The tiny airport at Eilat was charming and so very convenient for my journey to Tel Aviv, a five hour bus ride.
I’ve been in small airports on Cape Cod and Nantucket, but the planes were also small; usually eight- or ten-seaters.
I flew out of Eilat on a full-size Boeing aircraft designed to carry 200+ passengers.
I am not exaggerating the proportions of aircraft to airport one bit, and I will prove it.
This is an ordinary view from this small beach town at the tip of Israel.
Directly behind me is this small shopping center.
That is a full-size Arkia aircraft coming in for a landing at the Eilat airport. The first time I saw it, I nearly had a heart attack.
No fancy shmancy boarding pass here. It looked like a restaurant receipt…
…and a prescription from Walgreens.
The plane looked like a plane. With few passengers, boarding and takeoff was quick and easy.
Thirty minutes later we were beginning our descent into Tel Aviv. This was hands-down, the best $85 I had ever spent!
As the plane approached Sde Dov airport, I was graced with magnificent Mediterranean views, as well as those of Tel Aviv.
Shortly thereafter, we had landed on the tarmac and were just waiting for the staircase.
Here comes the cavalry to take us to the ‘terminal’.
A free sightseeing tour of the airport, complete with stunning ocean views, concluded at the one-room baggage claim/ terminal.
I grabbed my bags and headed for the parking lot, where Danna, my hostess, was waiting.
Driving along the coast we passed beautiful beaches with picture postcard views of the Med.
Turning southeast, I got to see some of the city, as we drove toward Danna’s apartment on King George St.
Normally, I prefer my own place, but Danna only charged $35 a night, and she offered airport transportation. Priceless!
As we got acquainted and I explained my mission here, she suggested some places I might like.
Before I knew it, we were pulling up to my home for the next couple of days. My room is in the front, above the grafitti.
Parking a car in any large city can be a hindrance, but Danna had a ‘grandfathered’ space that she fiercely guarded and defended.
Because my room overlooked the street and the windows didn’t fully close, it could be noisy.
I quickly sorted out my cases and set up my laptop. It was already mid-afternoon and I had a city to explore.
King George is a major thoroughfare, so there were always lots of cars, buses, and foot traffic.
I set out for a walkabout with my I-Pad in hand and no particular place in mind. Just followin’ my feet…
I tend to get lost, so I took a picture of my street sign and the pharmacy across the street. Hey, it beats dropping bread crumbs…
These women were window shopping, which is very popular in Israel. Does anyone do that anymore? Do we even have stores like this?
It was Sunday, a work day, but there were people everywhere- eating and drinking and socializing.
This geometric building reminded me of a giant cactus.
For my best friend, Vicki, who likes purple.
I thought my office was messy…
Do they still make turntables to play these records?
Like my building, this rounded Bauhaus style originated with German-Jewish architects who immigrated to the region after the rise of the Nazis.
Over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings were constructed in Tel Aviv between 1920 and 1940.
The dog under the table looks seriously bored.
Artwork just stacked up against the building. Love the bubble girl.
Look at the baby. He has the happiest smile…His grandma was a nice lady who seemed pretty happy, too.
Dogs were popular in Tel Aviv, though many of the cats were feral, here and elsewhere in Israel. This one was gorgeous.
Tel Aviv has the largest number of outdoor eating and drinking establishments I’ve ever seen.
Does anyone work here??
This store was on my list and had some unique pieces, but was very expensive. There’s a big dollar difference between thrift and vintage clothing.
Breads and baked goods are allowed to sit in the open air with no regard for insects or germs. You just get used to it.
I had a little trouble discerning similar-looking items until I memorized their Hebrew names.
Like yogurt, sour cream and cottage cheese, personal care items like shampoo and body wash tend to look the same. Also laundry and cleaning products.
I wouldn’t wear it, but this dress was so unique. It looked like it was made out of actual leopard skin.
And one for the tree…this is more my style, I think.
I wonder if he’s loving what he’s doing… What is he doing?
Bicycles and scooters were popular for getting around. Families got creative with adding seats.
This woman appears to be picking her kids up from day care. This conveyance allows for one behind her and two (facing each other) in front. Pretty ingenious!
It would make sense to start the kids early on the scooter.
And then graduate to this?
People are people, wherever you go…
This poor guy looks irritated. Except for the street cleaner, he’s the only one working in this town.
I don’t know what he did, but that’s a classic pose, right? She looks irritated, as well.
What the heck is going on? Even this cat looks irritated!
We nearly had a collision here. The blue bags are laundry that he’s delivering… I won’t say it.
Danna said if I walked west, I would find a beach. She wasn’t kidding.
Looking west toward the Mediterranean Sea. Gordan Beach is at the end of the street.
And out of nowhere, sky-scraping hotels and gorgeous scenery!
The banner reads (right to left) “Mazel Tov”, a Jewish expression for congratulations or good luck. My Hebrew teacher would be proud.
This couple was adorable. They had gotten married earlier in the day, but were having sunset pictures taken.
When it began its descent, the sun wasted no time. It was like someone flipped a switch.
It’s been a long day of travel, and I realize I’m tired and hungry, so I begin to think about finding my way home.
Hookah lounges (spelled h-o-o-k-a-h!) and bars were fairly common. I’m not sure what the attraction is, but I have no desire to try it.
This studio looked interesting and worth a look around.
I’m no expert, but these pieces were pretty impressive, even to my untrained eye.
This looks like Victoria Beckham. How on earth do you shape features out of wire mesh??
Ummm…
This was very Warhol-ish…
Along Ben Yehuda St., lonely shop owners were plying their various trades, though the streets were quickly emptying.
The darkness outside provided such sharp contract to each shop, and it was fun to photograph them. I may have overdone it a bit. Sorry.
I don’t know why, but I have a thing for flamingos.
The blue and yellow packages are people’s laundry ready for pickup or delivery.
Meanwhile, behind the scenes…
Attracted by the bright colors, I had taken several pictures before I noticed him.
I guess he had a long day, too. He never woke up… This concludes this portion of the walking tour of Tel Aviv. Rest up. Tomorrow we go to Jaffa!
Great walking tour. You really captured a sense of the city. Thanks for sharing.
Author and future tour guide!!! My previous impression of “spring hill” was a crowded, dirty, overly progressive city where sin abounds. You have shown a gorgeous destination for anyone visiting Israel! Just amazing pbotos. I love your perspective. We see through your eyes. Delightful.
Thank you!!!