Hola

[Diana]

For several months now, I have been thoroughly enjoying your podcasts, Marina and Ben. At last I have decided it is time to join the forum and express my appreciation.

I (now a grandmother) was born and grew up in New York (State) but have lived most of my life in Germany, where I went to learn German 41 years ago, married and had a family (Oh, do I remember how long it took me to get the gender of nouns straight in this language, Ben!).

Four years ago, our son married a young Chilean woman and moved to Puerto Varas, Chile, to live and start a family. In order to be able to communicate with my "consuegros" I then started to learn Spanish, enjoying it very much. With the help of the notes-in-spanish-podcasts (and the excellent transcripts), my listening comprehension has improved immensely. Many thanks to you both!

My husband and I have also visited Spain twice in the past few years and will definitely be back again whenever possible. With all the information available on your web site, visiting and touring is truly easy. Once again, thanks!

Diana

[Ben]

Hi Diana and welcome aboard! I'm glad you are enjoying the podcasts and that they are giving you a hand with the Spanish. Have you been to Chile yet? I'd love to do a couple of 'Notes from on holiday in South America' one day!

[Diana]

Yes, I have been to Chile several times - mostly for family affairs: wedding, birth of grandson, etc. Next planned trip is in November for the birth of our next grandchild. Each trip I do get a chance to see some of the beautiful sights there.

[Marina]

Welcome Diana!

It is fantastic that you are making the effort of learning Spanish to comunicate with your sons' in-laws. It would be great to see some pictures of your next trip to Chile. Have a wonderful time!!! ... and a wonderful grandson!!!
Marina

[Diana]

I should certainly have some nice pictures to show when I get back. Puerto Varas (near Puerto Montt) is a lovely area and by then I will have hopefully figured out how to insert them properly.
Diana

[Edith]

Welcome to the forum Diana! :)

I'd love to visit Chile one day, especially the warmer parts of the country in the north and center.

[Diana]

Welcome to the forum Diana! :)

I'd love to visit Chile one day, especially the warmer parts of the country in the north and center.

Yes - the warmer parts are certainly nice. Unfortunately some of the most beautiful areas are not the warmest.

[Edith]

Yes - the warmer parts are certainly nice. Unfortunately some of the most beautiful areas are not the warmest.

Have you ever been to the Mapuche region? I'm interested in their culture.

[Diana]

Have you ever been to the Mapuche region? I'm interested in their culture.

No, not yet. I would also like to visit one of their communities some day - perhaps when my grandchildren are a bit older and I can communicate in Spanish better. Once I did meet a young Mapuche woman who lives in Puerto Varas. However, her shyness and my beginner's Spanish at the time made it very difficult for us to communicate.

[Edith]

RE Mapuches: I love their platería (traditional silver jewelry)! It's very distinctive.

http://www.geocities.com/Athens/Forum/6413/plateria/img/ajuar.jpg <---

BTW, I still find Chilean Spanish quite hard to follow anyway, perhaps because their articulation is a bit different. It takes time to get used to all these different Spanish accents!

[Brian]

Welcome, Diana. It sounds like you're living quite the multicultural life. Looking forward to hearing some of your experiences here. The more, the merrier!

[omeyas]

[quote=
BTW, I still find Chilean Spanish quite hard to follow anyway, perhaps because their articulation is a bit different. It takes time to get used to all these different Spanish accents![/quote]

I had una chilena as a Spanish teacher for a while, and I thought I would struggle to understand her, but it was surprisingly easy, and a lovely accent as well. Probably because she was good looking, I was more atentive! :)