Woke up with a very sore throat and a runny nose, feeling rather groggy. Nonetheless, it hasn't stopped me today from continuing with my sightseeing adventures. I got up really late (about 11am). Harnaik had already got up and had had his breakfast and was waiting for me in the communal area. I decided I wanted to go to my favourite breakfast cafe which is about 15 mins walk from where we are staying. I had a new experience and opted for chocolate ice cream mixed with sprite and spices and scrambled egg and tomato. It was nice and despite sounding disgusting I liked it a lot.

We then caught a cab to the Salom district of Bangkok which is full of skyscrapers, and designer shops as it is a business district and a far cry from old Bangkok. Bang in the middle of the skyscrapers is the most gorgeous park ever (Lumphini Park) with lakes, nicely kept gardens and wildlife. We spent a couple of hours chilling in the park (complete with lizards and snakes) and then went for lunch at a nice little Japanese cafe that only serves healthy food (just what I need). Each dish is calorie counted and rated. It was great to know that whatever I ordered was healthy and it was delicious too.

We then caught the Skytrain (bit like Thailand's version of the Docklands light railway) to Siam, which is another district of town, similar to Salom but with massive shopping centres. We took a walk around but quite frankly it was so hot, we decided to leave and head back tomorrow. We caught a cab back but the traffic was awful and it took about 90 mins. Bangkok has a severe congestion problem during rush hour and basically becomes a car park as gridlocked beyond belief.

We headed back out about 10pm and went back to Salom but this time to the area that is famous for the sex scene (just to see it of course). We went for dinner in the gay area and ate at an extremely nice Thai restaurant. The old men trying to touch up the Thai waiters were quite sickening as was an old American male (about 70) sitting with two young Thai guys and another young american who he had obviously rented for the night. The topic of conversation was quite disgusting and the old american should have known better (he was apparently a uni Professor in Bangkok).

We then looked out of the window and saw all these beautiful Thai girls congregating outside. It transpired that it was a ladyboy beauty contest. It was unbelievable how amazing they looked. I can see how guys get caught out sometimes. Harnaik and I took part in the judging by putting ribbons round the neck of our favourites. We chose one with braces because we felt a bit sorry for him/her so got them to the next round of judging at least.

We had a couple of drinks in a gay bar and then walked around the area (including a cool market where everything was so cheap). You couldn't go anywhere around that area without being approached about one sex service or another - massages, lady boys, sex dvds, sex clubs - you name it it was on sale. We walked around a bit but it was sleazy beyond belief. All the old men and the young Thai boys or girls made me feel a bit uncomfortable.

It was good to go for the experience but as broad minded as I am, it was a bit too much after a while. Harnaik and I left the area about 2am and were relieved to be in a taxi on the way back to Shanti Lodge. No wonder Thailands HIV/AIDS problem is out of control - HIV is spreading extremely fast, with the fastest spead in the Hetrosexual population. I think the motto in Thailand is "put it on before you put it in" - take note anyone who is stupid enought to have unsafe sex.