ignore her.
I think dressing appropriately is the right thing to do in someone else's country, just as it is in our country. I was thinking that Bali was probably more liberal in their attitude to dress, but still want to underestand what is appropriate and what isn't. It may be judgemental but it is also considerate and respectful.