My skype squawked, one o’clock Sunday afternoon. Bit odd. Most of the people I know are seriously sore early afternoon of a Sunday.

“Let longe Hyatt”. English isn’t his strongest suit. 45 minutes later, laptop and swimshorts (in hand) I am settling into a teak chair outside the Hyatt restaurant. It’s a bit early for a White Russian, but we had been drinking those the night before, and didnt really want to mix it up. And while English may not be my company’s forte, vodka, with small amounts of additives, is.

Back at home 5-star hotels and MacD get kind of lumped together – wouldn’t be seen dead in either. Sorry Hyatt; it’s not about food or service, but at home there are better ways to get either a burger, or a veal escalope on mushroom risotto. In Hangzhou however, I find myself frequently in Hyatt, and MacD. (Again, sorry Hyatt). Normally, of course, it isn’t just to laze around on the terrace all afternoon, being gently massaged by a few White Russians. Not much talking: little bit of Facebook (The wireless from the bar, Bellevue, upstairs is fast); sun soaking through for the first time since, err, September; loads of people wandering buy, some even worth looking at. All in all, a pretty relaxed way to spend the afternoon.

Followed by a swim and a sauna. Life can be good in Hangzhou.