A full orchestra was tuning up from seats (rather than the stage) in the conference hall. I recognised the refrain: Toto’s Africa. The conductor was so enthusiastic that she was playing a clarinet herself, as well as leading the musicians.

I wanted to hear more, but a conference official shooed me away from my spot just outside the door. She explained that this was just a rehearsal, and that I would be able to listen to the whole performance later when the conference was next in session.

I was too lazy to go for a swim during the break, so instead headed back to the hotel room that I shared with two much younger delegates.