Erev Yom Kippur

pomegranates - Israeli anti-oxidant

ancient stone alleyway

The Kotel and Dome of the Rock

Looking east past the Kotel

It's Sunday morning and I'm headed out of Tel Aviv to Jerusalem for Yom Kippur. It's only a quick 45 minute drive on the modern highway going up to Jerusalem. The new "bridge" welcomes you to the holiest city on earth. After trying to check into the new Mamilla hotel (where the front desk is still learning how to accomodate guests), I proceeded to check into my old favorite -- the David Citadel. My schedule is still a little off so it's a quick pre-fast meal before an early Kol Nidre. I decided to stay at the hotel and attended services there. I was able to follow most of the service with my English/Hebrew prayer book. Of course, there was a mechitza separating women and men so I sat alone in one of the last rows. Being jet-lagged, I headed upstairs to sleep after hearing the familiar prayers of the Kol Nidre. Seems to have so much more meaning here in Jerusalem. This is the real thing for sure.

Tel Aviv - Day 1

Old Jaffa Port

St. Peter's Monastery in Old Jaffa

Clock Tower in Old Jaffa

Minaret and Mosque on the way to Old Jaffa from Tel Aviv

Took a short 4 hour flight from Paris to Tel Aviv. So much nicer arriving after having spent the night at the CDG Paris Sheraton. After picking up my rental car, I made it to our apartment. Upon opening the door, my first steps were towards the balcony to take in the fresh (warm) air and look at the amazing view. After a good night's sleep, I put on my walking shoes and strolled to the Yehuda Maccabi area for brunch and coffee. Went to Espresso bar and had a delicious "muesli" -- plain yogurt, fruit and granola and an iced coffee. Perfectly refreshing!!

It's the Sabbath so I decided to drive to the Jaffa area and walk around. Lots of traffic on this beautiful summery day even though it's late September. I walked in the old city of Jaffa taking in the beautiful views and wandering into an old monastery. I don't usually spend time in monasteries but for some reason I decided to sit in one of the pews and just stare in awe at what was once and still is a magnificent structure. I wandered into the old Jaffa port area which looks like it's undergoing major renovation. Restaurants and galleries look like they will be coming in and definitely bringing a different tone to the area. I saw groups of young Arab women climbing into boats for a boat ride in the sea. They were all ages and most if not all were wearing headscarves. Jaffa is a mixed Jewish/Arab city and it definitely gives a different flavor to the city.