OUT & ABOUT IN JAFFA

Thank goodness all four children got into school here as I don't know how it would have worked out if Alex and I had to homeschool one or two of them.  Blood could have been shed.....

Thanks be to God they're all in school as it allows Alex and I to go exploring everyday.

We really are in one of the most special parts of Israel, being the Old Port city of Jaffa.  Jaffa's ancient port has been in use for over 7000 years and is reported to be one of the world's oldest ports predating Jews, Christians, Muslims and even the Egyptians.  It scores a mention in the bible as the place where Jonah set off from in the story of Jonah and the whale.

Today the port is still used by fishermen and as you walk along the port front you see these men mending their nets and tending to the day's catch.  It's a very romantic place made all the more exotic by the sound of musicians who busk there.  The other day we listened to a violinist who nearly brought me to tears with his music.

Jaffa Port - men fishing

Alex - Jaffa Port walkway & violinist busking.  You can't imagine how magical his playing was!

A couple we came across in the Old city of Jaffa -
looks like something out of Arab Vogue!

View of Tel Aviv from Old City

Minaret in the Old City of Jaffa

Abu Hasan - there's almost always a line out the front.

On the flight over to Israel I met a couple who told me where to go to find the best Hummus in Tel Aviv-Yafo.  The place is called Abu Hasan.  We quickly discovered, by the long lines of people outside it, that Abu Hasan is around the corner from where we live.  They serve three dishes, all containing hummus, with pita bread.  It's heaven.  You're never quite sure what their closing time is as once they sell out they close the doors.  Alex and I have been living on their food and the kids love their pita breads for when they get home from school.

Along with packaged spices you can also buy your spices in a supermarket at a deli counter.  I'm dying to know what they use such large quantities of sweet paprika for.... must ask an Israeli friend next time I think of it.

Alex pretending this morning to be single with no kids :) while we brunched at the port.

Our brunch this morning

The bizarre and wonderful things
you'll find in Jaffa's Flea Market - anyone in need of
giant garlic ornaments?

Exploring Jaffa's Flea Market

Greek Orthodox Church in Jaffa's Old City

Around every corner there's a surprise.  On my way back from the grocer the other day there was a boy riding a horse on the sidewalk!  It was like the first week we were here when I took the kids to the beach and all of the sudden a horse was in the water with them.  I realise now that I had taken them to the wrong beach - oops.  Oh well, they're still alive with no apparent illnesses.

The interesting modes of transport around town....

Motorised bikes are very big here.  I wouldn't mind one on a hot day.