Today’s NaBloPoMo question is : “If you could live anywhere, where would it be?”

I believe that is a bit of a tough question to answer, especially since I am a working adult. There are various factors in deciding where to live: climate, housing prices, job availability government programs, and natural disaster risks. Canada is a pretty great place to live, minus the winters! There is much I like about living in Canada: government programs, the lack of natural disasters in most places, the friendly nature of people (for the most part), and our wonderful scenery. But there are some things I do not like as much.

In thinking about my ideal place to live: I think I am well suited for life in Europe. I have been to Austria before and when I was there I really enjoyed the culture and ‘way of life’ in Europe. In many countries, they seem to be a bit more relaxed about things and not so ‘rush rush’ all of the time. Here in North America we tend to work like dogs and not have as much relaxation time as our European friends. I also find that we over-indulge in processed fast food and do not take time to enjoy our foods. Every time I watch House Hunters International when there is a European episode on: I always laugh when the North American’s comment on the small sizes of fridges and kitchen storage space. The idea is that most people buy their groceries in local markets/small shops (not the Costco) and buy throughout the week, not just on weekends. They also do not buy as much frozen processed foods and have little to no need for giant fridges/freezer (I am guilty as charged, I have a giant freezer).

One of my favorite places to go in Vienna were coffee houses. We would hit up one almost every night we were out (I was with my music class btw). At this point in time in my life I did not life coffee: well I certainly liked all the cafe au lait’s I had in Vienna. Plus – the desserts! Oh my, so yummy! I remember heading out with my music teacher, her daughter and a couple of other students for a late night snack – I had the best apple strudel I’ve ever had in this tiny little cafe. Another night a bunch of us, including the Teacher, Principal, and a couple of parents all went to see Beethoven’s 7th Symphony – we all went to the Imperial Hotel for coffee and cake afterwards. Delicious – and the Principal picked up the tab – even better!

Government programs also tend to be very good in Europe, although it comes with a high tax rate of course. I get a little jealous sometimes of the daycare/maternity leave programs I here about in Scandinavia, even though Canada has 12 months of EI-covered maternity leave (I know my U.S. friends have literally nothing – and I personally think that is stupid).

In terms of climate – Europe tends to be like us here in Canada. I would like a warmer climate, but what can you do

One other thing that is great about Europe: The ability to travel to so many cool places! You are so close to so many fantastic countries and cities: plus airfare is really really cheap! It would be great to see all the places that I want to go, without having to plan and save for years to go.

Places to Travel

One of my ‘things I would do more often if I had more $’ is to travel. I have been to some places: Australia, NYC, Los Angeles, Vienna, Florida and Cuba. But I would like to do more! Also, although I did some touristy things in Australia and Los Angeles, I was there for different reasons other than be a tourist. I actually worked in Australia for most of my 3 months there. However, a weekend trip to Sydney (I was living in Brisbane) allowed me to be a tourist for a small portion. I would love to go back there one day and actually do Australia proper.

Speaking of Australia, an episode during the last season (not the one that just finished) of Amazing Race was in Sydney. They ended up in Manly Beach. It was funny to see them standing at a place that I had been before! I totally could have rocked that leg…

Anyways, so since we have Max, traveling is a bit more different now. Going to Europe, Australia or any place that requires lots of walking and more ‘cultural experiences’ are out until he is a bit older to appreciate it a bit more. My parents and brother are going to England in the Fall and I could go with them if I wanted to. But I can’t imagine bringing a 10 month old and trek around London. I will wait til next time.

Right now the only trip I have planned is California in the summer. But again, that is different since my SIL lives there and we have some business to attend to. Going to fight the urge to make a stop at Disneyland though….next year! I also should start saving for NYC in 2013, since I have a guaranteed entry for the marathon. P has never been, and my parents are thinking about going too.

I do have an extensive list of Places I would like to Travel:

The rest of Canada

Name it, and I most likely want to go there. I have only traveled through Southern and Central Ontario, and a bit of Quebec (like Montreal and Tremblant…woo). Every time I see pictures of the Banff, Lake Louise, Vancouver, Whistler, PEI, Halifax, etc. I want to go! It was a plan to go to Whistler this past Christmas, but obviously we had other plans.

Europe

Namely: France, England, Italy, Germany, Sweden….oh heck, how about most of Europe? I had a taste of Europe in 2001 with a school trip to Austria. It was a trip that I will never forget. We went with our Chamber Strings group, teachers, handful of parents and our Principal. You might think that would be boring….but it wasn’t. One of the best nights of my life so far was listening to the Vienna Philharmonic playing Beethoven’s 7th at Musikverein, then going to the Imperial Hotel for cake and coffee with a couple of students and our chaperones (rest of the kids went bowling…ok). Would love to just go to Europe to eat and go to concerts.

New Zealand

Looks so nice! I’ve also heard it is a toned down version of Australia – bit more relaxing!

Hawaii

Mostly so I can see Volcanos! There are other places I would like to go for beach vacations

Road Trip Across America

Not only to see the sights, but also to go to as many restaurants from “Drive-ins, Diners and Dives” as possible. So many of those restaurants look so good!

Bali

Kind of a different Beach vacation. Yes this might have something to do with ‘Eat Pray Love’, but a couple of my friends have been there and their experiences were amazing. Would love to take a trip out there one day. I believe it would be very much different from a beach trip to the Caribbean

Ok, so I could go on and on…

What are some of your favorite places to travel to? Where would you like to go?