[My Weekender] with Katya Sawyer

A Shanghai life extraordinary with Katya Sawyer - Aug 29, 08

Katalist Director, Katya Sawyer has spent over 4 years in China, working and building hospitality based businesses – she has just recently launched Katalist Communications, which is a boutique PR agency specialising in hospitality public relations and marketing.

A weekender in Shanghai - I have always wondered about the use of that terminology after 4.5 years in this pulsating, extraordinary city - what exactly does it mean? When does is it supposedly start? Does the weekend really exist?

For my first few years – I guess I was a self confessed member of the Champagne chattering classes – always at an opening, a fashion show, an awards ceremony or product launch – they were fun, because we knew everybody back then and the champagne was free and the parties were great on any night of the week. But I have had to give up trying to be in with all the new bars, clubs and restaurants – for my health's sake - its truly mind boggling how much this city has to offer, so now I try to maintain some alliances while developing new ones as new places open and appeal.

I indulged in a weekend style night on Wednesday this week – I guess I have to be partly to blame that I got home at 5am. It all started with a quiet glass of bubbles at Salotto – at the new ORO Villa with my good friend Mel. From there it was dinner in the garden at Coconut Paradise then Mesa terrace for a few of their killer Lychee Martinis ( I believe are still the best in town) – a short stroll up to Velvet for more bubbles and sharing in the celebration of Velvet's win at the That's Shanghai Awards with Miguel and Mary Ann.
Whew. And it was only Wednesday.

The 2nd phase of my weekend will start Friday at Oro – a group of the girls and I are meeting at Bar Salotto on the top floor for loads of bubbles - its been awhile since I have thrown on the frock and heels and I am looking forward to spending some quality time with the chicas. I am hoping that a few of the crew will make it down tonight – its great to have somewhere new to go where you know 90% of the people and not the usual 10%. For now at least. From ORO am sure that we will do the usual circuit of Velvet, MAO … perhaps a little late Bund action.

My Saturdays usually begin with a huge sleep in, and then try to make time for a workout at One Wellness – my very good friend's David and Laurie are the owners so I really don't have any excuse not to be a picture of health by the time they have their wedding in December. After the workout comes my morning caffeine hit and a berry smoothie on the ONE terrace with my laptop to do some work. The gym is across the street from where I live so I really have no excuse not to make it there and besides, I usually feel like have a completely new and rejuvenated body afterwards so the initial struggle out of bed is worth it!

This Saturday a few of us are heading out to the Nine Dragons Hill Polo club – to watch the Argentina's Ambassadors Cup –something a little different - new faces to see, new people to meet, fresh conversations - champagne is flowing and now that the weather has finally cooled down - its time to spend more time outdoors!

This is my favourite part of the year – coming into Autumn when I can start using my wonderful terrace again for dinner parties, bbqs – there are picnics and boules at Zhong Shan Park, weekly tennis , bike riding day and outdoor drinks.

Sundays are a clean slate – for me they could mean anything – the shuffle of shame from Dragon, DVDs, pajamas and work from home day, a walk or bike ride with my boyfriend Scott day or a big noisy brunch with best friends, caviar and champagne day– or all of the above!

Its time – gotta run – have a fantastic weekend Shanghai and see you on the Shanghai Party Circuit!

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