We had decided to go to IKEA today. Chie’s mother, Coco, Chie and I. It took us about an hour or so to drive from Tokorozawa to IKEA in Saitama. It is one of the latest IKEA to open in the Tokyo area.

It was the first time for Chie’s mother to visit an IKEA. And it took about 10 seconds before she put the first thing into the basket. Going to IKEA is always a challenge. The biggest challenge is to try not to buy anything. Many say it is impossible but I have managed… Once 🙂

We spent about 2 hours walking around, zig-zagging between people. More people than what you can find on a Saturday or Sunday in a Swedish IKEA.

With some money less in our pockets and few bags in our hands we left IKEA. Just to reach the next challenge. How to get home? The signs for the express way were a little bit confusing and the junction looked more like a roller coaster with roads going up and down and hither and thither than anything else.

Eventually we find our way up on the express way. Once there the drive was as smooth as a baby butt.

In the evening we had tori-udon at home. At 8:30 pm we left Tokorozawa and headed back to Tokyo. A little bit later than we usually do.

In the morning while I was walking Coco it felt like spring was finally here. Sunshine. 20 degrees. Colorful trees. And Fuji-san in the background. A great way to start the day.