Thanks guys for the discussion & thanks Rita for capturing the feeling in words.
I have often felt the same, and often disassociated myself from where I am in lieu of where I was...
"Glory Days" - Bruce Springsteen never fails to take me back where I grew up even if it is only for a fleeting moment.
I have the feeling always that I should go back, this is definitely not escapist.. as I am not in any bad situation where I am, but I want to relive those past experiences.. However, when I really thought about it I can say that through some quirk of our human nature we "grep" out all the bad feelings and keep only the good ones. This in itself must be a safety feature but if it is a brake in ones life then one should take a rain check.
Last year, I went back - and fine, I met all the people who were still there.. the lil ones had grown up, the snotty nosed kid had become a tall bearded teenager, the cute little girl was all painted up for war- some people were no longer around- the neighbourhood had deteriorated.The old gang was not to be found.. some were there but too busy with their families to do more than a chat and exchange of co-ordinates.
When I came back, did I think about going back..yes- but only to visit.Don't want to go back for good.
I think those who venture out, have experienced more hence won't fit back, but they are lucky.. they have the option to go back.
I would not burn my bridges but would rather cover new territory