Surfing in Israel, really? Literally and figuratively "surfing" is a customary way of life in Tel Aviv. Occasionally referred to as the "Miami" of the Middle East, the "Party Capital" of Israel, etc...I was taken aback by the laid-back/free-spirited/Cali attitude that is embodied in this Metropolitan city. Tel Aviv has a pretty controversial reputation as some may know; contention of politics and religion between surrounding states have caused a bit of turmoil over the past several years, which makes traveling there not such a piece of cake for foreigners. Being a twenty-something year old American female that has no partake in political disputation, I arrived with ease...prepared for what ever awaits me.
I stayed in quite a popular area called Florentin, with an Eclectic scene to meet the likes of any modern day gypsy...I was pleased to say the least. I must admit that it is preferable to either (1.) download the Gett app for a more Universal version of Uber or (2.) rent a bike and pedal around this monstrosity of a Mediterranean city.
From Florentin to the famous, old city of Jaffa it's around 10 minutes by foot...making it not only easily accessible but a can't-miss hotspot. First on my list was to skim through the booths of the Flea Market of Jaffa, the infinite amount of jewelry, home-goods, trinkets, antiques...(basically everything and anything you can imagine to be placed inside of a Middle Eastern home) was displayed for purchase in this magical market. It was inevitable that I would buy dozens of Hamsa bracelets to last me a lifetime, but who can possibly resist?
The Jaffa Port was my next little exploration, along the way you find yourself submerged with the old town architecture, art galleries, Hookah bars, and traditionalism that is hidden within this ancient maze. St. Peters Church is one of the many monumental sites that I found so fascinating, considering that its a Catholic place of worship with mass recited in Hebrew, Spanish, Polish, and English. Once arriving at the port, depending on which direction you went by, you find yourself amongst either the newly renovated boardwalk, filled with new cafes and juice bars, or the tip of the beach. The Jaffa Beach was a surfers paradise, most likely because it was winter and the current was stronger, making the waves more consecutive and better for learning purposes. I had the pleasure of riding my first wave during sunrise, what an unforgettable sight! The coastline is enormous, 170 miles worth to be exact, and is a nonstop extravaganza; parks, monuments, a panoramic view of the coast, water sports, events, etc. One area in particular really captured my attention, known as Bograshov Beach, a 15 minute drive from Jaffa Port with opaque water, silky sand, and a more localized theme for people looking for less tourism.
Tel-Aviv is filled with outdoor markets that contain primarily the same products (jewelry, art, clothing, home-goods) and food (Hummus, Falafel, exotic spices) as one another. However, the Carmel Market is the largest in all of Tel-Aviv, sellers and traders fill this market with every possible item that mankind can make use of creatively. From the Carmel Market I was on my way towards the most centralized street that makes up most of the shopping in Tel Aviv, called Rothschild Boulevard. From there you have a clear passageway to most parts of Tel Aviv (especially a sweet little cafe called Citizen, with the BEST yogurt breakfast bowls and match tea lattes I have ever tasted) that are worth a look or two.
Hope you enjoyed, tune in for my next post!