Someone asked me recently where else in the world I would liked to have lived.
Well, I'm not as adventurous as two of my children, and would always opt for Europe; I feel safer here.
Anywhere I'd call home would need certain qualities. The natives would need to be warm-hearted, fun-loving, and friendly towards foreigners. The girls and women would need to be olive skinned and beautiful. The climate would need to be such that outdoor living was normal for at least 90% of the year. Frost and snow must be unheard of. Lemons Oranges and Bougainvillea must grow in my garden. And finally, the houses would need to be built of stone, be very beautiful, and offer a rustic simplicity of lifestyle.
I don't think either Spain or Portugal would suit me; too many criminals, and no prestige. Northern Europe holds little appeal, and most of the countries that end in -ia seem unstable.
So, I've made a list of possible contenders. I rather like Italy (preferably the Adriatic side), Corsica Sicily and Sardinia all have island appeal, and the countries on the eastern side of the Adriatic from Croatia down to Greece all look very inviting.
The next thing to study is (of course) the gastronomy of each country. The wine and food of a nation says more about its lifestyle than anything else, and a tour of simple female run eateries (no poncey male chefs please) would be essential before any final choice was made.
I only speak English and French, so I'm leaning towards Corsica; although the Amalfi coast is also a strong contender.
The photo above is of Corsica; you can probably see why it appeals.
33 comments:
I liked Corsica. French, but very laid back and not like mainland France.
I can indeed see the appeal of Corsica, noting the lovely stone wall. I might consider Portugal or Spain if I could find a part that wasn't too hot in summer.
A lot of bandits there, but I would forgive them that.
Spain and Portugal are both OK as long as you chose your location very carefully. Some parts are dire!
Everything you're looking for can be found here if only a few other problems could be ignored.
I'm sure you're right. One just needs to tame Hamas.
Portugal would be my first choice. Its thirty three percent less expensive than the UK or Ireland. The weather is fabulous and the locals are so friendly and laid back. I miss England and Dorset or Herefordshire would be a great place to live. Especially for the real ales. Ireland is very underpopulated and there is no social class like England. Portugal would be my first choice.
I often dream about where the ideal spot in the world would be, for me. I think NZ would head the list. They speak a sort of English there and the climates not bad. Maybe a bit too much rain.
On the other hand, I could just stay right here and avoid the deadly heat of summer by having a house in a small village in the greek mountains for 3 months of the year. Peace, good country food and wine and coolness!
Corsica looks very agreeable. I've often thought about the very south of Italy too.
Or come back "HOME" for those months. I must say I am pretty pleased with my choice of country.
As much as I love many other countries, the UK is my home ..... I couldn’t live anywhere else. XXXX
I've not been to Portugal, but my vision of it is mostly based on the Algarve, which has become much like Torremolinos.
They say that NZ is the perfect place to retire to, so I imagine that means to live there too.
I'm only dreaming; France is my home.
Just so far from the rest of the world! I used to like long haul flights. Not any more. Sure is a South sea Island paradise though
If there were such a place as the perfect country it would be full by now :)
You're making the UK sound perfect! It's filled to overflowing.
Blogger being silly today. I'll try again later.
Ah, good. Just wanted to everywhere has pros and cons. I think somewhere in Italy would suit me. But where? The Dolomites maybe. Or the lakes - Garda south shore maybe.
Today the giro stage finishes in Pesaro where I went earlier this year on holiday.
A man after Gaugin's heart.
'The rain may never fall till after sundown.
By eight, the morning fog must disappear....'
Your requests just caused me to start singing Camelot.
I've always liked Italians, they are passionate people, and I love the food. The Amalfi coast is spectacular. I didn't know The Giro had started; I shall wait for The Tour.
I don't think Tahiti would suit me; too exotic.
I'm pleased to have that effect on someone.
Giro seems to have encoutered a lot of rain this year! But southern Italy or a Greek island would do me fine.
Now I don't think there is anywhere \I would rather live than here in the UK. It was not ever thus but age has brought a degree of conformity with it. (and idleness).
The Greek islands have huge appeal, but many these days are overflowing with migrants.
There's great comfort in being where you know how everything works. I'm slightly more reckless.
British Columbia is lovely, particularly Vancouver Island and the Sunshine Coast on the mainland. I know because I have family there. Not too crowded, wonderful wilderness and not too much snow in the winter, although I do love snow too, so it would suit me just fine.
I agree with that statement, Cro... about the 'great comfort...' (especially as we age) but I have to admit that picture looks wonderful.
I see myself in a small stone cottage, just to the right of the photo!
I had a cousin who lived in Vancouver. He said he could go skiing in the morning, and to the beach in the afternoon. The best of both worlds.
I knew I wasn't staying in England from a young age. Living on a council estate listening to Songs of Praise DRONE on on a grey, wet Sunday made my mind up very early. So I studied what I needed to and started applying "somewhere" for work. I ended up in Switzerland at 21 (not so bad huh), spent time in Australia (loved it, but it's not Europe), married an American and moved there for almost 5 years and then got the chance to move back to Switzerland in 1989. Then moved into France in 1990 because it was cheaper. BUT I love France and think I have found my place in life. I love Spain too but it would be too hot for me, so life in the French alps is where I will stay. Having said that, I just came back this evening from spending a sogging wet day in Turin - but I love Italy too. The passion, the food, - it's great. But I'll stick with France!
Me too. I've been here for 46 years, and I think I'll stay. We may over-winter again in the UK some time, but home will always be here.
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