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November 15th - Day 3
November 15th - Day 3
It was a beautiful, sunny morning here, as we looked out of our apartment in Jaffa. But the forecast was for thunderstorms in the afternoon and rain tomorrow.
It was a beautiful, sunny morning here, as we looked out of our apartment in Jaffa. But the forecast was for thunderstorms in the afternoon and rain tomorrow.
So, Thursday morning turned out to be the best time for us to do a walking tour. Instead of Florentin, which we had planned to do, we decided to explore Neve Tzedek, one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods in Israel. What an interesting place. The transformation it has undergone in recent years as buildings have been restored was increasingly apparent as we walked towards it, about a 20 minute walk from our apartment.
So, Thursday morning turned out to be the best time for us to do a walking tour. Instead of Florentin, which we had planned to do, we decided to explore Neve Tzedek, one of the oldest Jewish neighborhoods in Israel. What an interesting place. The transformation it has undergone in recent years as buildings have been restored was increasingly apparent as we walked towards it, about a 20 minute walk from our apartment.
Neve Tzedek means Oasis of Justice, and, with its Oriental architectural style, combined with quaint, narrow streets with boutiques, it is well named. It's quite literally an artistic oasis in this modern, bustling city.
Neve Tzedek means Oasis of Justice, and, with its Oriental architectural style, combined with quaint, narrow streets with boutiques, it is well named. It's quite literally an artistic oasis in this modern, bustling city.
A local synagogue with a very ornate entrance
Sidewalk cafes, and beautiful fashion, art museums and artisan shops line quiet walkways.
Most shops and stores were cosmopolitan in nature, but we were surprised to find one rather odd woman's fashion clothing store was exclusively staffed by Jewish orthodox men! After quickly leaving it, we concluded the store must be a wholesaler that does a bit of retail on the side. That is, if they can ever get a woman to buy from them ;-).
Ceramic vase with an unusual, speckled clay imported from in Germany.
We found this adorable puppy made of bicycle chains, in a wonderfully creative art studio.
Now, that's MY kind of dog!
The shop above exemplifies how closely Jewish history is intertwined with everything in Israel today. The plaque to the left of the stairs tells the story.
"In 1946, members of the Lehi practiced manufacturing explosives in this building, which served as an arms cache as well. Explosives were also sent from here to Etzel and Hagana fighters during the siege on Jerusalem."
Were it not for this plaque, one might never know the importance that this little building had during the early days of Jewish independence.
This set of figures is, in fact, a fascinating set of sculptures made of steel three dimensional figures. They are accurately hand painted, with wonderful facial expressions and life-like features. The entire sculpture set, approximately six feet long and two feet high, spanned the shop window.
Later in the evening, just after sunset, a view along the seawall, looking toward Tel Aviv from Old Jaffa.
This is what Tel Aviv kids do after school. We saw dozens of them marching across the park to the ocean, following their instructors into the ocean. Reminded us of of a brood of baby ducklings.
St Peter's Church, and the minaret of the Al-bahr Mosque, built in the 16th century, in silhouette to the right, overlooking Old Jaffa harbor.
Return to Hilary and Stan in Israel 2018
Return to Hilary and Stan in Israel 2018
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