I never imagined Ikea would make me want to cry

Soooo, I've been trying to get to the Ikea store (home furnishings & such) since last Saturday, when I actually got there, but it didn't open for another 1.5 hours so I didn't wait. And I've been looking forward to this little adventure because I went to Ikea in Baltimore with Sue Lezon once & it was really fun. It is a Swedish-based store, so everything is modern & Scandinavian looking.
I went into work this morning so that I could hit the store in the afternoon & then just take a taxi home with my treasures. Ate Mexican for lunch which reminded me of all the times we had Mexican when I worked at the health department (H-Wacko & Giblet, if you are listening, I was thinking of you guys). I took the subway to Causeway Bay where the store is. Found the store, but stepped into a grocery superstore to see if I could find Splenda for John. I didn't find it, but they did have the brownie mix with the Hershey's syrup & Paul Newman's Balsamic Vinegrette dressing. When I entered the grocery I was right next to Ikea, but when I exited, well, I realize they have 2 entrances, because I didn't see Ikea anywhere. I ended up walking all the way around the block (of course I chose the wrong way to go) & by the time I got to Ikea I really had to urinate. So I went on it & it was sooooo confusing. There is an entrance, but not very clear where you go. The way the store is laid out, you go it a big circle. There are arrows painted on the floor to guide you along. So if you miss something towards the beginning, well you have to go all the way back through the entire store to get it. I just wanted the bathrooms I wandered & wandered until I finally found them. They have a thing here about having signs for stuff, but then suddenly there is no sign, so you have no clue where to go next. It gets frustrating. When I couldn't find the bathroom, I wanted to just sit down on the floor & cry - how silly is that?
After relieving myself I went back to the beginning & found a buggy (I didn't see these at first either - you have to go downstairs to get them). I found most of the stuff on my list, but it is strange the things I couldn't find. I want a big plastic cup for the bathroom - only glass cups. No single toothbrush holders or soap dishes, they only come in a set with a bunch of other stuff I don't need. No double boiler - how am I going to make hollandaise sauce????? it is just frustrating when you have no clue where you will find this stuff if you can't find it at a western stype store. Right now I'd even stoop to shopping at a Walmartt, so you know I'm desperate. It was funny, because they played very western music on the loudspeaker (stuff I normally like - Cat Stevens, etc...) & I found it so annoying. There were lots of Westerners at the store & for some odd reason that annoyed me too. I guess I was just in a very annoyable mood today.
Also, they don't sell top sheets here. Instead of blankets they use the down comforters like they use in Europe, which normally I love, but the ones John got are really heavy & I get WAY too hot at night. You would think with how cold John likes it in the room that would never happen, but I've been sleeping with just my bathrobe over me. I found a blanket & a thin comforter that I think is supposed to be a bed spread, but it'll have to do for now. It's funny because I've never used top sheets at home & now I'm upset because I can't buy one. Funny how things change. So hopefully I'll get a better night sleep with a lighter covering. It'll take time to adjust to everything.
I had 4 fairly heavy bags leaving Ikea & tried to hail a taxi on the small road in front of the store. After about 15 minutes & several empty taxis passing me, I guess that they are not allowed to stop there. The Chinese are very strict about following the rules. Everyone stands at the crossway & waits until the walk sign comes on, rarely will they cross before the sign even if there are no cars coming. Of course the cars will not stop for you if you aren't supposed to be crossing & they round the corner. I almost got taken out the other day. Back to today - I had to lug my bags around the corner (good thing I walked around the block earlier)to the hotel & there was an empty taxi there.
That was my day so far. I want to go take more photos of the neighborhood around here, but it is so gloomy & rainy, it isn't really worth it. Maybe later this week the sun will come out.