Jaffa and Tel Aviv

Trip Start Nov 13, 2008
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Trip End Dec 15, 2008


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Where I stayed
(Tel Aviv hotels)

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Sunday, November 16, 2008

Today was a VERY busy day. Out of hotel by 8:30. First, we went to Jaffa which is only 10 minutes from Tel Aviv (TV) and is an ancient city dating back to biblical times. It is located on an elevated rocky peninsula jutting out into the sea and is the site of many biblical stories, where Jonah met his whale, St. Peter lived there for awhile, the Crusader Richard the lion-hearted landed there and built a fortress, etc. Very reminiscent of the Greek islands with very narrow cobblestone streets built up and down a steep hill, very old buildings all piled on top of each other. Now, it is a series of art galleries, cafes and small shops - very colorful. We stopped at a famous Israeli sculptor's museum/gallery - Ilana Goor - she lives in and has a multi-story studio/gallery along one of the little streets that has been completely renovated but still retaining the old cobblestone walls. It is decorated with her art works. She also makes beautiful metal and leather furniture and chandeliers. I had to indulge myself and bought a beautiful bronze candle holder/sculpture by her which is being shipped home - too heavy to carry.

We went to a couple of bazaars, a flea market where i got a freshly squeezed glass of pomegranite juice - just a small stand with a large squeezer and a huge pile of the largest pomegranites i have ever seen. Most of the day was just strolling around looking at various parts of TV. TV is a new city - it was founded in 1909 and has grown like crazy since then - lots of tall buildings but still an old central core with small cobblestone streets and old mansions built in the early 1900s - a world heritage site. We also went to the Reuven Rubin Museum - he was a Roumanian who emmigrated to then Palestine in the early 1900s and lived and helped build TV. Beautiful paintings depicting the growth of the city.

Got back to the hotel about 6 and had to leave 25 minutes later for a visit to the Orthodox Jewish community for a discussion and dinner but I conked out. Bob went and said it was very interesting. It was held in a synagogue on the outskirts of TV. Several young men met the group and answered questions for awhile, then served a typical simple dinner which bob said was very good, lots of salads, little meat, and lots of starches, pasta, couscous, rice, etc.

There is a revolt brewing in our group apparently. Our guide, Betty, is a little abrasive and has alienated a number of members of the group who apparently met tonight (Bob declined to join) to discuss lodging a formal complaint. Will keep you posted.

All for now. Trying to get some sleep but only nod off for about an hour, then up again. Bob upstairs asleep - it is only 11 pm rather than 3 am so i guess i am improving.

Jaffa Shirley (the J is pronounded not silent like in Spanish)
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