Allerbeste wensen & the three kisses
I spent the morning kissing my colleagues, kissing the parents at school and my co-parents on the PTA.
'And they'll meet one day far away and say I wish I knew you I wish I knew you before.' - Amy MacDonald, Mr Rock n Roll
It's the first day back at school and work and it's one of those Dutch things. Everyone kisses you. Well, not everyone, but everyone you know well.
The rest just shake your hand and heartily wish you 'Beste wensen' or 'Allerbeste wensen' or 'Gelukkige nieuwe jaar'.
For those you know well, this is how it goes:
You have to kiss three times on the cheek, left right left. A hand on the shoulder or arm is optional, but I only do this when it's someone I know pretty well. You can also do the handshake and the kiss at the same time, which can be disconcerting for foreigners.
You go in for a handshake and you come out with three kisses! How's that for a bonus deal?
If you're a foreigner you can also go for a hug while you're in there for the three kisses. You get away with it on the basis that you have no idea what you're doing. Only do this with people you know really well.
Those who hug randomly without the kissing can be frowned upon.
So there you go.
It's New Year in the Netherlands!
Pucker up!
I just got back to Holland on Sunday night so I have spent the last two days doing different combinations of kisses/hugs with/with out optional arm holding. You're right, it can get a bit complicated but
I've never been one to turn down a kiss.
Stu: apparently the arm holding is the thing to watch out for. If you hold too far to the front you might get smacked :P