Saturday in Tel Aviv

Less to report tonight.  It's been a quiet and restful day in preparation for a big one tomorrow and the start of our journeys.  Jen arrived at about 1:30AM and was excited.  There was also catching up to do, so it was probably 2:30 or 3 before we closed our eyes.  Good night's sleep and didn't get up til about 9 with hotel breakfast at 9:30. 

Lots and lots of people ending Passover holidays here at the Grand Beach hotel.  Breakfast with Jen and her travel-mate Amy in a huge crowded dining room was another cultural experience.  I'm a people-watcher and there was lots to observe.  There was a huge buffet  breakfast. Lots of new flavors to enjoy.  Yep, I'm also a foodie.

Several of our group arrived today. Some of the group is from So Carolina, others like Jen are from California.  It seems like a grand bunch to travel and learn with.

Lovely Beach near shopping Boardwalk

This afternoon we walked on the boardwalk and beach.  The old port is a beautiful shopping area and I was amazed to see shops of all the usual international brands.  Stores were open and crowded on Shabbat!  Even with the Sabbath inconveniences, Tel Aviv is still a more secular city than a lot of the country.  Kevin (one of our tour leaders) said, "I'm sure you can find bacon in town."

Tel Aviv by night

Tonight as a Bar Mitzvah was happening in another part of the hotel we connected with our team and had dinner together.  Still nothing "yeasty" till Passover ends at sundown.  Two of our group will arrive yet tonight and we'll be up early to head out in the morning - boots and water bottle ready. Jaffa (Joppa), Gezer, Beth Shemesh,  Khirbet Qeiyafa / Shaarim, Caves of Adullam, Beth Guvrin. Lachish - all that tomorrow.