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Bauhaus of Hayarkon

The sunshine and breeze reach me here, and soothe me just fine.
Yet still – I look somewhat lustfully at the expanse of Hayarkon – green, flowing, invigorating.
O please, invite me again; I’ll wallow in your midst next time.

I intended this article to be on Bauhaus Tel Aviv, but somehow the ode of sort that I composed talks equally of Hayarkon Park. Nonetheless, Bauhaus, whether it is found in front of the park where I lived or in downtown city, is one of the most fascinating architecture that Israel can claim to be uniquely its own.

Was I right to say unique? Bauhaus architecture was actually brought to the country in the 30s by architects of German and Jewish descent who flee upon the strengthening of the Nazis during that era. Since then, it has continuously evolved into one that suits the cultural and religious traditions of the Jewish race.

As I had my first glimpses of the city as my plane was about to land at the Ben Gurion International Airport, I was perplexed by the welcoming landscape. There were white and grayish-hued, box-shaped buildings everywhere! I thought it was peculiar indeed. Now, I understand that there are about 5,000 of these Bauhaus houses and buildings within the city, which was certainly the reason why it was given the name of White City Tel Aviv.

Today, these thousands of Bauhaus buildings are collectively acknowledged to be a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. The UN organization has declared it to be a fine example of 20th century modern city planning and architecture that can hardly be seen anywhere else in the world. Indeed, worldwide interest in Bauhaus Tel Aviv has grown so much after its recognition from UNESCO.

The municipality of Tel Aviv-Yafo has been exerting great efforts to make sure that these landmarks are fully protected. Ample funding is provided in order for old structures to be refurbished and restored to their original state.

The concentration of Bauhaus style buildings in the city is more than any other in the world. These buildings are not only used as residences – many others serve as private and public offices, shops, museums, galleries, and even schools. There is no doubt about it – Tel Aviv Israel is the world’s Bauhaus capital.

You might think that most markets in Tel Aviv sell only olives (fresh or canned), cucumber, bread, and chicken, which in my opinion, are staples in Israeli’s food diets. They got a lot more – especially in Carmel Market Tel Aviv.

Spices

Israelis love spices and herbs. This is evident in the countless stalls in Carmel where you can find spices of all types being sold. There is no particular stall that I go to buy my crushed red peppers and peppercorns. Most of them however sell these spices at 5 to 6 shekels per 100 grams. Other sought-after herbs and spices are mint, saffron, paprika, and ginger.

Cheese

Cheeses are loved in this country. And all of them can be found in Shuk HaCarmel. There are goat’s cheese, white yoghurt cheese, cottage, and Mediterranean. A particular white cheese called Gvina Levana, is widely available in the market. This one is popularly used in a number of  Israeli food. It is also perfect as spread for crackers, or filling to pies such as cheesecakes and burekas. They can bought in packages or your desired weight in grams.

Fruits

Oranges, tangerines, grapefruits, strawberries, apples, pear – name it, Carmel has it. Israel grows and produces a great variety of fruits for its population. Being an abundant grower, Israel also exports a good percentage of its produce, mostly to European countries. One of the most popular is the Jaffa orange, which is sold in practically all fruit stands in the market. This fruit is at the top of my list for its sweetness, and having a peel that’s so easy to remove.

I love persimmon, and have developed the habit of eating it daily. I also adore its irresistible sweetness, but want to consume one that isn’t overly ripe. Lemon is another fruit that I’d like to have in the kitchen if only for its versatile juice.

Dried Fruits

Dried fruits (dehydrated) are essential ingredients in many Israeli/Jewish foods. All the popular ones can be found in Hacarmel, such as dates, figs, raisins, and almonds. This love for dried fruits dates back to the Biblical Era, when ancient Israelites feasted on them. Israelis usually eat dried fruits, or include them in their main courses, especially when commemorating Jewish holidays, such as Tu Bishvat.

Rice

Being Asian, I need to get my fill of rice. Many Israelis also have a liking for this grain, which simply becomes tasty whenever eaten with meat stew or fried fish. In the middle of Carmel is a store, called Balagan. Here is where I buy my 5-kilo bag of jasmine rice for 40 shekels; heavy enough to carry around using my agala (wheeled bag, as a call it). If I prefer more quantity, I go to Levinsky near Tel Aviv’s Old Bus Station and buy 25-kilo rice at Dragon for 165 shekels. Great savings, indeed.

Couscous

Couscous was thought of as have come from North Africa. This, along with rice, are widely available in Hacarmel. I also love couscous as a main course, as much as many Israelis do. They are great when topped with meat and sweet-tasting sauce, and an abundance of soft carrot and zucchini cuts. I want couscous with fried chicken, or spicy lamb kebab. Yumyum.

Fish

What fish can you buy in Hacarmel Market? There is denisse, St. Peter’s Fish, trout, tuna, and salmon. Incidentally, salmon head can be had in the market at truly cheap prices. You can buy a piece at 10 shekels, or two for 15. You can even have them for free so long as you purchase a kilo of tuna, or any other fish.

I love tuna head boiled enough to turn the water to an oily broth. I just need to throw in some coriander, tomatoes, and onion; sprinkle some salt; and finally, some green jalapenos for good measure. Voila! You now have an exhilaratingly tasty soup. Israelis love their fish broiled or baked, and eaten with lemon, or garlic-based sauces.

Bakery Goods

Burekas are a great delight and if you happen to chance by the market, you will surely see a number of small bake shops selling these piping-hot delicacies. I like mine filled with mushroom and onions. Other varieties of burekas have potatoes or cheese for filling. In the middle of the market is a small kiosk that serve really great-tasting burekas. I just love them with hard-boiled eggs and some salt.

Together with burekas, these bakery shops also sells pita, bagel, and all sorts of breads. For kids, delicious doughnuts are available, usually with red jelly filling. Other regular pastry fares are cheesecakes and cookies. These Israeli treats are simply the best I have ever tasted. Sweetness is just right for everyone’s taste.

Obviously, Carmel Market Tel Aviv has a lot to offer when it comes to food and…food. It is one of the best city markets to go to, especially during Friday mornings and early afternoon (before Shabbat). Come to Carmel and expect to have a great fill of all food items and delicacies that you need.

One of the places, or streets, that you need to see if you are on an Israel tour is Rothschild Tel Aviv. Also known as Sderot Rothschild to the Israelis, it is one of the major and most famous thoroughfares in the city of Tel Aviv. Actually, the boulevard starts in Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv, the oldest known Jewish settlement in the city, at its southwest end. The street then runs northward to the Habima Theater, one of the country’s first Hebrew Theaters. Rothschild is known to be a very busy street with a great amount of traffic of pedestrians, private cars and autobus traversing the boulevard. It is also recognized as one of the most expensive streets in this Middle Eastern City in terms of apartment rentals.

Needless to say, Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv is one of the White City’s main tourist spots. The street is wide and features a tree-lined inland strip that can easily accommodate flow of pedestrians. It likewise has bike lanes for the city’s many bicycle owners to use. The boulevard is unofficially known as the city’s food and restaurant strip. Tourists can find a number of excellent fine dining establishments and fast food restaurants along the boulevard. Two of the favorite hangouts of coffee and choco lovers are the Café Care Restaurant and Max Brenner Chocolate Restaurant. The latter actually originates from Israel and it is the same Max Brenner that one can find in New York.

Like other places like Neve Tzedek Tel Aviv, the street has its own share of the rich Jewish history. Actually, in the beginning it was known as Rehov HaAm, roughly translated in English as Street of the people. Later, the residents of the place requested the Municipality to have it renamed in honor of Edmond James de Rothschild, French Baron and belonging of the Rothschild banking family. Famous buildings, either residential or for art works, are found in the street. One of the most famous houses can be found on the corner of Herzl and Rothschild Boulevard Tel Aviv, the owners of which was the Eliavson family, one of the 60 founding families of the city. Built in 1909, the building was bought by the French Institute in 2007 and restored to its former state and glory.

Likewise, the Declaration of Independence by Israel was signed at the historic Independence Hall of Rothschild Tel Aviv. Many other buildings and structures of great historical value are constructed and still standing along the boulevard, many of them in Bauhaus styled architecture. The street in fact has a number of Bauhaus style buildings that are a part of the White City, considered to be a major World Heritage Site as designated by the International organization UNESCO.
Image credit: 2nd Rothschild photo by hoder

We decided to leave Tel Aviv Yafo for a day and made a long, long trip to Mount Hermon last February 12, 2010. The commuting time from Tel Aviv to Hermon and back took up most of the day, I believe we only spent 2 or 3 hours at the site. But obviously our visit was one or two weeks late as snow was not as abundant as how it was in our last visit three years ago. We just (or least the kids) tried to enjoy what was left of it. Many of us decide to ride the cable car and took videos. Certainly, this is going to be our last visit here before we leave Tel Aviv Israel for home this August.

A lot of Israel calling cards companies, both found in online site and brick and mortar stores, are providing great range of cheap but very reliable plans on calling and Israel phone cards – these are call plans that offers callers to this Israeli State from any country in the world, especially the United States.

Most of these companies provide users with only the latest, most modern and convenient card features such as dialing without the need for PIN number. Indeed such features assure the convenience and ease when using such program.

Israel calling cards, because of the fierceness of competition in the market are offered with low rates. Some are actually as low as 1 cent per minute. Imagine with such meager amount, you are given the chance to call your relatives or friends in Israel.

Most online companies have ready customer support that can provide fast service and assistance particularly in the area of making choices on which Israel phone cards to use. With such support, you can find out which is the best card program for use to use with calling Israel.
Image credit: Jerrold

The Tel Aviv car service of Israel is one you can depend on for your transportation and touring needs during your stay in the country. Of course, there are other reliable means of transportation, one being the sherut, a special type of van that can accommodate up to 10 passengers. You have to pay 5.50 shekels for the trip, the same minimum amount that a bus or autobus charges it passengers. Perhaps for some, taking the sherut is much easier as they can hail it anywhere, unlike the autobus, which can only take in passengers at its designated tahana (bus stops).

Being the most convenient mode of transportation, from the airport to the hotel (try Dan Tel Aviv Hotel) or perhaps to any Tel Aviv hostel and then to your destination in the city, try a reliable Tel Aviv car service.

If your primary purpose in visiting Israel is to tour the country, auto service is an excellent way of getting around. An important benefit of getting one is that most drivers unofficially act as Israel tour guides. Who would know the various historical and Biblical places in country such as the Wailing Wall, the Old City, Jaffa and the Dead sea but the Tel Aviv car and limo chauffeurs themselves.

If you have not drawn out your own tour plan, most Tel Aviv car service companies offer their own trip and tour packages. Vehicles available for rental range from the mini bus to the Luxurious limousine. You simply have to rely on the internet for a good number of auto and car service websites and check on their services and prices as well as offered tour suggestions.
Image credit: EagleXDV

One of the more famous Tel Aviv hotels situated along the Mediterranean Sea is the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel. I had quite a number of views of the Dan Hotel Tel Aviv, some from afar as we passed by it either as my friends and I walk along the beach or riding the car on way home from the office. I would have to say that the building is old-looking as I describe its facade, but actually it has a classic style and design on it interior. A few signs are posted that tell of current renovations going on, and guests are requested to bear with the inconvenience.

Indeed if you simply want to experience only the best in hotel accommodation, then the place to book to and stay is the Dan Hotel Tel Aviv. It boasts of luxurious rooms and fine, classy suites for those with fine taste, as well as the regale and elegance of the function rooms, halls and reception areas that groups of tourists, expatriates or even pilgrims can use.

Not even the best of the best Tel Aviv Hotels can get 100 percent satisfaction rating from visitors and guests if their service and hospitality is not world class. It can be definitely said that Dan Tel Aviv hotel has one of the highest standards when it comes to providing customer and hotel service to its clients.

The Hotel is actually located strategically. It is near other 5-star accommodations such as Sheraton and Hilton, the Bnei Dan Park also at Tel Aviv Yafo, and even the Carmel Market, for those who need important basic necessities. It is likewise just alongside popular food establishments, one of the more well-known is Mike’s Place, where American expatriates as well as other nationalities hang around.

Suffice it to say that of you and your family and friends love the uncomplicated life, you can definitely spend your holidays going out to the beach for a whole hot afternoon of sun and enjoy some splashes at the cool waters of the Mediterranean or play Matkot, which is a sort of paddle ball, for hours upon hours. Or simply you can just marvel at the majestic sunset from the comforts of your room. All of this you can surely enjoy with your glorious stay at the Dan Tel Aviv Hotel.
Image credit: EagleXDV