Trying Again in Tel Aviv

Note: you will see some overlapping of photos below. Sadly, I am unable to correct the issue. Please know that any frustration you experience in viewing the photos is shared.

Yesterday’s photos of the largest city in Israel were less than flattering and so today we set out to give the metropolis another chance. Here is what we found.

The seaside promenade snakes the shoreline, no surprise, and the buildings across the street literally range from the ultra posh to the condemned. Our 6 hour stroll felt more like a schizophrenic yank from the developing world to the highly developed world and back – again, and again, and again.

Tomorrow we plan to fly to Turkey. As we prepare to leave this incredible place we thought we might list a few unique qualities/facts/observations that we have not included thus far.

• Dress is modest. When the travel guides say long dresses, long sleeves and long pants, they aren’t kidding.
• The drivers are generally the worst we have encountered.
• English isn’t an official language, but could be.
• 20% of Israelis are Russian
• Tel Aviv is second only to Bangkok in human trafficking
• The people want to be taken seriously.
• They tell us of themselves, that Jews and the Germans are much alike.
• Feral cat population is a health concern. This guy is in pretty good shape compared to most.
• Israel’s verbose culture includes signage.
• Kiss the Shema on the doorpost when you enter an Israeli home.
• Correct spelling is a fluid endeavor.
• Niche market opportunities include selling razor wire or brake pads.

Toda raba Israel!