It’s been a year we have lived here and I think that it is only now I am getting used to “The Swiss Kiss”.
When people great each other, they kiss cheeks to acknowledge and welcome each other.
I had some exposure to this when I was working in the US, as a lot of the advertising folks I worked with at our agencies were European. I just usually followed their lead in what was appropriate. I do remember it being a tad awkward for us Americans who preferred a shake and we were afraid we’d “mess up” when it came to professional kissing.
Swiss camels perfecting their Swiss kisses.
Living in Europe it becomes more secondhand. Here are a few guidelines:
–Swiss Romandie (French speaking Swiss) people greet each other with 3 kisses: left cheek, right, left.
–The French version includes just two kisses – left, right.
–Just barely touch the person’s cheek or the air next to their cheek. I usually do the air and make a slight smacking sound.
–When in doubt, just watch what other people are doing and follow their lead.
If you are visiting us, I hope you are perfecting your Swiss kisses.
Related links:
Gydle: how to Swiss Kiss
World to the Wise: Swiss Kiss
Great demo video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qEV60lYHaIM
It takes forEVER to say hello and goodbye to a large group of people here… :o/
Are you getting used to the Swiss Kiss (ie: le bise) yet? I still found it a little hard to get used to.. much prefer hugging actually.. hehe