I can’t put it into words but there hasn’t to be some relationship between one’s affinity for a State and the extent of one’s travels in that state.
As I was wandering around Tallahassee, I realized there are only five States in the Union where I’ve visited their State Capitals, visited their State Museum and attended the State Fair: Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Indiana, Tennessee and Florida. I was born and passed almost all of my life in Pennsylvania, so that makes sense. My Dad is from Indiana and his family is still there, so that makes sense. Likewise New Jersey for my Mom, even though she was actually born and spent most of her life in Pennsylvania. I lived in Tennessee for a short while on a vacation from Pennsylvania. And then there’s Florida.
I’ve spent a great deal of time in Florida. Probably more time than any person should have to in their life. I would wager I’ve seen more of the State than most residents and possibly more than most natives. I’ve been to the Florida State Fair for chrissakes! How many people in the world can say that?
And for all of that, I don’t want to live here. Never did. Still don’t. I’m not even sure I can say I’m fond of the place. I am familiar with the place. I know good places to visit in Miami, Fort Lauderdale, Tampa, Daytona, New Smyrna Beach, Fort Walton Beach, St. Augustine, Tallahassee, Key West, etc. I can usually have a good time wherever I find myself. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time on the Gulf Coast. But I still don’t want to live here.
Oh well, at least that’s one place I can definitively cross off the list.