Book Scouting

I was searching the bookstores for books. The last 3 books- series that I read, was over and done with....in about 1 month. Yeah... when I decided to read, I can be seriously reading. So, I have to scout for another series.

I have wanted to start this series of books for some time but each time, I find another series or book which I prefer more. I started my scout in Kinokuniya in KLCC on Saturday, my favourite bookstore. Not that I purposely went, but since I am meeting friends for lunch, might as well.
Good news - they have almost all of the books in the series.
Bad news - the first book was not on the shelf.
Good news - the book is in the bookstore under processing.
Bad news - it will take a day or 2 for the processing to be done and to get onto the shelf.

Sigh.... and when I consulted Piggy on which is the first book, she gave me the name of the main character. Trusting her to be correct, I bought the book which I think should be the first one (based on the name of the character). But, she smsed me later telling me .... the first book should be the one I mentioned. Well, she is going to lend me her full set.... but, people who collect books (like me) would wish for a copy of her own and people who wish for perfection (like me) will wish for all copies are from the same publisher and version.... (there are UK and US versions and the price may vary). I can't start reading now... until I get my copy or I have Piggy's copy (while waiting to get my own copy on the first book).

I don't give up easily. Today, I went to Borders (in Times Square) to scout again... hoping my luck will be better.
Good news : they have the series and the book I want.
Bad news: they don't have it in the version that I want. : -( (they have mixed versions for the whole series)

I am not giving up. We went to Mid Valley then. Don't be mistaken, I don't go out purposely for books.... we went for bowling in Times Square but it was close for private function, so, we detour to Mid Valley for bowling. I took the oppurtunity to scout for books. I went to MPH.
Good news: they have almost complete set of the series and wrapped in plastics
Bad news: they don't have the one I want (T-T)

Well, my heart is telling me to give up. The last try is Border's in The Gardens. If this one also don't have, it is fate... only Kinokuniya will earn my money on that book. So, I walked to The Gardens full of hope. And luck is not on my side, my findings same as Borders in Time Square..... arghhhhhh...... why is it so hard to find a book?

Sigh, I rest my case. My hope to start reading today doesn't seems to be realising... sigh.

Stockholm

Well after flying for more than 11 hours over more than 10,000 km, I finally reached Arlanda Airport, Stockholm (pronounce as Orlanda). Temperature upon arrival is 16 degree celcius and I am 6 hours behind M'sia. It was an exciting feeling. The first thing when I stepped into the airport is there are eco friendly, wooden staircase and it brings me back to Ikea. We have to go through up and down the stair case to reach to the immigration. It was a long walk.

Long walk is besides the matter but longer still the queue at the immigration counter. The officers are diligent and they really question my reason for being in Stockholm and I have to show them my return ticket before they allowed me to go through!

Finally, we can go and gather our luggages. It was rather warm inside the airport as there is no wind. Before I can see my cousin waving her hands at me, I have to still pass through another round of security check. I am prepared for high tech scanning machines. But this was more surprising - they have a trained cocker spaniel that will sniff at you when you passed through.. a doggie check!!!

We met cousin and hubby to be at the airport. We were brought back to their apartment and to have a rest. This is totally new. I am already on the camera and snapping all the way.

In the evening, we had a walked to the villa where future cousin bro in law's parents live. The journey have a very nice view.

Top left: Apartment where cousin lives, evening view of the journey to villa

Bottom left: area around the villa, Tulips on the roadside

Cousin bro in law's parents are very nice people. They have prepared a lot of food for us to eat, mostly delicious local delicacies

Top left: Swedish prawns. It looks raw but it is ready to eat and it taste sweet. SunFlower seeds.

Bottom left: mini lobsters. Famous swedish danishes.

By the time, we went home it was about 10 pm and the temperature now dropped to 9 degree. Well, it was freezing cold to me and my fingers a bit numb but it was fun to walk at that kind of temperature.