Blog #2

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv has so much more to offer than I originally thought. I must admit, I probably did not partake in enough research on the stunning place, but I think it has been better this way. I managed to have a relatively comprehensive conversation with a taxi driver named Asher on the way from the airport.  He gave me some idea of what to do once I dropped my bags off at the hotel. Although I found his husky accent difficult to understand. It seemed that the first place to visit on his list was Jaffa and the old port. I decided it was best to delve strait into my experience in Tel Aviv and I only stopped for a few minutes in my hotel. I asked Asher to wait for me outside in the car park as I quickly dropped of my bags. My hopes were relatively low for the place as Asher’s descriptive language was limited, but I was pleasantly surprised upon my arrival. Each and every building was made from an astonishing stone that looked old, but had still weathered well – becoming almost shiny due all the people who had travelled along the paths prior to me. The streets turned and reviled lovey jewellery shops and art galleries that exhibited a wide range of eye catching items. 

Jaffa from the pier

As night fell upon the city, if anything, Jaffa became even more wondrous; opening the doors to a whole new experience. I had been making my way through the city for hours and was almost entirely lost. My worries had not set in yet and I was more focused on finding some food. I stumbled upon cute little restaurant that was covered by vines and I enjoyed all of the Middle Eastern flavoured dishes. Inside it was wonderfully decorated, it occurred to me that perhaps I had discovered one of the best restaurants in town. I was hoping to return to it the following night, although I was unable to find it. As I tried to make my way back to my hotel I soon became lost in a sea of stone buildings that all looked the same. Each turn I got more and more lost and I soon came to an area littered with cats. I have honestly never seen so many felines in one place. They popped out of bins and small crevices and looked at you curiously. Surprisingly they seemed healthy enough and were not dirty or skinny. Soon enough I gave up on finding my way out alone and decided to hail a taxi on the largest road I could fine and I soon returned to my hotel. 

The cats

It was a massive relief to be back at the hotel and finally rest my surprisingly sore fear.  It was the first time since I arrived in Israel I was staying in conditions much like those at home. As I entered my room I was astounded by the intricate well thought through designs that littered the whole room. I must say, I had the best night sleep I had had in a long time; especially because of the lack of company.  The staff members were kind, although not overly welcoming and annoying. The man at the door however was quite strange and abrupt, although I had since discovered he had quite serious hearing problems. I was almost sad that morning when it was time to leave the stunning hotel to go and enjoy the sights Tel Aviv has to offer.

My hotel bed 

The next morning I was fortunate enough to have blue skies and a 30 degree day. Although I have since discovered that these conditions are normal in the city. I had decided the previous night that I would venture to a more modern section of Tel Aviv. I visited the Carmel market, which was about to burst with the phenomenal amounts of colours that were consuming its narrow paths. There were overwhelming calls from stalls asking you to come by their produce and locals bartering in foreign languages to get better prices.  The feel of the place was so energised, people were constantly pushing past you, and it was as if time itself had been sped up. There was such a wide variety of stalls that covered everything from pets to food. I managed to buy myself a few things, such as spices, halva and a swim suit. It only took an hour of walking before the heat truly sank in. I then slowly made my way to the beach in hope of a relaxing swim. The water was so much warmer than I expected, it required no shivering to get into and I could stay in for hours. There was a large stone water break that I could sunbathe on without getting smothered in sand, and it was beautiful watching people slowly pack up and go home as the sun set. 

Sunset on the beach 

Tel Aviv has so much more to offer than I originally thought. Although sometimes the Israel can be quite confronting, with poverty, solders and the constant threat of terrorist attacks; surprisingly it has a very comfortable feel. Even though standing next to a strong man holding a big gun in army uniform should be horrifying, it almost makes me feel safer. Israel is incredibly different to anything I have experienced. It is certainly a place that is worth visiting at least once.