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maltatoday SUNDAY 10 DECEMBER 2017 39 Travel The woodcock is a stocky dove-sized bird, but that ultra-long bill tells you with no shadow of doubt that this is no pigeon! Technically it belongs to the wading-bird family but the woodcock doesn't do much wading: indeed its favoured habitat are nice patches of broadleaf woodland with plenty of leaf litter where to rummage for juicy worms and other invertebrates – incidentally this is where that long probing bill comes in handy. The woodcock (M. gallina) is a scarce autumn visitor to Malta and not easy to see due to its crepuscular nature, ie hides by day (note the wonderful dry-leaf plumage that blends it perfectly in a pile of leaf litter) and ventures forth after sundown. Wise habit, as this hapless bird is considered fair game so okay to shoot on sight. Most woodcocks that reach our shores only fly through on migration to Africa, stopping maybe a day or two at most. A few decide to stop for the winter, but virtually all get killed by hunters within a few weeks. Mustn't let the family starve, must we! Text Victor Falzon Photo Raymond Galea 587. WOODCOCK 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 490: Gift wrapping - No time to pop to the stationary shop? Wrap Christmas gifts with old newspaper. If you have time, you can even cut thin strips to make a decorative bow to top it all off. Eco-sufficiency is the space in which all human beings should exist. It's about having enough wealth and resources shared by all individuals so that we all have our basic needs covered (which is not currently the case for a large percentage of the global population), but at the same time live within our planetary boundary, which are real and quantifiable. At this point in time we are already consuming way too much for us to be within the limitations of our world's resources, so one way of mitigating is to have a new paradigm and shift towards degrowth. Degrowth is about moving beyond the concept of economic growth. Do we really need more? Isn't there enough of what we need in this planet already? Are material possessions making us more happy? It has been proven through various studies that beyond a certain amount of disposable income, happiness is no longer coupled to the increase in this monetary figure. What we'd like to propose this giving season, is to think about what brings most joy to your life and to those you love. Let's focus not on materialism but shift towards experientialism, and create memories together, share joys, give more time to each other. When we are buying gifts, let's make sure they are ethical both environmentally and socially. Support companies who are not exploitive, who are not using slave labour, who do not deforest areas for the production of their products. This world is so interconnected, that the choices we are making in our country is affecting lives in others. Share these thoughts at the dinner table this Christmas. Ethical Gifts This Holiday Season BEST PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT Clubs in Florence are very different to what we're used to in Malta. Most require an entrance fee ranging from €10-15 and drinks are not cheap. Your choice in club all boils down to the genre of music you're into and in the city you're definitely bound to find your place. Locals will insist on checking out Babylon Club and Blanco Beach Bar. The two play commercial sound and the lat- ter only runs throughout the summer months. However, if you're looking for house and techno events, Tenax is the place to be. Situated outside the city centre, it is one of Florence's most popular clubs and boasts an impressive list of guest DJs that have played over the past three decades. Club 21 is also worth following, hosting events ranging from hip-hop to techno. You also may be lucky enough to stumble across the occasional party held in palazzos around the city. BEST PLACE TO HANG OUT Santo Spirito, located on the op- posite side of the Arno River is a neighbourhood bursting with en- ergy particularly in the evenings. Packed with great restaurants bars and cafes, one could easily spend their whole trip here. Though if we're talking more specifically, 'Move On' is a pub situated right outside the Duomo and not only scores five stars for its beautiful décor and great loca- tion but also boasts a super sexy record store on the first floor. This BEST ADVENTURE ACTIVITY Italians live 'la vita bella'. But the beautiful life does not mean a luxurious one. Instead the Italians take pride in their relaxed lifestyle and this is something that you will instantly notice upon stepping foot in Italy. That being said, Florence especially, may not the place to be if you're seeking extreme adventure. However, there are still a number of fun things to do in the city. One can view Florence's top spots from a different angle by spending an af- ternoon rafting on the Arno River. This is a perfect way to see the city whilst avoiding the crowds during the hot summer months. You may also choose to stop midway for an aperitif because trust me when I say that nothing in Italy is done without food and drink. Get a unique view of the city of while rafting along the River Arno BEST SPOT FOR SHOPPING Vintage shopping is a gem that one stumbles across unexpectedly in Florence, yet surprisingly, it is a hub for some of the best-preserved vintage one could hope to find. So whether you're looking for a Levi's denim jacket or a Tuscan style credenza, the city will provide. Though I feel like I should mention that in this city, vintage is definitely not cheap so if you're looking to save some cash, look the other way. You will, however, find a couple of shops, which allow for the occasional (and very persistent) haggling. Melrose Vintage is probably my favourite place to shop for clothes. One will also find vintage shop after vintage shop on Borgo Pinti. If you're into techno, Tenax Club is the place to be Florence is the perfect place for vintage shopping though if you're looking for a bargain you should probably look away place is a definite must for those wanting to grab a drink and little bit of groove. Move On is a pub situated right outside the Duomo and not only scores five stars for its beautiful décor and great location but also boasts a super sexy record store on the first floor