Blisters in the Sun part 2

I’m trying my best to keep up to date here but am slowly slipping into the sea…or is that being pushed? Ah…..

Continuing my journey on Friday. It was around 11.30am and I was catching a bus down to Old Jaffa to meet Leon. I’m starting to get lazy with showing you detailed maps. Here’s the best I could find -

Please don’t feed the dogs while hovering abover your sandbucket and gourd.

Castrating your dogs testicles in this park allowed.

The old city of Jaffa is a beautiful place and it gives you a real sense that this country has an incredibly rich history dating back some 30-40 years. The clothing on most of the Gen-Xers in this area is testament to that.

Ye old clocktower of Old Jaffa. See larger.

A newly unearthed ancient retro historical meaningful yada yada.

The view back up the coast towards Tel Aviv shows that this city, like most in the world, is growing and evolving. Old lowrise lots have made way for 30-40 story felafel stores.

Upon meeting Leon he leaded me towards a remote yet very popular Hummus shop. The crowds outside had me curious to know why this hummus was different from all other hummus.

A Today Tonight camera crew chase down a conman, caught in the act of eating hummus.

We got some takeaway as the seating inside was taken with locals and even out of towners lapping up the wonderful hummus with soft hot pita bread. We walked back up the hill to a friend of Leon’s who lives in a little studio apartment overlooking the sea.

View from Lior’s backdeck. See larger.

Some dishevelled bloke telling me he was Leon with Tel Aviv in background.

The hummus in question. People get robbed for this. Eat quickly.

My POV eating hummus from heaven. Notice the fullsized chickpeas floating in the hot, fluffy yum yum. droooool.

Lior with his kitchenette behind him.

Chasing the dragon.

Imposter Leon spoiling perfectly good shot of the Mediterranean.

After a little nanna nap the three of us went for a walk in the nearby markets. The place is as you’d expect any middle eastern market, full of colour, smells, loud hand gesturing and some haggling. This skill tester though takes the cake for worst name for a childrens game.

Mummy.. I won a pack of cigarettes! Yay!!!

Various stores scattered about. One in particular was amazing. It was full of old wares circa WWII. Army helmets, jackets, postcards and a lot more filled the rafters. Anyone who loves Ebay come down here, buy the shop. It will sell like hot hummus.

I remember mum and dad had this Westinghouse mixer. Lasted well longer than 30 years. Had one repair in that time for a new rubber band thingy. Here’s where you can buy them now.

Um… don’t ask.

Some local Jaffa-ites have a staring competition. Winner takes the others 3 daughters. Bargain.

Leon and Lior lead me astray for some local tasty treats.

But first another long archway corridor. Spiritual.

We soon came to a shop that had some baclava in the window as well as this curious colourful dessert called Malabi. It’s sort of a baked cheese wtih syrupy honey throughout. Along with a strong black coffee with cardamon (Wow…who would have thought!) we continued our middle eastern binge.

I feel so bad teasing you all with pictures like this…NOT!

Ok.. time for a quick cat of the day break.

We returned to Leon’s car which he left at a carpark, having left his keys with the attendand who carelessly moved his car leaving keys inside. We spent the next 40 minutes attempting to pick the lock with whatever tools we could find. Luckily we found some handy items as it was behind a contruction/demolition site. Thanks rundown building bodycorporates!

The NRMA breakdown service use the same tools!

Finally!

We drove back to Leon’s apartment at his University campus, Weizmann University where he studies in dishevelled hair and beard management. We took his personal lift up to his room and had a rest before our night time activities began.

Israeli lifts are great if you are a family of midgets. Bad if you are a chubby tourist.

Story continues next post.