Kilos of Love

Another wonderful breakfast at the hotel.  While most of the offerings are the same, there is always something new. Today, we decided to eat in the sukkah.  Despite Tel Aviv being a secular city, it's nice to celebrate a Jewish holiday in Israel.

After, Yael and I met with Dani Menkin and his wife Miriam.   I have stayed in touch with Dani since the 2nd Annual BAJC Israeli Film and Food Festival.  Dani won an Israeli Academy award for 18 Kilos of Love.  His beautiful wife Miriam is an American who just made Aliyah in August.  She is pregnant with their first child.  They took us to Abu Hassan (1 Dolphin Street - on the hill) in Jaffa.  Purportedly, it is the best place for hummus.  And, they were right. Check it out: http://telavivguide.net/restaurants/Israel_cuisine_Restaurants/Tel_Aviv_Abu-Hasan_(Ali-Karavan)_in_jaffa_2005090813/ After, we strolled in Jaffa and really got to know one another.  I hope this relationship continues. 

When Dani and Miriam left, Yael and I decided to continue to explore Jaffa.  We stopped by the visitors' center to view a short film on the history of Jaffa.  Yael bought a lovely necklace from an Israeli artist, Sivan Kohen who just opened her shop two weeks ago.  We grabbed a quite bite and a beer at Aladdin, an outdoor cafe with a great view of Tel Aviv. Jaffa is quite different than I remember it from 28 years ago.  Noticeably, there were tourists from many countries but no Arabs.

Rather than taking a taxi (not called a cab) we walked along promenade to our hotel.  It took us a couple of hours but it was worth it.  We stopped along the way at different sheltered benches to gaze out at the Mediteranean.  We rewarded ourselves with a delicious gelato. (I had a chocolate pecan and Yael had coconut).  During the walk I noticed several people who were begging, as well as a couple of individuals who were rummaging through trash barrels looking for cans.  Like any big city, there are needy people.  Also, like any city, I saw people who had no regard for the environment and simply through their trash on the street, beach or sidewalk, even though there are plenty of trash receptacles. 

After a rest, we ventured out for dinner. Since it is now Simchat Torah, there were definitely less people strolling.  We found another restaurant on the beach where we enjoyed a falafel platter.  We walked along the beach.  The water was so warm.  Yael and I both commented how safe we feel here.  I am sure there is crime like any city but we still couldn't get over how secure we felt. Then we went to Kakoa, an espresso bar, for a cappacino and incredible apple cake.

As we were eating, we noticed that there were many Israeli families vacationing.   Unfortunately, the parents were engrossed in adult conversations, thereby allowing their children to run wild.  In fact, Yael rescued one small boy who fell down the stairs.  The parents didn't even get up to help. 

As we were walking by Buzz Stop, a bar next to Mike's Place, we noticed that there were two American flags that were badly tattered.  Since this place is just behind the US Embassy, I sent an email to the embassy to make them aware.  We will see if they respond.  By the way, Dani told us that Mike's Place was the scene of a terrible terrorist attack back in 2003.  You can check it out this sad history by visiting http://www.mikesplacebars.com/history.html.

The days are going by quickly.  But, Yael and I are feeling so relaxed.