Israeli Summer: Tel Aviv

Our Tel Aviv weekend was action packed from the start.

   Action packed meaning scurrying around the bus station, trying to figure out how to get to Tel Aviv University further north.  We see the info kiosk and I show the attendant the map on my phone.  "How do we get there?", I point.  "Buses don't go near there" is her response.  Frustration.  Several more stopped, disgruntled travelers later, we are directed back to the same attendant at the info kiosk.  This time we have a surefire stop.  "How do we get to Ramat Aviv Gamel?", I ask. "Oh, simply take the 105, and then transfer to the 171 at the mall." Two buses and two blocks later, we find ourselves by Tel Aviv University, where we meet up with Ani and Emily, fellow MISTI students.

The first night we went crazy.  And by crazy I meant we paid 50 NIS to go clubbing.  There was dancing, loud music, and napkins thrown into the air that fluttered down.  That was it.  So much for crazy nightlife.

The following morning we embarked on the walking tour of Tel Aviv.  Here is the route.

   We started off with the Palmach Museum, commemorating the soldiers from the Israeli Independence War. I equate the Palmach to Minutemen of the American Revolution.  Freedom fighters that were not always the best equipped, but served with great passion for their Zionist goals.  We missed the tour, but were able to see the extensive photo gallery free of charge.  Here we found an impressive record of the different troops and expeditions.  We were lucky enough to meet one such solider who served, and he showed us his section.  We saw photos of him before and after his injury and heard his account first hand.  The Palmach played another important role in Israeli history, similar to those volunteers who comprised the Underground Railroad.  These brave soldiers helped Jews escape from the German concentration camps.  While the end goal was Israel, most were detained by the British, but most found their way to Israel after Independence.  It was a very touching way to start the morning.

   Next on the agenda was the famous Tel Aviv boardwalk.  After walking down California-esque streets lined with hotels and palm trees, we stumbled upon a ritzy part of the boardwalk.  We found an upscale farmer's market that embodied the feel of Whole Foods and enjoyed fresh fruit juice!  From there, we continued down the boardwalk first observing fancy people eating brunch, and regular beachcomers further down.  

   Stops along the way included a yummy lunch at a cafe, shopping in the antiques shuk, and eventually meeting up with the rest of the group (who slept in) at the giant Tel Aviv shuk.  The antiques shuk had a lot of hidden gems from the Russian army, alongside other not so interesting tidbits.  I enjoyed perusing the uniforms, regalia, and equipment.  The Tel Aviv shuk reminded me of Canal Street in Chinatown, NYC. 

   Back to the boardwalk, we powered on to Old Jaffa.

Sun setting over Old Jaffa

   On Friday, I turned 22.  Yikes.  I was sad that I couldn't be back to celebrate with friends and family, but I had a fantastic time with the MISTI group.  Kenny purchased the most awesome cake ever, and assembled a photobook with messages from friends back home.  I can't thank him enough for making my day so great!

[Corresponding photos here]

Israeli Summer: Water Envy

   Israel is HOT.  But that's ok when that gives you more of an excuse to go to the awesome beaches and pools.

   We went to the beach for the Technion's International Student BBQ at Students Beach.  It was a nice opportunity to meet the other international students (aka American students) and eat veggie dogs with hummus and our other cross-cultural concoctions.  After dinner, we went for a dip in the ocean.  The temperature was just right.  The shore curved less steeply, so we were able to stand out further.  We relaxed, rolling with the waves, watching the colorful sunset.
   But back to the beach, the layout is fantastic.  You have well-maintained sandy beaches, with umbrellas and other permanent shade set up.  Further up, you have grassy patches and a boardwalk aligned with eateries selling smoothies, fresh juices, and ICED COFFEE. (Note: Israeli Iced Coffee is the most delicious thing I have ever drank.  It's like a DD Coffee Coolata, but so much better!)  Along the beach, you will also find areas for table-less ping-pong (aka beach paddleball) and areas with exercise contraptions and pull-up bars.

Paddleball!

Sunset

  I went to the Technion's pool for the first time yesterday, and it was love at first sight.  Their 50 meter indoor pool has skylights that let in streams of light.  After swimming for 1000 meters, I decided to give myself a break and ventured outside.  Stepping out was like stepping out into vacation.  There was a kids pool with beach chairs set up. And to the right was a 25 meter pool with an awning that blocked out the harsh rays, but still let in the right amount of light, surrounded by beach chairs.  I found one, and just laid down to read, letting the cool breeze dry me off.

Israeli Summer: Jerusalem

   So this past weekend, the crew headed up to Jerusalem.  From the Hof Hacarmel station, we bussed to the Central Bus Station in Jerusalem.  We headed off in search of our hostel, only to find that we had gone off in the wrong direction.  Making the best of our mistake, we took a nighttime tour of the government buildings.
   Take two, we taxi to the Jaffa Gate and wander through the most magnificent mall I have seen.  Thursday nights are very busy with families and friends out to dinner.  In Old City, we encounter the festival of lights.  It was a brilliant display of lights in every which way.  There was a dome of light, and cool fixtures from above, and lights along the walkways.  The one downside was that the most direct route to the hostel was blocked off to clear Old City.  After asking several individuals for directions, we saw the glorious Citadel Hostel sign.
   We had booked the tent rooms on the hostel website as they were the cheapest option.  After we checked in, we were ushered up to the roof.  No tents were in sight, but there were pads on the floor.  It dawned on us that we were sleeping on the roof with no covering over our heads.  The night was surprisingly and uncomfortably cold.  But we were troopers, and the beautiful sunrise and view made the night worth it.  We were within sight of Dome of the Rock and had a birds eye view of all of Jerusalem.

   Starving from the previous nights adventures, we went out in search of breakfast.  We settled on pastries at Sam Booki, which is quickly becoming our favorite place to eat.  Everything there is freshly made in the back.  There is a huge selection, and everything is affordable.
   The first destination was the Western Wall (also known as the Wailing Wall).  I believe this wall is the oldest standing structure in Jerusalem, and was also given the name Wailing Wall because people come to the wall to pray (wail?).  It was a very conservative sight, so those exposing too much skin were given wraps.  The fervor with which people prayed was moving.
   But the sun beat down incessantly, so we moved into the small walkways of the Jewish Quarters.  The walkways are quiet in the morning, but as time passes, they become more and more lively as vendors open shop and people start perusing.  Different streets have distinct odors, some of spices, some of flowers, and some less wonderful.
   The Mount of Olives is our next destination.  We take the lazy way out and taxi to the top.  Here we see a magnificent view of the city.  We start walking down and encounter the Garden of Gesemene.  We reenter the Old City through the Zion Gate.
   The Jerusalem Shuk is a bit of a walk from Old City.  We walk alongside the new tram and stop frequently for froyo (deliciously tart!) and water.  We hurried along because we were informed that it closed at 2:30.  But it was still very crowed even though we arrived late.  Stand after stand sold fresh fruits, veggies, nuts, spices, and even meats.
   Things started shutting down in the afternoon for Shabbat.

Dome of Light

Hostel View

Picturesque View of Jerusalem

Random Trip Tidbits
Clubs (according to a German tourist)
"You meet a boy.  You talk real loud.  You find a corner and smoochi smoochi. It's fun!"

Lady at the Hostel
Is an archaeologist, excavating at a site in Ashkelon.  Digs up human bones and attempts to do facial reconstructions.  ==> Conclusion: She is like a real life BONES!

Israeli Summer: Haifa

Shalom!
I am comfortably situated in Haifa, Israel, where I will be living for the next 10 weeks.  Haifa is the third largest city in Israel, situated on a hill next to the Mediterranean Sea.