A SOLO DATE THAT LEAD ME TO ART
I started a little ritual of mine a long time ago where I go on a solo date every week by myself. This is the perfect way for me to keep the balance, prioritize spending time alone, and truly romanticize it. I started this ritual quite a while ago and have kept it ever since. Now, being in London, the opportunities for me are enormous – something I truly appreciate. This means my solo dates have reached the next level.
Last Saturday I got ready and headed to a café I had on my list. The rest of the day was actually unplanned but came together perfectly…
MORNING COFFEE HUNT
A beautiful walk through Regent’s Park and Marylebone High Street brought me there. Arôme is a charming café with several locations spread all over London. The Marylebone branch is close to Oxford Street, and you might overlook it at first – but most likely, you’ll see a queue in front of the store. That’s the one.
They specialize in French baking techniques and are probably most famous for the Arôme Honey Butter Toast and all the classics.
You can imagine how happy I was when I saw coconut milk on the menu – so I immediately ordered a coconut cappuccino. It was really, really good. I didn’t try any of the pastries this time, so I can’t give a review on those, but this will definitely not be the last time I visit.
WHEN ART FOUND ME
On my way back to the park, I decided not to walk along the High Street in Marylebone again. I wanted to discover more of the neighborhood and didn’t feel like shopping or walking on a crowded street at all.
I ended up in the right place at the perfect time, because all of a sudden I was standing in front of a huge building: The Wallace Collection. I hadn’t planned on going in, but I love art, I love paintings – and just like that, I found myself in the middle of this incredible exhibition.
The moment I entered, I was instantly drawn to it. I was so captivated by the building itself, especially its details, and by the feeling I had while looking at them. It was so unexpected, and it gave me so many new thoughts, questions, and inspirations. It was a real moment – free from social media, free from everyday worries. Just me, and something that shifted my perspective and sparked something new inside me.
And one thing I truly appreciate is getting inspired and continuing to learn. If I discovered one thing during my time here in London, it is my genuine love for learning. Oh, I never want to stop learning. I never want to stop asking questions, hearing stories, gaining new perspectives, exploring new possibilities, and feeling new energy. I want to never stop growing and never stop enjoying life.
This afternoon gave me so much more than a cappuccino and a few hours alone. And this is one of the reasons why I love London – and why I love spending time by myself.
THE BEAUTY IN DETAIL
Lovers, there is so much beauty in details. There is so much beauty in taking a moment off. Turning your phone on “Do Not Disturb” and simply starting to live the life you want to live. Not for anyone else to see – only for you to experience. We tend to get lost in daily life, in the little obstacles that seem so huge we can’t overcome them. But at the end of the day, life is not that deep. Life is not that hard. It is your perspective that makes the glass look half empty instead of half full.
And it may be your perception that finds beauty in detail – or fails to notice it at all. So, lovers, let’s just take a moment and pay attention to the details: to the beauty in nature, the beauty in ourselves, the beauty in the person right in front of you. It is not all about the likes, the money, the fame, the power, the job, or the reputation. It is more about love, fulfillment, and happiness.
Can you spend time alone with yourself and truly enjoy it?
Or do you need everyone else to see what you are doing in this exact moment?
A LITTLE LETTER HOME
As I left the Wallace Collection, I couldn’t go without a little souvenir for my loved ones. That’s where I started writing postcards to my family. Unfortunately, the first set got lost and never arrived in Germany – but the second batch arrived yesterday, filling my heart with joy.
Not only do I love writing letters, postcards, or little notes – I also find beauty in taking the time to sit in a petite café, write about my thoughts and my day, and send love back home to Germany. Along the way, I started collecting my favorite ones too.
It’s just a little love letter home.
My solo date led me from coffee to art to writing – and it turned out to be the perfect, recharging day.
All my love,
– K.J.K.
