Either way, here's my most recent lesson in being an expatriate...
One of the weird things that they don't tell you when you are moving to another country - is that everyone else in the world kisses each other ALL THE TIME - on the cheeks, at least twice, and sometimes more. Seriously. And I cannot get the hang of it. I always end up leaning in at a weird angle, or at the wrong time, or not enough, or just after I've reapplied tons of lip gloss, and I feel like I might as well wear a big sign that says, "I'm an American and I do not know what I'm doing. I cannot master a simple gesture." Now, it's not like I'm running around making out with everyone I meet, but apparently it's expected when you meet people and when you are saying your goodbyes. For example, we met up with a bunch of new people and you have to go through each person in the group and kiss hello - even if it's that you've just met. I'm sure you can imagine this takes a moment, and to me, feels completely awkward, "Hi, I just met you, now I will kiss you." I guess all I'm saying is that I really miss the hug. To me, hugs are a more universal, easier way to meet and greet. Oh, and it's really hard to mess them up. So, the next time I see you, and I look like I'm about to do something weird to your face, it's probably because of the Kiss Hello.
Labels: kiss hello
