Lost in Translation...

Preface: This is purely based on widespread observation and not on any kind of negative connotations toward any peoples!

To Stare:
Def.

1. to gaze fixedly and intently, esp. with the eyes wide open.

2. to be boldly or obtrusively conspicuous
3. to cause to become uncomfortable by gazing steadily at one

This word, "stare," or "to stare," (this is what we call an intransitive verb, needing an object...geeky English teacher moment) strangely doesn't really exist here Ecuador. Like literally. As it turns out, in Spanish, there is no direct translation for the concept of staring at someone. If you try to translate it, it is: "Para Mirar" which really means to look, or to watch.
The fact that this doesn't seem to exist has become painfully obvious as a "Gringa" in Ecuador.

The 3rd definition is my favorite.  I had been warned of the tendency of people here to stare at white people or Gringos when they are out and about; but honestly, this is like a whole new level of staring. When I first noticed this phenomena, I tended to be a bit self-conscious, a bit shy; you know the routine. You think to yourself, "is there food on my face, in my teeth? Bats in the Cave? (that's for you Abby...)" I truly felt like there must be something tragically wrong with me, you know besides the fact that my hair happens to be mostly blond-ish.
After being here and experiencing this quite frequently however, my reaction has turned to what can only be called (and is all too often) NEW YORK. I get a little bit rude, I might have a quiet comment or two...I have recently gotten the point where it's hard to hold back from shouting across the street (sometimes into a restaurant or such where the culprit(s) are blatantly Mirar(ing) "WHAT? YOU'VE NEVER SEEN A BLONDE HAIRED WHITE GIRL BEFORE??"

But alas, I am trying to keep this little gem of an attitude contained...for as long as I can anyway.