day two in beantown...

Are you wondering why it is called "beantown?" I was too and this was the explanation I found... back when America was getting settled beans were easy to grow, store and cook. The beans were then combined with the molasses (available from the trade & barter system) and then those cheap beans became "Boston Baked Beans." 

Armando took me out to see a different side of the New England area today. We walked to the "T" a.k.a the subway and went into the city to see all sorts of historical monuments.

I got to see the building where the Declaration of Independence was read to the citizens from atop the balcony, Boston City Hall which was voted one of the ugliest buildings in America (I didn't think it was that unattractive) and then up to Cambridge. We stopped at this Coop shop that was closing so I picked up some local Bostonian wear and then we went into this children's shop in the middle of Harvard Square where I picked up a present for my girls. We also walked through Harvard's campus - so much brick, so incredibly beautiful. I would love love love to come back up here right when the leaves start to turn colors in the fall and just snap shot after shot. Until I get that opportunity I guess I will have to just watch the movie "With Honors" to get my fix. We also stopped to see the golden shoe, John Harvard's golden shoe... here is a monument dedicated to the founder of Harvard and the campus legend says that if you rub his shoe (shiny and pretty) it will bring you good luck. 

After visiting Harvard, we headed home where Armando made us a snack of cheese and crackers (with a little vino) while we waited for his darling wife to get home from work. We decided the night was still young and we should do something fun... we ended up going to the movie Slumdog Millionaire. All I have to say is WOW! We chose this one because of all the rave it had at the awards last night and I was blown away. If you are planning on a light-hearted flick - pick another movie. It was captivating, moving and downright deserving of each and every award. I highly recommend it, just be prepared and bring tissues!