That’s what travel brings. A vision of other nationalities. The United States is unique in its multiculturalism and history of immigration. It is confusing for them but they are likely just interested. I doubt pointing out your race had any negative implications. Germans look different than Italians for example. If someone looked german and they were from Italy they would get the same questions.
If the conversations go as you say, you might be oversensitive to race assuming it is always associated with racism. It is normal to discuss race.
That’s what travel brings. A vision of other nationalities. The United States is unique in its multiculturalism and history of immigration. It is confusing for them but they are likely just interested. I doubt pointing out your race had any negative implications. Germans look different than Italians for example. If someone looked german and they were from Italy they would get the same questions.
If the conversations go as you say, you might be oversensitive to race assuming it is always associated with racism. It is normal to discuss race.