Israel: Day Two

February 18, 2008

If you haven’t already, check out my post Israel: Day One. I don’t think I could have been more mistaken about the weather in Tel Aviv. In fact, I don’t think anyone expected the weather we’re having right now. The winds are a constant 40mphs with gusts around 70mph. I’ve attached a shot from inside my hotel room. Now you’d think that this weather would stop us from adventuring around Tel Aviv, well it didn’t and it didn’t stop the Israeli’s from enjoying their day either.

This morning Dad and I woke up around 8:30 am and had a typical Israeli breakfast. I wish I could describe the food to you but it’s certainly nothing like a typical American breakfast. Lord knows I was full afterward, apparent by my half hour nap afterwards.

After prying me back out of bed Dad and I left for the market on Ben-Yehuda street. The market was photographically amazing. The “hustle and bustle” didn’t seem to stop. Unfortunately my Tamron 28-75mm was having some back focusing issues so I had to shoot mostly with the 80-200mm, no big deal. Surprisingly most of the people were okay with having their pictures taken. Only two people started to yell at me for snapping a picture. After the market we stopped by the hotel to grab some heavier clothing as the wind was just starting to pick up.

Now, our plan is to find another market but it’s a much further walk. At this point the wind is blowing about 20mph, manageable but not for the long walk we had ahead of us, just then I saw something between the buildings, a kite. Not the kite you’re thinking, a kite for a kite surfer. I told my dad he was in for a treat and to follow me to the beach. The wind picked up even more, now we were snapping shots of a very capable kite surfer in 30-40mph winds! He was really good, doing spins and big airs were nothing!

We tried again to make it to the further market but decided it wasn’t worth it with the weather and returned to the market on Ben-Yehuda street to get lunch. One huge falafel sandwich later and I’m stuffed. Now I’m in bed listening to the wind rip past the hotel window. This is quite nice. Pictures attached.

-Aaron Snyder