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A View from Jaffa

From Mel's Middle Eastern Mumblings in Tel Aviv, Israel on Feb 17 '06

dangermel has visited no places in Tel Aviv
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I think it was my second day here when I stumbled into Jaffa. However, the weather being dire that day, I didn't explore overly, and left it for a sunny day. Which today was.

After a restless sleep, I got up at about 6.30, threw on a sweater (pretty much wearing what I'd worn to bed... oh well - that's travelling.. and being Mel), grabbed a pastry and juice from the AM:PM on Ben Yehuda, and strolled down to the beach. Early as it was, there were still lots of human traffic; joggers, cyclists, people like me just going for a stroll along the coast.

Karen had suggested I take today to explore Jaffa, so with the sun beating down, and the sea a twinkling blue, that's what I did. Taking lots of photos along the way (of course), I munched my breakfast, and was amazed how even more beautiful the scenery was as I continued. On arrival to Jaffa, I continued to Jaffa port, just to have a snoop around. Heard Arabic being spoken. Some Arabic youths posing, with a stereo blaring with Arabic hip-hop (not recommended). As it's Saturday, there was a great atmosphere of calm. I explored Habrasha park which is simply stunning! Very green with lots of palm trees, little monuments - beautiful. I took a tonne of photos. Stumbled across the 'Wishing Bridge' - apparently you have to walk on the bridge and place your hands on the one of the plaques that is your star sign, look out to the sea, and make a wish.

I'll keep you posted on whether or not I get asked to be the new face of Grape Nuts Cereal...

Anyway...

I sat a while in the park just looking out to the Mediterranean, and enjoying the soft breeze and blissful tranquility. After resting my feet I headed off to have a mooch around and check out... anything worth checking out (there wasn't much - the streets were pretty, but it was deserted, being Saturday). I walked along the roadside til I ended up in a residential area... which wasn't all that exciting, and headed back to South Tel Aviv (where my hostel is located).

Still undecided on what tomorrow will bring. I guess I'll have to decide then. One thing's certain - it's bloody nice to rest my feet right now! It's only 11am!


Wander and Wonder avatar Wander and Wonder on Aug. 3, 2006 @ 10:59PM said
Hello, I've been reading your blog on Israel and was wondering if it's possible to get to Akko(Acre) from Tel Aviv by car sensibly. My travel companions are not eager about taking the bus. What about visiting Meggido from Tel Aviv on a day-trip? It looks possible just be looking at the map but on the ground things may be different. We are also thinking of using Jerusalem as a base to explore Masada and BeerSheeba as well. Would you recommend that or is it better to travel and stay at those sites overnight? I am really enjoying your blog so far and look forward to more.

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