Embedded Files
November 22 - Day 10
November 22 - Day 10
Today was our last full day in Tel Aviv, so, we made the best of it. There was one area that we had not visited yet which was high on our list, Florentin.
Today was our last full day in Tel Aviv, so, we made the best of it. There was one area that we had not visited yet which was high on our list, Florentin.
The area is interesting because long before israel became a state, Jewish immigrants from Greece began to settle in this neighborhood, setting up spice stalls, shops and eateries featuring Balkan spices and cuisine. After the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, the area also saw an influx of Iranian immigrants, bringing with them other shops and food with a Persian influence. Over time, however, Florentin fell into decline, and for years was characterized as a poorer area of Tel Aviv. Low rent attracted less well off Israelis and illegal immigrants. However, while there are still many run-down shopes and apartments, Florentin, like many parts of Tel Aviv has undergone huge changes, and has become increasingly youthful, and yuppie in recent years.
The area is interesting because long before israel became a state, Jewish immigrants from Greece began to settle in this neighborhood, setting up spice stalls, shops and eateries featuring Balkan spices and cuisine. After the creation of the state of Israel in 1948, the area also saw an influx of Iranian immigrants, bringing with them other shops and food with a Persian influence. Over time, however, Florentin fell into decline, and for years was characterized as a poorer area of Tel Aviv. Low rent attracted less well off Israelis and illegal immigrants. However, while there are still many run-down shopes and apartments, Florentin, like many parts of Tel Aviv has undergone huge changes, and has become increasingly youthful, and yuppie in recent years.
Today, Florentin has interesting sidewalk restaurants, bars, and a very active night life. Walking through it today, we bought spices and fine cheeses before we set off for Jerusalem tomorrow. Florentin reminded us of parts of Vancouver's Commercial Drive district. It's funky and fun. But, to be honest, the Florintin district, like Jaffa nearby, and the city of Tel Aviv in general has a LOT more more entrepreneurial energy than anything we laid back Canadians have. Tel Aviv is an exciting city to visit.
Today, Florentin has interesting sidewalk restaurants, bars, and a very active night life. Walking through it today, we bought spices and fine cheeses before we set off for Jerusalem tomorrow. Florentin reminded us of parts of Vancouver's Commercial Drive district. It's funky and fun. But, to be honest, the Florintin district, like Jaffa nearby, and the city of Tel Aviv in general has a LOT more more entrepreneurial energy than anything we laid back Canadians have. Tel Aviv is an exciting city to visit.
We didn't need to visit an art gallery today. The wild, colorful graffiti that characterizes Florentin are works of art all by themselves.
We didn't need to visit an art gallery today. The wild, colorful graffiti that characterizes Florentin are works of art all by themselves.
We began the morning by taking a walk to a restaurant for breakfast in the Neve Tzedek district of Tel Aviv that we visited on Day 3. Along the way, we past block after block of small fashion shops,all selling women's cloths. What you see here are an army of mannequins in shop windows. The effect, looking across the street, was a bit bizarre. Hilary was not very impressed with women's fashions here though, so I was relieved to find ourselves walking quickly past them.
Construction of a major underground train is underway in Tel Aviv. It look like construction workers have not yet arrived for work.
We've arrived. The Florentin area in Tel Aviv covers about a dozen narrow city blocks, with stores in either side selling everything from handbags to spices..
Breakfast in the Neve Tzedek area of Tel Aviv.
A narrow synagogue, squeezed in-between buildings on each side.
Located next to the restaurant. Can we possibly take this seriously? A clue is that it is posted to only face the deck of the restaurant where diners, including many tourists like us, are eating. Another is a local artist's photo-worthy rendition below it.
A poster of Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson , former leader of the very conservative orthodox Lubavitch movement. Although he passed away over twenty years ago, he is still considered a beloved Rabbi in this ultra orthodox Jewish community.
Nuts of every description... including at least four varieties of almonds.
An incredible selection of spices and dried herbs, all at very reasonable prices.
Florentin grafitti artists have taken the art form to a new level. For more examples click here, or on the final photo at the bottom of this page.
A bride and groom posing for a professional photographer in the middle of the street, surrounded by colorful grafitti.
Unlike North America, Tuesdays and Thursdays (today) are popular days for weddings, since they cannot take place on Shabbat..
On the way home, we passed by the new poice station. It is a huge building, completed only three years ago, replacing the old one near the beach that had been used since the time of the Ottoman Empire. We wrote about the old police station on Day 6, and its transformation into a very expensive, exclusive hotel, the Setai,
Our last dinner in Tel Aviv was at a restaurant not far from the Setai hotel.
Return to Hilary and Stan in Israel 2018
Return to Hilary and Stan in Israel 2018
Report abuse