170. A lunchtime stroll

Didn't leave the building yesterday, despite the fact that it was a beautiful day. Decided not to be so pathetic today and walked along the tow path. High tide in this bit of Hammersmith is really high, so suddenly the mighty Thames is lapping the shore only a few feet away and gurgling like the river in all our bucolic dreams. The ducks and coots and swans paddle serenely and even the sculls glide elegantly along.

The River Cafe, that bastion of rich glad-handing, is surprisingly meek to look at. It really does look like the works canteen of the architecture practice next door (which of course it was, originally). They have a verdant array of vegetables and herbs growing outside the back door - almost enough to mask the clinking glasses and braying voices. (I'm only jealous.)

Along a bit further, up to the road for a bit, then back to the riverbank. Some of this prize real estate isn't privately owned - London's good like that, sometimes. Washing hangs out on the line, and I can hear little children playing somewhere nearby. I've gone far enough for now, so I turn tail and head for my desk. The afternoon suddenly doesn't seem so unfriendly, and I have Spring in my step.