Contestants in the annual Mr Gay South Africa add oil to their skin as prepare to go on stage at the final of the pageant at the State Theatre in Pretoria South Africa, 28 November 2009.

Little did I know that this was going to be one of those days – a day I would feel totally inadequate!

In the space of six hours I had covered the fashion section of the 2009 Miss World Pageant and the grand final of the Mr Gay South Africa pageant in Pretoria.

I don’t know if the disorganisers of the two pageants knew that the events were taking place on the same day, but covering them both was a really interesting, if not weird experience.

The whole thing surrounding beauty competitions is one that leaves me a little cold, but at the end of the day it is a free world and if you were blessed with great looks, male or female, then hell – go ahead and make something of them!

The first of the two jobs for the day was the Miss World Beauty Pageant at the Turbine Hall in downtown Johannesburg.

115 of the world’s most stunning women parading down a cat walk in their heels was certainly enough to make me use the Canon auto focus to the best…

It rather seemed like some medieval cattle market, as the women were judged on looks and the costume they where wearing. No thought process involved…

Many tears where shed during the evening as those who where knocked out in the early stages sulked off to the holding pens and those who made it to the final five beamed with happiness.

The final winner was totally overjoyed and was unable to talk as her make-up ran down her face…

Bless her – she, like so many before her, also wanted to save all the poor children of the world.

Later in the day came the more interesting and enjoyable of the two events – the finals of the Mr Gay South Africa pageant at the State theatre in Pretoria.

The atmosphere was electric as the Apartheid era theatre bulged with much hugging and kissing as hundreds of supporters, family and friends enjoyed a great stage show involving some of the countries lushest gay men.

The smell of various lotions and potions was thick in the air and tight swimwear and see-through club gear was the order of the night. And I got the backstage view too, as the organisers had most kindly allowed me full access to shoot a photo essay on the action.

All heterosexual men out there – be jealous. Yes, some of the best built men in the country are the entrants in this prestigious competition. About time you started getting buffed up too??