As someone who adores absorbing seemingly useless bits of information, I am indeed a triva nut. Needless to say, when I was invited to join some girlfriends at Picotin’s fortnightly quiz night I was more than up for it. Free of charge and run professionally and honestly - Blackberry cheaters are named and shamed - it’s a great night out. The running was tight and our team (No Balls Required) was very disappointed to miss out on second place due to a Stick or Bust round gone very wrong - who knew Harriet Quimby was the first woman to fly across the English Channel? Not us unfortunately 

Next quiz night is Wednesday December 2 , call 6877 1191 to book a table. Hope to see you there!

Last Friday night I braved the rain and headed to Centre Stage to watch an extended run of Magic for Maya - a fabulous production featuring six very talented children and one actress, set against the backdrop of the Alexandra Hospital massacre during World War II. Despite the macabre subject matter, the play itself was extremely entertaining with all members of the audience - young and old - thoroughly enthralled. Special mention has to be made of the junior cast who were polished, professional and totally "in character".
 

If you haven’t booked your tickets for Centre Stage’s Christmas pantomime  A Right Rubbish Christmas (December 3 to 6 at Jubilee Hall) click here to do so pronto and score a seat at what is sure to be the funniest family Chistmas production this side of the North Pole - kids will love it, guaranteed!

Having high expectations can be a killer, as you’re often disappointed. I’ve just returned from a much-needed - what break isn’t - week’s holiday in Thailand. Phuket is our usual haunt, but I’ve wanted to visit Phi Phi since way before Leonardo - and thousands of backpackers - discovered The Beach, but have never got around to it due to the tricky 90-minute sea transfers. Due to the boat schedule Phi Phi isn’t ideal for a long weekend, so I’d initially booked seven nights. Turns out, one night was sufficient! I don’t think my level of expectation is too outrageous, but when you’re paying S$350+ a night you do anticipate a certain standard. Unfortunately, due to the tsunami there are now just three main hotels and while we could have stayed to find out how the other two rated, we decided our time was too precious and hotfooted it back to the mainland. A tired property can indeed be charming and nowhere on Phi Phi can be considered a bad location - the natural landscape is stunning. But pleasant, personal service and edible food is a must - particularly if you’re staying in one location for an extended period.

As someone who plans everything to the last detail, I found a certain sense of freedom in breaking our initial booking and surfing the net for other options. Wearing the cancellation fee hurt, but not as much as the thought of surviving on Pringles for a week. And it’s now so easy to travel on the fly - particularly if you haven’t based your trip on a holiday weekend or busy period. Unlike the old days where you had to lug a hefty copy of Lonely Planet around and pray the reviewer got it right as you blindly made a booking over the phone, you can now access images, reviews and last-minute hot deals via the web. Yesterday’s backpacker is today’s selective and independent traveller - completely empowered and with the world your oyster, as long as you’ve got access to technology!

Revisiting an old favourite, Mom Tri’s Villa Royale was a welcome reminder of the traditional, unobtrusive hospitality Thailand is renowned for. Situated on a clifftop overlooking Kata Noi (little Kata) beach you can expect superb food, an awardwinning wine list and direct access to one of Phuket’s most picturesque coves - protected by boulders which also encourage marine life so you can snorkel directly off the beach.

From traditional we swung to the other side of the spectrum, ending our Thai sojourn at the contemporary Aleenta Resort & Spa in Phang Nga. Just a 20-minute drive north of the airport, it’s an ideal destination if you’ve only got two nights - or even just one - to spare. Every room type allows a certain amount of privacy, but it’s worth going for a Beachfront Suite - take a dip in your infinity pool, watch the sun set while enjoying a cocktail in your Jacuzzi and fall asleep to the sound of the waves. Now that’s what I’m talking about…