Tel Aviv

A secret picture taken at the border crossing

We decided to start fresh Friday morning and take the day to tour Tel Aviv. We arrived downtown and were told we should go to Shouk Ha'Carmel (Carmel Market) first. It was Friday, and this meant that everything usually closes down around 3pm and doesn't open until late Saturday afternoon or Sunday because of Shabbat. We wandered through the Carmel Market, which is full of artisan crafts and vendors selling everything from jewelry to handmade soaps, and many other handmade beautiful items.

Due to my terrible allergic reaction that morning to something in the home we were staying in, we ventured to find a pharmacy. Luckily, on the way we spotted the sea and were excited to once again be on the Mediterranean. It's like home now! After walking by the sea we stumbled upon the fruit and vegetable market, as well as a huge other section that was selling touristy souvenirs, nuts, juice, and more knick knacks that one can possibly imagine.

We were also advised to walk down Sheinken Street, where we found delicious pizza and very chic looking shops and restaurants. Continuing our tour we strolled down Rothschild Boulevard (one of the most expensive streets in Tel Aviv) to see its famous Bauhaus buildings. By 3pm everything really did close, so we headed back, had dinner, and watched the Spain match that night. Thank goodness the World Cup is always on!

From what we have seen so far, Israel is a beautiful country. It is modern, has great infrastructure, its people are well educated and helpful, and in many areas it seems a lot like parts of the United States. Tel Aviv reminds me in many ways of New York City or California. People are out shopping, sitting at cafés, chatting with friends...just like in any other metropolitan city. It is hard to imagine that just a few kilometers to the south there are rockets being launched and missiles fired in Gaza, and to the east is Jerusalem, one of the most holiest sites in the world. I got the impression that perhaps Israelis focus on the good and try to block out reality sometimes, in order to live their lives as normally as possible. As a tourist only here for a few days I obviously cannot understand what it is like for them everyday, but it is amazing to me the combination of different worlds that exists here, and so very close together. I am excited to venture out and visit different parts of the country.