In my case, I can speak it much better than I can understand it; that may sound strange, but tha tis how it is. I have difficulty with the way in which Mexicans don't speak it as clearly as other Hispanics. The people from El Salvador, and Argentina really speak it clearly. Chilenos? Yes, I have found some of them also difficult to understand, but then there are other Chilenos who speak very clearly. The Puerto Riquenos do speak very fast as do the Cubanos.

>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)