dlish - All I can say is that Shire folks are like little Hobbits, they have no idea that there is a big wide world out there that has so much to offer. Plus they're a bunch of stuck up nobs, I mean snobs
. Apparently only 15% of people that grow up in the Shire actually move out and I am very proud to say that I am one of the minority
. As for it being God's country, that is a lie perpetuated by a group of ignoramus' that have never experienced the rest of the world, in order to keep themselves happily comfortable in their naivety.
I now live out west and I'm pretty sure the majority of people I used to know think that we're some sort of bogan westies...... just goes to show their complete ignorance and inability to experience life outside of the confines of the Shire.
By the way, I do love the Shire simply because it is beautiful, would never ever move back though. Can't handle having to constantly keep up with the neighbours or the stupid attitudes that are generally shown towards anyone that is different from the "norm" (what that is I'm still not sure).