You know, that is to say, Germany.
Let's see here, how to introduce myself properly? Well, I'm Rosenrot, although you may simply call me Rose, as it's probably easier; I live in Germany and, obviously, I'm a ponyfan. Would call myself a pegasister, 'cept that I'm not a pegasus, and am also not sure whether or not I dare say I'm a brony (because I'm not exactly a brother).
I guess it might be someone interesting to tell my story, although this is just a welcome thread and that might be a bit much - there are probably other threads for the hows and why's one became a fan... I'll just cut it down to saying that I am an old - that is, 1st gen - fan of ponies, and was skeptical of the new series (nothing against it, just not expecting much from the newest reincarnation) though, of course, more and more of my friends became fans and swore by it. I gave it a few chances - first episode being "Applebuck Season", and then seeing a few clips or parts of episodes. Eventially, I found out about Discord and was intregued enough simply by his design, that I had to check out the episode he premered in - "The Return of Harmony" - and while I was pleased about it, it only confirmed that Discord rocked, but didn't quite convince me of the series. I did give the series a few more tries, but kept coming back to "It's just not getting me.". Had another friend who had started out simularly, but was bronified in the end - and his recommendation was not to watch one or two 'great' episodes, but to just go on a marathon. In short, out of boredom, I did just that - decided to just go on a youtube marathon of the series.... well, that worked! I found myself not only having to admit that the series was pretty darn good, but that it was even better than the MLP I'd loved in my childhood.
One thing that I had always said, is that I did admire the writers and how they listened to the fans - found out about Derpy when fans (and friends of mine) were just calling that before they made her fan-name canon - just for an example.
And there you have it.
My favourite characters are Discord (even after "Keep Calm and Flutter On"). He is a great 'villain', or antagonist, like his inspiration, Q (as a Star Trek Fan, I LOVE how simular they are). Plus: De Lancie is made of win!! And Spike, he's so cool, with his sweetness/cuteness, and his nack for having some witty, or at least funny/fitting, comment (sarcasm, in some situations) - and the eating of gemstones is a pretty neat detail!
Of the "mane six", my fave character would have to be Applejack...because of her stubborn, get-the-job-done, hard-working-girl nature. Although I'll admit that I have a fondness for all of the mane characters.
Another character that I love and hope to see more of, is Zecora - she is simply awesome! Though I can imagine she's difficult to write for.
And I think I've gushed enough, for an introduction!
Many ponyfans, at least on DA and the like, have OC's... I'll admit I don't have one yet - am working on one, but haven't found them yet.
There you go.