Downside #40

You don't know whether to fit in or stand out

Actually, you don't often get a choice, and it's always the wrong one. In those countries where it'd make your life so much easier if you could just blend in, where you spend 6 years carefully learning every bit of local slang, body and click language, you're hamstrung by the fact you're the only person in a six-mile radius who's not black/white/female/4 foot tall/wearing full purda/American. And when you really want to attract attention, to get some conversation, information or just a bit of help when you're helplessly stranded without an ounce of the relevant currency, lingo or common sense, everyone assumes you're One of Us and breezes past with not so much as a 'ooh, that's gotta hurt'. Or they might ask you for directions - but don't get me started on that again...