Nate's second postHey furry friends! (as Laura would say) I'm unfortunately writing this on the eve of our departure. We have had an awesome week! Since the last post, we have only continued to enjoy each other's company....except Mitch's...just kidding. On Wednesday, Laura, Jess, and I went to get foot and shoulder massages. It was an interesting experience, to say the least, as I've never gotten a message before. But, it was actually very relaxing and we had a great time (minus the random pounding that the masseuses' felt was necessary at certain parts of the massage). We then ate lunch at the Purple Bodhi, which in my opinion may have been the best food we ate the entire trip. Great atmosphere and better food! On Thursday, Laura and I ventured out on our own (obviously we were chauffeured by Mr. Ren) to Tienenmen Square and the Forbidden City. Both sites were really cool to see because like the Great Wall, these were the only other images we had in our heads of China before visiting. Pulling up to Tienenmen Square, there's a huge government-looking building, I asked Mr. Ren what it was, and he told us that it's where they have meetings with Obama. Yep. I think he should stick to his day job and not so much a tour guide. Thursday night, we had a kid-free dinner with Mitch and Jess at a very nice brazilian restaurant called Alameda. We had an awesome time! On our final day, we started out by going to an assembly at the kids' school and Henry shared us with his class for show and share. Henry prefaced the question portion of show and share by alerting his class that Laura and I do not have children, so don't ask. It was pretty funny. We then picked up my completed suit and shirts (which are probably the greatest things I own right now) and headed to the infamous "secret handbag shop". Please note that we were there on Sunday shortly after they were raided by the police, and the place was a shell of itself. The only way I know that is because when we returned on Friday, it was unbelievably different. I'm talkin rooms full of inventory where there used to be a big white wall, different! Needless to say, it was a successful shopping trip. Last but not least, Mitch and Jess prepared an incredible final meal for us at home. Complete with cheesy potatoes, stuffed chicken breasts, and lemon bars that melt in your mouth! We are so glad that we were able to visit. It was a once-in-a-lifetime trip that was made even more special by getting to experience the Coopers' life over here. We are so happy that we got to spend this much time with them, and hope we are fortunate enough to do it again in the future. It's been real, China.

Nate & Laura

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