Greetings around the world

Since we’ve been here, I’ve seen several different kinds of greetings.

Of course, you know the American way—stand and look at each other and say Hi. Every now and then you give a handshake or if you’re close to someone, a hug. That’s it. Well, the rest of the world is a bit different.

In Mozambique the standard is two kisses on the cheeks. Actually, it’s not really a kiss, it’s more like cheek to cheek. Sometimes I need a towel because some people really sweat! And there are a couple of different kinds of hand shakes that are a bit hard to describe, I’ll just show you sometime. If the hands are dirty, then you grab arms. You always ask how they are: “Como esta? Estou bem, obrigado or graças a Deus.” If they ask you how you are, but you forget to ask them, they will just tell you “eu tambêm” or me too.

I made the mistake of thinking all Africans kissed. Once I kissed a Malawian guest and felt him stiffen up. I think in Malawi they just hug or shake hands. South Africans are more about hugs and shakes also.

In France it’s three kisses. Two is plenty for me …

In a tribe in Nigeria they get down on the ground like they would be doing a pushup. I’m trying to imagine that as you walk down the street and see several people you know.

Then I saw two Congolese men who bumped foreheads. I’d heard of rubbing noses like the Eskimos, but foreheads? I think they did it three times, left, right, left.

I found a website that has lots of other greetings from other cultures. It’s fun reading if you’re interested - http://www.brucevanpatter.com/world_greetings.html

So, hugs, kisses and shakes to you all.