Are you from Singapore? NO!!!!

Why is it when I go to Taiwan and speak Taiwanese, people ask me if I'm from Singapore?

Is it because...
1. I don't speak Mandarin?
2. I have a cute American accent?
3. ????

I guess I'm also starting to learn that many people speak different variants of Taiwanese/Fujianese/Minnan, such as in the Phillipines, Malaysia, Singapore, and Indonesia. I guess we all came from the same place originally (Fujian province of China dynasties ago). It completely threw me for a loop when I once said a couple words to my Filipina friend who understood me!

Another disturbing thought:
I think my Taiwanese is better than my cousins who live in Taiwan. (And just so you know, my Taiwanese really isn't very good)

Random facts: (from wikipedia)

I think I am of the 70% Southern Fujianese. Does this mean I have some aboriginal blood in me?!? Cool...

Oh! and I just found out that Kaohsiung (my parents' home town) is hosting the 2009 World Games!