Well, how badly is this obsession affecting your life? Is it keeping you from dealing with responsibilities, from focusing on issues that are more important? I see it is causing you to "lie" sometimes and get overly attached to people from there--and I wouldn't think that would be desirable.

My opinion: In the scheme of things, you could have a worse phobia, but I do see it could cause some social difficulties.

I suggest you mention it to a therapist, though, and see what he/she says--and perhaps save up money to at least take a short visit there. You might find the grass is actually figuratively greener where you live now.