Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/911593
maltatoday SUNDAY 3 DECEMBER 2017 41 Travel The Narcissus is a queen among flowers. It has inspired art and poetry, and traces its name to a character in Greek mythology, which story in turn gave us the terms narcissism and narcissistic. But back to the subject in question: the Narcissus (M. Narċis) is a plant of open spaces, especially grassy slopes with clayey soils. It flowers in December and January, so it's right now busy already pushing up bunches of long rigid leaves straight up from the ground like stands of bluish green spears. The flowers are white with a chrome yellow cup in the middle, and their fragrance is out of this world. No wonder some people pick armfuls of them. Wrong thing to do of course, as that's the best way to ensure the plant doesn't seed and spread. Sure enough, generations of flower-picking have seriously depleted the Narcissus from our countryside. So if you meet this flower this winter by all means enjoy its scented company, but please do not cut short its stalk and its chances of survival. Text Victor Falzon Photo Desirée Falzon 586. NARCISSUS 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 489: Compost material - Add moderate amounts of wet, shredded newspaper to your compost heap and give earthworms a tasty treat. The European Commission and EU Member States have failed to halt the use of the herbicide glyphosate by supporting a new five-year licence for the controversial weed- killer, missing the opportunity to ban it completely and make European food and farming safer and more sustainable. Glyphosate damages nature, probably causes cancer, and props up an industrial farming system that is degrading the land we need to feed ourselves. The approval, even if only for five years, is a missed opportunity to get rid of this risky weedkiller and start to get farmers off the chemical treadmill. Five more years of glyphosate will put our health and environment at risk, and is a major setback to more sustainable farming methods. The EU's food safety watchdog has given glyphosate a clean bill of health but has been accused of plagiarism by copying the main safety arguments from the industry's application. In addition, papers released in the USA reveal that the main producer of glyphosate, Monsanto, has been ghost- writing safety studies, covertly paying European scientists and has unduly influenced regulatory authorities to support the continued use of glyphosate. Malta, together with 8 other European countries voted against the renewal. This announcement shows responsibility from government's side as it has consistently chosen to listen to the concerns of experts and individuals who have demanded that our fields, streets and gardens would be free from this risky weed killer. EU fails to seize opportunity to end glyphosate BEST PLACE TO STAY Kuala Lumpur offers a wide range of hotels, hostels and guesthouses, ranging from cheap and laid-back stays suitable for the backpackers which are mostly found around China Town to five-star hotels for a more sophisticated traveler round Bukit Bintang or other Kuala Lumpur areas. I personally prefer the laidback local scene of China Town, but for those that wish to be in the centre of Kuala Lumpur, surrounded by numerous shopping malls with shops ranging from Zara to Louis Vuitton, nightlife and diverse restaurant op- tions, Bukit Bintang should be your choice. BEST SPOT FOR SHOPPING When visiting Kuala Lumpur one is spoilt for choice for shopping. If you're into the normal Western shopping then in Bukit Bintang you will find anything and everything, from H&M and Zara to super expensive brands in the Pavilion Mall like Cartier and Chanel. I would much rather explore and hunt the second-hand book and clothing stores and to my amusement Kuala Lumpur, especially China Town, is a real treat in this area. Additionally, there is what is known as Pasar Karat (rust market) which is a local flea market found close to Petaling Street in China Town. Even if you are not interested in purchasing anything, visiting this market is an experience of its own. A bit of a heads up; it is mostly for the early risers as this market is in motion from 5.30am till around 9am, but the early bird catches the worm! Do not let the scary rumours of such markets put you off. On the two occasions that I visited this market, I was the only foreigner there, but it was so much fun. It is packed with a local.hustle and bustle, so do not miss on this local experience especially if you are into antiques from old books and magazines to clothes, instruments and collectibles. BEST PLACE TO UNWIND AND ENJOY NATURE Malay has so many beautiful spots. My stay was mostly round Kuala Lumpur, but when I needed to get out of the city, I was spoilt for choice with the many islands around. On the West one can find the touristic busy island of Langkawi whereas on the East side one can find smaller quieter islands like Kapas and Tioman. Your choice is based on your interests. Islands like Kapas and Tioman are very chilled and remote with less activities (alcohol and pubs are very limited if not scarce) whereas Langkawi is busier and usually attracts more tourists. You might want to take note of the time of the year you'll be visiting the islands because the weather may differ from one side to another. My favourite island is Tioman which is super chilled with barely any people and no means of transport round the island, except for the boats. The wifi is very limited – perfect for some folks. Getting there involves a five to six hour bus ride from Kuala Lumpur and another two-hour boat ride to the island. I chose to stop at the top part of the island, Salang. I then trekked through the jungle to get to another point of the island. The trek was around three to four hours (if you choose not to stop along the way) accompanied by monkeys, snakes and Komodo lizards. This way you get to explore those hidden beaches and cool off during the journey. BEST LOCAL THING Malaysia is well known for its beauti- ful antiques and handicrafts – priceless authentic antiques, woodcrafts, metal crafts, hand-woven crafts (bags, baskets, mats, hats made from bamboo, rattan, local plant fibers and leaves) and textiles (batik and songkret among others made into all sorts of decorative items from clothes to curtains). China Town has many hidden gems of- fering such items but places like Melac- ca, (which is a three-hour bus ride from Kualal Lumpur) is definitely the mecca for antiques, art and exquisite traditional finds. The town is full of arts and visu- als, giving it a distinctive look. So just walking round town is already a treat. I loved strolling around, taking in all the art (old and new), exploring antiques and second hand shops in Jonker Street and diving into the food at the night market afterwards. Cherishing the traditional artists while attracting new Malaysian ones, Melacca is definitely the place for antique preser- vation and visual arts.