Henry's boat launch

Our friend Henry BUILT A BOAT! Yes, he is a sailor and built his own sailboat! He came up with the idea back in 2005, developed some plans and began actual work on it in 2006, after arriving in Bangladesh. (did i mention that we ALL live in apartments here in Dhaka?!) Yes, his boat has been in dry dock in a variety of places around Dhaka and most recently in the coastal town of Savar.

Henry and his family hosted a boat launching party this past Saturday night. We drove about an hour out of the city to reach the dock. Overlooking the dock was a lovely grassy area where they had tables set up complete with white tablecloths, fabric draped chairs and flower centerpieces! I felt like i was arriving to a fancy wedding reception in Nantucket rather than being in Dhaka (a good feeling, BTW!). There was an open bar and lots of BBQ burgers and hot dogs. We enjoyed a great dinner of BBQ burgers and hot dogs, the kids ran around in the grass and there was a beautiful sunset. All in all, a lovely party!

We all walked down to the dock for Henry's speech about this dream of his and how excited (and/or exhausted?) he is now that he has reached his goal! He poured the champagne on the boat and took a much deserved chug afterwards.

Dave commented on the way home, that he was glad we could attend the boat launching and that it was similiar to showing up and cheering someone on when they run a marathon. It is really hard to understand the countless hours of work someone puts into something until you see them on THE DAY and realize how downright giddy and exhausted they are! So, congratualtions on completing your boat building marathon, Henry!

You can spot Catherine in the black and white lifey on the dock. We borrowed this from the little H. Our friend Kathy enjoyed holding Caroline at dinner.