Jaffa to Gaza in kilometers
Small plates at Abulafia
Great Selection of Salads at Abulafia
Time for Prayers - Mosque in Jaffa
Walkway in Old Jaffa
After a 14 1/2 hour non-stop flight from LA to Tel Aviv, I finally settled into my apartment. Waking up on Saturday morning (Sabbath), I was surprised to hear the howling wind and see the downpour of rain. I usually visit Israel in the warmer months. As the clouds cleared, I decided to venture out without any plans. Since many places are closed on the Sabbath, I ended up in old Jaffa, one of my favorite places. The old port is being totally renovated. I discovered a new labyrinth of small shops and yet unopened restaurants. I stumbled upon a new shop, Adina Plastelina, which displayed jewelry and miscellaneous items using a mosaic and millefiori technique -- unusual and whimsical. Weaving up and down the stairs, I arrived at the old port area and watched the crashing waves -- definitely a winter scene in Israel. I stumbled upon an old map depicting Old Jaffa when it had a working port. I noticed that Gaza was only 65 km away from Jaffa by boat (approx. 40 miles). In this beautiful, serene town, I felt a million miles away from Gaza. My day trip ended on Yaffeth Street and by this time I was hungry. Across the street from their bakery, Abulafia has a wonderful sit-down restaurant located within a stone building. No menu was necessary since I planned to order a typical meal -- small plates of hummus, tehina, felafal balls, beets, and huge warm pita bread...After a much needed after dinner stroll, I stumbled upon a mosque. A young guard allowed me to go inside to observe. I noticed a few men on prayer rugs just before I heard the sound of the call to prayer. In this land of all faiths, the scene reminded me of the hope that people of all religions will co-exist peacefully in a region known for war.