IKEA adventure

There are lots of good things about where we live (a balcony, a pool in the courtyard, plenty of room), but there are some basic things that are missing.  We thought about the option of living without them versus the option of buying them right away using them for the whole year.  We chose the latter.

There are three IKEAs in the general area and by public transportation the time was about the same (hour and a quarter, give or take).  But one looked kind of of close by bicycle, if only there were a shortcut for the last part.

Even the elevation gain and loss seemed reasonable
until D. reminded me that is was in meters, not feet.

We were able to convince A. to join us, partly for his company and partly for the increased carrying capacity.  We set off on the tandem and folding bike and followed the route D. takes work, which includes some bike paths.  I tried to make a mental note of where we were so I could use the dirt path along the side as a running route.

Once we got to campus the map directed us to a dirt path.
It was not a nice wide path, but a little rutted one and we had to walk.

If you click this to enlarge it you can see the IKEA in the background.
So close, yet so far!

We did find a real path (why on earth did the map send us this way?  no idea) and at the bottom of the hill was an enormous fig tree.  When I asked people picking them how to say the name of the fruit they gave us some they had picked.  So delicious!

And then there was joy of finding another bicycle path that took us right to IKEA.  Yippee!  Ours were the only bikes at the rack and they were still there when we got back.

Most of the shopping experience was just like at home (and in Denmark), but there were a few differences.

IKEA bicycle - some assembly required?

I have never seen toilet paper there before and certainly not these colors.
Or maybe I never noticed?

Not part of the original plan, but we ate there and liked that the salad bar had little oil, vinegar, salt, and pepper packets.  But maybe that is other places, too?

A. pointed out that they were playing a Eurovision song on the PA,
which I couldn't capture so enjoy this picture of the speaker.

The biggest surprise was the garden section, which I don't think they have in the US, or at least not in Covina.

Just like they have bedrooms and kitchens set up they had outdoor rooms set up, along with more supplies than I would know what to do with.

We finally finished our shopping, gave each person something to carry in a backpack, loaded up the side bags, and put a bit on the folding bike's rack.  We joyfully used many things right away including

• a washable kitchen rug in front of the sink
• cloth napkins
• big drinking glasses and a water pitcher
• trivets
• knife
• cutting board
• dish towel
• salad bowl
• sponge
• light bulb

What a trip!  I am so glad that A. joined us so he wasn't at home worrying why were gone for ages.  Plus we learned a better route and that it is only a ten-minute bike ride from D.'s office.