On atmosphere

For me, atmosphere, in the sense of the hubub and chatter of a restaurant or pub or a coffee shop, is overrated. T- likes to watch people go by. She likes it most if she has a nice glass of wine in front of her instead of a coffee, and it may be the wine itself that makes the people worth watching. But, still, she likes it. She likes pavement tables that face outwards. You sit with your back to the café, and shoulder to shoulder with the person you're with (if you're with anyone). It's all set up to look out at the world. It doesn't sound that bad as I write about it. But it's not my favourite thing.