Monday, May 26, 2008
Night at Jaffa's Pishpeshim (Flea Market)












The first was summer of last year, but I was only able to go this time – at the Pishpeshim Night Market here in Yafo Tel Aviv. I love it – the evening was cool, the atmosphere was more like the street market during Tuesdays and Fridays at Nachalat Binyamin and Ramban streets (near Allenby). Of course, there were lot of nice wares, wears and goodies sold; most were brand new, unlike the used ones peddled during ordinary days at the market. In a street corner or two were comic acts and skits performed to the amusement of the crowd. There was a 10 foot tall fairy constantly waving her wand to anyone who goes near her, two Elvis Presley impersonators lip syncing to the King of Rock ‘n Roll’s old tunes and a green attired elf man, singing lustily in the middle of the street. Located on the center of the flea market was a band playing – in the midst of many listeners (some comfortably lounged on sofas), obviously appreciative of the Israeli music these night troubadours enthusiastically played.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 7:59 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
100 Year Old Tree Amidst Flowers of Spring


The picture of the “100 year old” tree in Bnei Dan Park, Tel Aviv that I posted on my September 2007 blog article showed a barren, lifeless picture of the tree. Here, the new pictures show much more life and color on the tree – well, on its concrete enclosure at least, what with the sunflowers and other colorful flowers in full blossom.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 8:26 AM | Permalink | 3 comments
Thursday, May 08, 2008
Happy 60th Birthday to Israel - Yom Ha'Atzmaut






People filled up the whole stretch of the beach encompassing the city of Tel Aviv to witness the Air Show in celebration of the Yom Ha’Atzmaut or Independence Day of Israel. I am so fortunate to have witnessed such amazing display of skills by the Israeli pilots, being able to perform those seemingly impossible flying maneuvers, stunts and air actions which elicited guffaws and applause from the appreciating crowd. I have to say that from Jaffa Hill, I had the best view of the Air as well as the Naval Shows; also had a nice shot of the Tel Aviv city proper.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 12:07 PM | Permalink | 0 comments
Saturday, May 03, 2008
The Cats of Tel Aviv



I stumbled on some of my cat pictures, and found myself writing about them. These cats - they are simply everywhere in Israel (or Tel Aviv at least). I see them loitering in parks or wandering at the Jaffa beach. I observe that there is an orange-coated one that loves to stay the whole afternoon along our Even Shoshan apartment halls.

Once, I chanced upon an area going to Yafo Port where a group of feral cats are having their meal; the cat grub simply littered the sidewalk. But in no time was the food gone with the army of cat taking care of “cleaning up” the mess.

Well, I have yet to see an Israeli caring and petting a cat. Or perhaps, they are not so open about their fondness for this particular feline species. As how I observe it, cats (at least the feral cats) here in Israel are generally left on their own. For this comment, I have to say that I might be wrong.

But definitely, I cannot say the same about the dogs; they are loved, overly petted, walked by their owners for hours, talked to amiably, given the best dog chow – they are just simply well-loved by the Israelis. They are a pampered lot, thousand times more than their feline counterparts.

But the dogs being kings among Israeli pets is another story. Right now, this post (and my heart) goes for the underdog – the cat.
 
posted by Ernest-jr at 1:30 PM | Permalink | 1 comments