My husband and I LOVE Oakland. It's the most diverse, historical, lovely place ever. It's in the Bay Area which is an amazing place.You go an hour in any direction and you either have beach, snow, wine country, or city.
We love the 1920's architecture in the area. In my past life I was definately alive during this era.
I love seeing other people's perspectives on Melbourne. The pic of the Rialto is great! It doesn't look quite so phallic from that angle.
And the Block Arcade! I work around the corner and get great sushi from the place on the left down the end...
(Pics of Eureka Tower when it's finished would be fab! I'm gonna live there someday )