Last night, a friend invited me for beers at Covadonga, a cool little cantina in Roma. She was with a big group of friends, all of whom were Mexican.
We all chatted and had fun, and at about 1 a.m., I stood up to leave. “Well, I guess I’m headed out,” I announced.
A few people looked over and smiled, but then returned to their conversations. I thought it was weird: Aren’t they going to say goodbye? Am I really that lame of an American?
Then I remembered — announcing one’s departure is, in itself, not a proper Mexican goodbye. A friend explained to me a few months ago that Mexicans walk up to everyone in the room upon leaving, kissing each person on the cheek, giving each person a small hug. They even say goodbye to strangers they didn’t speak to all night.
I remember thinking that was charming. Mexicans are so nice. And so — Ron Burgundy’s voice echoing in my head: “When in Rome…” — I did exactly as I remembered, walking up to each person, giving them a small kiss on the cheek. My brain froze on what to say (mucho gusto? Nos vemos?), and so I just smiled and said bye and that was it.
Felt proud of myself, though, walking out to the taxi. Maybe I will get this Mexico-living thing down yet.
Good for you. I most certainly will never adopt that good-bye. It’s totally annoying to me.
I still get nervous every time I do that. When I get lazy I just say “Gringo Goodbye” really loud, wave and peace out.
Wow, I LOVE the whole kiss and half-hug thing! Maybe it’s because I spent my years in NY hanging out with Latinos and gays, but kissing hello and good-bye is ingrained in me. I feel weird when I’m in the U.S. and everybody keeps their distance.
I’m glad people in Mexico City are kissing again! I was afraid that custom was in danger with the flu.
You’re on your way. And after a while, you’ll begin to notice how extremely rude those Estadounidenses whose idea of taking their leave is to simply vaporize appears.