Hola desde Nueva York

[Flexichick]

Hola!

Soy Gisele. Vivo en Nueva York. Estoy estudiando espanol. Mi madre es de Cuba, y soy una Frubana (half-French/half-Cuban)!

I was too stubborn to learn Spanish as a child and now I am paying for it (literally!) as an adult.

I have been to Spain numerous times - Barcelona, Ibiza and Madrid. I have a good friend in Madrid and I visit her often. I even have my own set of keys to "our" apartment in Charmartin :D . This June she took me with her to Ibiza for the first time. It was fanstastic! :thumbs-up:

On my next trip there, I hope to venture further out of the city.

I am fortunate in that many people in New York speak Spanish - I just need to be more disciplined in my studies. That said, I listen to Ben and Marina all the time on my iPod while taking the subway or walking in the park.

I'm very happy that there is an intermediate level now. I understand much of the advanced stuff, but I'm happy when I find something that I understand fairly well.

That's all for now....I hope to participate often.

- Flexichick

[Ben]

Hi Flexichick,

Welcome! Lucky you having a set of keys to your own flat in Madrid!

I have to ask, is that you in your avatar photo?

[ValenciaSon]

Welcome Flexichick,

Nice to have another NewYorker! Someone else who knows what good bagel and a good slice of pizza really is!;)

As far as your Spanish is concerned, I'm sure you know more than you realize and can negotiate the differences between cuban-spanish and castillian, if you haven't already.

Go ahead and get into the forums as well as listening to the podcasts. You'll find some interesting folks here.

[Brian]

Welcome, Frubana! ;)

[Flexichick]

Hi Flexichick,

Welcome! Lucky you having a set of keys to your own flat in Madrid!

I have to ask, is that you in your avatar photo?

Si. Es en mi apartamento en Brooklyn.

The scaries thing was moving all of the furniture and wondering what could be underneath (I've lived in this place for 9 years) ;D

[Flexichick]

Welcome Flexichick,

Nice to have another NewYorker! Someone else who knows what good bagel and a good slice of pizza really is!;)

As far as your Spanish is concerned, I'm sure you know more than you realize and can negotiate the differences between cuban-spanish and castillian, if you haven't already.

Go ahead and get into the forums as well as listening to the podcasts. You'll find some interesting folks here.

Yes, I have a good ear for Spanish from Cuba (from listening to my mom), Mexico (from traveling there very often) and Spain (talking with my friends and traveling).

A vecese entiendo todo y a veces entiendo nada (usualmente entiendo mas cuando estoy bebiendo cervezas ;D )

[landlady]

Just had to respond to you flexichick as this morning I received an exchange home offer from New York and I'm kicking myself for having to turn it down, 'cause it looks georgous. (we do house exchange holidays from our villa on the Costa Blanca) Unfortunately the flight prices alone costs too much for us to contemplate it :( but I had to show you the photo. http://www.homeexchange.com/show.php?id=41828 What a view!

Oh well, one day we will get there. If anyone has somewhere nice to swop in Spain they are looking for a week in November, or Xmas b.t.w.

Welcome to this forum. I've only just joined and everyone seems very friendly and welcoming. I have already recommended the intercambio forum on a busy Torrevieja forum I know, so there should be quite a lot more visit from the Costa Blanca area soon. I love the intermediate level too, although my Spanish teacher today did say I should stretch myself and try the advanced level :o

[Flexichick]

Wow, Landlady. That place has great views! It's in a nice area too. If you can swing the airfare one day, check it out.

I love this city!