gringuita

As I walk the streets of Julcán, I hear “¡hola gringita!” coming from little kids or grandmothers sitting on their doorsteps. Gringuita (or “little gringa,” or “little white girl”) is apparently my new nickname here. News spread fast that a new gringa is in town. As much of an adjustment it is for me to be in this new Andean community, I realize that having a new white girl in town is also a change for the people of Julcán.