Israel, I've missed you.

Tel Aviv-Yafo or Tel Aviv is the second most populous city in Israel after Jerusalem. The city has a population of 426,138 and a land area of 52 square kilometres.

Tel Aviv's White City, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2003, comprises the world's largest concentration of Bauhaus buildings.

Tel Aviv is a global city, and is the twenty-fifth most important financial center in the world. Tel Aviv has the second-largest economy of any city in the Middle East after Abu Dhabi, and has the 31st highest cost of living in the world.

I love Israel. Everytime I am here I'm feeling safe, in harmony and just filled and happy. I have no rational explanation about it, but... can you really and should you really explain your feelings? I'm just feeling good and it's all what matters.

Tel Aviv's airport - Ben Gurion, is one of the most beautiful airports I have ever been. And... I must say, one of the most safest airports I have ever been.
Prepare to spend more time than usually, as you will be asked by security and agents, and loads of other people, to answer all kind of questions before you board.

We came in Tel Aviv on 5 pm. It was dark already.
So we went to refresh ourselves in the hotel - Sadot Hotel (Ben Gurion airport - Atlas boutique hotel) and then - went straight to city centre.
It was +28 degrees, when we landed. November 14 and +28 degrees. In Riga it was +7, which is good for November as well.

Everyone are speaking Russian. Everyone. So....if they don't speak English, they will speak Russian. As there are loads of Russian people living or going to Israel to hospitals, as there are one of the best hospoitals in whole wide world. To be honest - Tel Aviv has been described as a "flourishing technological center" by Newsweek and a "miniature Los Angeles" by The Economist. It was also described by Newsweek as one of the 10 most technologically influential cities in the world.

 

For me as far as I can see, as a tourist, it's all about the army, medical institutes, hospitals, education and food.

For me, as I am a massive foodie, Israel is a paradise. 

I love food. I love Middle Eastern and Mediterranean cuisines, and foods such as falafel, hummus, msabbha, shakshouka, couscous, andza'atar. I just caņt get enough.

This time I've tried "Hermon" Mount Hermon, White, 2013, which was simply amazing. I'm not the wine fan, but... I would have it again.

I've spent beautiful time in the city.

By the way, speaking about the beach, it was +23 degrees. Can you imagine that? Unbelievable.

Then I went to my beautiful hotel. I was so knackered, I fell asleep righ ahead.

In the morning I ate Israeli's sweets. I'm a huge dessert fan. And so far - nothing can stand to Turkey's and Italy's desserts, but Israel's... Israel's desserts are so close to my standarts. All these awesome pasty's, baklava style of desserts and dates. I must say - Israel has the most delicious and juiciest dates I have ever tried. It's a must in Israel. 1 kilo of dates costs 10 dollars. And it's totally worth it.

I brought home hummus, pita bread, 2 kg's of dates, Israeli's delights (baklava style) and my favourite Israeli's chocolate, which tastes the same as Twirl chocolate.

If you are in Israel, it's a must to try:

Hummus, falafel, m'sabacha, khachapuri, the Georgian Cheese, bread, challah (Bnei Brak), that Feast at Haj Kahil (Jaffa) and preserved lemons.

BREAKFAST

Breakfast Feast at Manta Ray (Tel Aviv), shakshuka, egg in Challah toast, Israeli Salads

CHEESE

"White Cheese", cottage Cheese, fried Haloumi

MEAT AND FISH

Lamb Shawarma from Shawarma Bino (Jaffa), Carpaccio from Salon (Tel Aviv), Salmon and Wasabi Sorbet from Uri Buri (Acre)

SWEETS

Mutabak from Zalatimo (Jerusalem), Kanafeh Pastry, IKA Chocolates (Tel Aviv), dates

Ice Cream from Endomela (Acre)

DRINKS

Pomegranate Juice, Arak Cocktails.

I highly recommend to visit Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Jaffa at least once in your life time.
It's just that holy, pure, yet wild and exotic, sandy, dusty, hot feeling, sensation you get while you there. At least - I'm having that.

I'm returning to Tel Aviv in three weeks. And I can't wait for it again. Looking forward seeing you, Israel!