[k-mcgrady]

This is a problem for some people, not all. Particularly noise pollution. I'm easily distracted and live in London and noise just doesn't bother me anymore. I used to need complete silence to sleep and now (in summer) I have my windows fully open, there are loud cars, sirens, people etc. going by all night, and I sleep soundly.

I take issue with the point about working in cafés as I see it a lot with tech people (so this isn't specifically directed at you). A café is a place for people to eat/drink and socialise and it has been for at least over 100 years. The rest of the world shouldn't have to redefine the social constraints of an established venue because people cheap out on an office and choose to work there.

[stonesixone]

I actually don't mind people talking and socializing, etc, in cafes. It's when people talk on phones in cafes like it's their personal office space that I find it annoying (at least for me).