One tiny confession

So I'm kinda having a not so secret love affair with Oakland. I actually am absolutely in love with it. Ever since my sister moved there about 6 months ago I have spent more and more time getting to know the area and people who live there. Growing up in the suburbs of the city and far east bay we were told that Oakland is a shady place and never to really hang out in that area.When she told my family she was moving there I actually thought she was kinda crazy at first because she was a single girl living alone in the area, but I also knew it would be a growing experience for her (my parents and her fought way to much so she definitely needed to move the heck out ). The past 2 days I spent there though confirmed for me that this is a city I one day need to live in. My favorite part of this city so far has been Lake Merritt. I love running around it especially in the later evening or earlier in the morning just because its not so busy. Oakland is so lucky to have this beautiful piece of nature and I literally could spend my whole day hanging around there. I either run, walk, sit in the grass and read, have a picnic, or spend time with my sister. I will say it does smell a little sometimes but only in certain areas and never bad enough to keep me from coming back. I especially loved it last Saturday when after I went running I went to the amazing farmers market off of Grand. I have to run now but this is just one of the many reasons I love Oakland :) Don't fret though there will be more confessions about my love soon!