I lived in Chile for two years (78-80) and spoke Spanish everyday to people there. I was once very fluent, but haven't used it much since and forgotten most of it.

>I can read it better than speak it now, because immersion was 17 years ago. I try to practice and my daughter it learning Spanish now so that helps somewhat. There are a LOT of native Spanish speakers in this area (military base) so now that I am back around base, there is more opportunity to practice. I find the Puerto Ricans are more easily understood than Mexicans in general once you get past the speed with which they speak! I think Chileans are the MOST difficult to understand :o)