obviously you think I am a complete idiot who hasn't done any research, you are entitled to your thoughts about me.


I don't think you're a complete idiot.  Louise.standardbred has 100% the right read.  This area does NOT translate on paper.  I have never met anyone up here who anticipated...well, much of anything really.  A lot of people you talk to who are from here are very diplomatic about the area (to the point of seriously underscoring the difficulties) because they feel that the place has a negative reputation and they don't want to make it worse.