shopping spree

written october 17th

Last weekend we rented a car (like we had planned) and headed towards the land of “assemble-at-home”, designer-looking, furniture (IKEA). Of course we had to plan ahead, since the driving thing around here seems a bit “scattered”. Gera mapped the course, and we bought a map the night before (we figured if we used it more than once in the next couple of years, it was worth the 20fr.) I was to be the navigator (since I was not behind the wheel). We took a bus early Saturday (oct. 14), went to pick up the car and we were on our way. The drive there was ok, no wrong turns (well, maybe once), and we only stopped once to “regroup”. We got to our destination 15 minutes before they opened, got a great parking space right in front of the elevator, and pretty much stood in line waiting for the doors to open (there were people already there).
We had a list (from the previous weekend) of the things we had looked at and had decided to buy (2 chairs, a sofa-bed <>, a folding table for the kitchen, 2 little dressers, among other things). As we strolled around the store, we found some other useful items that although were not on the list and we put in the cart. In the end, it all worked out, because half of the things we wanted were sold out, and wouldn’t arrive in 2-5 weeks. We are planning to buy the remaining items when we go pick up the dressers we bought at the other furniture store that’s next to IKEA. We bought a chair and a dresser from the “as-is” section, we couldn’t pass it up. Luckily, this time we didn’t have to carry things on our backs. In the end, we bought 2 side tables, 1 coffee table, 2 pillows, 1 TV stand, 1 chair, 1 dresser, 1 small desktop + legs for the computer, 1 floor lamp, 1 desk lamp, 1 rug. OK, it sounds more that what it actually is, but it was needed, and it was FUN! That night was like Christmas morning and my birthday combined!
At another store we bought a TV, an iron, and a hand blender (it was cheaper than a regular blender, and a girl needs to make her salsa!).
All in all, we filled up the car with goodies, and in a few weeks we’re going back for more! (I’ll keep you posted on that).

On Sunday we went to a museum (the Swiss national museum, to be precise). The day was kinda cloudy and chilly, so it was better to find something to do indoors. The Museum is located inside an old castle right next to the river, and you can walk around the rooms to view them as they were in the old days (some had exhibits, some were just rooms with chairs and/or a bed). It was pretty neat, and quite large. They had a big garden on the back, and it had a big chess board (the kind were the pieces as half as big as yourself).

After the museum, we went to Gera’s office, to use the phone and internet (we buy phonecards that can be used on any payphone, but its nice to call from there). As you can tell by the post below, I got busy and posted some pictures (finally!) while Gera talked with his family.

Today we went to “register” with the city. I think it was something to do with the amount of foreign workers a certain “district” has (so they keep track of you and where you live), among other things (since locals have to be registered as well). My permit will arrive in 1 to two months.

After unpacking the TV, we realized we needed a cable!! So we bought one on Sunday at a store in “rail city” (rail city is like an underground shopping mall at the main bus station, and is pretty much the only thing open after 6pm and on Sundays; Gera used to refer to rail city as his “office” before he got a apartment, since that’s where he spent a lot of time, using the phones and internet, and buying food). There’s a tax you need to pay if you have a TV and/or radio. It is voluntary to register, but someday someone will come knocking on your door and ask “do you have a TV?” and if you do, and you haven’t paid the tax, they will try to find out how long you’ve been cheating and charge you a retroactive fee. Maybe we’ll pay the fee soon…

Next weekend we want to go Bürkliplatz (I think that’s how its spelled). They have a sort of “flea market” on Saturdays, and maybe we can find some stuff we still need (more stuff?!).