Tel Aviv / Jaffa

We are now in Tel Aviv, Israel’s second largest city. It’s considerably different, in spite of the proximity to Jerusalem. Not as historical, and not as shrouded in religion, it’s the country’s hip city; a place more famous for its night life than its tourist venues, and it has great beaches on the Mediterranean (in the summer).

Tel Aviv's waterfront

On the way, there was a Zionist demonstration of sorts that blocked the freeway for several minutes, until the police came to move the demonstrators to the sides and let the traffic flow. We have no idea what it was all about as we could not interpret the numerous banners.

The GPS today was most aggravating. One way streets and pedestrian traffic only thoroughfares were not recognized, so we kept going around in circles, until I shut it off and managed better without it. Near our hotel is one of these pedestrians-only streets. It has many restaurants and spice stores, and is a cool place for people watching.

Waiting to get seated at our lunch spot in our neighborhood.

This dove flew right onto the store's display and started eating its peanuts.

Possibly the best locale in the city is the area known as Jaffa. Abutting the Mediterranean, it is an older section, known for its old port, which now only serves small fishing boats and small yachts.

View of Jaffa from the port.

More surfers than we imagined.

Looking at Tel Aviv's seaside skyline from Jaffa

We walked the old streets, checked out a very large flea market, savored some good gelato, and leisurely enjoy our late afternoon. In the evening, we strolled again in the pedestrian street and had a light dinner.

Jaffa's clock tower

Street scene in the flea market area

A Bougainvillea palm tree?

At the Hapisga Garden

I just loved this painting. We saw it by the seaport and had to take a photo.

Not the most exciting day of our trip, but an easy-going one, and at least the weather cooperated; no rain and milder temps.

Let’s see what tomorrow will bring…