It’s been four years since I had the opportunity to visit Israel.  No, it wasn’t the pandemic (although that may have been an impediment under different circumstances).  No. it was the escapade with my Klebsiella pneumonia of my calf- which became necrotizing fasciitis.  And, then, a mistake by the physician which allowed my cast to sever my Achilles tendon.

But, finally, I had recuperated enough (still not fully healed) to make a journey to Israel.  However, it could only be a short visit (can’t miss too many wound clinic visits).

First stop was Tel Aviv.  For all of a day.  Which we put to great use.  We walked along Dizengoff Street.  It’s not the shining star of old- but it still sports tons of cafes, restaurants, and hot spots.

We stopped at a happening place.  (There were but one or two empty tables outside [out of about 50 or 60].)  And, since it was not kosher, I stuck with vegetarian fare.  But, it had a wonderful Syrah to mellow out the evening.

The next morning we hightailed it to Yafo, the old city, that is the Arab twin to Tel Aviv.  Back in the day, it was full of craft and jewelry workshops.  There still are some along the central  area, but it is my supposition that the craft shops have been priced out of the area.

We took the advice of our taxi cab driver and had a feast (of Denis Filet, known in US a Gilt Head Sea Bream or porgie) at the St. George restaurant. Which provided a panoply of vegetarian appetizers to complement our fish lunches.  I have become a firm believer in Dennis fish- hopefully, I can find some around the DC area.

We frequented one of the old bookshops in Tel Aviv, searching for a variety of tomes.  This one had books outside and inside the shop (thousands of them).

Then, we took the train from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.  We wanted to take the train to get a better feel for the countryside.  And, to be on the newer method of transport between the two cities.

Our destination in Jerusalem?  The Sephardi House, a hotel overlooking the Kotel in the Old City.

More tomorrow.

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