© 2016 Snapping the Globe, L.L.C. All rights reserved.
One of the biggest surprises in my life was visiting Tel Aviv.
Knowing virtually nothing about the country of Israel at the time, I swapped onto a Tel Aviv trip thinking that it was another, Istanbul, since the rotation numbers were very similar. My husband, under the impression that it was unsafe to travel there, had previously warned me about bidding or swapping onto the trip, so, when I realized my mistake, I flew into a panic.
Secretly, I really wanted to go there, but I was in turmoil as to how I should I handle it? Should I lie to my husband and tell him I was traveling elsewhere? Should I honor his wishes and re-swap the trip for another? Should I tell him about it?
Finally, I decided to come clean. Admitting my mistake, I expressed my wish to keep the trip. I certainly did not want something to happen to me and have him find out I was there in that fashion.
Years after flying that trip and visiting Tel Aviv and Jerusalem for the first time, I still think about that experience; how I almost gave up one of the most amazing experiences for the unfounded wishes of another.
Today, I still enjoy visiting Tel Aviv as much as those first few times. Back then, it was still so new and exciting to tell people that I was visiting a place that few people I knew would ever go. Now, I enjoy visiting because it’s so familiar; my favorite restaurants, bars, nightclubs, markets, tours, beaches.
My husband still gives me a hard time.
This past weekend, I went to Tel Aviv for the first time in two years. It wasn’t that I didn’t want to visit…recently, when I had been awarded the trip, I needed time off or had something else that needed taking care of. It’s also a hard trip to work…long flight hours, two all-nighter flights and a sometimes demanding clientele.
We arrive late in the afternoon, and after working more than 11 hours, we are quite exhausted. The trick to this late arrival is to keep on going. So, after a quick shower and change, we meet up for happy hour and a nice dinner…and sometimes dancing! Yes, the nightlife here is amazing with some outstanding bars and clubs.
Having a strong desire to see what the country of Israel has to offer, I usually book a tour for the next day, even knowing how tired I will be after touring all day and then having to work a 12 hour flight home. I have visited the cities of Caesarea, Acre, Megiddo, Haifa, Galilee, Nazareth, Jerusalem, Masada and swam in the Dead Sea…sometimes on more than one occasion. Visiting the many historical and biblical sights, one realizes why so many Christians make the pilgrimage to this country.
One city, that I had never had the opportunity to visit, was Bethlehem. A tour of the birthplace of Jesus had been on my agenda for this layover, but realizing that there were many things that needed accomplishing, I decided that postponing the tour until another time would be best.
Catching up on my sleep, I got a somewhat late start to my day. After finally opening my balcony window and seeing the oceanfront view and the beautiful sunny weather awaiting me, however, I quickly got a move on.
Wandering over to my favorite falafel place, Yashka Shawarma and Grill, I found that they had done a bit of remodeling, but the falafel pita was still as good as I remembered. I also love the wide array of salads available with your food! Cabbage and beets? Never was a fan until I came to Israel!
Walking down, Dizengoff Street, I discovered a unique and colorful fountain, which I had never seen before. I stopped to appreciate the dancing water and accompanying music for a few minutes. Located on a pedestrian bridge, many people seem to congregate here to enjoy the view.
My next stop was the Dizengoff Shopping Center to purchase a bracelet charm. Having to wait in line at the mall entrance and then have your bags searched, really makes one appreciate the freedom that we enjoy in our own countries. Knowing that this is for everyone’s safety, the locals seem to take it all in stride and patiently wait their turn.
Making my way down King George street, I soon found myself at my final destination; the Carmel market.
The Carmel market is an amazing assault on your senses and pocketbook. There are clothes, purses and jewelry to buy on one end and tons of fresh vegetables, desserts, juices, fresh fish and other food items on the other. You can get a suitcase or skincare products…you name it…it’s there. After saying hello to my friend, Leon, who sells Dead Sea skin products, I set about finding the olive oil that I had come searching for. Three bottles later, my purse was so heavy, I decided that a detour to the hotel would be in order.
Not quite ready to call it a day, I dropped my purchases in my room and headed out toward the beach area. My favorite bike rental place, Pinky’s, closed a few years ago, so for the first time, I used the Tel-O-Fun bike rental kiosk, closest to my hotel, to rent one of the bikes available throughout the area. The bikes are rented thru a credit card swipe and rates vary according to time used.
Riding down the promenade toward Jaffa, the walkway was crowded with both Israelis and tourists, enjoying the 70 degree weather, clear skies and ocean view. Soon arriving in the old port city, I stopped to admire the sweeping view of the city of Tel Aviv and the occasional fisherman hoping to secure dinner.
Having visited Jaffa many times, I decided to ride along the waterfront to the port located at the rear of the city, stopping occasionally for the many pictures that present themselves along the way. The numerous restaurants, here on the waterfront, were bustling with patrons enjoying fresh seafood and Mediterranean fare and the art galleries were teeming with customers.
After retracing my steps, I walked my bicycle to the main street. Here you will find the Jaffa flea market, home to a treasure trove of antiques and handmade and secondhand items. Take the time to explore the many alleyways, covered walkways and outdoor verandas that have been operating for more than 100 years. There are many souvenir shops and clothing stores to satisfy the most discerning shopper and many restaurants to satisfy any foodie’s cravings.
Here on the main street, one can also gaze upon the clock tower that greets visitors at the entrance to Jaffa. The clock tower is one of seven built in Palestine during the Ottoman period. The others are located in Safed, Acre, Nazaret, Haifa, Nabius (West Bank) and Jerusalem, the last being the only that has not survived. The tower stands in the middle of Yefet street at the northern entrance to Jaffa. Made of limestone, it incorporates two clocks and a plaque commemorating the Israelis killed in the battle for the town in the 1948 Arab-Israeli War.
Finally, as the afternoon was drawing to a close, I began to make my way back down the beach toward my hotel. Knowing that my time in Tel Aviv was ending, I stopped many times to watch the glowing sun as it dipped into the sea.
Later that evening, as we headed to the airport for the long return home, I realized how grateful I was that I, once again, have had the opportunity to return to this intriguing country.
For more pictures of Tel Aviv and Jaffa, please check out my Facebook page, Snapping the Globe and Instagram, Snapping the Globe.
Yashka Shawarma and Grill
Dizengoff Street, 105 (corner of Frishman and Dizengoff)
Try the falafel pita
Carmel Market
Location: Extends the length of HaCarmel Street, from Magen David Square to the end of Carm lit, and across the nearby streets of the Keren Ha Teimanim neighborhood and Nahalan Binyamin pedestrian mall.
Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 8 am until sundown and Friday from 8 am until 2 pm.
Transportation: From the New Central Bus Station: Dan Bus lines 4 or 205. Public taxi minibuses 4 or 5 to Allenby Street. From Central Train Station: Dan Bus lines 18, 61 or 82. From University Train Station: Dan Bus lines 24 or 25.
Parking: Ahuzat HaHof Carmel-Kalisher Street, corner with HaCarmel Street. Pay lot with 313 spaces.
ATMs and public restrooms available.
Tel-O-Fun Bikes https://www.tel-o-fun.co.il/en/
Cost: Access Fee plus Hourly rental
Daily Access Fee 17 ILS
Daily Access Fee-Saturdays and Public Holidays 23 ILS
Weekly Access Fee 70 ILS
Annual Access Fee 280 ILS
Cumulative time from rental beginning:
Up to 30 minutes 0 ILS
Up to 60 minutes 6 ILS
Up to 90 minutes 12 ILS
Up to 150 minutes 32 ILS
Up to 210 minutes 72 ILS
Up to 270 mintes 153 ILS
Please note: Allow time to watch the video for instructions on returning the bike and allow time to find an alternate location for bike return. When arriving at my original location, I watched the video but did not realize that the rod that is to be inserted into the bike to lock it, was not working (wire tie prevents it from being inserted all the way in). I had already pressed the button to return the bike, so the bike could not be returned to a different stall or a different location. Thankfully, a gentleman and his wife came to my assistance, calling the Tel-O-Fun office for me. A code was given to unlock the bike, allowing the proper return procedures.
Jaffa Flea Market
Hours: Open 6 days a week, from Sunday through Friday, from morning through early evening hours.
