Oakland , General info:
9/10

Oakland is the eighth-largest city in the U.S. state of California and the county seat of Alameda County. Oakland is located in Northern California in the San Francisco Bay Area, the Combined statistical area#Largest CSAs-twelveth-most-populous metropolitan area in the United States. Based on 2006 statistical data, Oakland is the 44th-largest city in the United States.

Rand McNally named Oakland as having the best weather in the United States.

Oakland is a major West Coast port, and is home to several major corporations including Kaiser Permanente and Clorox, as well as corporate headquarters for nationwide businesses like Dreyer's and Cost Plus World Markets.

Oakland , Cheap stuff:
8/10

Like any big city...

Oakland , Different stuff:
9/10

Symbols of Oakland’s arrival as a modern 20th century metropolis -- the Beaux Arts-style City hall and Rotunda Building, the Tribune Tower, and the Art Deco-style Financial Center building

Oakland , Don't miss:
8/10

Dunsmuir House, Grand Lake Theatre, Jack London Square, Lake Merritt, Children's Fairyland, Parkway Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Preservation Park, USS Potomac-National Historic Landmark

Oakland , Food:
9/10

Jack's Bistro, Horatio's, Garibaldi's on College, Citron, ...

Oakland , Hotels:
8/10

Clarion Suites Lake Merritt Restaurant & Hotel, Jack London Square Lodging, Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites Oakland Airport, Regency Inn, North Oakland, Executive Inn & Suites Embarcadero Cove, Oakland Marriott

Quality Inn, Imperial Inn, Fairfield Inn by Marriott

Oakland , Safety:
9/10

Not so safe in here ...

Ulaanbaatar , Cheap stuff:
6/10

Local "black" markets have much to offer. Language barrier is an issue, so bartering can be problematic. Best to have a local as a guide and don't be surprised at the practice of Mongols being charged far less than tourist.

Cashmire is a reasonable purchase. A cashmire or camelhair blanket will be a purchase you will enjoy for decades.

Ulaanbaatar , Don't miss:
10/10

Milk Vodka...

Ulaanbaatar , Food:
5/10

International cuisine can be found. No McDonalds yet. Traditional Mongol food can be found and if you like mutton you will be in heaven.

Ulaanbaatar , Hotels:
2/10

There are only really 2 to chose from.

Ulaanbaatar , Safety:
5/10

Be very careful of traffic. Pickpockets. Being out at night might be a problem, yet doesn't seem to bother residents, but much of the city's once operational street lighting doesn't work.