Thank you favila. I speak fairly well for a gringo but I go in and out of proficiency since only one of my friends speaks Spanish. I have a good accent so people usually assume I'm more proficient than I am. The hardest part has been learning the idiomatic expressions over the years. I studied for 3 years in high school and 2 years in college. Traveling has helped a lot. Learning from day one at home is the only way. You are very lucky! It's a constant battle for me.

I've been to Italy and Italian is so similar to Spanish but just not quite the same. I have a hard time with it.

Martin, as young as you are you're way ahead at this point. Just keep at it and you'll be fine.

Take care!

S.B.