Ikea…the cure for homesickness

Posted by Staff in Tip of the Week

If you are spending an extended period of time abroad, Ikea can be the cure for a case of homesickness.

Now this depends on two things: (A) you must love to shop at Ikea back at home (B) you are in an place where a big blue Ikea is lingering in the suburbs.

I know you think I am insane….but give me a chance to explain.

All Ikea’s share a very similar, if not identical layout.  They all serve the same Swedish meatballs and most of the products are the same. 

When living abroad once I was shopping at Ikea at a time when I was missing home and my friends.  I found myself feeling transported to my local Burbank Ikea while standing inline with a tray of swedish meatballs.  

My homesickness seamed to melt away as I walked through all the mini-faux apartments….and I found myself thinking I was back home.   The time warp was so effective I found myself a bit dazed and confused once I walked out into the parking lot and instead of seas of huge SUVs I saw neat rows on peugots and citroens.

Yes I know Ikea is Swedish and not American……but it still felt like home nonetheless.

P.S. This post is dedicated to my friend Jack who hung up his blue and yellow polo today and ended his illustrious career at Ikea