For centuries town and city have been regarded as being in opposition to each other. It has been suggested that the 1 differences between the two-wide open spaces contrasting with brick and concrete are less important than the contrast in 2 of town and city. I am one of the many city people who are always saying that given the 3 we would prefer to live in the country away from the dirty and noise of a city. I have managed to convince myself that if it were not 4 my job I would immediately 5 out for the open spaces and go back to nature in some sleepy villages buried in the country. But how realistic is this dream?