These certificates will always testify to more than just climbing a mountain. They will remind us of a time when father and son shut out the rest of the world, focused on accomplishing something wonderful, and learning about ourselves and each other. For Nicolai, that limitations of the body can be overcome with a courageous heart and determination of steel. That his bravery could be translated into an act of charity that will forever positively change the lives of thousands of people less fortunate than he. For Carl, an opportunity for the second time in his life to watch a son taking the first steps into manhood.
When we land at Logan, we are surprised that my parents have come from New York to greet us. When we arrive at home, we are surprised that half the neighborhood is waiting in front of our house to celebrate with us.
The city is filled with unique architecture and appeals to Nico, who is starting to feel he may wish to be an architect one day. Alas, time is short, and we need to head back to the airport for another 8 hours in the air before we arrive in Boston.
We both slept on the 9 hour flight from Tanzania to Amsterdam. Given our 8 hour layover, we decide to hop a train for the city center and spend 6 hours seeing the sights.
At about 5pm we begin what will amount to 32 hours of continuous travel as we return to the US. Here we fly over a reef with the smallest beach island I have ever seen.
We finish our excursion with a tour of this boat building yard. It never ceases to amaze me what you can fashion from wood with only the simplest of tools.
