The other half of the Cow Parade awaited us in downtown San Jose. The artistic endeavor, which exhibits life-size and bigger fiberglass cows, dots through two sides of the main drag in downtown - a place where many do not like to go. Although seeing the cows was only half-way exciting for Coco (her little brother would be happy just going in the car anywhere), the idea of seeing pigeons was thrilling.

Since I lived downtown for almost two years (in fact just up the block from this pink cow), I can navigate the goofy, criss-cross roads pretty well. I drove right to my favorite parking lot. We saw many cows. Some had faded a bit after almost two months on display. A few were even in a “cow garage” getting repairs.

Bringing the cows to San Jose was a great idea. The crowds have wained, in fact most looking now are just tourists. But that first weekend we went, it was a kick to see people energized and enjoying downtown. After the kids fed the pigeons, we walked back to the car. I had a conference call to make and would just squeak it in.

On our way home, we got stuck in a traffic jam. In a stretch of highway that only takes me five minutes to cross, we inched along for 45 minutes. I kissed the conference call good-bye. We cracked open waters, and Coco was now grateful about the banana I’d packed (earlier she refused the banana as if I’d brought along the bottom of an old shoe to eat). Addison napped, and we listened to classical guitar. I was putting down bets it was an accident, the nanny was throwing her money on road work. As I revved the engine to keep it cool, I tried not to snip at anyone. Unless I want to abandon my car, choosing calmness sure beats raging at whatever was holding us back.

Addison woke up just as we passed the men working on the cement barriers down the middle of the auto pista. This is the stuff they leave out of the guide books. Life really is an adventure down here.