the russians say that

Novosibirsk's Akademgorodok is one of the most unique places in Russia.

It is a powerful scientific complex and the most beautiful piece of nature. It's located in 40 kms from the largest city in east of the country - Novosibirsk, in pine forest and birch groves, near to Ob sea. Here there are no industrial firms, and the main part of the territory is occupied by scientific institutes and inhabited quarters enclosed by woods.

i happen to totally agree. catch me in person sometime and i'll squee at you about the mall (where i was! with the hairdress saloon!) and the grocery store, where i singlehandedly upped their diet coke consumption for the city about 8 times.