[Misiotoagodia]

Although not identical (and I'm sure that no experiences are), I've had similar cultural/emotional experiences when I was living in Spain. I'm visibly Oriental, which is not uncommon in Madrid or Barcelona, but quite uncommon in Pamplona, which is s city of about 150K to 200K. It was odd when kids would look at me with an amazed look on their faces. It was also interesting to note the look on some peoples' faces when I spoke, as I spoke Castilian quite fluently. The feeling of isolation lasted a few weeks into the experience, but abated when I moved in with some folks whol I now consider friends. It helps when you have poeple who can guide you along.

I have to admit the same feeling when I visited Barcelona for the first time after a few months living in Pamplona. It was made quite different though being able to speak the lingo while other tourists of the same ethnic background (or of different backgrounds but unable to communicate) were having trouble getting around. Alone in a big city (or small city) foreign to you is quite the experience though, and I would recommend it to everyone. As a note, Barcelona was fun the second time around with my wife along.