Tel Aviv - March 3, 2010

Bauhaus style architecture

Yitzchak Rabin Memorial Stone

chairs on Ibn Gvirol Street, Tel Aviv

fresh breads and pastries at Dominique, Ramat Gan

I began the day by taking a 15 minute walk to meet a friend at a Ramat Gan bakery. It was perfect morning for a stroll -- about 68 degrees with the sun shining. I ordered a delicious capuccino and a cinnamon roll at a French style bakery, Dominique. Tel Aviv is definitely a cafe society with people chatting, reading newspapers and people watching. I could have been anywhere in the world at that moment. After becoming "caffeinated", I decided to run some errands along one of the main streets in Tel Aviv. Ibn Gvirol has recently been renovated and I noticed new chairs along the sidewalk. What was unique about this was the configuration of the chairs. They were facing each other so that people could sit and talk to one another, rather than the usual seating facing the street. What a unique and clever idea!! I continued my walk along the boulevard passing Rabin Square. This is where former Prime Minister Yitzchak Rabin was assassinated in 1995. A bust of the former Prime Minister as well as a series of childhood photographs were a part of this simple memorial. This was a reminder of the conflicting political winds in this dangerous part of the world. With my errands completed, I made my way to my parked car and took a turn onto one of the side streets off Ibn Gvirol. I was reminded again that I was in Tel Aviv by observing the unique Bauhaus architecture of many of the buildings. This city is known for its' many examples of this German school founded by Walter Gropius in Weimar, Germany in the early 20th century. Tel Aviv, also known as the "White City", became an important showcase for the Bauhaus school, mainly because many influential artists of the time fled to Israel during the years of the Nazi regime. For anyone with an interest in all things Bauhaus in Tel Aviv, you must visit the Bauhaus Center Tel Aviv which sells books, posters and artwork devoted to the style The store is located on Dizengoff Street, often considered the main street of Tel Aviv. One of Tel Aviv's achievements is the recognition of its extensive collection of Bauhaus buildings. UNESCO has named the "White City" a World Cultural Heritage site.