SJC Mission and More

 I haven't been down to San Juan Capistrano in years but when Niki was in town after England and Andrea and Shiri were free for a day, we all decided to trek down to SJC. The last time I legitimately recall being there was in 4th grade at the mission. That's a long time ago, guys. But the weather was beautiful and we were well-researched with things to do so we headed down the 5.

The day got off to a slightly bumpy start when the two places we were thinking about having breakfast were either full or SUPER expensive. Like ridiculously expensive. So we were resigned to go to Ruby's until we spotted a slightly classier yet still inexpensive place. The food was delicious (as were the mimosas) and they kept bringing us free stuff. The busboy assigned to us was just the sweetest. Definitely check out Sundried Tomatoes if you're ever in SJC.

Next we headed to the mission. It was really a glorious day and the gardens were so incredibly beautiful. I wasn't a huge fan of the audio guide- it just felt like with carrying a purse and trying to take pictures and hanging on to a big audio guide was just a little bit much. I would have been OK with just plaques or going along with a docent. I did appreciate the interviews with people who used to live at the mission and who had grown up wit th emission but at times, it seemed a bit repetitive. That certainly did not detract from the beauty though. I don't know if it's like that all the time but the gardens were just stunning. I hope it's always like that.

After the mission, we hit up the antique stores. There is a huge antique barn with rows and rows and rows of "stuff". It's amazing how the prices in California are jacked up so high. This is all the same stuff that you find in Idaho antique and thrift stores- just for a lot more money. And of course, there were the obligatory creepy clowns and dolls that are a MUST in any thrift store.

Downtown SJC is very cute, as Shiri would say. The buildings are all unique with tons of personality and there is so much history on the streets. I love how the train tracks run right through downtown, yet you're able to easily walk across, depending on whether there is a train or not.

 

We finished the afternoon up with a drive up PCH to Aliso Creek for some typically stunning views. As much as I love Idaho, it's always nice to have this place to come home and vacation at.... for free.