Jaffa, Israel

By bartur_yael

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from goisrael.com

If Tel Aviv is Israel's golden boy, then Jaffa is the older brother who left home to start a band and has a lot of tattoos.

In the Southern edge of Tel Aviv and under the same municipality, Jaffa is home to a mixture of Jews and Arabs, living together happily united by the best hummus ever.

Jaffa is best enjoyed walking. Start by picking up a delicious warm Zaatar (Middle Eastern spice) Pita from “aboulafia” (7 Yefet St.). Owned by a famous local family by the same name, it will not be an exaggeration to say that “aboulafia” is Israel’s most famous bakery. After Passover (when no bread is allowed according to Jewish tradition), Israelis line up outside Aboulafia for miles, and its totally worth it.

Walk down to the flea market and explore the “caves” of clothes and jewelry. Buy yourself a genuine “hukkah” here to show off to your friends at home, and if you dare, engage the locals in a game of Shesh Besh “Backgammon” and a cup of authentic Turkish coffee.

It’s almost noon which only means one thing. Hummus time. Head over to the Mecca of hummus (no pun intended), Abu Hassan. No need for a map, just ask anyone. Enjoy quality middle Eastern Hummus with raw onion and chick peas, nothing like that s*** you buy at trader Joe’s.

Since you are already by the water, hop in for a little swim in the warm Mediterranean but remember – during July and August you should beware of the Jellyfish also vacationing in Israel. While not deadly, these little babies can sting so just keep your eyes open.

A famous Israeli song is “There is nowhere like Jaffa at night” and you’ll agree when you get there. Start with dinner at Babai (153 Kedem st.) and enjoy Israeli style Tapas with cheese, olives, tehini and more. When you are done with the appetizers move to the main course, fish. Even if you are not a big fish person, it is amazing to eat them while sitting only a few feet away from the sea where they once lived… I never really liked fish until my first Jaffa experience so give it a try.

From there hop a cab to Bar Salona, decorated middle Eastern style with a hopping NYC vibe.

By then, like most of your nights in Israel, you will be drunk and hungry. Start all over again at the 24 hour aboulafia.

See you there!
holylandbeauty@hotmail.com

Check this out for more http://www.jewishvirtuallibrary.org/jsource/Society_&_Culture/geo/jaffa.html...

And some gorgeous pics http://www.trekearth.com/gallery/Middle_East/Israel/Tel_Aviv/Tel_Aviv/Jaffa/


Jaffa is located in the southern part of Tel Aviv. It's easiest to get there by foot.




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