It is, indeed, "world class," as far as cities go, . . . I just don't care for cities. I care even less for "flatlands." If it weren't for the low rolling hills of southern Wisconsin, I could see Chicago from 150 miles away. Illinois is the most dangerous place in the midwest to drive through, not because of the drivers (they're actually reasonably safe and predictable), but because the vistas will put you to sleep faster than an overzealous anaesthesiologist.

And, as for the papers, I'll take the advice offered above, and read and listen to whatever I can get my hands on and then believe only a fraction of any one source.