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]