PHOTOS: When Obama took a tea break

Sometimes, you just want to get out and enjoy a tea stroll -- even when you're president.

US President Barack Obama laughs along with National Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples. At the event to honour her, Obama said that teachers should be appreciated. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

After a White House event, US President Obama -- accompanied by National Teacher of the Year Shanna Peeples of Amarillo, Texas -- left the White House for a block-long walk to a Teaism shop.

“Good to see you,” Obama told some onlookers. “I’m taking a walk. It’s a beautiful day.”

Obama and Peeples then walked into the shop and emerged seven minutes later.

The US president was casual and enjoyed the stroll with Peeples. He was seen smiling and laughing and even greeted people, saying 'It was a beautiful day'. Photograph: Kevin Lamarque/Reuters

He was carrying a brown paper shopping bag and a plastic cup believed to be having tea.

The US president then headed back to the White House gate nine minutes later -- to take care of the world's problems once again.

Recommended by Rediff.com