Hetalia had a similar effect on me. xD I'm not as into languages as you are, but I'm much more interested in history and current events now. c:

I always identified more with China than America or Canada, despite the fact that I was born and raised in Canada and have lived in America for almost a decade.

If everyone in the world read Hetalia, the world would be a better place. :'D Kidding.
Mostly.