On the day of our arrival on 11 Sep 09 evening we went along with the Bharaths to IKEA – the same Swedish company that has its branches in the US also. Some items that they had not purchased for their home over a period of time was purchased by them. This included a quilt for us for the winter, which is just setting in. IKEA was exact in its stocking and as immaculate as the one we saw in San Francisco although this one seemed a little smaller in size.
We visited ToysRus – a supermarket for toys only. Items for Achyut’s birthday on 22 Sep 09 were purchased. What an amazing variety of toys – and how creative and innovative. There were miniature models of kitchens including toy microwave ovens, washing machines etc, Carpenter kit by BOSCH all in miniature, the idea being to teach the child self reliance at a very early age during his formative years - an amazing concept. There were toys a plenty – name it and you have it here Really enjoyed ourselves as much or probably more than the kids! The Swiss really take care of their children and cater to their HRD (Human Resource Development) right from the start!
We also purchased weekly rations including fruits and vegetables at wholesale rates from “ Aligro” within the same complex somewhat like the Chinese market in SFO – a smaller version. The quality and variety were of course commendable – kept meticulously clean. There was also plenty of the famous Swiss cheese – a very wide-ranging variety. Bharath bought a beginners cheese (less than 3 months old - less stinky :-) ) for us to try out - nice.
