as children age into teenagers and young adults, they do not lose the sense of play the developed as toddlers, it is simply folded into their expanding sense of self and maturing hormones.

there are several uniquely brazilian versions of kissing games that figure prominently in the salad years of many a young carioca. pêra, uva ou salada mista is one of these: a player sits blindfolded in a circle of friends.

one by one, they choose to be categorized as a pear, a grape or a mixed salad, indicating their willingness to hug, kiss on the cheek or kiss on the mouth respectively the blindfolded player.