Baci, Bacione, Kiss Kiss

I have been back in Rome now for four days. And have nearly kissed several men and women on the lips. Why? Because after being in the US for two months I have forgotten the Italian greeting. The single kiss on each cheek is a greeting shared by many cultures and if you get it wrong you may end up with your lips against someone else’s or doing the awkward dance between cheeks to avoid it. So when you come to Italy be prepared to give a single kiss on each cheek and be sure to start on the left. When in Paris start on the right!