Despite there being more toilets than ever before I still had to queue endlessly for a cubicle while boys - usually in pairs, used the privee to adjust their makeup and attitude. We're all grown ups here despite letting our inner child out for the night. Sensibly, we were offered condoms with our toffees as we entered - a recognition that many of the frisky folk, who'd buffed and polished themselves wore (certainly in some cases but fewer than in previous years) outfits that made a roll in the hay their obvious intention. This is no longer a homosexual party. Sure, many Mos were there but, according to my dipstick research, there were as many or, more even, who were not. I remember this event being billed as Queer rather than Mo and if, indeed, it is a celebration of queerness - a rejection of the norm, surely more comfortable spaces should be available for taking drugs while those of us, who would like to shed the day's culinary excesses in the toilet can do so without a cooing, sniffing audience in earshot. 

It was good to see founder Andre Vorster there as it was to see Henry Shields and his dogs. Peter Heyes, suspended for hours on a trapeze proved not only that he was a creative wizz but also very well hung.

I was already in the carnival spirit. I'd had lunch at the Mount Nelson's new Oasis restaurant which was excellent while earlier in the week I attended The Cape Grace's annual supplier party. That theme was carnival too, beautifully interpreted with candy floss and popcorn makers as well as magicians and mimes to entertain. I was especially impressed by the departure goodie bag which included a Cape Grace branded cocktail shaker, a nip of 18-year old Jameson's and a recipe for Jesters cocktail. A great way of combing the theme and identity of Bascule. The food was particularly good - especially the mini vetkoek filled with boboetie and a divine salmon, creme fraiche thing with caviar served on top of  a champagne flute containing a chaser shot of Champers. Nice. Dinner at Cape Paradiso with my bookclub was also excellent. I ordered the chicken salad which I think is one of my favorite dishes there followed by the lamb shank which brings me to Friday - and Patricia O'Dea's dinner party. Her Greek Lamb with glorious butter beans that absorbed all the garlicky flavours was delicious as was her Orange ice cream which she made from Nigella's recipes. Despite a wonderfully restorative Hot Stone Massage at Camelot Spa at the Table Bay Hotel (a birthday gift from Nicola Nel whose Atmosphere PR was doing media for MCQP), it really was a week of excess.

Not surprising I needed the toilet.