Tel Aviv - June 20, 2011

Free Gilad Shalit -- seen in Neve Tzedek

June bride

the happy couple

fresh veggies in G Market

Bob Dylan concert @ Ramat Gan Stadium

After a long 14 1/2 hour flight from Los Angeles to Tel Aviv, I finally arrived at Ben Gurion Airport. After collecting my bags, I proceeded to the newly built car rental facility at the airport. New service included a shuttle bus with a driver that actually helped load bags onto the bus and helped with unloading them at the car rental booth. This might not seem like anything special, but on previous trips, there was no driver assistance. One had to shlep your bags onto the bus and off the bus -- not an easy feat if traveling with several bags!
After a few hours rest, I managed to get myself ready to drive to the Ramat Gan Stadium to see Bob Dylan in concert. After finding parking (no easy feat), I walked the distance to the stadium. After some confusion, I found my assigned seat. It was rather far from the stage -- sitting on simple folding chairs in the middle of a row. As soon as the music began, people began leaving their seats and rushing closer to the stadium. Let's just say it was "meshigeh". No one was seated and people were dancing in the aisles. Maybe this was a typical Israel concert scene.....no one seemed to follow the rules in spite of security trying to restore order. The music was great and Dylan performed his usual songs. All in all, quite the Israeli concert experience.
The following morning, I went to the market in the G mall and stocked up on fresh produce. Summer fruits and veggies were available and I couldn't wait to taste them.
In the evening, I went on my daily evening stroll and decided to visit "HaTachana", the Hebrew name for the old Jaffa railway station. It has recently been transformed into one of Tel Aviv's most popular public spaces. Here one can find cafes, restaurants and boutiques all in a wonderful, historic setting. June is the month for brides, all over the world, and that includes Israel. I saw numerous couples being photographed in their bridal attire. It seems as if bridal wear (for women) is as extravagant in Israel as it is back home.
On the way back to my car, I passed through Neve Tzedek and noticed some graffiti on the wall saying "Free Gilad Shalit", the Israeli soldier that has been kept in captivity for over five years. The reminders of the cruelty of Israel's neighbors are once again exposed.