I need someone my height, so we can see eye to eye...

Even before I got to Ecuador, I knew that I was going to be clearly identifiable as a gringo, or foreigner. 

Upon being here for a while, however, I realize that the primary reason I seem to stand out is not what I initially expected, and not something that will go away as I grow more accustomed to life in Quito. It’s not that I’m pale, though the direct Equatorial sun is working on that, or that I’m still somewhat easily lost and confused by the new city (which I’m working on). It’s not even that my Spanish leaves a bit to be desired, though my host family is definitely improving my ability not to be a stuttering incoherent mess. Rather, it’s an issue of physiognomy. 

It’s been coming to my attention that Ecuador is really not designed for tall people. Now, I know that I’m not actually THAT tall, so the fact that even I notice this is a bit bizarre. 

It turns out that there’s actually a very good reason for Ecuadorians to run a bit on the short side. A brief literature search (don’t be judging) confirmed the local anecdotes that indigenous Andeans have significantly greater lung volume and chest circumference than peoples living at lower altitudes. It seems as though through microevolution, high altitude populations have selected for a greater lung capacity to compensate for the thinner atmosphere. Since there is less oxygen in the air, more can be taken in and circulated throughout the body. (In a similar vein—no pun intended—studies have also shown that native Andean women exhibit greater uterine blood flow during pregnancy. Could biology BE much cooler?) From this, it makes sense that people would be shorter, as well, so that the heart wouldn’t be as strained getting blood and oxygen everywhere necessary.

All dorkiness aside, however, it’s still quite noticeable. For example, when my forehead bumps against my headboard, my toes still dangle just slightly over the edge of the bed when I stretch. Most noticeable, was last night at a club down in Gringolandia.

Now, sometimes it’s nice to stand out in a social setting. There was certainly no lack of attention from various fellows at the club, but playing Where’s Waldo with a stalker wasn’t really my idea of a chill night out. When the comment came that I was the tallest girl in the club... just too much.

Update between when I wrote and edited this: Maybe it’s just the high incidence of tourists, but people in the Galápagos seem noticeably taller and my life is less awkward! YAY!