IKEA began its operations in Malaysia with a small storefront in One Utama back in 1996. However, it wasn't until 2003, when the IPC building complex in Mutiara Damansara was completed, that IKEA moved into its proper outlet, reopening its doors at this new location. Coincidentally, around that same period, I retired from my working life in 1997. After spending a few years exploring Peninsular Malaysia and Thailand, I eventually settled down with the Kiara Bunch in 2002. The timing couldn't have been more perfect.

We developed a routine of walking the hills of Bukit Kiara, and after each walk, we would gather under the tree to chat. My page about Bukit Kiara documents many of these moments. Then, the arrival of the new IKEA store—designed in true European fashion—felt like a blessing. It provided a perfect, air-conditioned venue where we could relax, with the added perks of free-flowing coffee and snacks at incredibly affordable prices. It was truly impressive, a godsend.

Around that same time in 2003, Dexter was born. We eagerly waited for him to grow old enough to walk and be independent. The IKEA outlet even had a wonderful children’s playroom, with an entry requirement that children be at least three years old. Meanwhile, the old gang of us cronies would show up daily, right on time when the store opened at 9:30 a.m.

There was one drawback, though—photography wasn't allowed inside the premises. As a western store, IKEA had certain rules, and we dutifully complied, meaning we couldn't take any souvenir photos of our time there. Back then, mobile phones were mainly Nokias, and the concept of taking photos with a phone was still unheard of. Years passed, and it wasn't until the Samsung phone hit the market that we got our first candid shot, sometime in 2005.