All around the world, people have different ways of greeting each other, some use handshakes, some bow, others bump noses. In Turkey, Merhaba means hello and it's usually accompanied with a kiss on both cheeks.
Kissing friends hello might feel a bit awkward to handshakers, but in Europe and Turkey its not only fashion, its proper etiquette. Even chic Americans are doing it these days. The closer you are to someone, the more affectionate you can be, even adding an embrace for family.
However, I should warn the ladies about the possibility of overzealous gentlemen -ahem- who might have had a bit more lager than they should. Its nearly impossible to disentangle yourself from them. To avoid situations where they might actually plant one on your lips, always kiss the right side first, then the left. If you're meeting someone for the first time, or want to send him a message like "back-off buddy", extend your hand for a shake to keep your personal space undefiled.
You might notice I'm implying something here.
Some, OK lots, of Turkish men fall into the same category as other Mediterranean Casanovas. As a foreign woman, I would hesitate to go anywhere alone in Turkey unless I want to be pestered by "helpful" young men, especially if I had blond or red hair. (I guess they're upholding the tradition of the Ottoman Sultans.) Girls blessed with those hair colors are a virtual magnet for attention.
I had fun with this in chapter one!
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