not looking like where you're from
I'm Indonesian. 100% I need to say that because 'You don't look like one' is what I get a lot. That is, among my countrymen.
My face throws people off even those who knows my parents. How did I became to look this way? Strangers get surprised when I tell them. They'd go 'Ohhh no wonder!' It makes a good conversation starter because it takes an observant eye to pinpoint my heritage.
'Take a guess' 'I can't. I have no idea'
Common remarks I get are I look 'Arabic' or 'European' (unsurprisingly, Dutch). Honestly, I don't see it. I feel real Arabs and Europeans would snicker at this remark. I think these people are trying to say I look Wasian but I'll never know.
As far the family tree knowledge goes, there is nothing to suggest so unless(!) a gap has been left out (would be crazy ngl) Or simply by sheer misfortune (or luck?), I happen to look this way. One day maybe I'll get a DNA test to clarify everything
I lovee playing along when I get the opportunity. It's fun seeing how I can go faking my identity. But I'd eventually falter anyways, it becomes impossible to not slip anything Indonesian at some point.
I used to attend basketball academy sessions; befriended a lad, skinny kid shorter than me, he'd talk to me in English allll the time. I thought it was because he preferred English so I would reply him in English. One day, my coach had a chat with me. The kid overheard our conversation and his mouth went wide open agape.
'You DIDN'T TELL ME YOU COULD SPEAK INDONESAIN?"
Uh ja?