[AlphaSigOU]

What really gets me more than a little annoyed is when people look at me and my darker than average skin and automatically assume I'm a Mexican (or other Hispanic) and attempt to try their awful Spanish on me. they wind up earning the ASS part of 'assume' when I turn around and speak to them in perfect Noo Yawk-accented English.

Don't get me wrong, though -- I'm proud of my Hispanic heritage and am perfectly fluent in Spanish. (As long as I think in Spanish and not in English -- it makes for some horrendous grammatical barbarisms when you mix them up!)

A Mexican speaking Spanish to me would have me pegged for a 'Puertorro' (Puerto Rican) or Cuban really quickly because of the accent and idioms I use compared to their Spanish. Actually it's Venezuelan Spanish, which sounds similar to Spanish spoken in the Caribbean but with its own slang and idioms that are distinct to that country.

Having spent two years in Germany courtesy of Uncle Sam, I did take advantage of the local culture. Yes... I also had to try out a Big Mac and a beer at the SuckDonald's in the Trier Marktplatz! No Booger King unless you were on base. Most times I chowed down on the famous schnitzel at Mom's Place (what everyone called the local restaurant in Spangdahlem town). Even ate pizza European style -- with a knife and fork. And I knew quite a few people who pretty much became 'barracks rats', never setting foot outside the base for their entire tour.