I've just returned from Spain, and being of Olive skin and dark hair, I was assumed to be Spanish most of the time.
It was a real eye opener.
The locals treated me with indifference, which was understandable, but as I can speak very little Spanish, the poor people were met with a blank look from me when the convo went past 'Buenos Tardes' Got chatted up by some locals which was funny too. 'Cigarillos Senorita?'
However, it was the English people I was most surprised by. Saying things like 'stupid cow could've given the ball back' 'Bloody wait your turn'. All were replied back with a very English 'Excuse me?'
One guy thought I'd come to clear his table up when I was approaching his wife to ask her something. It didn't piss me off, just made me realise that we take for granted that rely on how we look or behave dictates how someone behaves towards us.
The rude behaviour made me feel a little ashamed of being English. It was a real lesson in self awareness.
Has anyone been in this situation, where there appearances belie them? And what was that like?