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maltatoday SUNDAY 19 NOVEMBER 2017 39 Travel Now that autumn has returned with some decent rainfall, nature is set for a vigorous winter. Most insects and reptiles would disgree and hide away but the life-giving rainfall stimulates the growth of plants, the basis of all foodchains. And what better place to enjoy nature than in a nature reserve. Bordered by coastal development on one side and intensive agriculture on the other, BirdLife's nature reserve at Is-Simar in Xemxija is a green oasis that showcases how nature rewards us when given a chance and proper protection. Is-Simar is a mosaic of connected pools and canals, with swathes of reedbed and groves of tamarisk and olive. With careful habitat management the site attracts more than 140 species of birds in any given year. Most stay a night or a few days to rest, others spend all winter there, and some also nest and raise a family. Go visit, the place is open Sundays 10am to 4pm, Facilities include visitor centre, birdwatching hide, nature trail, info boards and guides. Also wc and ample parking. Entrance is free. Text Victor Falzon Photo Jason Aloisio 584. IS-SIMAR NATURE RESERVE Visit Friends of the Earth's website for more information about our work, as well as for information about how to join us. You can also support us by sending us a donation - www.foemalta.org/donate GREEN IDEA OF THE WEEK 487: Find out more and take the pledge -www.foemalta.org/plasticfreepledge This month we are proudly taking part in the European Week for Waste Reduction by launching 'The Plastic Free Pledge'. The Plastic Free Pledge is an effective way you, as an individual, can have a definite and lasting impact on the environment by reducing plastic waste from your day to day lives, as little or as much as you want. You can opt for ditching single use plastic bottles or perhaps you'd like to say no to all of those single use plastic bags? If you've already done this, as we know many of you have, you can create your own pledge. Perhaps no more plastics in the kids packed lunches? Or how about trying to eliminate plastics from the bathroom? Be as creative as you like and remember no pledge is too small, every reduction of plastic being consumed will have an impact on our environment. Those up for the ultimate challenge can pledge to eliminate ALL single use plastic from their lives. Believe it or not it can be done. FOE Malta Team took part in our own plastic free October to find out how this would work out here in Malta. Plastic Free Pledge BEST SPOT FOR SHOPPING There are two special shopping places in St Petersburg, which are certainly worth pay- ing a visit! The first one will always be my favourite shop! "House of the Book" (Dom Knigi) is the largest and the most famous bookshop in St Petersburg and beyond! It occupies one of the most beautiful land- mark buildings in the city, a richly decorat- ed Art Nouveau architectural masterpiece. You will definitely enjoy spending time in this place, shopping for any kind of book you can imagine. The second place is located not too far from the first one and shares the similar decora- tive characteristics. It is just impossible to miss its lavish exterior. Eliseevsky grocery store offers a wide range of delicacies (with rather high prices I have to say), as well as a restaurant and a coffee shop. Stunning interiors with huge windows, chandeliers, polished brass elements and stained glass decorations make it worth popping in to get the wealthy lifestyle feeling. BEST LOCAL THING St Petersburg is often referred to as a cultural capital of Russia. It is a perfect place to travel to if you are an art lover. Whether you prefer traditional or con- temporary art, you won't be disappointed. St Petersburg's museums offer incredible collections! I recommend visiting Russian Museum, which represents the largest collection of Russian art and consists of five separate splendid former palaces and a couple of beautiful parks, too. No need to mention The State Hermitage, which is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world with brilliant collections from Egyptian antiquities to Modern 19-20th century art. If you wish to learn more about contemporary Russian art, then you have a great choice of progressive galleries show- casing paintings, sculptures and installa- tions. Marina Gisich, Anna Nova, Name Gallery, Erarta – just a few places to name. And don't forget about the music art and theatre! Unarguably, theatres are also at the top of St Petersburg's main attractions. There are so many more really interesting things to do in the city. The Metro in St Petersburg is an experience itself. Elaborately decorated with bas-reliefs, columns and magnificent chandeliers stations will make you feel a bit like you are in an underground kingdom and also give a chance to learn something about Soviet history. Another must-see is the so-called Well- Courtyards – narrow yards surrounded by buildings. This is something which hides behind the front facades of the buildings – dark and gloomy courtyards that will show you another face of the city, revealing the dark side of its history. Fans of Dostoevsky will love it! One can literally find the places mentioned in his books. Another essential part of the city exploration is to take a boat trip or a river cruise. The city is built over 42 islands and surrounded by water with a complex web of rivers and canals. Great vistas of the city are often visible from the water. Enjoy! BEST AREAS TO WIND DOWN AND ENJOY NATURE If you wish to get away from the busy roaring city to a peaceful place, then I would definitely recommend Pavlosk. It is the youngest of the stunning Imperial estates surrounding St Petersburg. It will not be as crowded as spectacular Peterhof (Petrodvorets) with its famous fountains or dazzling with gold as Pushkin (Tzar- skoe selo). It is one of the most charm- ing and extensive green spaces around St Petersburg and one of the largest landscaped, English-style gardens in the world. Pavlovsk Park is the ideal place to visit in summer for picnics; the park is massive and covers 607 hectares in total, much of which is a deep woodland, mak- ing it always possible to find a secluded spot. Ponds offer boating throughout the summer, so you can take a ride to enjoy the calmness of the nature. Besides the breath-taking landscapes you can also enjoy different temporary and permanent exhibitions, which take place in the el- egant and modest neoclassical palace. Try to get there early in the morning to enjoy the serenity of the place.