Whatever the reason, an unexpected trip to London, one of my favourite cities in the world, is a joyful occurence. Shortly arrived at my usual headquarters in Golders Green, I switch to fast speed and head to Victoria Station. The massive architecture that every time seems to show me new dimensions of power and creativity that are completely different in Berlin's creative environment.
Talking about Berlin, another important difference with the city hosting me now is the weather. There is a common place to complain about the 'bad' weather in London meaning that not too many experienced the constant low temperatures in Berlin. As my short trip to London does include a lot of walking and no specific indoor activities - not even a small museum or exhibition - I use my time in between meetings enjoying the hot sun of the London spring. So bad I missed this time so many day and night entertainment opportunities such as Cirque Le Soir, that make this city such a great attraction for people all over the world, regardless their age.
The perfectly white cubicle houses in the Kensington area make me feel a spy in a huge Lego town. This feeling is amplified also by the emptiness of the streets, as it seems at this time of the day everyone is either taking a well-deserved siesta or just working hard to pay the loans for these beautiful locations.
The parks offer a more dynamic side of the London life, many offering chaise-longues and green scenery to read a book or enjoy the lunch break.
Near Buckingam Palace, tourists - like me, and maybe you too, my reader - are intensively busy to spot their photographic memories of the trip.
As for me, I am looking for some different royal views, paying a short visit at the local Ritz Hotel, whose soothing piano music makes you feel you are visiting a real palace.
I may not have enough time and peace of mind to dedicate extra time of this trip to an exhibition or a museum, but at least I have the inspiration to stop in the yards of the Burlington House. Time for another open lesson in architecture.
The view of some pleasant small Japanese cookies at Minamoto Kitchoan diversified the list of things seen and smelled in London this time. The pastel colours of the shop and the open smile of the vendors made me feel sorry for not being in the mood for some Asian purchase this time.
Every time I visit London I should see this building near Oxford Street. One day, I hope to be brave enough and discover it properly.
China Town is a place I haven't visited in London for over 10 years. This time, I want to get lost in the emprorium of senses and colours and authentic cuisine. It is afternoon and I can easily find enough open, half-empty restaurants. When I was there the last time, in was late afternoon and we had to wait some good minutes till having our right to delicious Asian bites. 
London markets, including in Chinatown, are very well known for their diversity of tasty fresh products and I take the opportunity for some healthy supplies for my trip back to Berlin.
The simple idea to return, after realizing that I will miss so many beautiful streets and buildings and foods, makes me sad. But I keep going and taking pictures, this is my antidote to travel sadness.
As usual, I am trying to see the full half of the glass and I am making mental lists of the activities my next trip to London should include. Her Majesty's Theater is obviously part of the plan.
The always busy Piccadilly Circus offers everything you need to make your afternoon special: classical and modern art, street music, fresh water and even a lot of people ready to talk and help tourists losts or charmed in London.
There is even a dinosaur's metal skeleton...
The brave squirrels that cut my way in the St. James Park, seems to love flowers as much as I do so it is partly forgiven for the impoliteness. Not too much impressed by humans, it offers long photo opportunities and maybe also a squirrel's smile.
On the other side of the river, the Golden Eye is watching silently.
And so does the Tower of London.
In the shadows of so many historical landmarks, young dancers are practising their hobby on the river's bank. After so many hours of walking, I decide to stop for more than 10 minutes, watching the gracious steps and almost perfect coordination of the pairs.
This is the beautiful view that I left behind. Another point on my to-do-list for the next time: take a trip on the old Thames.
I have no idea why the time run away that fast, but I am feeling like going fast down the rabbit's hole. The same hole where Alice in Wonderland got caught. The beautiful porcelain celebrating the 150-year young book reminds me the sophistication yet plaifulness of the British spirit.
The next day, I am decided to revisit and find some new places in the quiet Golders Green.
Every time I am in London I am extensively exploring the diversity of kosher restaurants. This time, I can only take a look around to see if some new things are launched - there is a new Indian restaurant that I hope it will be there for the next time. Taking the advantage of the beautiful weather, I cannot resist the invitation to have a last icecream at SoYo before saying 'good bye' to London. I previously reviewed this place, that did not impressed me from the point of the view of the service. Some years after, the situation did not change, but at least after waiting way too much, the icecream is good enough to make myself smiling to the sun.
That was all for this time. I am ready, but not happy, to go back to Berlin, feeling anxious about when will it be the next time to see London again. Meanwhile, I keep repeating to myself that it is up to us to make our travel dreams come true.
For more photos from London, including from previous tips, have a look at the dedicated Pinterest board: https://www.pinterest.com/ilanaontheroad/london/
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