Kissing Culture

Brazil is one of those kissing countries. You know, a peck on each cheek, in greeting. Or is it a peck only on one cheek, when departing?! No one really knows. (Really. I asked). It's all very awkward and confusing. (Jeff lives in fear that he will zig when he should have zagged). At least here there doesn't seem to be the added akwardness of men kissing men. (Unlike Uruguay, which Jeff has ruled out as a possible destination for us based a departure cheek-kiss he received the other day from a young Uruguyan man). Add language confusion to kissing confusion and you've got real trouble. For instance, a week ago, while staying at a church campground up in the mountains, some ladies came to assist us with getting our room set up. They asked Jeff if he wanted a berco [beh-soo] (baby bed). Familiar only with the similar word beijo [bay-joo] (kiss), he turned two shades of red and reluctantly said, "sure." He was surprised when, instead of receiving a nice kiss on the cheek, the ladies left and returned a few moments later with a crib for Max. Jeff was spared the awkward kissing, but we've had no end of good laughs.