Testimonial 12

I never want to have to live anywhere else

Some reasons why I like living here :

(1) -- The people

I have never known a community like this.  People are smart and people support each other.  I know many communities where people are smart.  I know many communities where people support each other.  But this community is unique, in my experience, for being both kinds to a high degree.  I have here both the intellectual stimulation I need and the loving support I need.  I have so many interesting conversations here, so many potential friends : I never want to have to live anywhere else.

(2) -- The site

The environment is beautiful.  We live in a rich desert.  It is not the Sahara: it actually gets green, very green, especially in August.  And in the Spring it blooms with all colors of the rainbow, from tiny ground-hugging plants to huge cactus flowers.  Spectacular sunsets are a common occurrence, especially in the summer.  Then we have the mountains surrounding us, with infinite possibilities for exploring and hiking.  And without leaving home, we can enjoy every day the wildlife in our backyards:  so many kinds of birds, rabbits, ground squirrels, deer, coyotes, javelinas, bobcats, ... even an occasional mountain lion.

(3) -- The Arizona Senior Academy

The classes, the lectures, the concerts, the conferences are outstanding.  I have learned a lot.  I have also taught others.  I spend a good fraction of my time doing my own creative work with collaborators from the outside world, and this is much easier because of the stimulating atmosphere that exists here.

(4) -- The University of Arizona

I spend time at the University every week.  I have collaborators there, I work, I use the library.  It is nice to be surrounded by younger folks.  The university has many excellent departments, as well as some outstanding museums.

(5) -- Tucson

Tucson is a very pleasant city.  It is more laid back than Boston or New York where I have spent so much time, and that is OK at my age.  The driving is never horrendous.  The intellectual resources of the city (and of nearby Phoenix) are very good.  Good museums.  Good music.  Good restaurants.  Good doctors and hospitals.  I also travel quite a bit.

(6) -- The weather

Desert weather, warm and sunny during the day, cool at night.  No mosquitoes.  And the occasional rains are always welcome.

Author : Michel Baranger, theoretical physicist, lifelong hiker, Southwest lover, webmaster for this website.
In my spare time I work on quantum chaos, theoretical evolutionary biology, and networks.