{"id":7412,"date":"2023-10-06T16:36:54","date_gmt":"2023-10-06T16:36:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.realspanish.eu\/?p=7412"},"modified":"2026-05-31T15:01:51","modified_gmt":"2026-05-31T15:01:51","slug":"confused-about-when-to-kiss-or-shake-hands-in-this-video-virginia-explains-an-important-aspect-of-spanish-culture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.realspanish.eu\/en\/confused-about-when-to-kiss-or-shake-hands-in-this-video-virginia-explains-an-important-aspect-of-spanish-culture\/","title":{"rendered":"Confused about when to kiss or shake hands? In this video, Virginia explains an important aspect of Spanish culture."},"content":{"rendered":"

Hi! I'm Elizabeth, from Real Spanish, and a Spanish enthusiast just like you. <\/span><\/h3>\n

The first time I came to Spain was to give a talk to groups of teachers in the Basque Country. I left Toronto on a cold and miserable late winter day, and arrived in bright spring sunshine in Bilbao. Sandals and shirtsleeves weather!<\/span><\/p>\n

That trip marked the start of my love for Spain. The teachers seemed to appreciate my work, and over the following years I was invited to work with primary and secondary teachers in many parts of the country. With each visit, I discovered more to admire: the relaxed lifestyle, excellent food, beautiful architecture, and stunning scenery. In time, I realised Spain was where I wanted to retire. I did, and I have been learning the language and adapting to the culture ever since.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why am I telling you all this?<\/span><\/h3>\n

I\u2019m telling you about my first trip to Bilbao because it was on that occasion that I was introduced to a woman \u2014 an important civil servant in the Department of Education of the Basque Country \u2014 who ignored my outstretched hand and kissed me on both cheeks. What Spaniards call the \u201cdos besos\u201d \u2014 two kisses, one on each cheek. Then I noticed a lot of cheek-kissing going on around me as people (mostly women) met old friends and new acquaintances. It took me a while, and several more embarrassing occasions when I lunged left just as the other person went right. Awkward!<\/span><\/p>\n

When I started this blog and our YouTube channel<\/a><\/strong> <\/span>I decided to include some videos on cultural aspects of living in a Spanish-speaking country \u2014 including customs like the \u201cdos besos \u201cgreeting that can catch newcomers completely off guard. This is one of those videos.<\/span><\/p>\n

Why don't I appear in the video?<\/span><\/strong><\/h3>\n

The video is in Spanish, narrated by Virginia, because although I speak Spanish, my accent remains stubbornly British (my original nationality) \u2014 and I felt it was important for the videos to be narrated by native Spanish speakers, to give you an authentic Spanish-language experience. So here is Virginia to help you with this important aspect of Spanish culture (transcription below).<\/span><\/p>\n

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