The countries surrounding the Mediterranean Sea have some of the most beautiful weather on earth, but most of them are socio-political basket cases, as well.
Kinda like California...
You are 100% correct. The Mediterranean areas, Greece, southern Italy, Sicily, French Riviera...all WONDERFUL places to visit.
However, I don't think California is a socio-political basket case. I disagree with you ONLY because I made mine (thanks to wonderful, supportive husband, family and friends.)
I'm retired and have a FABULOUS life with family and friends.
I have all the wonderful football and baseball teams to root for,
the best food in the world,
Weight Watchers,
a beautiful, paid-for home and
a parish that I love.
I even go to daily Mass, thanks to my stint in Saudi Arabia, where I first began to go to daily Mass, encouraged by my Saudi boss. But that's another story.
For me, life is GOOD. Thank you, Lord!