A View from Jaffa
From Mel's Middle Eastern Mumblings in Tel Aviv, Israel on Feb 17 '06
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!
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