Monday, October 22, 2012
Jaffa With Commentary
Photos from Jaffa: Where I stayed; A a view from the roof; A fruit stand; The flea market outside; A view of the Mosque and a bell tower from the Ottoman Empire.
I stayed in the artsy Bohemian part of Tel Aviv for three nights. The accommodations lacked the amenities I want but on the other hand it was in a charming neighborhood with a wonderful roof. On the roof I made the acquaintance of an interesting Canadian journalist who has been all over the world including being embedded in Afghanistan, and a lovely woman from London who does some kind refugee work and has traveled a lot. We went out to dinner together Friday night.
I didn't do too much in Jaffa. I walked around. It's a mixed neighborhood of Jews and Arabs who, from the face of it, get along well. There are all kinds of antiques, new and vintage clothing, knickknacks, jewelry, furniture and on and on. The flea market has been there for at least 80 years, maybe longer. It is a neighborhood that is gentrifying.
Sunday, October 21, 2012
Many Moods Of Sunset
Because of Yom Kippur daylight savings time ended early so it would be light for early prayers. The sun sets here before 5:30. Really early.
Having lunch across from the beach in Tel Aviv. If my room had been ready I might have gone to the beach in a bathing suit and had lunch there. Maybe tomorrow. I may also rent a bicycle. There's a working bike program with lots of stations all over the city so you can rent a bike and then leave it anywhere there's a station.
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Eilat With Commentary
Wednesday -- I woke up at 3:00AM to watch the debate. Am greatly relieved that Obama rebounded. I'd seen most of the first debate and was as demoralized as everyone else.
Spent the last few days doing absolutely nothing. It was quite restful. I had a nice room in a hotel outside the center of the city of Eilat. It was pretty hot, around 98 degrees so the amount of time in the sun was limited to the morning. Really first sun of the year for me. I'd like to return home with a tan.
The hotel had really good breakfasts so I only had to find dinner. Eilat is a real resort town with the lights of Aqaba shining across the water of the Red Sea glimmering in the night. It's really a smaller, tackier version of Miami Beach.
Full of Russians, some from Israel some from Russia. I don't think they are all Jewish. Not sure but I did see a big cross around one person's neck in my hotel and he looked like a big beefy Russian. Heard a lot of Russian being spoken. I was here in 1968 when there were few hotels and many hippies. Things change. I stayed at a hippy camp then built around a water source, now glitzy hotels.
Actually I really didn't speak to anyone for a few days. Looking forward to some company in Tel Aviv. Also looking forward to returning home. Next trip might be a cruise. Getting tired. Uphill sights and sites (the best) challenging at best, almost impossible these days. Maybe more time at the gym will help.
Last week away ahead. I'm now on the bus to Tel Aviv, and here are a few photos of Eilat:
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
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