Our final factory visit is with Jetta, manufacturer of our wet floor care product line. By all accounts they are our least sophisticated supplier but they are doing an admirable job of building our most complicated robot. Meetings and a factory tour were followed by lunch in their executive dining room.

Although everyone was out in the field, we did not want to miss the opportunity to visit our newest iRobot office located adjacent to the train station in Guangjhou. Despite its diminutive size it is easily iRobot’s most posh facility. We arrived back at our hotel with 30 minutes of sunlight remaining and everyone ventured out on their own to enjoy the surroundings by daylight. Bicycles still abound but are rapidly being replaced by automobiles as the rising middle class grows in size and economic stature. I dined with one other colleague and selected a casual Shabu Shabu restaurant for our first departure from traditional Chinese fare.

After dinner I treated myself to a 90 minute full body massage (the therapeutic variety) which was the best of my life. It was a combination massage and chiropractic adjustment of my neck, back, and shoulders including 20 minutes on just my forehead and face. I have never felt so relaxed in my life and at $20 (including tip) for the entire session I would do this every day if I lived in China. Sleep came easily this evening and I have made the full night for day time zone shift just as my return to the US grows near.