I take the stairs down to the water and follow the canal. Some people are sitting on the bank, with coffee to go cups in their hands, chatting and laughing. On the other side of the canal a women is sitting on a bench and feeding ducks. I’m walking on a narrow footpath next to the canal, cross below some bridges and try my best not to step on duck poo. I pass an old man, who is painting his house boat. He smiles at me and wishes me a good morning. His dog is watching the scene from the top of the house boat. I follow the canal around the corner. There is a small park to my right side, and on the left side some boats are tied up next to each other. I can hear the waves, a few birds and the wind in the trees. Nothing…