1/29/2015
12pm
Location: Pataria
I invited my conversation my conversation partners to go out for lunch at Pitaria, a Greek food restaurant near CIES. Hector, Saif, and Saif's friend Obid met up with me inside the lobby of the CIES building and walked to the restaurant together. Both Saif and Obid were very curious about the food and asked a lot of questions about the food. Frankly, I don't know much about Greek food but fortunately for me some of their Arabic speaking friends were there to help them order. While we waited in line, we started discussing the difference between Arabic, Hispanic, and American greetings.
In Arabic culture, specifically from Arabic countries surrounding the Persian Gulf, it is customary for men to greet each other with kisses depending on their relationship. When a son greets his father and especially his grandfather, he will kiss him on the forehead, the nose, and perhaps even his hand in a sign of deep respect. Men of similar age who are friends will greet with a hug and a kiss on the cheek or the nose I believe. Hector and I explained to them that Hispanic men typically don't kiss each other unless they are father and son. In that case, they may kiss each others cheeks. This was one of many informative topics we discussed. I am glad I am aware of this now so I wont be caught by surprise when I visit an Arabic country someday.
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