If I’m an Israeli, Tel-Aviv would be my city. It’s the city of resplendent women, men, and gays. Picture gorgeous women in shortest shorts and beautiful men with washboard abs. It brings one’s testosterone level several notches up just coming to the border. Even the dogs here were hyper! I was told that the plain people have no place in here. They leave eventually because they cannot take on the pressure. Lol.
It’s perpetually weekend in Tel-Aviv. Clubs, pubs, bars and cafes are all over. People hit the streets at 11 p.m. Few cities have such vibrant night life as Manila, my home. It’s a place for shopping, theaters, concerts, restaurants, galleries, and everything modern. But the ancient city of Yafo and the oldest Arab port will remind you that this city existed for 3,000 years. It’s amazing!
And then there’s the beach just 5 steps away. It’s a beach with powder fine sand and crystal water that you can actually swim in! It’s so popular that locals and tourists flock in to it daily. I really don’t mind the touristic ambiance and love the vibe! If I live here, I’ll have a permanent address in this beach every sunset!
I came to the city to meet a dear friend I’ve not seen in a long time. This is his city now so imagine him one of the beautiful people that infected Tel-Aviv. We had brunch at a nice fancy place that reminds me of these little hotels in manchester.
“Wow, I can’t get over Tel-aviv! It’s nothing I expected.” I told him.
“Were you expecting camels and desert?” He asked in amusement.
“For example, yeah.” I wasn’t, of course.
But situated in the conservative Middle East and Jerusalem, a stone throw away, being a religious core, I guess was not expecting it to be so liberal.
Tel Aviv Gay Pride Parade 2011
I have finally gotten over my wonder of Tel-aviv and not surprised that one of the biggest Gay Pride Parade is celebrated here. I wasn’t planning on going to see it but my Israeli friend in Montreal asked me to take photos for him. I was happy to oblige and my friend/host suggested we see it too. So we were there.
Ga’ash Beach
We did a day trip at this beach just outside of Tel-aviv. Ga’ash they said is a nudist beach but we stayed at the GP section (I guess) where family gathered. It was not as crowded as the one in Tel-Aviv center but water is a bit harsh. It’s a good place to get away from the crowd but I prefer the beach in the city.
Tel-aviv is fashionable, intoxicating, and as one of my friend termed it, sinful. I love it!
Nice sin city photos! hahaha
Looks like a terrific visit. Tel Aviv has been on my list for some time!
Wanderlass, if it would be easy for us to access TA from Dubai, i would surely be there pretty soon.! what a wonderful journey you are having. tc
I believe there are flights from Dubai. It was one if my connecting flight options. :)
hey it does look intoxicating…you have a nice grin on your face. to think that this is only the first part of your journey!
I know! I still can’t believe it sometimes that I’m actually on my RTW! Israel is a great beginning for me. I’m glad I started here. I connect with it even if we don’t understand each other most of the time. :)
WOW Lilliane! I never thought Tel Aviv would be this chill! I was blown away. Lovely beach! (I was expecting for a sneak peak about the nudist beach, though. hahaha) All along I thought it’s a conservative city but hell, no!
I’m dying to visit TA! Now even more so after reading this post. Looks incredible darling!!! Love that pic of you and the 2 drag queens. :)
Thanks, babe. I know you’ll love it too! :)
Love your photos and it’s great that you showed a different side of Israel ;D Love it, wanderlass! ;)
Thanks, Mau :)
Yes, Tel Aviv surprises! Enjoy the beach, the music from the bands, the food, the vibe. That gay parade was a bonus!
I think it’s a great place to live in! for me, more than New York or Paris. :)
your photos are breath taking!!!
thank u for your unbiased comment! :D
Funny coz I’d just watched Lonely Planet Road Less Travelled today featuring Israel. It’s not on top of my list of places to visit but then after watching the show and reading your blog, I suddenly got interested to check it out someday.
It’s an amazing country! Please wait for my Jerusalem and Bethlehem. I’m terribly behind on my post because of so much happening! hahaha ;D