I am tall. It’s a fact–the average height of an American woman is 5’4″ and with me standing at 5’8″, I am definitely above the average. What was unexpected when I was younger, yet that I have learned over the years, is the way my height comes into play when interacting with others abroad.
In Vietnam, I am taller than almost everyone. Add the fact that I wear heels regularly, and you’re suddenly standing in the presence of a giant. It is not uncommon for me to be stared at, pointed to, and children near me jumping up and down to try and reach my height. Somehow, that one label–tall–changes my daily interactions compared to those that are of normal height.
Yet, to be sure, my labels don’t just stop there:
woman, educated, person of color, middle-class, North American, kinky haired, near-sighted, native English speaker….
These labels and attributes unconsciously or consciously affect my communications with people when I am abroad. More so in Vietnam than in Europe, as I am now living in an ethnically homogeneous country. I recognize the privileges and consequences of these characteristics and at times accommodate for them. I understand that my experience as a black, tall, near-sighted woman is going to differ from other travelers in Vietnam. And that is what makes traveling so much fun, frustrating, and worth while….the differences!
What labels make up you? vegetarian, religious, biracial, disabled, etc?
Have Curls, Will Travel 
Appreciating the dedication you put into your website and detailed information you present.
It’s great to come across a blog every once in a while that isn’t the same old rehashed information. Great read!
I’ve bookmarked your site and I’m adding your RSS feeds to my Google account.
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Thank you so much! I try to put in varying topics, from serious to humorous. I really love that you appreciate the hard work, I’ve put in. Thank you!
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Magnificent site. A lot of useful info here. I am sending it to
a few friends ans also sharing in delicious. And obviously, thanks on your sweat!
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Thank you! I really enjoyed writing this piece. Hope your friends like it as well!
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An outstanding share! I’ve just forwarded this onto a co-worker who had been doing
a little homework on this. And he in fact ordered me lunch due to the fact that I discovered
it for him… lol. So allow me to reword this…. Thank YOU for the meal!!
But yeah, thanks for spending the time to talk about this subject here on your blog.
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Haha, I hope the lunch was delicious! And I’m glad you enjoyed the post, I’m always trying to think of interesting subjects 🙂
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Its like you read my thoughts! You appear to grasp a
lot about this, like you wrote the ebook in it or something.
I feel that you simply could do with some p.c. to pressure the message home a little bit, however other
than that, this is great blog. A great read. I will certainly be back.
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I very much agree with you on the P.C. aspect. I’ve been treading carefully in my first few posts, so hopefully, I can gain some courage and really get into it. I’m glad you like it!
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I need to to thank you for this excellent read!!
I certainly loved every little bit of it. I have you bookmarked to check out
new stuff you post…
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Thank you so much! People telling me things like this is what makes me excited to write new things!
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As a six foot two, blue-eyed white European in Vietnam I stick out like a sore thumb, and have received the kind of responses you would expect! Though I feel lucky in comparison to a very pale-skinned, good-looking redhead who was being greeted like some kind of returning deity!! Loving Vietnam:
http://loveschneeps.com/tag/vietnam/
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