Day 4 - July 9th

Jaffa is one of the oldest cities in existence but not of any real importance. It has been used as a port city. We meet up with my friend's friend and his wife and 3 children at a public park on the waterfront. By the way, my friend and his Israeli friends and family are very private people and did not want their names and photos posted on the internet. In fact, they did not even want their picture taken so you may notice that my photos are only of scenery and me.

We get to know each on a stroll along the waterfront. It appears to be an underutilized waterfront and has a nice view of Tel Aviv. There are not that many people around. One part even has a lot of garbage just piled on the beach. Apparently until a few years ago, certain parts along the water were junkie hang-outs.

We stop for lunch at a small luncheonette type place with a beautiful view. It is a very hot day and I am sucking wind. It is a long walk (for me) from the port area to the old city. The city has a lot of steps and walking. I get cranky. I did not heed my friend's warning to start walking prior to my arrival and I am really starting to feel it.

The old city is beautiful but not much is particularly noteworthy. The city was inhabited by mostly Arabs at the War of Independence. Most of the Arabs were forced out and the city merged with Tel Aviv. Hence, the municipality is technically Tel Aviv - Yaffo (Hebrew for Jaffa).

Overall, not a bad day but no real highlights. My physical condition is a bit of an impediment to having more activities planned in a day. Tomorrow - Jerusalem and the caves under the Western Wall.