But stop and think about it. Would you really just jump right in? How about taking a few provisions with you?How about money? How about a weapon? Think you might need one? How would the Hobbits of the Shire treat a stranger, especially one of us Big Folk? Do you think Frodo or Bilbo would just invite some total stranger into their hobbithole for dinner? And who would let you into Rivendell or Lorien? These places were well guarded and secret to some extent. The Elves didn't allow just anyone to come popping over whenever they felt like it. And what if you ended up in the wild? Orcs, wargs, wolves, and other nasty critters running about and you with no food or weapon. And if you did bring a sword or bow and arrows, how good are you? Would you be a help or hindrance to Aragorn and the fellowship?

I'm not trying to be mean to all those (including myself) who would love to live in such a place, but I think one should be prepared for the possibility that it might take some time to make friends. I think if I were to go I'd try to start at Bree and spend some time at the Prancing Pony. There I could make some acquaintences and it wouldn't be overly dangerous or unusual. Who knows, perhaps a certain Mr. Underhill might be seen singing and dancing on a table one fine night.

No, if I were to go, I'd want to be prepared to survive in a world full of danger. I know it seems idyllic in many ways, but outsid