Are You Ethiopian?

I went to lunch last week with some colleagues, neither of whom knew I wasn't Ethiopian (I thought it was obvi).  As the conversation progressed the topic of familial background came up.  I knew they were both African, based on their facial features and names; I later discovered one of Kenyan and the other was Nigerian.  Eventually it was my turn to annie up the info.  I swear they must have asked like 5 questions all hinting around finding out if I was Ethiopian.  Apparently both of them thought I was. The only thing that gave me away was my name. 

My poor American name.  Gives me away every time. 

But I was LOLing inside the entire time because I was being intentionally vague with my answers, hoping they would just come out and ask the main question at some point.  Needless to say, they didn't.

 Here's a list of common questions I get from people about my apparent confusing heritage:

• Is your family from here?
• Does your sister live around here?
• Where is your family from?
• Do your parents live around here?
• So you've never been out of the U.S.?
• (Insert Amharic statements/questions here)
• Do you speak Amharic?
• How long have you been in this area?
• Where did you live before you moved to MD?