"Hey look, theres another Ikea.. I'll drive for 2 hours to eat there!"
I've been meaning to do this for ages... with seven editions of the Dublin-based Swedish Breakfast under my belt I figured it was about time I extended the legendary hospitality of the series to the Ikea in Belfast. It has become known as Dublins most family friendly set of events and fingers crossed the same will be said for the Belfast ones! So come join us early Saturday morning to fill your stomach, have your fill of geochat, and fill your mind with ideas for Saturday caching!
The inaugural event in Belfast will take place on Saturday, 24th May starting from 900am. We'll meet in the restaurant of Ikea (go in via the main entrance to the north of the carpark and just follow the stairs to the first floor) at one of the tables. The restaurant opens at 900am and I will have my food and be seated at about 915. I'm taking another leaf out of the Dublin book by saying "once you've paid and gotten your tea/coffee/sugar, turn right". Look towards the windows in the corner to the northwest of the restaurant overlooking the runway.
There is however, absolutely no requirement to buy food or drink at the venue; however I would imagine it is hard to watch other people tearing into bacon and sausages when you're having nothing :) There is plenty of healthier food available, but I just can't resist a good fry....
This will be an opportunity to help travel bugs and geocoins on their way as well as eat a hearty breakfast ready for your own Saturday caching adventures. Bring your own personal coin/bug selection for discovery and bring your questions about that annoying puzzle along too. You may (or may not) get help! If you have any plans for upcoming caches, this event would be a great time to discuss them with the group. If you're thinking of going to your first event, come along! If you're thinking of a days shopping, why not tie it in with an event cache??
As an aside, I'm sure you can see the Belfast one is on a Saturday. I am aware (after a scopeout) that you can't actually buy breakfast in the Belfast Ikea on a Sunday as it doesn't open until midday. And that just wouldn't do, now would it! A Swedish Breakfast without breakfast? Not a hope. So Saturday it is!! Fingers crossed it won't be **too** busy.
As another aside, I need to buy dishwasher tablets galore. Don't let me forget!! What? They don't sell those here? Well, I know that... there is another superstore nearby which I will fill the car from before leaving for Dublin.
To/from the event:
There is an absolutely incredible amount of free parking in the Ikea carpark so car is by far the best way to get here. Dublin cachers interested in coming should be aware that it is a two hour drive at the speed limit. There are local bus services in Belfast as well, but I am not familar with the public transport network here. However, during my scoping-out session I did see several buses deposit hoardes of hungry shoppers at the doors of the building.