I live in SEA but visit NYC often to visit familiy. I once made the mistake of telling a person in NYC that I lived in Bellevue, where I actually do live, it's the third largest "city" in WA! I...am...not...from...the...hospital!

Then of course when in SEA and feeling petulant I say New City--completely honest by the way--without saying NY which is somewhat confusing for many people. Or I could say New Yoowrk with a highly extravigated NYC accent, although I do keep my faint accent in full bloom whenever I talk about the terrible smelling state of New Joisey.

When I am on a plane not to/from SEA I say Seattle, if the person delves deeper I say Bellevue. Bellevue...is...larger...than...GEG...not...a...ba ckwater town like Centralia!

Of course recently when I say SEA people start talking about the rainstorm that flooded Centralia, a good 100ish miles south of where I am. We did not even loose power or get high winds!

If I go to Europe before 1/20/2009 I will say I am from "Canada eh?" to mask my Americanism, see the Simpsons episode when they go to Italy, very funny. Now if a republican wins in 2008 i'm out to YVR by the seventh of november. I wonder, does Canada include USA in its refugee nation list? we fulfill the requirments of civil war--mark my electrons, there will be a war come 2008--and of persucution--Gitmo anyone?

I am currently learning Mandarin Chinese and I could imagine if I go to China and try and speak it, that will guarantee some stares or laughs.

My accent in English shouldn't pose a problem, people from the Pacific North West do not have accents. Whenever around my NYC family, however, I do pick up a smidge NYC accent.