Hyderabad-Deccan , General info:
7/10

A 400-year-old city founded by the Qutbishahi kings near the ancient Golconda forts, Hyderabad has been the seat of Nizams. Aftre India's freedom, it has been the capital of Hyderabad state, and since 1960 the capital of Andhra Pradesh. It is emerging as a vibrant knowledge centre, with its strong base of Information technology and biiotechnology sector. The Charminar is its symbol, a domed four-pillared 182-foot structure, that testifies to the triumph of human endeavour over pestilence. It is said to have been built to mark the city's resurrectin from plague.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Cheap stuff:
5/10

Being almost a geographic centre of the Indian sub-continent, it reflects the merger and blending of different linguistic and social sub-cultures of India. One finds a fair mix of various ethnic groups. One can see the ancient and the modern co-existing in this city. The maximum number of films in any language other than Hindi are made in Hyderabad, ie in Telougu. Ramoji Film City, located 30 km from the city, is a landmark. Well, landmarks abound.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Don't miss:
7/10

The Golconda, The Char Minar, Salarjung Museum, Tank Bund, The State Assembly, The Birla Temple, Shilparamam, Ramoji Film City, Osmania University, Banjara Hills.Falaknuma Palace

The Pathargatti, on way to Charminar has jewellery and pearl shops.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Food:
2/10

A variety of food. Vegetarian and non-vegetarian. The Hyderabadi biryani is famous.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Hotels:
2/10

A variety to choose from. Some of them are on par with the best in the world.

Hyderabad-Deccan , Safety:
2/10

Well, if you overlook the bit of rash driving on all roads.

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 ...