@Whitney, Kellie and Diana--So yes the post is a little tongue-in-cheek and I did this deliberately. I do like Ikea but I think that the whole idea of Ikea is a little ridiculous. I also don't like how I feel in Ikea--I look around and think: yes, that thing would make my life better/easier/happier and I do need it even though before I'd see said object I'd never considered the fact that I might need something like that. Generally speaking, I know that the shop is needed needed and that there's a market for it among both Bulgarians and expats alike but I just wonder: at what cost? That's probably because I believe in buying locally as much as possible and supporting local business.