Having had our fill of Jerusalem (for the meantime), the embassy group decided to go to City of Jericho – which was a first for many of us. The bus was occupied to the last seat – obviously there was great interest to see Jericho.

While traveling, Josie, our self-appointed tour guide offered to tell us some facts about the City of Jericho. She said that the City of Jericho is a place of extremes – that it is the oldest city in the world, the lowest positioned city (hundreds of meters below sea level) and the hottest place on earth. Boundaries and nearby places to Jericho are Jordan River, the Dead Sea , and the Allenby Bridge Border Crossing.

Check out the picture above of the Temptation Mountain with Palestinian school girls going down its trail. Temptation Mountain is the place where Satan tried to tempt Jesus, showing and offering him all possible mundane pleasures.

We went up the mountain via cable car – the ride on which was quite an unnerving experience. It was one major thrill ride! The car was violently swaying at some points (so unlike the Masada cable ride which was more enjoyable). I lost my desire to take pictures and just wished we reached the mountain as soon as possible. Still that cable ride to and from the Temptation Mountain made for an interesting ride albeit a very frightening one.

The mountain is just 20 miles or so away from Jerusalem. Some suggested (with me strongly agreeing) passing by Jerusalem. But since we need to go back to Tel Aviv before dusk (some of our caregiver friends still have to return to their employer that day), we passed up on the idea. Too bad, we could have made the most of the day had we visited Jerusalem.

The coming hot days in Israel are most definitely welcome to the sellers of Pishpeshim (flea market) in Jaffa.

The market activities – and all the hustle and bustle (haggling especially) – happen on open air. So a rainy day automatically means zero business – with vendors packing up their wares. But now that chances of rain is nil for the next several months – I am sure the vendors are gearing up for brisk business.

Ordinary days typically see a lively traffic of buyers and onlookers – but the most awaited day for Pishpeshim vendors is Friday. This is when the volume of people going there is at its heaviest.

Local government authorities recognize Pishpeshim as Jaffa’s contribution to Israel’s tourism landmarks. Streets leading to the flea market have undergone major improvement and reconstruction. I also noticed the regular presence of designated officers providing coordination and order among the vendors.

Hopefully, the authorities this early would decide in providing roofings to even just a small part of the area – to serve as protection and shelter to the sellers’ wares during the rainy season.

Another post on Pishpeshim: Jaffa: Israel’s Old City

Is the weather still cool in Jerusalem?

For here in Tel Aviv – I thought it is beginning to get hot. And boy was it really hot yesterday.

After lunch, I went to Allenby after a short stop at the embassy, and the bus that I took, despite the running aircon, was literally like a lit oven. Okay, a little exaggeration. Still it was hot. Enough for me to really sweat profusely.

Just when I was planning for another visit to Jerusalem. (I miss the Old City.) I am thinking Jerusalem’s heat might be more intense than that of Tel Aviv’s.

And the summer season has not even started yet. Wait till July comes – I was told. That would be like when, even if I just sit and do nothing – you would still sweat buckets. It will be just difficult to relax. Hard to “keep cool” so to speak.

On the other hand, Israelis seems to love this weather. I noticed that more and more Israelis have been hitting the Tel Aviv beach for so many weeks now. Most go to swim. Others are just on the beach playing ball or tanning themselves. And there are so many surf enthusiasts here – I guess Tel Aviv beach has nice waves to offer.

There are also some restaurants and cafes sporadically located along the stretch of Tel Aviv’s coastline – starting from the Jaffa side going to the far northern end where many 5-star hotels are also situated. These cafes are excellent hang-outs for those who just want to have some drinks, be on the sideline and enjoy watching all the beach happenings from afar.

One can see how the weather affects the nature and activities of people. For most people here in Israel – summer is a great time for fun, and celebration. I will try to enjoy it as much as I could. Why not? I will go to the beach and watch people bask in the sun. While I enjoy an ice-cold cola – under a cool shade.

50 minutes is all I need to bike my way from Jaffa Port to Hayarkon Park.

I have mentioned before that Jaffa Port is a favorite area – if only because of its ancient and historical appeal to me. Jaffa Port has proven its importance to Israel since ancient times, all the more when the road to Jerusalem from the City of Jaffa was opened.

Jaffa Port is a great place to circle around with my bike. Actually for me it is an ideal biking place. Virtually no cars pass around the area. But then, the port likewise serves another purpose – as a starting point. Often I’d get to coax my feet to pedal more – biking up to the Bnei Dan (Tel Aviv area) where our embassy is located. (Don't know if I can force them to pedal much further...and farther - to Jerusalem.)

Just in front of the embassy is the Hayarkon Park - a major park in Tel Aviv where many recreational and sports activities happen.

If you like to go and ride down the Yarkon River, the Park rents boats. I believe there are regular schedules of boat races there (I chanced upon one race – exciting!).

If you and your friends like to engage in football, baseball, basketball, or tennis – the park has the courts and facilities for each of these sports. Thad, our vice consul, and wife Hilda are frequent players in the park’s tennis court. How I regret not having brought my Wilson racquet – I could have flex some muscles with my tennis skills (What tennis skills? Honestly? They are wanting.)

Jaffa Port (for me) and Hayarkon Park – two ideal recreational places in Israel.

Above is the Wishing Bridge in Jaffa Hill.

The rail of the bridge has the signs of the zodiac embossed on it.

You have to put your hand over whatever your sign is - and at the same time look at the sea.

Then you say your wish.

Wish I reside on a bauhaus type of apartment like this one on the photo.

When I peeped out the plane window as it approached Tel Aviv Israel, I immediately noticed that everything seemed white. It was so easily distinguishable - most buildings were box-like in form and shape. And washed with white and off-white colors. I even thought it was Jerusalem.

Later I learned about Tel Aviv's monicker as the White City (or City in White). This is because of the city's dominant bauhaus style architecture. This unique style of architecture is the reason for the inclusion of Tel Aviv in the prestigious list of World Heritage Site, along with other historical pride of Israel -the Old City of Jerusalem and Massada.

Most of Tel Aviv bauhaus buildings and structures are considered as landmarks to tourists and visitors like me. And the City Government is assisting and subsidizing owners in the restoration of their buildings, most of which have been in existence for 60 to 80 years. Many of these bauhaus buildings are private residences, while others serve as offices, stores, boutiques, galleries and museums.

In fact, bauhaus architecture is evident in cities in Israel such as Jerusalem. But the concentration of bauhaus buildings are in Tel Aviv, numbering to about 5000.

Today, Tel Aviv is acknowledged as the world's bauhaus capital.

The embassy group and I were an hour early at the Tel Aviv beach during last Tuesday’s Fireworks Display (celebrating Lag Ba’omer). Good, I thought. We have the time to really look for a place where we can have the best view of the fireworks. Finally, we got to this grassy area near the sea food joint Manta Ray. We were almost in front of the floating barge at the sea (one setting off the fireworks). The event was touted as the grandest fireworks show ever to happen in Israel. So we have got to have the best seats.

Large speakers are set up along the stretch of the beach – so we were treated to great music (mostly Israeli techno sounds) while waiting for the show. Then at one point the speakers were blasting music with words “Filipino! Filipino!” It suddenly caught the group’s attention. I listened intently – and the entire lyrics were indeed in Tagalog. It’s an unfamiliar piece to everyone so we were wondering about its title and why they would play it.

Then I remember Black Eyed Peas is having a concert in Israel. One of its members, Apl de Ap (real name: Allan Pineda) is a Filipino –and he is quite vocal about this in the States. The fact is, the hip hop and rap group has already a few tagalog songs done – I thought this may be another new one. Ann, Chito’s daughter and a more updated Peas fan arrived and confirmed that it is their song. (So I guess the group is quite popular in Israel. Even my friend Ross, a caregiver in Central Jerusalem, texted me and asked if they are visiting Jerusalem and the Western Wall. No access to their itinerary I bluntly told her.)

It was past 8.30 pm when the fireworks finally started. Some in the group thought the show was short and wanting of impact. The child in me thought it was a magnificent and awesome display! I wonder how much the Jaffa City authorities and the French Embassy spent. A hefty sum for sure. But if it is for reasons like fostering a more meaningful friendship between two countries, it is money wisely used.

It was an hour long travel by train from the Tel Aviv Station in Namir to the new Jerusalem station located in Malha. Seemed like everyone was a bit tired from the travel so we decided on having some hot beverages upon arriving at Central Jerusalem before going to the Old City. We were checking around the area for a place to eat. I was looking for a shawarma or felapel stand. Until we chanced upon this nice restaurant called Sambooki. It offers different kinds of bread, cakes, cookies, as well as the usual Israel pastries like burekas. (I had to mention the wonderful burekas from the grocery in our apartment building in Jaffa. The dough is not too thick, very flaky, with lots of cheese for filling. Always a nice breakfast treat.)

Everyone had either hot choco or coffee. Sambooki's hot choco was thick, not too sweet - which I liked very much. Rowena, the ambassador’s secretary had her choco topped with cream. We ordered burekas (with mushroom and cheese fillings) to go with our hot beverages. The restaurant also has a salad corner which has lots of fruits, greens and dressings to choose from. After a great light snack and 30 minutes of rest, everyone seemed to have gotten energized. We then proceeded to our tour of Jerusalem’s Old City.

The picture above shows a Moslem Store selling a variety of bread products, including pita. Most Moslems apparently are engaged in selling - from bread, to fruits and vegetables and other foodstuff (which I believe are intended more for the locals rather than the tourists). Many of them also sell Israel shirts, posters, brass and silver items (even menorah), and inexpensive jewelries and beadworks. Most shops on this part of the Old City are almost always teeming with customers and buyers.

By 2pm we were more than halfway through our tour of the quarter when I got tired, hungry and really thirsty. So after I took the picture of the group by the bread store, I bought a plastic of pita (I think there were more than five pieces) and distributed them to everyone. And an ice-cold cola for myself.

The weather then was still not as hot as it is now - really, Jerusalem afternoons can be quite cold. So at 3pm we headed to Harav Kook Street in Central Jerusalem where sheruts going to Takana Merkazit wait for passengers.

By the way, I thought it is much easier (and cheaper) if one takes the sherut than the train when going to and from Jerusalem. But I really prefer to take the train since it has panoramic windows which afford me to enjoy picturesque sceneries. Effectively takes the boredom off the one-hour travel.

The Old City is one of the most famous landmarks in Jerusalem Israel. Hopefully before May ends, we will be back there to see other parts of the city we have not visited. And revisit places like the Holy Sepulchre Church. And again, by train.

When I was still planning on going to Jerusalem Israel, I had the Old City on top of my list. First and foremost because it is one of Christianity's holiest sites - hence I consider it like a pilgrimage for me.

I also believe that it is a unique and special place. I thought that how ironic it is, albeit actually separated by areas or quarters - for people with different religions - and long-standing conflict to actually be capable of co-existing in this ancient city of Jerusalem Israel.

Judging from my few visits – I thought the Moslem Quarter is the liveliest, noisiest, most colorful area. The fact is, the Moslem Quarter claims a big part of the Old City, larger than any of the other quarters. The Moslem population in the Old City is also the largest population. And indeed, the place is really crowded with people, both tourists and locals.

Here you can find mosques of all types and shape – the most famous of which is the golden colored Dome of the Rock. One of the most holy places for the Moslem people, the Dome of the Rock is said to be standing on the ground from where Prophet Mohammad ascended to heaven.

I enjoy it much whenever a roam around this part of the City – especially at the Suq al Qattanin or the Market of the Cotton Merchants (see above photo). Here is where you can find numerous shops engaged in selling cotton clothings and other similar products. There are also many bazaars, bakeries, fruit and vegetable stalls and shops selling jewelries and metalware.

Here is a picture of the souvenir store in the Christian Quarter where my friend Salome bought some Jerusalem Shirts for 15 NIS. I tried to haggle for her, arguing with the storeowner that stalls outside are selling the same shirts for a lesser price of 10 shekels. But he was adamant, insisting the shirts are of pure cotton.

It was a haggling bout for almost half an hour. In the end, I gave in. The storeowner won, his price prevailed and made a sale of 150 shekels (10 shirts).

But he was magnanimous in victory – and gave me a discount on a keychain I bought, a consolation of sorts for my futile efforts.

Other items we bought were finely crafted candle holders made of wood from the olive tree, and some Jerusalem and Israel posters.

The Old City in Jerusalem Israel embraces four areas or quarters, namely the Christian Quarter, the Moslem Quarter, the Jewish Quarter and the Armenian Quarter (the smallest quarter).

The Christian Quarter is where you will be able to find churches and monasteries, patriarchates, clinics, souvenir shops, even schools. You would find that these religious establishments and institutions gather around the Church of the Holy Sepulchre, which is the most dominating landmark in the Quarter.

Actually, the Christians started to visit and live in this part of the Old City when the Church of the Holy Sepulchre was built. Since then most of the residents here are Christians, with the exception of a few Moslems.

The Old City is one of the many historic places in Jerusalem Israel that strikes me as really magnificent. There is so much to see – I thought I did not have my fill the last time we visited.

There definitely is a next time.

This is the Franciscan Oratory in the Via Dolorosa - Jerusalem, Israel where the 5th Station of the Cross is.

By enlarging the photo, you will be able to read the latin inscription on the wall of the oratory: Simoni Cyrenato Crux Imponitur - which means "Where the Cross is laid upon Simon of Cyrene."

This area is where a Libyan, Simon of Cyrene was forced by the Roman legionnaires to help carry the cross for Jesus Christ.

It is said that the Roman soldiers noticed that Jesus was getting very tired. They worried that He might not be able to continue carrying his cross up to the site of His crucifixion. So they looked around - and picked Simon among the group of onlookers to temporarily take the place of Jesus.

Via Dolorosa's Fransiscan Oratory (Station V) is one of the venerated Christian sites in Jerusalem, Israel.

Today is my 7th month here in Tel Aviv Israel. More or less. And in these 7 months, I have adapted myself quite easily with many things here in Israel.

Still there is the language problem. The fact that I know I can speak in English to almost everyone here is one reason why I am not pushing myself much to learning Hebrew. But I will learn the Hebrew language, somehow. Fact is, my plan is to enrol at an Ulpan hopefully before the year ends. I would love the idea of me being able to read an Israel newspaper (Hebrew edition of course). And say aloud the Israel news in Hebrew.

Finally there is no need for a map of Israel. More specifically, my Tel Aviv Israel map. My map of Israel was actually more like a geographical or physical map. So it is devoid of details like streets that would have helped me in going around Tel Aviv in my early days here. But it is quite a nice poster on my room’s wall.

You should check out my Tel Aviv map. All worn-out and tattered at its edges. It has definitely served its purpose.

Yes, I am done with maps and asking for directions. Today, I have become very familiar with the bus routes. Bus number 46 goes to Takana Merkazit. Bus number 25, 26, 8’s routes include main avenue Ivn Gverol. If I need to go to Ramat Aviv, I would have to take the No. 40 Bus. Hersliya? Bus no. 48 (But I have to go first at Carmel Bus Terminal – Bus 25).

Albeit I have yet to eat falafel or shawarma without making a mess, I have acquired a taste for these two dishes. I can eat them everyday - with lots of pickled red chili peppers. I also love bread with khumous. Simple Israel food but enough to satisfy me.

Fridays and Saturdays back home are days for more work, parties and malls. Here in Tel Aviv Israel, Friday mornings is my time for the nearby pishpeshim in Jaffa. While Friday afternoons are spent on George Hamelekh near the area of Alenby to check on inexpensive shirts. Saturdays, I go walking along the Tel Aviv Beach. I try shunning away from work on these two days. And just really enjoy the break. While Sunday back home is the usual reunion and get-together day for families and friends, here I have gotten used to treating Sunday as the start of the working week.

I am also trying to learn more about the history of Israel especially that of ancient Israel – and I thought that continuously joining Israel tours is an effective way of doing it. You learn so much facts about Israel just by joing Israel tours and excursions, especially those organized by the embassy. I really enjoy going to Jerusalem, that’s where ancient Israel really is. Learning the history of Israel, anything about it, and the Israelis’ way of living somehow help much in my process of adjustment and adaptation. And consequently make my stay here the best it can possibly be.

The Philippine Embassy in Israel scored high again with its successful April 26 launching of Shalom Filipinim, the Embassy’s trade, tourism and cultural promotion, at the Embassy’s Chancery.

Shalom Filipinim (Filipinim is the Hebrew term for Filipino) fittingly served as a kick-off event for a series of activities geared at promoting and strengthening trade and tourism relations between the Philippines and Israel.

I would estimate that at least 200 Israeli guests arrived at the reception and were given a glimpse of what the Philippines has to offer, as they were treated to a rich display of unique Philippine products, feasted over a variety of Philippine delicacies, and treated to the graceful moves of the Filipino Folk dancers.

Ambassador Antonio Modena and Trade Attaché Chester Diaz reiterated the commitment of the embassy as well as the Filipino community in pursuing a more aggressive and ambitious promotion of the Philippines as an ideal destination for Israeli tourists.

Overall, it was one successful event – another major team effort by the embassy and the community.

On hindsight, I realized that most of us Filipinos travel to Israel as expats or more popularly known as overseas workers and eventually double up as Israel’s perpetual tourists, taking advantage of the perk which is the opportunity to enjoy Israel’s historical and tourist sites.

Personally, I would not hesitate in suggesting that Israeli tourists try in setting their sight on visiting the Philippines as an alternative choice of destination.

Warm and friendly people (everyone speaks English), modern megacities, inviting white-sand beaches and rich diving spots, numerous world-class golf courses, and an endless list of recreational options, there is so much Israelis can discover about this country. What more can you ask?

One of the more prominent landmark in Jaffa, Israel - the structure that you just can't miss - is the Clock Tower.

Today the area surrounding the tower seems to be in a perpetual process of renovation. Streets and sidewalks are being repaired and a roundabout in front of the tower is in its final stage of construction.

Passing by the tower, you get to the stretch of popular eateries like the bread shop and sharwarma restaurants which are swarmed by hungry tourists most hours of the day.

Going further down the street, you'll get to the Jaffa Port, where I regularly spend time watching boats cruising by or just simply enjoying the cool Mediterranean sea breeze.

Built during the turn of the 20th century by the Ottoman Turks, Clock Tower remains one of the more popular tourist destination, not only in Jaffa but perhaps in all of Israel. One's travel to Israel is never complete without a visit to Jaffa's Clock Tower.

Related Post - Jaffa:Israel's Old City

It was almost lunchtime when we arrived at the Western Wall Plaza. I made the mistake of wearing a jacket, thinking it was also gonna be a cool weather in Jerusalem just like it was in Tel Aviv. But the sun was out and shining - and blasting heat with all its might. It was so hot - I was perspiring heavily that my sweat was beginning to seep out into my jacket.

Uncomfortable, hungry, drained and all, still we decided to proceed to the Wall to pray and insert our requests / prayers before having our lunch break.

Halfway through the Plaza was this wooden sign board containing rules to observe within the Western Wall Prayer Section, it being a place of worship.

One rule says: Please wear appropriate headcovering. Obviously, the headcovering here meant the kippah or skull cap which none of the us guys in the group brought. Luckily in one corner nearby there was this container with skull caps in it, apparently intended for use by those without one. I got a white cap, which was actually the only color available - it would have been nice if I had the knitted, multicolored ones.

Another rule: Please follow usher instructions. We were indeed waiting for someone to approach and assist us, but after some time we realized that we were on our own so we proceeded to going to the Wall. There were two areas created by a dividing wall, which separates the men from the women. Salome, the only lady in this particular trip, had to go on her own to the right side of the Wall.

That day was unexpectedly uncrowded - maybe a hundred or so of men either sitting or standing in front of the wall as they pray. I noticed some were continiously swaying their heads forward and back as they read their Bible (is it the Torah?). I immediately looked for a crack and inserted the paper containing my intentions, then said a short personal prayer to God.

After a short time, we all gathered back - the men returned the caps - everyone was happy with the experience. The Western Wall is one of the highlights of my tour around Jerusalem. Everyone who will travel to Israel will definitely have to visit the Western Wall.

Surprisingly, everyone in the group wasn't anymore feeling hungry. Nonetheless, we decided to proceed to this much frequented chicken house in the area of Via Dolorosa for our lunch.

Related Post: Jerusalem Israel: The Western Wall