Holy crap, batman, this place was big. For those of you that have visited an IKEA before, it is 2.5 times the size of the Schaumberg location and easily 5 times the size of the Cincy location. It was immense, it was tiring, it was AMAZING.
If you know me, you probably know I have a long-standing love affair with IKEA. Going to the 'home' store of IKEA was as much a part of this trip as the history trips we've taken so far.
IKEA offers a free shuttle service from downtown Stockholm to its location in the 'burbs. This bus, probably a 45-50 seater, was full on the way there and on the way back. I did buy a few things for a gift for my cousin (who also loves IKEA) but mostly window shopped. Somehow it isn't quite the same without the knowledge you can haul home most anything your little heart desires. Although, interestingly enough, with our lunch order you could have water, pop or beer, yes beer, as your beverage. Have I mentioned I love this country?
After IKEA, we came back to the hotel and napped (or at least I did, Sister did but Mom did not). After the nap we went on our nightly sojourn to shop and find dinner. We ended up in a little outside cafe in Kungstragarten (the King's Garden), a big park in Stockholm. Originally the park served as the King's vegetable garden (and what a garden it must have been!!!), then it was turned into a park for all to enjoy. At the Huset we had baked sandwiches, Mom and Sister had tomato, cheese and pesto, while I had shrimp, cheese and some cream sauce. I had hoped to order a salmon sandwich they had here but unfortunately, they were sold out. We had beers to drink, of course. Following dinner we wandered around the garden then out on the street towards Skepsholmen, the site of the Stockholm Jazz Festival which starts tomorrow. On our way we had to stop for ice cream (known as 'glass' or 'glace' here) so we would fit in with the natives. I am certain that the per capita consumption of ice cream must be extraordinary here as everywhere I look there are ice cream cones and people enjoying them.
Okay, off to Skansen, the outdoor history museum. More tomorrow.
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