The Way to San Jose

Some people think that having a job that requires travel is somehow glamorous. At times I suppose it is, but there is a lot of junk you deal with, too. Lines and crowds of sunshiny happy people in the airports, smelly rental cars, dirty hotel rooms, eating too many sandwiches because that is all the woman in charge of catering likes to take the time to order...
On the other hand, there are some fantastic places you get to see. One of them for me was on the drive from San Jose to Fresno. I didn't have very high expectations, because every time I mentioned to someone in the office where I was training next, they would reply, "Have you ever been to Fresno?" It was the look on their faces that disturbed me...the "I just smelled something bad" look that always accompanied that question. Anyway, I get into my rental car at the San Jose airport and start my trek to Fresno. Now, something that I have learned on the road is that 9 times out of 10, the places that advertise on billboards---especially every 5 miles or so---are usually worth checking out. So, when I kept seeing signs for Casa de Fruta, I thought maybe I should stop. Well on the way, I passed by a flower farm. Is that the right term---flower farm? I have no idea...but it was stunning. Rows and rows of bright yellow marigolds backed by rows of hot pink somethings. I had to take a picture and it was right about that time that I started wishing someone was with me on this road trip. Not long after, I found the amazing fruit stand and REALLY wished someone was with me. It was a road warrior's dream, I'm telling you. Rows and rows of fresh fruit, flavored nuts, sliced cheeses...and for someone that lives in Houston, the 72 degree weather in July was fantastic. Almost unbelievable. The peaches were the best, though. Juice dripping down your chin the moment you sink your teeth in. July in Northern California is peach season and I'm not sure it gets any better. I hope I get to go back next year...It will be their 100 year anniversary...keep your fingers crossed.