Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/926403
maltatoday SUNDAY 14 JANUARY 2018 37 Travel Someone once famously wrote that God has an inordinate fondness for beetles, and anyone mildly versant in natural history will know why. As species go, beetles far outnumber every other plant and animal group on the planet, and new ones get discovered every week. Even here in tiny Malta we have more than 2000 recorded species of beetle, ranging in size from quasi- microscopic to a hefty (as insects go) 40mm or more, and in the medium-large category we get the common oil beetle (M. dliela żejtnija). You don't see beetles much during the cooler months but you may spot this flightless beast lumbering about in the grass, especially in shady humid places. Its shiny black body has this strange pitted pattern that always reminds me of those hammered brass ornamental plates you see in North African souks. They're called oil beetles because if handled they tend to exude an oily substance that can cause some skin irritation. So if you see one just maybe take a pic and leave her be. And for pete's sake don't eat it either! 592 COMMON OIL BEETLE 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 494: Find out more: www.foemalta.org/vacancies/1801/ Text Victor Falzon Photo Desirée Falzon Garden help required Villa Chelsea, the site of our Nature Therapy project, is a therapeutic community managed by the Richmond Foundation that provides a residential and day community-based programme and respite care for persons with mental health problems, and supports clients to learn the skills that empower them to live an independent life in the community. The beautiful old home stands in a mature garden in Birkirkara, with citrus, olive and other fruit trees, an area where the residents grow vegetables and herbs, and since this year, a compost heap and a chicken coop. Managing the community, the house and the garden is a challenging task, and the management of Villa Chelsea is looking for a helping hand to assist them with gardening work for a morning or afternoon per week. Friends of the Earth can offer a small remuneration as part of the Nature Therapy project until the end of March. Anyone with green fingers and some time on their hand who's willing to help out can send us an email to discuss further on info@foemalta.org BEST PLACE TO EAT London has a diverse range of restaurants with culinary delights to satisfy everyone. Michael's on the Thames is one of the better fine dining establishments in the city. This local favourite offers superb continental cuisine, tableside cooking, and outstanding service. It also hosts seasonal events, such as its popular New Year's Eve dinner. It has an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere, with an oversized stone fireplace and views of the wooded Thames River, and live music most evenings. It is a perfect spot for couples, families, and either small or large groups who desire a comfortable and intimate fine dining experience. King of Pigs is another local favourite offer- ing authentic Portuguese-inspired meals. It is particularly famous for its delicious char- coal chicken and homemade Piri Piri sauce, golden French fries baked to perfection, and salad dressed with a gentle homemade vin- aigrette. There are two locations, in the cosy Cherryhill Village Mall (in the west end) and the original establishment on Hamilton Road (in the east end). BEST PLACE TO STAY London has many clean, safe, and leafy neighbourhoods; however, Wortley Village (where my family's home is located and where I lived during my Masters and PhD studies) is arguably its most distinctive ar- eas with its own unique identity and sense of place. Wortley Village is a village within the city, nestled in London's Old South quarter. Regarded as one of the most- coveted places to live in London, it is one of the city's oldest residential neighbour- hoods. It features tree-lined streets with Victorian and early-20th century homes and a cosy village centre with a public library and eclectic array of shops, bars, bistros, and cafes. Wortley Village was recently selected as Canada's best neighbourhood, winning a clean sweep in the annual Great Places in Canada prize, overseen by the Cana- dian Institute of Planners recognising the country's best streets, public places, and neighbourhoods. Wortley Village was honoured with the grand prize for best neighbourhood in the nation, and also won the voting-based people's choice aware in the same category. The judges, and people, were impressed by the village's diverse mix of housing, tree-lined streets, bike-friendly roads, thriving local businesses, walkabil- ity, and strong sense of community. BEST SPOT FOR SHOPPING London features many commercial and shopping districts including throughout the downtown core. In the city centre, Richmond Row is one of the main shop- ping streets, featuring many local retail shops, restaurants, and bars. Covent Garden Market is also a downtown commercial landmark featuring stalls, kiosks, and small shops of local artists, food producers, cloth- iers, jewellery makers, chocolatiers, confec- tioners, etc. During the winter, the Market's front plaza is converted into an ice rink for skating. London also has many malls and big box plaza centres featuring typical North Ameri- can retail stores, chain restaurants, and Star- bucks locales. Two of its major malls anchor the south and north ends of the city. White Oaks Mall (located in the south) and Mason- ville Mall (located in the north). These malls are considered premier shopping mall expe- riences with hundreds of brand name stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.. BEST PLACE FOR A NIGHT OUT London is home the Grand Theatre, a criti- cally acclaimed professional theatre located in the downtown core. The Grand, as it is commonly referred to, stages diverse plays and musicals by international, Canadian, and local authors and playwrights. It also hosts the pop- ular 'Jeans N' Classics' concert series featuring music from classic and contemporary rock, pop, jazz, and R&B scenes. It also collaborates with international and national performing arts organisations to bring high quality fare to the city. There are numerous quality restau- rants located around the Grand for dining or drinks including The Church Key, Garlic's of London, and the Black Trumpet.