Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv

Tel Aviv is a schizophrenic city. The old and the new vie for your attention. The old original city was known as the White City because all the buildings were white and of the Bauhaus architectural design. Today many of the buildings are in ruin. Most need a painting but the fine design remains. The outskirts of the city feature the finest modern architecture. I marvel at the high buildings of exquisite original design. I love to look at the new buildings but prefer to stay in the central area with all the noise, excitement and activities. In 5 minutes I can be at the Mediterranean. I can walk for hours along the boardwalk. I have walked from the northern port area all the way to Jaffa while enjoying the sea breeze and looking at the pure white sand of the beaches. How clever to have small gym areas all along the shore. They are well used and it is all free.

In no time I can be at the centre of the city with the shops and the large central market. Cafes line the streets and they are always busy at all times of the day and night. Every block has at least one fresh juice stand. There is absolutely nothing as good as the taste of a fresh squeezed Israeli orange.

It is a short bus or train ride to Jerusalem. Jerusalem has to be one of the most unique cities of the world. The history is fascinating. The whole city is build of white stone. The old and the new have the same look. The city is up on the Judean hills and overlooks the beautiful countryside. The Dead Sea, Haifa and Eilat are big tourist favorites. I found Sefat a most interesting place. It is an artist centre and also the known for its mystical studies. If you ever get a chance to go you must book at the Artist Colony. It is a boutique hotel with only 4 rooms. They all overlook the Galilee and are constructed with modern Italian plumbing and featuring the old original stone walls. Israel is a small country and you can travel throughout the country in no time.

I love Tel Aviv because of the balmy weather and the exciting Mediterranean energy. My favorite food is Shashooka. It is similar to Mexican eggs. It is prepared in small copper pots. A fresh tomato sauce is the base. Israeli tomatoes have a wonderful flavor. Two eggs are poached in the middle of the sauce and it is served in the cooking pot. I ate it every day. Very often several side dishes are also served. Mazzarine Patiserie and Chocolaterie at 17 Gordon St was the best. It also had the best chocolate cake.

I can’t go to Israel without eating a falafel. On the corner of Fishman and Dizengoff There is a small kosher falafel stand. It has 4-5 tables on the street. It is busy all day and well into the evening. The falafels are amazing.

Sonyas is the most charming restaurant. It is on a small alley at 1 Simta Almonit. It is an old street just off King George St near the Carmel Market. It looks like a grubby café. You enter the door and then go to a large outside garden. The tables are on a cobblestone backyard. The trees are lit with little lights. The food is delightful and always a favorite of mine.

Pastry shops are a big Israeli favorite. I had the best cheesecakes and hot chocolate cakes. Each place seemed to be better than the last one.

My favorite café is XOHO on Mapu Street near Ben Yahuda. It is an artistic delight. It is whimsical and charming. The food is creative and original. It is always busy and for good reason. The baking is prepared in the tiniest kitchen I have ever seen. The food is tasty and very creative. What a delightful spot!

The Mann Auditorium is the home of the Tel Aviv Philharmonic. It is a world famous organization.

When the sun shines Tel Aviv is paradise. When it rains it is a horror story, The water fills up at the curbs and it is like walking through a lake to cross the road. The sun can come up in short time and the water disappears quickly.