Shalom Sweet Friends!

I arrived in Tel Aviv on Sunday, November 30 in the evening. I took an expensive cab ride from the airport to the Airbnb property I’m renting for the week. If you haven’t tried Airbnb, give it a look. You are basically renting a room or an entire apartment (depends) from an individual. It’s way cheaper than hotels and you have a kitchen and laundry facilities and everything you need for your home away from home. Anyway, the home owner met me at the apartment and got me all settled. It’s very close to the beach where he also owns a restaurant so he invited me to come to his restaurant for dinner. We walked a few blocks and there was the beach as promised! It was a mild evening and although it was dark, I could tell the sand was white and powdery, the water was calm and I was going to love it! I enjoyed roasted cauliflower with a spicy garlic sauce, hummous and pita. Perfect!!!!! Hezi, my host, walked me back to the apartment where I unpacked and settled in.

On Monday, I met my friends Charlie, Diana and their son Aaron. You’ll remember that it is their daughter Rachel that is getting married this week and that’s the reason I’m here. I got up early and found a coffee shop and a grocery store where I bought supplies for the week, mainly fruit and coffee. I walked to the tourist office and got a couple of maps and then met my friends. We walked to Old Jaffa town for the free walking tour offered by Sandemans. They and several other groups offer free walking tours of most major cities in Europe. The tour guides work for tips, so you pay what you feel the tour was worth. I’ve never been disappointed and always tip the guides generously.

The tour of Old Jaffa was no exception. Our guide Amitai was awesome! He’s a licensed tour guide born in Jerusalem who has lived all over the world but now lives in Tel Aviv. He was very knowledgeable and engaging. He also provided us with free treats along the way, Arabic coffee, local bread and a spice called fakar that I fell in love with. We walked through the old town starting at the clock tower and learned its history down to the port. He explained the significance of the port to the country and to Tel Aviv. He also explained the historic significance of Jaffa and pointed out many biblical references along the way. It was a great tour and afterwards we went back to the cafe that provided the Arabic coffee to have lunch. The lentil soup I had was wonderful and filling. Just what I needed!!

Afterwards, we walked along the beach all the way to Tel Aviv marina. I left my friends and wandered through the neighborhoods back to my tiny apartment. Later that evening, we met for dinner where once again, I ordered the roasted cauliflower with garlic sauce. It wasn’t as good as Hezi’s but it was still very good. After dinner, I walked back to my flat and crawled in bed. I had done a lot of walking, probably clocking at least 12 miles, and I was tired. I crawled in bed, grateful to be with old friends sharing such a special occasion!

I’m grateful for so much, but friendship is at the very top of my list. My friends are my family and I cherish each one.  Cherish what you have my friends. Be content and happy with all that you have, but especially your friends!

Kol Tuv sweet friends!