I never really called places 'home'. To me, it was mostly always people that I felt at home with. And even that I've only found recently. I'm sorry about your friend not being here. What do you think he'd think of this place?
It's weird, isn't it? Thinking a place like this could be something you wouldn't want to leave. Granted, if I had the choice, I'd grab my own and head for France or Italy or anywhere else. But at the end of the day, I think I'd still want to come back. To the people.