Capitola CA: Hot Cross Buns at Easter (Includes History Too)

I find that I need to add at least one more hour to my route when driving to Monterey from Silicon Valley.  Why?

I love to take a rest stop from driving for a late breakfast or early lunch at Gayle’s Bakery in Capitola.  Every year at Easter time, I buy these delicious Hot Cross Buns. Of course these Buns are not on my healthy regimen, I still love to pick up these goodies to take with me for the rest of my trip. 

Hot Cross Buns at Easter! 

 

I remember eating Hot Cross Buns every year since I was a little girl.  Who first created these and why? I found this fun article by Rachel Nuwer at the Smithsonian Magazine that goes in depth about the history and mystique Hot Cross Buns offer. These revered Buns go back in history many centuries to Greece.  A twelfth century Monk is the one who added a mark on top of this sweet dough balls with raisins to resemble a cross (it wasn't icing as it is today).

Yes there are many superstitions about these Buns too.  As historical stories go, these Buns protect you from evil spirits, help you make lasting friendships, and they are too sacred to eat just any old day. 

I really can’t argue against any of the above superstitions because of what I have found from my prior trips. I always have good luck finding new friends and adventures. And, I have been safe on each trip.  –just saying   

Of course I recommend buying these Garlic Cheese Twists too.  They remind me of breads I find in Germany. 

Yum! Save me some Garlic Cheese Twists at Gayle's Bakery

What stories do you know about these Hot Cross Buns?

 

Happy Easter!  The Fun Tour Guru

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Please note: Images above were taken with my iPhone. 

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Downtown Carmel and Monterey Window Shopping at Easter

I enjoy exploring all of the different small town personalities along the Monterey Bay coast.   Santa Cruz is a second home with the easy 30 minute drive from Silicon Valley when I want to escape and take walks by the ocean. 

It is fabulous to take extra days off and be able to indulge in the towns on the south side of Monterey Bay.  On this last trip, I changed my routine because of our much needed rain due to arrive during my trip. What to do in the rain?

I was a bit anxious because a must-do on my check list is to walk along the Monterey Coastal Trail and to visit downtown Carmel. Both of these are better to do without rain.

And then, I got my huge surprise. When I arrived, the clouds started clearing away and the sun came out. I love this special hello greeting to start my adventure!     

One of my favorite things to do is wandering through this small European village, Carmel, where I cruise up and down their main street, Ocean Avenue. 

Peeking into the windows of all of these fun shops is especially fun around the Easter holidays with all of the distinctive decorative pieces waiting for their new keepers to purchase. 

It is Easter time! 

It takes quite a long time to wander through to all of the many fabulous courtyards and alleyways.

 

What is there to do in Carmel and Monterey in the rain? Stay tuned ... for what I found on this adventure. ~the Fun Tour Guru


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A New Look: Just in Time for Spring

A New Look as we Spring Forward! Welcome! 

Yes, the Fun Tour Guru received a new makeover this week.  I am very excited about this new look!


 

Lucky to be located between two fabulous bays - Image courtesy of DW

I did receive help and I am forever very grateful to work together with the very active and excellent designer and co-founder of EveryGirl, Danielle Moss, who somehow was able to understand my own whimsical ideas and help modernize, organize, and give a fresh look here.  Thank you!   
     
As John Steinbeck once wrote, "Change comes like a little wind that ruffles the curtains at dawn, and it comes like a stealthy perfume of wildflowers hidden in the grass." 

And how lucky we are to be able to re-invent periodically.   

I am still making a few adjustments around here.  During this transition, our E-Guides are available here. If you should encounter any glitches, please, tell me. And, I would love to know what you think? Comment below.

Thoughts from Henry Miller, “One's destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things.”  

Always finding new adventures to share!  The Fun Tour Guru

Next Getaway: Guess where I am headed off for an extended weekend?  Hints are with my favorite picture above and the Steinbeck quote. 

Help our Environment: Ideas From Santa Cruz, San Francisco, New York City, and Missouri Towns

Where will you find this art piece?

Santa Cruz Art - Courtesy of D West

I found this (puppy dog) on of one of those large boxes you see near traffic intersections on roads - the boxes that control traffic light signals.  Another art piece I found below:

Thank you Santa Cruz CA for this Art Image courtesy of D West

I like how communities are working with local artists and residents to create solutions that beautify and help our environment. Every time I drive over to Santa Cruz, CA, I find a new art addition ~ remember my first post, “Local Art Gems in Santa Cruz.” 

Do you know that recycled materials were used in the construction of the walls of one of the restaurants in Santana Row – Shopping neighborhood in Silicon Valley? Which restaurant?

I took this picture of the California Academy of Sciences Museum in San Francisco showing the sustainable design of architecture – be sure to go see this on your next visit.  How long did it take to plan the design? (Please excuse the window reflection below)

San Francisco Image Courtesy of D West

Be sure to read the New York City’s High Line project of the public park built on a historic freight rail line elevated above the streets on Manhattan’s West Side and the development of old railroad paths along Katy Trail through Missouri.

What ideas have you seen in our communities to help and beautify our environment?   Please share your comments below. 

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Finds the Unusual in our Communities ~The Fun Tour Guru

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Help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase on your trips!   And then browse our current news feed!  - See more at: http://www.funtourguru.com/#sthash.5MFkyARi.dpuf

Help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase on your trips!   And then browse our current news feed!
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Find These Fun Movie Events in San Jose, CA - Silicon Valley and Save our Retro Domes

Do you know about these fun movie events in San Jose, CA?  OLD movie nostalgia and NEW move releases – something for everyone? 
 

Our December picture from Instragram - DWest

Unfortunately we lost 2 of our movie theaters this month.  You may see the demolition of these theaters on Facebook with comments like: "so sad, bummer, nooooo."  

Did you know you may help out and save the remaining movie theaters?  

It is as easy as going to the movies at one of the remaining theaters now. This will help show the folks in the City of San Jose City Hall that we do care about our older theaters, Century 21, 22, and 23.  

Attention everyone in San Jose, CA, Santa Clara, Sunnyvale, Mountain View, Campbell, Cupertino, Los Gatos, Saratoga, Santa Cruz, Los Altos, Palo Alto! 

Choose one of these movie events or find a new movie release now!   Check out the Movie Event schedule for February and March on The Retro Dome Website or their Facebook page. 

Find the event schedule on Facebook or The Retro Dome Website

Yes, January 2014 brought the loss of old domes (Century 24 and 25).  Don’t let this happen to the remaining historical Century 21, 22, and 23. Save these #cinematreasures now! New and old movies.

Follow these easy steps to show everyone cares about our movie theater history:

• Have fun by going to a movie now
• Share the news of movie events from Facebook and Twitter
• Sign the petition at Change.org

And, remember to check often for more information at this website, The Retro Dome - Facebook and Twitter.  Movies are fun entertainment! 

Let's all go to the movies now ~ The Fun Tour Guru

By the way, I have not received any compensation for adding this. I do love movies!  Help us pay it forward to #EndAlz with every hotel you purchase on your trips!   And then browse our current news feed!