Today dawned bright, sunless and HOT! It was wonderful!
Following a good night’s rest, we explored a couple areas of modern Tel Aviv: the Carmel Market and the area of Bauhaus architecture found along Rothschild Blvd. Carmel Market, also known as a shuk, is second in size to that of the market in old Jerusalem. One can find just about anything one wants: clothes, household items, bathing products, fresh vegetables and fruits, homemade breads, pastries, candies, fish, meats…everything!
Walking next to Rothschild Blvd, we walked by Independence Hall, the residence of the first mayor of Tel Aviv, Meir Dizengoff. This is also the place where Ben Gurion declared the independence of Israel on May 14, 1948. Next on our adventure was a visit to the UNESCO designated Bauhaus area. This area contains the world’s largest assemblage of buildings that were built between 1930 and 1940, designed by immigrant architects, mainly from Germany. According to one source: “The simplicity and functionality of the style, which aimed to unify art with technology, was considered highly appropriate to the socialist ideals of Zionism…”
The remainder of the day was left for independent exploration and relaxing. Some shopped, some went to the beach, some slept! It has been a great second day.
An interesting note: from sundown tonight to sundown Monday, Holocaust Remembrance Day is happening. All shops, restaurants, nightclubs…everything…are closed by law, in corporate remembrance of this terrible time in history. While it has caused us somewhat of a challenge, it is a moving time to be here.
Pictures will, hopefully, be available tomorrow! Sorry for the delay.
Cheers!