Mysteriousmuse, 61

The ocean beckons... I have always felt a deep connection to the natural world and animals. I live on the Berkeley/Oakland border now but I was lucky enough to grow up in Sonoma County surrouned by incredibly beautiful and diverse natural areas. Though I lived in the UK for almost 7 years (I"m a professional classical musician so it was a great place to work and live!) I found that in the end, part of my very soul was shrinking because I no longer had access to the Pacific Ocean, the Great Redwoods, or the Mountains in a short drive. Though I considered staying in the UK, I found I couldn't do without those things and came back to the area. I can't imagine myself ever leaving again. I love living in Berkeley and I love having both the proximity of SF and yet all these other really interesting areas (both natural and cultural). It really is the best of all worlds. So though I miss many things about England (I have returned fairly frequently to work or visit), I really do feel I am "home" here.