Summary: Where is the living easy? It's not a simple question to answer. It's all about perspective - native vs. expat.

When we moved from the U.S. to Ireland 10 years ago, we shipped an entire household full of stuff. Into a container went sofas and chairs, china and crystal, heirlooms and photographs.

Because we decided to rent for some time while we looked for a house to buy, that container, upon arrival six weeks later on the shores of the Emerald Isle, was taken to a storage site in Dublin for safe-keeping. We'd arranged to take delivery at some time in the future, as yet undetermined.

Also not pinned down was the cost of this long-term storage. After several phone calls, to the shipping company and the dock master, finally, I got the number direct to the guy who owned the storage area where our goods had taken up residence.

I called him, explained who I was, and asked if he could detail his fees for me.

"Aye, you're from America, Love?"

"Yes, sir, we've moved here from Baltimore. But we haven't found a house yet, so I'm not sure how long we'll need you to keep our container for us. I'm wondering about your fees. Could you please give me an idea of the cost of monthly storage with you?"

"My cousin lives in America. In New York. I've never been, but my wife was in Florida years ago. Do you know Florida?"

"Yes, sir, I do. Sunny. Hot."

"Yes, my wife enjoyed it. She's not well right now, my wife. She's been to the doctor three times."

"Oh, well, I'm sorry to hear that. I hope she's better soon. I'm wondering, though, about my container of household goods. As it may be with you for some months, I'm a little concerned about the cost. Could you give me an idea of the monthly storage fees?"

"I've got to run now to take my wife to the doctor again.

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About the Author After more then 22 years as Editor and Publisher of International Living, Kathleen Peddicord is now Publisher of Live and Invest Overseas.com and Editor of the group's FREE weekly e-letter, the Overseas Opportunity Letter, detailing the best opportunities worldwide right now for living, retiring, investing, owning real estate and doing business. Nobody covers this beat better.

First Published: May 31, 2008