If you could live any two places in the world, what would they be and why?
 

I was wondering what life would be like if I could pick two different places to live anywhere in the world and just start over there. No job worries. No language worries. No money worries. Just what would be the two best places to live. Let's assume that once you pick your two places, you can vacation from them and jump back and forth between them, but you won't ever be allowed to move one of your two residences. And please, let's keep it interesting by naming only two. That makes it harder. <BR> <BR>I think I would pick San Francisco and Paris. San Francisco for the beauty, cleanliness, sunsets, and culture, and Paris because of the romance, sense of style and, of course, the food. <BR> <BR>How about all of you?

If one of the cities must be American, then I agree with you. <BR>But somehow, I think I could live in the Lauterbrunnen valley of Switzerland for a while. The problem there is finding a good symphony orchestra. (SF has one, plus opera; Paris also has a great orchestra as well and the opera and concerts at those great churches.)

Laura, <BR>What a great question! <BR>My first choice would be my town in southern Vermont. <BR>I hate the cold, but came here 30 yrs ago(followed a boyfriend to college) o, fell in love with the town,and never left. <BR>My second place would be somewhere in Italy, <BR>But since I have never been to Italy or Europe yet(only 345 days til we go!), it is hard for me to name a specific place. <BR>I look forward to reading the replies you get. <BR>Nancy

San Francisco and Todi in Umbria. A city/country life but with similar beauty/people/food/wines etc.

Laura, <BR>Forgot to say why! <BR>My town, <BR>Because even after driving the same roads for 30 yrs. I still have to catch my breath when I drive down a nearby hill during foliage,colors spectacular. <BR>The sound of the peepers, in early spring, letting us know that winter will be over soon, <BR>summertime, with all the smells of the grass, hay, flowers,even the pig manure a near by farmer spreads on his fields, and the early morning sunlight shining through the mist rising from the woods across the road. <BR>And even winter,when it is so cold the air crystalizes around you, and the moonlight sparkles like diamonds on the snow . <BR>The people are friendly, and even still laid back and fairly relaxed(even with all the transplants moving in) <BR>And because <BR>I still get my mail delivered even when it is addressed to me at my maiden name and an address I had 25 yrs. ago. <BR>Because there are great farmer's markets, a few wonderful restuarants, <BR>A lovely river(Connecticut) and two really wonderful chiropractors our family uses. <BR>For Italy, <BR>Because it is so different culturally than Vermont,it is so much older than the States, (culturally) the food will be spectacular I am sure, and just to drink in the activity and life going on around me. <BR>A whole new world to enjoy! <BR>Thanks for letting me ramble on, <BR>It was fun. <BR>Nancy

Tough question, however: <BR> <BR>1. Charleston, SC <BR> <BR>Similar to "Nawluhns" without the sleazy elements. Great restaurants, golf courses, friendly people, Southern traditions, great beaches, less expensive than most places and nice and toasty. <BR> <BR>2.Munich, Germany The "south" of Germany...nuff said!

Sydney and Santa Barbara. <BR>I won't bother to extoll these beauties needlessly.

Paris, because it has always felt like home. <BR> <BR>The desert - either Sonoran or Moroccan, because there is nothing more primal than 110 degrees.

Hello Elvira: You'd love it here - 7.35AM and it's already 104 degrees!!! <BR> <BR>Hello Laura: My two places: <BR>#1 Jerusalem (I love mindblowingly historical places) #2 Vancouver (lovely mountains, clean air and terrific hiking close by). Also a wonderful contrast between the two. <BR>

Lucky Me!! Of the places I've been so far (Most of Europe, Australia, Canada, U.S.) I would have to narrow it down to where I live now-Central Switzerland. I'm an outdoor fanatic, snowboarder, hiker, mountain biker. Love the Swiss lifestyle and traditions, 20 minutes away from Luzern and easy to get to the major airport in Zurich. The added bonus of being within a few hours drive from 4 other completely different countries and cultures, I get to indulge my love for Italy whenever I want or hop over to France for some pain au chocolat! <BR> <BR>Second place is I was also lucky enough to live in and plan on returning to settle in a few years-Seattle. So much nostalgia for me. Went to University there, met my husband in Pioneer Square, and married on Lake Union, roller blading around Green Lake, beach volleyball at Golden Gardens Beach, the mountains nearby, beautiful views, enough theatre and culture to keep anyone happy. Have heard it's changed quite a bit in the 2 years I've been away though. They always say you can never go home &lt;sigh&gt;

What a great question - but an awfully hard one. One place definitely - French Polynesia, probably Moorea (more liveable than Bora Bora - but I had to really think about that). The second place would be between Austria (probably somewhere near Vienna) and Carmel, CA. I just couldn't make up my mind.....

London and Sydney.

Laura, I have thought about this before <BR>and had it down to 3 locations. Now you <BR>tell me I have to pick only 2---OK. <BR>LUGANO, CH---BEST CENTRAL LOCATION <BR>MAUI---BEST OVERALL CLIMATE, BUT USA <BR> <BR>When can I go---are you buying??

Hi Laura, great question! <BR>1) Los Angeles area for the great weather year around. Diversity of culture (some times to much) So much to do here, great bookstores. Great weather, major airports, Great weather. <BR>2) Southern Germany, so close to so many places. Easy drives to France, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Italy, Spain, etc.

1. Paris - the beauty, the diversity, and the accessibility to all of Europe. <BR>2. New York - truly the city that never sleeps.

London and Vernazza (or any of the other villages in the Cinque Terre). Haven't been to either yet, but I already know...

(1) Healdsburg, CA (Sonoma County wine country -- gorgeous Russian River Valley, close enough to SF for big-city cultural weekends). <BR> <BR>(2) Paris. Because there is so much of everything there.

Someplace along the coast of southern CA, probably Newport Beach or Malibu (and of course you are just a 4 1/2 flt from Hawaii which is one of my favorite places but not sure I'd want to live on Maui completely tho!!) and London (where you are only a short hop to Paris and the rest of Europe!!)

I have really enjoyed reading everyone elses response. Here goes mine: <BR> <BR>1) Hollywood hills: Close to work, diverse, great hiking trails, rising property values, city views (when smog is not too bad!) many things to do. <BR>2) Paris, I have always had this notion in the back of my head that says, when I buy my little flat in Paris THEN I will have arrived. Oh someday!! I love everything about Paris and have been fortunate to have been there enough to start feeling "at home". There is nothing better then getting up on a brisk morning and going to the corner bakery for some bread and cafe au lait! Someday, someday someday!

<BR>1. New York - Upper West Side <BR> <BR>2. New York - West Village