Utopian world.

[Phil]

I wonder if it is really possible for anyone to find their Utopia? Everywhere has to be a compromise of one sort or another, whether it is availability of work, affordability of housing etc. or, as in Jock's case, plenty of fishing and shooting on the doorstep. I do believe that Scotland where nowhere is more than a short distance from these activities and remote countryside is close at hand ticks a lot of boxes, but then the climate here would no doubt be purgatory for many others who crave warmth and sunshine above all else. Alex's sad story perhaps gives us an insight into what real Utopia is and that is having the companionship of your family around you and the good health to enjoy it. Everything else is relative.

[davedove]

I really don't know if I could ever find my perfect place to live. I have enjoyed visiting many places, but have only lived in two, southern Illinois and Maryland, which really have very similar climates.

Every place has something good and something bad:

The Caribbean - love the sunny days, but look out for those hurricanes.
Colorado Rockies - beautiful scenery, but the snowstorms are massive.
Southern Illinois - wonderful rural pace of life, but not really close to the amenities of the city.
Western Maryland - close to the amenites of Washington and Baltimore, more also has the congestion of them too.

I suppose the only solution is to have homes in several places. Now, if i can just find someone to buy them for me.