I lived in France, and through alot of very hard work, I became fluent in the language, got savvy to the little cultural things like finding an apartment, hooking up electricity, getting id cards, getting "in the system," and finding a job, all in French! Of course it's different from the US. That should not be a surprise to anyone. Talking on the telephone was the hardest. I hated that. And the fact that receptionists are not at all receptive over there--they are there to prevent you from talking to the person whom you are doing your darnedest to reach. But I learned the little tricks that opened the doors of all receptionists and secretaries. That was a victory!

There were other little things that drove me crazy, too, same as here. But it was a wonderful experience, and if I could have stayed I would have. I hope to go back and live there again sometime in the not-too-distant future, this time for longer than the 6 months that I was able to eek out the last time.

I'd also sign up for Brazil, Spain, or Portugal, by the way.

As I said before, life takes effort, but it's well worth it.