We had the opportunity to go to a friend's wedding in Nanjing recently. We took a plane there (about 2 hours) and an express train back (about 7 hours)...always interesting to travel with young kids. The benefit of the plane was that it was only 2 hours, the disadvantage was that Eli had to remain seated with his seat belt on the whole time. Whereas with the train, Eli could run around, but 7 hours is a long time to run around. Thankfully, the other people on the train did not seem at all annoyed by Eli stomping up and down the aisles.
Our hotel (pronounced "ho teh" according to Eli) had only one room so we needed to go to bed with Eli at his bedtime or he wouldn't go to sleep, or stay asleep. I also napped with him in the afternoons. It was just the way it had to go, but I think that the next time we travel, we will splurge on a place with two rooms...
We got to see some pretty scenic spots because we went along for the photo shoot. I enjoyed following the photographer around and taking similar pictures. They even wanted us in one of their wedding photos! This is mostly because of Eli I think.
This is a drum tower that we went to. Scott and Eli sounded the drum which used to be used as a way to warn the city of impending attack, weather warnings and other city-wide communication needs.
Dana, Eli and Scott wrestling on the bed in our hotel. Dana watched but Scott and Eli played pretty hard and belly-laughed a lot. this was our entertainment on our down-times at the "ho teh".
Eli chasing pigeons at another park we went to. He liked running up to them and making them fly as opposed to what the more docile Chinese kids were doing: feeding the pigeons from their hands. I preferred that Eli not touch the birds and was glad that he was content to run after them and scare them.
