Adventures in San Jo

My sister Becky lives in San Jose.  She moved there last year all the way from NYC after getting her Masters in  teaching and after 2 extremely cold and unbearable winters.  It was time for her to come back to sunny CA, be closer to her family and friends and she was offered a great job at a new and growing charter school.  I was beyond thrilled when she announced she was moving 45 MINUTES AWAY but also a little skeptical - San Jose, really?  What about San Francisco, or Berkeley, or *gasp* Danville?  I was nervous she'd be bored - moving to San Jose from NYC is a bit of a change in lifestyle to say the least, and she didn't know anyone.

Well obviously I knew little to nothing about San Jose or my sister for that matter as it took her all of a week to make an instant group of besties, and find all the best spots to eat, shop and go out all on a teachers budget. After several visits to see my sister and explore her neck of the woods, I started to see the draw and love affair so many have with San Francisco's southern little sister, San Jose. 

This last weekend, Luke and I drove the quick straight shot down the 680 to one of my new favorite thrift stores, Crossroads Trading Co. which Becky introduced me to on one of my first visits to see her.  Its got lots of gently used designer and vintage clothing all at really reasonable prices.  I have rarely left there empty handed and have scored some great finds, from my DVF  blazer, BCBG dresses, Sanctuary shirts and vintage belts.  You do have to go with an open mind and at least an hour to spare as you can get lost in the racks searching for treasure.  

Luke wasn't in the mood to shop, (minor cereal throwing meltdown in the store) so we decided to head over to Falafel's Drive Through  for lunch- hands down the best falafel I have ever had.  Becky took me here a few months ago on our sister's date to see 'In the Heights' the musical and I have been dreaming of it ever since.  It's so good.  

 It's a hole in the wall spot, that you'd simply drive by without noticing except there is always a line of people out front waiting to order.  

 They have a few picnic spots along the side, but it was crowded, so we took our falafel to go and headed to the nearby San Jose Rose Garden for a picnic lunch. 

Mmmmmmm falafel salad and root beer freeze (root beer and ice cream blended together = amazing)!

 We chilled under a shady tree, ate our food and got in lots of snuggles and tickles with the little guy. 

 Becky and Luke explored the gardens.

 Rows upon rows of beautiful roses.  The air smelled so good.  

Pretty fountain in the middle of the garden.  

It was a beautiful day and Luke enjoyed spending some time with his auntie.  San Jose has definitely grown on me and on Becky too as she's already set on staying for another year... and maybe more.  Hurray!